DIY projects should not involve a jackhammer, ruined shoes, or a trip to the ER

Dad and I get asked the same question ALL the time:

“Can’t I just fill in the handful of cracks in my asphalt driveway myself? How hard can it be?”

I figured it might save us some time if I wrote a blog about Do-It-Yourself asphalt repair.

Spoiler alert: Yes. You can fill those cracks in your driveway yourself, but it’s gonna be a serious pain in the ass. 

I understand that filling in a couple of cracks seems like a small project. And DIY seems like it could save you a couple bucks.

You probably think it’s the same as filling in nail holes in drywall before you paint your living room or caulking the gap between your tub and tile.

Run to the hardware store and pick up the asphalt equivalent of spackle and a putty knife or a SuperSoaker-sized tube of caulk. Spend a few minutes filling in the cracks and smoothing it out. Problem solved.

But it’s just not that simple.

Repairing asphalt, even on a small scale, is a difficult job for even the handiest of homeowners. It requires specific skills, knowledge, and equipment.

Six reasons you should not DIY your asphalt repair:

1. Skills and experience
2. Safety concerns
3. Specialized equipment
4. Quality of materials
5. Time and effort
6. Sticky mess

#1: Lack of skills and experience with asphalt maintenance

That’s not a criticism; just a fact. I’m not an expert in replacing siding or landscaping or baking. We all have different strengths.

Repairing asphalt requires skills and experience in handling the materials, tools, and equipment necessary to get the job done right. It’s also important to use high-quality materials to ensure the repair lasts for years.

If you don’t have experience in asphalt repair, you may end up making mistakes that can lead to costly repairs in the future.

Every year our company pours about 1.3 million feet of asphalt. Our asphalt teams are skilled in using the right tools, and we only use the best materials to repair and maintain your asphalt.

#2: Safety concerns when using asphalt products

Asphalt is not an easy material to work with. And if you use hot asphalt to repair your driveway or parking lot, you could easily burn yourself.

If you choose to use cold patch asphalt, you’ll avoid the dangerous 300-degree temps, but your repair won’t last long.

No matter what you use, you’ll be exposed to chemicals you’re likely unfamiliar with. Protecting yourself from fumes, burns, skin, and eye irritation are must-dos when working with asphalt.

Not having the training or familiarity with whatever equipment you need to make the repair could end in serious injury. I don’t want anyone to have to make a trip to the emergency room.

#3: Access to specialized asphalt equipment

Repairing asphalt requires specialized tools that you may not have access to, such as a hotbox, asphalt rake, and tamper.

I realize that some hardware stores rent specialized equipment by the hour or day. But how much money will you actually save if you have to rent the equipment, and then spend time (money) making sure you know how to use it?

We own all the right equipment. And our repairs will increase the life of your investment.

#4: Quality of asphalt repair materials

The better quality the materials, the stronger and longer lasting your repair will be. Typically the materials sold in hardware stores for DIY residential asphalt repair are created for temporary repairs.

At Stripe a Lot, we either mix our own asphalt, or we order it with specific ratios of ingredients. We’ve been pouring asphalt for nearly 40 years, so we’ve nearly perfected the mix. And the crack fillers and sealants we use are professional grade.

If you use a one-size-fits-all repair material from a big box store, the repair won’t last long and you’ll end up hiring a professional.

#5: Time and effort for asphalt repairs

Repairing asphalt, even small projects, is a time-consuming task. And if you’re anything like me, you will underestimate the amount of time the repairs will take. Even when a how-to video or website gives a time estimate, it usually takes me at least twice that amount of time if I’ve never done it before.

Plus, asphalt repair is a physically taxing job. Crawling, lifting, shoveling, and tamping are things we do every day. We’re used to it, and it’s still hard on our bodies.

#6: Asphalt repair is a dirty job

Not only is asphalt repair physically demanding, it’s also dirty. Really dirty.

Asphalt is sticky, hot, toxic. It does NOT come out of clothes and will stain your skin. Your shoes will absolutely never be the same. And heaven help you if you track any into the house!

If you DIY it, wear protective gear or be prepared to ruin whatever you have on and have black-rimmed fingernails for a few months.

Asphalt repair: DDIY (Don’t Do It Yourself)

Repairing asphalt is a multi-step process that requires expertise, specialized tools, protective gear, time, and energy. If you’re not confident in your abilities or just don’t want the hassle, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure that the repair is done correctly and safely.

At Stripe A Lot, our experts have all the skills and equipment to make sure your asphalt looks great and lasts longer.

Call us at (616) 772-2559 to schedule your free estimate. 

We’ll come evaluate your asphalt and recommend the best option to extend its lifespan.