Considerations before Engaging In DIY Bitumen Repairs
Homeowners tend to favour bitumen driveways for their residence's due to how resilient as well as durable the material is. A bitumen driveway comprises gravel that has been compacted together using petroleum byproducts. These two compounds, the gravel and the petroleum residue, create a water resistant surface that with high load bearing capabilities. However, if you do not take the proper maintenance measures to keeping your bitumen driveway in good condition, it will eventually succumb to wear and tear. It is prudent to address any signs of cracking on your bitumen driveway so as to prevent them from developing into larger problems such as problems. The good news is that by carrying out regular inspections, you can engage in DIY repairs for the smaller problem and let the road contractors handle the bigger paving issues. Here are some of the considerations you should have before engaging in DIY bitumen repairs.
Ensure the driveway is clean
Before you can engage in any DIY bitumen repairs, you need to ensure that the driveway is spotless. Debris such as twigs, loosened gravel, grime, leaves and more will impede on the ability of the patches to adhere onto the bitumen appropriately. You should start off by thoroughly sweeping the entire driveway to eliminate any loose particles that will be lying on its surface. You should then follow this up by rooting out any weeds that may have started flourishing between the cracks in your driveway. You should also consider applying a weed killer to prevent them from re-growing in those areas. Once this is done, wash the driveway with using a power washer. However, ensure that you only use low pressure as high-pressure washing could compound the damage that your driveway has acquired. Let the driveway completely dry before engaging in any repairs.
Ensure the weather is good for bitumen repairs
Bitumen repairs should never be carried out in wet weather conditions. For your driveway's surface to dry completely, it needs to be exposed to dry, hot weather. The high temperatures facilitate the bonding between the adhesives being used and the current materials on your driveway. In the event that you suspect there will be light showers or humidity, it is best to postpone the DIY bitumen repairs as all your work may go to waste.
Ensure you tamp the bitumen patch
You will find that bitumen repair products typically come ready for use so as to make it easier for DIY repairs. However, a mistake people make is not tamping the patch before pouring in the bitumen mixture. Tamping ensures that there are no air spaces formed as these could compromise the effectiveness of the mixture that will be filling in the cracks.