Potholes—everybody hates them, but they’re pretty much inevitable when it comes to asphalt surfaces. If you’ve got a pesky pothole in your driveway, you might be wondering if there’s an easy way to fix it without having to call in the pros. Well, good news: with a little time, some basic materials, and a bit of elbow grease, you can fix that pothole yourself and keep your driveway looking as good as new.
Gather Your Materials
Before diving in, you need to gather a few materials. You’ll want some cold patch asphalt mix, which you can pick up at most home improvement stores, a tamper, and a shovel. Having a broom handy is also a good idea to make sure the area is clean before you get started. Remember, preparation is key when tackling potholes—cleaning and clearing the area will make a huge difference in how well the patch holds.
Prepare the Area
Start by removing any loose debris, dirt, or gravel from the pothole. It’s important to get the area as clean as possible so that the patch material adheres well to the surrounding asphalt. You can use a broom or even a leaf blower to make sure everything is cleared out. Once it’s clean, make sure the edges of the pothole are solid and not crumbling—this will help create a secure patch. If the edges are loose, chisel them a bit to make a stable boundary.
Fill and Pack the Pothole
Now comes the fun part—filling the hole! Pour the cold patch mix directly into the pothole. Be sure to slightly overfill it because you’ll be tamping it down, and the material will compress. Grab your tamper and start packing the asphalt mix down firmly. This step is crucial for ensuring a solid, even patch that won’t just fall apart with the next rain. If you don’t have a tamper, even a sturdy piece of wood can help you press it down. Keep tamping until the patched area is level with the surrounding asphalt.
Let It Set
Once you’ve filled and packed the pothole, give it some time to set. Ideally, you should avoid driving over the patch for a day or two to let it cure properly. If you’re dealing with particularly hot or wet weather, be mindful that these conditions can affect curing time. Letting the patch settle undisturbed will help extend its lifespan and keep your driveway looking smooth and neat.
If you’re feeling unsure or the pothole seems a bit too large to tackle alone, don’t hesitate to check out professional services from Oscar’s Asphalt and Sealcoating. They offer a range of asphalt services, including asphalt repairs and driveway sealcoating, to keep your surfaces in tip-top shape.