🧰 How to Fill Small Cracks in Your Driveway (and When to Call a Pro)

Your driveway takes a beating from the weather, vehicles, and everyday wear and tear. Over time, small cracks can start to appear—and if left untreated, they can lead to costly damage. The good news? Many minor cracks can be filled with DIY products. But it’s important to know when it’s a simple fix—and when it’s time to call in a professional.

At Tibbs Paving, we help homeowners across Virginia protect and maintain their asphalt driveways with expert crack filling, sealcoating, and long-term maintenance services. Here’s our step-by-step guide for filling small cracks and how to know when to bring in the pros.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Fill Small Cracks in Asphalt

✅ 1. Clean the Crack

Use a wire brush or a crack cleaning tool to remove debris, weeds, and loose material. Then, blow out the crack with compressed air or a leaf blower.

💡 Tip: The cleaner the crack, the better the filler will bond.

✅ 2. Choose the Right Crack Filler

For cracks under ½ inch wide:

• Use a liquid pourable crack filler (available at most hardware stores). For slightly wider cracks:

• Use a rubberized asphalt crack sealer with a caulking gun.

Make sure the product is labeled for asphalt driveways—not concrete.

✅ 3. Apply the Filler

Carefully pour or squeeze the filler into the crack until it’s slightly overfilled. Use a trowel or putty knife to smooth it out evenly with the driveway surface.

✅ 4. Let It Cure

Allow the filler to dry fully according to the product’s instructions. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the weather.

🔥 Pro Tip: Wait for a warm, dry day for the best results. Avoid rain for 24–48 hours.

⚠️ When to Call a Pro Like Tibbs Paving

DIY crack filling works great for hairline to moderate cracks, but here’s when it’s time to call the experts:

• Cracks wider than ½ inch

• Alligator cracking (spiderweb-like patterns)

• Multiple deep or uneven cracks across the surface

• Water pooling or drainage issues

• Recurring cracks in the same areas

These signs often mean there’s a deeper structural issue with the asphalt or base layer—and DIY repairs may only offer a temporary fix.

🏗️ Why Trust Tibbs Paving?

With over 25 years of experience, Tibbs Paving provides professional crack filling, sealcoating, and full asphalt repair services designed to extend the life of your driveway. We use commercial-grade materials and techniques to deliver long-lasting, cost-effective results that outperform any DIY patch job.

We serve homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, offering:

• Asphalt crack filling

• Sealcoating & surface protection

• Resurfacing & repair

• Full driveway replacements

📞 Need Help With Driveway Cracks?

Don’t wait for small cracks to turn into big problems. Whether you want a free estimate or just honest advice, Tibbs Paving is here to help.

👉 Contact us today to schedule an inspection or request a quote.