Quick Guide for Busy Readers
For those in a hurry, here are the top 3 asphalt driveway crack fillers based on our testing:
- Pro-Grade Polymeric Sand Asphalt Repair Crack Filler
- Latex-ite Pli-Stix Crack Filler to fill cracks in asphalt
- Quikrete Advanced Polymer Crack Sealant
These products offer the best balance of ease of use, durability, and value for money. For detailed reviews and application tips, read on!
As a homeowner who has battled with cracked driveways for years, I understand the frustration of watching small fissures grow into major eyesores, driveway crocodile cracking, and potential hazards. After countless hours of research and hands-on experience with various products, I’m here to share my findings on the best asphalt driveway crack fillers available today.
This hands-on experience-based guide will tell you
- Why it’s crucial to address driveway cracks promptly
- The different types of crack fillers and their pros and cons
- Detailed reviews of the top 7 asphalt driveway crack fillers
- How to properly apply crack filler for best results
- Tips for maintaining your driveway to prevent future cracks
Let’s start asphalt driveway crack repair
Why Fixing Driveway Cracks is Essential
Before we get into the products, let’s quickly discuss why addressing those pesky cracks is so important:
- Prevent water damage: Water seeping into cracks can freeze and expand, making the cracks worse, if left untreated.
- Using asphalt emulsion around potholes to fix propane driveway asphalt is not a good idea, you should prefer using an asphalt driveway sealer.
- Extend driveway life: Prompt repairs can add years to your driveway’s lifespan.
- You can apply acrylic asphalt crack filler to extend the life of the entire driveway
- Improve curb appeal: A well-maintained driveway boosts your home’s appearance.
- Safety: Large cracks can be tripping hazards and damage vehicles.
- Cost-effective: Fixing small cracks now prevents costly full replacements later.
Asphalt Emulsion Vs Asphalt Driveway Sealer
Asphalt Emulsion: This is often used for surface treatments and can be effective for sealing small cracks and surface repairs. However, for large pothole repairs, it’s not typically recommended because it may not provide the necessary strength and durability.
Asphalt Driveway Sealer: This is generally used to protect and extend the life of the asphalt surface but may not be the best choice for repairing large potholes. For pothole repair, you usually need a cold patch or hot mix asphalt rather than just a sealer.
So, for fixing a pothole on a propane driveway, it’s best to use a cold patch or hot mix asphalt for the repair itself, followed by sealing the surface with an asphalt sealer to protect it.
Types of Asphalt Driveway Crack Fillers
There are several types of crack fillers available, each with its own set of advantages:
- Cold-pour sealants
- Hot-pour sealants
- Pourable fillers
- Caulk-style fillers
- Patch compounds
For this guide, we’ll focus primarily on cold-pour sealants and pourable fillers, as they’re the most accessible for DIY homeowners.
Top 7 Asphalt Driveway Crack Fillers Reviewed
Now, let’s read about the best asphalt crack fillers that will help you in crack sealing, even if they are 3 inches wide – detailed reviews of the best asphalt driveway crack fillers and asphalt repair products I’ve personally tested.
Important to Know about asphalt Driveway Crack Fillers:
Asphalt driveways require regular Maintenance and repair
Crack filler selection varies on the Types of cracks
Product effectiveness varies in Climate conditions
Application methods differ among Filler types
Driveway longevity requires Regular maintenance
1. Pro-Grade Polymeric Sand Asphalt Repair
Price: $$ Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ Durability: ★★★★★
I’ve used this product on multiple occasions, like filling large asphalt cracks and it’s consistently impressed me with its performance. It ranks Number One #1 among Top-rated asphalt crack sealants for driveways
Pros:
- Excellent adhesion to asphalt
- Best Crack filler among many crack fillers and sealers
- Dries quickly after filling asphalt cracks
- Resists weathering and UV rays with a minimal seal coat.
- Best for the areas where most rain is expected.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some alternatives
- Requires thorough surface preparation
- Require asphalt maintenance after asphalt crack filling
My Experience: Last summer, I used Pro-Grade Polymeric Sand to fill a series of cracks in my neighbor’s old driveway. The application was straightforward, and the results were impressive. Even after a harsh winter, the filled cracks showed no signs of reopening.
