How to Repair an Asphalt Driveway Indentation

Repairing an indentation in asphalt requires some work but is not difficult.

This is readily apparent on many driveways as vehicles are parked in the same place for extended periods of time, and cars repeatedly drive over the same path. But asphalt driveway indentations can be repaired quickly with minimal fuss.

1. Dig out any loose asphalt in the indentation and wash the surrounding area with warm water and detergent. Any dirt or debris left on the asphalt can interfere with the bonding of the repair material to the driveway.

2. Fill any indentations deeper than 2 inches with crushed gravel until you have about 2 inches remaining between the gravel and the outer edge of the indentation. This will give you the best results for your asphalt patch.

3. Compact the gravel by dropping a 4-by-4 wooden post into it repeatedly until there is no more give in the gravel. You want as solid a gravel base as possible.

4. Fill the remaining indentation with the cold asphalt patch material, using a trowel, until the patch is raised about 1/4 inch higher than the outer edge of the indentation. Compact the patch down with the 4-by-4 as you did the gravel earlier to get it about even.

5. Allow the patch 30 days to cure before trying to seal it. Avoid driving over the patch during the 30-day period, to keep it from warping.