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Fossil Works, Inc. PO Box 61638 Boulder City, NV 89006-1638 877.336.7745 fax 702.293.7898 info@fossilworksinc.com
FWI MISSION STATEMENT: Fossil Works, Incorporated will strive to manufacture quality products for repair, maintenance and improvement projects. Our products will provide practical solutions for homeowners and contractors and will be easy to use and durable. Packaging for our products will meet the functional requirements of our customers and will be distributed in the most efficient and timely manner in order to achieve the best industry value.
All images, concepts, text and information contained on this site are protected by copyright law and no unauthorized use, copying, or reproduction in any form is permitted. Last update January 2008. © 1998 -2008 Fossil Works, Incorporated

HOW TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ASPHALT SURFACES

It costs about the same to install asphalt or concrete. Asphalt is easier to repair while concrete withstands temperature, wear and time better than asphalt.

Protect and waterproof asphalt surfaces every 2-4 years with a seal coat; it gives a fresh, new look to asphalt. Importantly, seal coating protects the asphalt from sun and moisture damage; it provides a seal to keep out grease, oil and gasoline drips and other damaging substances from eroding the asphalt. A sealer will fill hairline cracks that are too small for individual repairs.

The following procedures can be used on blacktop, asphalt, chip seal or macadam driveways, tennis and basketball courts and similar asphalt surfaces.

Prior to performing any repairs and maintenance on asphalt, prepare the area. About a week before, place a weed killer in the cracks and remove the weeds; repeat as needed to effectively remove the weeds. After killing the weeds, sweep away dirt and organic matter from the surface, remove oil or grease by washing with a detergent or cleaner. Lastly, hose the area with water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Check the asphalt for cracks, depressions and holes; repair these areas prior to applying a seal coat.

CRACKS: Fill any cracks as soon as possible to keep water from penetrating the asphalt and eroding the soil beneath. Generally speaking, cracks that are one (1) inch and wider should be filled with an asphalt cold mix. Narrower cracks are treated with a semi-liquid crack filler. Place sand in the crack to within an inch of the top surface. After applying the crack filler, use a putty knife or similar tool to level the filler to the edge.

DEPRESSIONS: Low spots cause water to puddle. If not too deep, these areas can be filled with an asphalt cold mix.
HOLES, RUTS, DEPRESSIONS AND UTILITY CUTS: Sweep and remove any loose material in the hole. If the hole is deep, fill to within 4 inches of the top with gravel. Tamp the gravel layer firmly. Apply an asphalt cold mix with a shovel or trowel in 2-inch layers. Compact each layer of the patching material. Overfill the hole by 1 to 2 inches of material. Tamp this final layer or drive over it with vehicle tires or place a board over the hole and drive over it. Using the area will compact the material and eventually form low spots. Fill them with more asphalt cold mix until the desired results are achieved.

Be sure to allow any repairs to the asphalt to bind and cure for 2 to 3 months before applying a seal coating. Pour water over the area; it is ready when no oil film forms on the water.

SEAL COATING: When applying the seal coat, do not allow the sealer to puddle and do not spread it too thin. To increase traction on sloped areas, sprinkle sand over the sealer. Excess sand that is not absorbed into the seal coat can be swept off later. Allow the sealer to cure for 24 hours undisturbed. Apply a second seal coat within a few days.

Why seal coat?