What is the best product to fill large gaps in driveway?

Quick Answers

There are a few good options for filling large gaps in your driveway, depending on your specific needs and budget. Some top products to consider include:

– Concrete patch/filler – Offers a permanent solution and can match the color of your existing concrete. However, it requires some prep work and may be more expensive.

– Asphalt patch/filler – Also permanent and can match driveway color. Easier to work with than concrete but not as durable.

– Paver sand – A budget-friendly option to fill smaller gaps between pavers. Needs to be replenished periodically.

– Gravel/crushed stone – Another affordable option best suited for very large gaps. Provides good drainage but requires edging and eventual replenishment.

– Blacktop patch – Quickly fills cracks and gaps in asphalt driveways. Best for temporary repair prior to more extensive work.

What causes gaps and cracks in driveways?

There are several potential causes of cracks and gaps in concrete and asphalt driveways:

– Ground movement/settling – As the ground naturally settles over time, it can cause the driveway surface to shift and develop gaps. This is a very common cause.

– Freeze/thaw cycles – In colder climates, the repetitive freezing and thawing of the ground leads to expansion and contraction, which stresses the driveway.

– Tree roots – Root systems growing under or near driveways will gradually uplift the surface as the roots expand.

– Poor drainage – Water pooling under or near the driveway can lead to erosion and subsidence holes.

– Weight/pressure – Vehicles constantly driving over the same path creates stress on the driveway and eventual cracking.

– Poor installation – Using insufficient base material or sealing during construction leads to early deterioration.

– Age/weathering – Over many years of exposure to elements like sun, rain, and snow, the driveway surface will naturally degrade.

How to choose the right driveway gap filler

When choosing a product to fill gaps in your driveway, here are some important considerations:

– Location – Is it a high-traffic area or rarely used side of the driveway? High-traffic gaps require a more heavy-duty solution.

– Gap size – Larger gaps may require a poured filler like concrete or asphalt for the best structural support. Smaller gaps have more options.

– Drainage – Make sure to select a filler that won’t retain water and lead to hydrostatic pressure damage.

– Matching color/texture – Choose a filler that will match or come close to the existing driveway appearance.

– Permanence – Some fillers are only temporary. Select based on whether you want a short-term or permanent fix.

– Ease of installation – Opt for a filler you can install yourself versus one that requires hiring a driveway contractor.

– Budget – Concrete solutions tend to be more expensive than asphalt, gravel, or sand. Prioritize affordability if needed.

– Durability – The longer lasting the filler the better. Check reviews to verify which option will endure your specific climate and driveway use.

Permanent driveway gap filling options

For a permanent solution to significantly cracked or gapped driveways, the main options are:

Concrete Patch/Filler

– Offers strongest structural support and most permanent fix.

– Must match existing concrete color and texture.

– Requires cleaning, priming, and sealing gap edges first.

– Needs to cure 24-48 hours before driving on repaired area.

– Costs range from $200-500 professionals / $100-300 DIY.

Asphalt Patch/Filler

– Easier to work with and more flexible than concrete.

– Still durable and permanent when properly installed.

– Black color easy to match but texture may differ from original.

– Less prep work needed compared to concrete application.

– Costs approximately $250-550 professionals / $120-300 DIY.

Paver Sand

– Simple, inexpensive solution for gaps between pavers.

– Needs topping off periodically as sand erodes.

– Susceptible to weed growth between pavers.

– Only useful for narrow gaps, not big cracks or holes.

– Costs around $20-50 per 50-lb bag.

Temporary driveway gap filling options

For quick, inexpensive, temporary filling of driveway gaps and cracks, top options include:

Blacktop/Asphalt Patch

– Available as cold pour pouch or bucket mix at hardware stores.

– Fast and easy application, no heating or special tools needed.

– Best for short term 1-3 year fix until more permanent repair.

– Works on asphalt driveways only, not concrete.

– Average cost $10-30 depending on gap size.

Macadam (aka Tarmac)

– Made from aggregate like gravel bound with tar or bitumen.

– Quickly levels and fills bigger holes and ruts.

– Requires compaction for stability. Periodic replacement needed.

– Mostly for severely damaged gravel driveways.

– Approximately $0.50-2 per square foot.

Gravel/Crushed Stone

– Simple, cheap solution for very large gaps and holes.

– Provides good drainage and stability when compacted.

– Requires digging out gap and adding edging to contain gravel.

– Needs periodic replacement as gravel scatters and settles.

– Costs around $40 per ton or $0.50 per square foot.

Professional vs. DIY Gap Filling

You can save money by doing the driveway repair yourself or hire a professional for convenience and best results:

Hiring a Professional

– Experienced with necessary tools and skills.

– Offers warranty on materials and workmanship.

– Ensures proper prep work like cleaning and priming.

– Provides fast turnaround time.

– Higher cost for labor fees.

DIY Gap Filling

– Requires own investigative work on best practices.

– Physical labor intensive. Need proper safety gear.

– Results more vulnerable to amateur mistakes.

– Takes more time and patience.

– Opportunity to save on cost of labor.

For structural repairs like concrete or asphalt, professionals are recommended. For simpler gravel or sand filling, DIY is likely sufficient. Weigh factors like budget, time, and skills.

Top Products for Filling Driveway Gaps

Based on the above information, here are top recommended products for filling large gaps in driveways:

Product	Pros	Cons
Quikrete Concrete Patcher	– Permanent concrete repair – Matches texture – High strength – Can drive on in 24 hrs	– Needs prep work – Higher cost – Heavy to transport
Blacktop Driveway Filler	– Easy application – Fast cure time – Low cost	– Temporary 2 yr solution – Asphalt driveways only – Prone to new cracking
Pavement Repair Sand Mix	– Simple paver joint fix – Good drainage – Inexpensive	– Requires frequent replacing – For narrow gaps only – Can wash out over time

Conclusion

For best results filling in large gaps and cracks in your driveway, go with a high quality concrete filler product installed by a driveway repair professional. This provides the greatest durability and nearest match to your existing driveway. However, cheaper temporary DIY options like asphalt patch and gravel can work well too. Always thoroughly clean gaps, select gap-appropriate materials, and follow product instructions closely. With the right filler and application process, you can repair unsightly driveway damage at a reasonable cost.