Seal Driveway Cracks

Water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and widens them each winter — small cracks become potholes surprisingly quickly. Clean cracks with a wire brush and leaf blower to remove debris. For asphalt: use a liquid crack filler (rubberized asphalt emulsion) for cracks under 1/2 inch wide, and cold-patch asphalt filler for larger voids. For concrete: use a polyurethane or epoxy crack filler. Apply filler slightly overfilled, then smooth flush with a trowel. Allow to cure per the product instructions (usually 24 hours) before driving over. After filling cracks, consider applying an asphalt sealer over the entire driveway every 3–5 years to protect the surface. A $30 annual repair can extend driveway life by decades; a full replacement runs $3,000–$8,000.