(OHIO) – It seems tedious, but things could quickly turn sideways if your driveway is full of cracks.

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When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually, the concrete can crumble. Plus,  you’d probably prefer a driveway without a giant pothole.

Cracks up to 3/4 of an inch wide can be repaired with a pourable or tubed asphalt patch product. A tubed product requires a caulk gun for application, according to Lowes.

1. Remove all dirt and vegetation from the crack with a wire brush, screwdriver, or trowel tool.
2. Use a garden hose or pressure washer to flush out any remaining debris and allow the crack to dry before applying any crack filler.
3. Next, give the bottle a through shake to ensure the material is completely mixed. The tubed product does not require mixing. Carefully cut the top of the spout to the desired width making sure the spout width is small.
4. Fill the crack flush to the adjoining pavement. Smooth out the crack filler even to the height of the surrounding pavement.
   1. During the drying process, the filler may soak into the crack and may need a second coat. Allow the crack to dry 24 hours before applying a second coat. In addition, you will need to wait at least 24-48 hours before driving or walking on the repaired area to allow the material to dry. The product may take up to 6 months to fully cure.