driveway repair, Saginaw, MI
Repairing driveway damage in Saginaw, MI requires attention to the specific types of damage your driveway has sustained, as well as the local weather conditions — especially freeze-thaw cycles that can worsen cracks or potholes. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the most common driveway issues in Mid-Michigan:
- Identify the Type of Damage
Start by determining what kind of damage you’re dealing with:
- Small Cracks (less than 1/4 inch wide)
- Large Cracks (wider than 1/4 inch)
- Potholes
- Surface Wear or Erosion
- Concrete Settling or Lifting
Each type requires a slightly different repair approach.
- Clean the Damaged Area Thoroughly
Before any repair, it’s essential to clean the area:
- Use a stiff broom or leaf blower to remove debris.
- For oil stains, scrub with a degreaser.
- If repairing cracks or potholes, use a pressure washer to blast out dirt and loose material.
- Let the area dry completely before applying any filler or patch.
- Repairing Asphalt Driveways
For Small Cracks (under 1/4 inch):
- Use a liquid crack filler or asphalt crack sealer.
- Pour it directly into the crack and use a squeegee or putty knife to smooth it out.
- Allow it to cure for at least 24–48 hours (weather permitting).
For Large Cracks or Potholes:
- Use a cold patch asphalt mix, available at hardware stores.
- Fill the hole in layers, compacting with a tamper after each layer.
- Once filled, top it off slightly above the surrounding surface and tamp it again until level.
- Consider sealing the area after it cures to prevent water infiltration.
- Repairing Concrete Driveways
For Hairline Cracks:
- Use concrete crack filler or a concrete caulk.
- Apply with a caulking gun and smooth with a trowel or your finger.
- Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For Wider Cracks or Settled Areas:
- Use a concrete resurfacer for large areas or a patching compound for deeper cracks.
- If slabs have settled unevenly, you may need mudjacking or slabjacking — a process best done by professionals to level concrete.
- Seal the Driveway
After repairing your driveway, it’s a good idea to apply a sealant to protect against future damage — especially important in Saginaw’s climate, where freeze-thaw cycles and road salt can deteriorate pavement over time.
- For asphalt: Apply a coal tar or asphalt-based sealer every 2–3 years.
- For concrete: Use a penetrating concrete sealer that protects from moisture and road salts.
Apply sealant during a stretch of dry weather (ideally 50–85°F), and allow 24–48 hours to cure before driving on it.
- Consider Professional Help When Needed
If your driveway has:
- Extensive cracking or multiple potholes
- Major sinking or shifting
- Large concrete slabs breaking apart
… it may be time to call a local driveway contractor in the Saginaw area for a professional assessment. In some cases, full resurfacing or replacement is more cost-effective long-term than repeated patching.
Local Tip: Winter Prep for Saginaw Driveways
- Avoid salt-based deicers on concrete, which can cause spalling.
- Use sand or calcium magnesium acetate instead.
- Keep snow cleared to reduce freeze-thaw damage.
- Repair minor cracks before winter to prevent expansion from water freezing inside them.
Whether you’re looking for a contractor to sealcoat large commercial parking lots, or just need simple residential repairs, we have the team to handle your project. Asphalt Sealcoating Services LLC is dedicated to bringing high-quality materials and efficient crews to each job to complete your repairs, and maintenance projects. We are ready for projects of any size.
Contact us today for additional information or to request a quote on your project. Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/adasphalt or check out our Google reviews https://g.co/kgs/E1x7kwF You can call us at (989) 314-1302 or visit us online at https://www.asphaltsealcoating.org/
