Asphalt cracks are quite common, especially among older driveways. Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing cracks in your driveway.
The first step to repair a crack is to remove any loose bits of asphalt with a wire brush. Next, sweep or vacuum the debris from the crack. Any dust should be removed with a hose. A driveway cleaning agent may have to be used if the crack has oil stains.
The next step depends on the width of the crack. If it is less than a quarter of an inch, use a crack repair product. Place enough of the product in the crack that it is slightly higher than the driveway surface. This will allow for shrinkage. Cracks that are between a quarter and a half an inch can be filled using a patching compound.
Fill the crack using a caulking gun, then push the product into the crack and smooth it with a putty knife. Deeper cracks can be partially filled with sand (up to about ¼ inch from the top of the crack) before the compound is applied.
