How to Resurface an Asphalt Driveway: A Step-by-step Guide for Beginners

If the asphalt driveway at your home is starting to look worn and weathered, you may be wondering how to go about resurfacing it. Resurfacing your driveway is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the look of your home and make your outdoor space more inviting. With the right instructions and supplies, you can transform your asphalt driveway from drab to fab in no time. 

This beginner-friendly guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to resurface an asphalt driveway. From preparing the surface to applying the liquid rubber resurfacing material, you’ll find all the information you need to get the job done right. So, let’s get started and learn how to bring your asphalt driveway back to life!

Preparing the Surface

The first step in how to resurface an asphalt driveway is preparing the surface. 

• First, you’ll want to remove any loose debris from your driveway, such as stones, leaves, and twigs. 

• Next, check for cracks and uneven surfaces, which you’ll need to repair before applying the resurfacing material. 

• If your driveway is in bad shape, you may want to consider pulling up the asphalt surface and replacing it with concrete. 

While the process for resurfacing concrete is similar to asphalt, it is more involved and may require hiring a professional. If your asphalt driveway just needs a bit of TLC, you can use a few different methods to resurface it. The first method is by using a patching material to fill in cracks and potholes on your driveway. You can also add a new layer of asphalt to the driveway by applying a layer of asphalt resurfacing material.

Cleaning the Surface

Next, you’ll want to clean your asphalt driveway. You can do this by sweeping the surface to remove any loose debris. For stubborn debris, you can use a pressure washer to clean and remove loose asphalt particles. To remove any oil or grease stains, you can mix up a solution made with hot water, dish soap, and special asphalt cleaning chemicals.

Repairing Cracks and Potholes

If your asphalt driveway has cracks or potholes, you’ll need to repair them before resurfacing your driveway. You can do this by filling in the cracks with a crack-filling product made specifically for asphalt. You can also fill in the potholes with a pothole filler, which you can find at your local hardware store. Depending on the size and depth of the cracks or potholes, you may need to use more than one application of the product to fill them in completely.

Applying Asphalt Resurfacing Material

Now that your asphalt driveway is clean and free of cracks and potholes, it’s time to apply the asphalt resurfacing material. You can find asphalt resurfacing materials at your local hardware store or online. The most popular resurfacing material is made by a company called Liquid Rubber and is called Driveway Restore. This material is popular due to its cost effectiveness, ease of use and application, and quick drying time.  

Sealing the Surface

After the asphalt resurfacing material has dried, you’ll want to seal the surface. Sealing your asphalt driveway will protect it from UV rays, weathering, and other damaging elements that can shorten the lifespan of your driveway. 

Applying the sealant:

• Spread the drums of the sealant at strategic places so you have access to the product. 

• Use a roller or a sprayer to add heavy coats of the sealant to your driveway. 

• Allow 6 hours of drying time in between each coat. 

• Allow the sealant to cure for at least 3 days after application. 

• It’s advised to use 3-4 coats for the best results. 

• Once several days have passed, you can park vehicles on the driveway again.  

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve sealed the surface of your asphalt driveway, it’s time to finish the project. Now that you’ve resurfaced your asphalt driveway, you can add decorative touches to enhance the look of your home and outdoor space. 

• You can add decorative gravel to your driveway to add a bit of flair. 

• You can also add decorative edging around the driveway to add a touch of visual appeal. 

• When you’re done, you can use your new and improved asphalt driveway to host outdoor gatherings or fire pit sessions with friends! 

You can also use your new asphalt driveway as a great excuse to add some outdoor decor to your home. Now that you know how to resurface an asphalt driveway, you can make your outdoor space even more inviting and attractive. So, let’s get started and transform your asphalt driveway today!

Tips for a Successful Resurfacing Project

Before you get started on resurfacing your asphalt driveway, keep these tips in mind to make the process as smooth and successful as possible. 

• Plan the timing of your project carefully. Resurfacing your asphalt driveway is a big job that requires several hours of work. 

• You’ll want to start the project during a cooler time of day, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. 

• Starting in the middle of the day will be too hot and will cause the asphalt to dry too quickly. Have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand before starting the project. This will make the process go much smoother and help prevent you from having to run out to the hardware store in the middle of the project. 

• Create a clean work environment. Make sure your work area is clean and clear of any debris and materials that may get in the way of your project.

Conclusion

Asphalt driveways are a great addition to any property. They look great, provide a durable walking surface, and are easy to maintain. If yours has become faded or worn, however, you may be wondering how to go about resurfacing it. 

Resurfacing your driveway is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the look of your home and make your outdoor space more inviting. With the right instructions and supplies, you can transform your asphalt driveway from drab to fab in no time. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to resurface an asphalt driveway. From preparing the surface to applying the asphalt resurfacing material, you’ll find all the information you need to get the job done right. So, let’s get started and transform your asphalt driveway today!