2. Latex-ite Pli-Stix Crack Filler
Price: $ Ease of Use: ★★★★★ Durability: ★★★☆☆
This product stands out for its unique rope-like format, making it incredibly easy to use.
Pros:
- No special tools required
- Works well for narrow cracks and deeper cracks
- Can be used in slightly damp conditions
- Same results as hot tar to fill
Cons:
- Not ideal for very wide cracks
- May require reapplication more frequently than some alternatives
My Experience: I used Pli-Stix to repair some hairline cracks in my own driveway last fall. The application was as easy as pressing Play-Doh into the cracks. While it hasn’t held up quite as well as the Pro-Grade Polymeric Sand, it’s still an excellent choice for quick, easy repairs.
3. Quikrete Advanced Polymer Crack Sealant
Price: $$ Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ Durability: ★★★★☆
This sealant impressed me with its flexibility and resistance to shrinking and cracking.
Pros:
- Fillers are designed with Excellent flexibility
- Works on both asphalt and concrete for a better experience
- Paintable
Cons:
- Requires a caulking gun for application
- Can be messy if you’re not careful
My Experience: I used this product to fill some wider cracks in my driveway that had developed over several years. The flexibility of the sealant has been key in preventing new cracks from forming around the edges of the repair.
4. Dalton Enterprises 35099 PLI-STIX Asphalt and Concrete Crack Filler
Price: $ Ease of Use: ★★★★★ Durability: ★★★☆☆
Another rope-style filler that’s incredibly user-friendly. Especially for crocodile cracking and linear feet deep cracks.
Pros:
- Very easy to apply on surface cracks
- No mixing or special tools required
- Works on both asphalt and concrete
Cons:
- Not suitable for very large cracks
- May not last as long as some liquid fillers
My Experience: I’ve found this product to be perfect for quick repairs on smaller cracks. It’s become my go-to for annual maintenance on my driveway.
5. Henry HE505195 Asphalt Crack Filler
Price: $$ Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆ Durability: ★★★★☆
This pourable filler is great for filling multiple cracks quickly.
Pros:
- Flows easily into cracks
- Dries to a durable, rubber-like consistency
- Good for slightly wider cracks
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply
- Requires some skill to avoid overflow
My Experience: I used this filler on a section of my driveway with multiple interconnected cracks. Its flowing nature allowed it to penetrate deeply, providing a lasting repair.
6. Red Devil 0637 Blacktop Driveway Crack Filler
Price: $ Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ Durability: ★★★☆☆
This affordable option is great for small-scale repairs.
Pros:
- Very affordable among products on the market
- Easy to apply with included applicator
- Great product to reseal and use on highways
- Dries quickly on surfaces that need patching and a longer-lasting seal coat.
Cons:
- Not as durable as some premium options
- Limited to smaller cracks
My Experience: I keep a tube of this in my garage for quick touch-ups. It’s perfect for addressing small cracks as soon as they appear, preventing them from growing larger.
7. CRACK-STIX 125 FT Medium Permanent Blacktop Crack Filler
Price: $$ Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ Durability: ★★★★☆
This meltable crack filler provides a more permanent solution for larger cracks.
Pros:
- Very durable once properly applied
- Excellent for larger cracks
- One package covers a lot of area
Cons:
- Requires heating for application
- More time-consuming than cold-applied options
My Experience: I used CRACK-STIX on some stubborn cracks that kept reappearing year after year. The application process was more involved, but the results have been impressive, with no recurrence of the cracks after two years.
How to Properly Apply Crack Filler
For best results, follow these steps when applying any crack filler:
- Clean the crack thoroughly, removing all debris and vegetation.
- Allow the crack to dry completely if it’s been wet.
- For larger cracks, use a wire brush to roughen the edges for better adhesion.
- Apply the filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the filler to dry completely before driving or walking on it.
Tips for Maintaining Your Driveway
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your driveway in top shape:
- Seal your driveway every 2-3 years.
- Clean oil spills promptly to prevent degradation of the asphalt.
- Avoid using de-icing chemicals in winter; use sand for traction instead.
- Address small cracks as soon as they appear.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on your driveway.
Maintaining your asphalt driveway doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your driveway looking great and functioning well for years to come. Remember, the key is to address issues early and maintain your driveway regularly.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide on asphalt driveway crack fillers. I hope you found it helpful in your quest for a smoother, more attractive driveway!