About this Project

Asphalt, also called blacktop, is an inexpensive material with which to pave a driveway or a walk. Because asphalt is made of gravel and petroleum rather than Portland cement, it is flexible. It also is soft and requires regular maintenance. Every couple of years, you should seal asphalt surfaces with an emulsified sealer, sold in large buckets. Spread the sealer with a long-handled roller or squeegee made for the purpose. This seals small cracks before they get larger. If your asphalt is badly in need of maintenance, follow the steps here to fill potholes and cracks before applying sealer. If your driveway is too far gone for repair, contact a professional contractor for a new drive; laying asphalt is not a do-it-yourself job.