Ask the Builder Podcast 8 Highlights: Karen's wondering if she needs a new paver or blacktop drive. Tim has a better idea. Brian needs some tips about painting the inside of a concrete block building Lauren wonders about attic framing lumber, a slanted floor and some cracks in her home Tim shares a funny […]
Need to build a gravel driveway? There some important tips for a gravel driveway. You have to decide on types of gravel for driveway and the slope of the driveway for a few. A build it yourself gravel driveway is possible with proper planning and some rental equipment.
Driveway Erosion Repair DEAR TIM: I need to make a driveway erosion repair. My new blacktop driveway is already falling apart. A heavy rain washed away the gravel on the edge of the driveway. As a result, the gravel under the new blacktop is starting to erode. Why is this happening? What's the best driveway […]
Types of Blacktop Driveways DEAR TIM: We need to have a new blacktop driveway installed and I thought it was going to be a simple process of comparing quotes. It turns out it’s somewhat confusing. I didn’t know there were different types of blacktop. What’s more, the contractors don’t seem to agree on the best […]
Blacktop or asphalt installation over concrete can be very successful. But, consider an alternative - concrete overlays. You can do this yourself or have a contractor make your driveway truly unique with stamped and colored concrete.
Pothole repair of your asphalt driveway is easily accomplished with preparation and the right materials. Cold mix patching compound is the material your need. Be sure that the pothole is prepped correctly and know when asphalt sealer should be applied.
DEAR TIM: I recently saw a new paving system that I thought was ingenious. Instead of a solid driveway there were two strips of some precast concrete, each about 2-feet wide for the car tires. Grass was growing within the concrete strips and the area between the concrete was just lawn. Back by the person’s […]
"Years ago, I fell under the spell of what many blacktop sealer manufacturers said about the necessity of sealing blacktop driveways. Much of what they said made some sense, but there was always a nagging thought or two in my head that conflicted with what I was being told." Seal Blacktop Driveway Checklist Never seal […]
Ann Faircloth has spilled oil on her driveway that she just sealed in Southampton, UK. Let her tell you about how her cleaning effort failed: "I had my my drive sealed, but we spilt oil on it. It doesn't look any better, since we cleaned it. Can we put another coat of sealant on top of […]
The best blacktop crack filler is epoxy. You embed stones and sand in the fresh epoxy to completely hide the crack. Blacktop Crack Filler - Use Epoxy and Small Stones DEAR TIM: I've struggled for years trying everything to permanently fill aggravating cracks in blacktop. The magic caulks sold at the big boxes have provided […]