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Driveway installation is challenging. While chip seal might sound easier to apply than asphalt, the process still involves heavy machinery and professional skills. Unless you come from a construction background, we recommend hiring an asphalt company to chip seal your new driveway. If you are paving the driveway entirely with chip seal, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot.

The best time to seal your concrete driveway is sometime in the spring and fall when the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on the weather, and be sure to pick a day without rain on the forecast for at least 24 hours. Lastly, be sure you can leave the space free of foot and car traffic for the full drying time.

Whether it's better to stain or paint concrete depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and DIY skill level. Generally, staining is a more durable option because the stain soaks into the concrete's surface and won't wear away like a topical paint coating. Painting concrete can trap moisture underneath the paint layer, which may cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. However, concrete paint offers a wider variety of colors, is typically easier and less expensive to apply, and is effective at covering up existing stains or blemishes on the surface.

Yes, you can seal old or existing concrete, but proper preparation is crucial. The concrete surface must be clean, dry, and free of any incompatible old sealant. To check if an old sealer is present, drip a few drops of water onto the surface; if the water is absorbed in under five minutes, it's ready to be resealed. If you plan to use the same type of sealer that was previously applied, you may not need to remove the old layer. However, if you are using a different type of sealer, the old one must be completely removed. Before applying the new sealer, thoroughly clean the concrete and repair or fill any cracks to ensure a smooth, well-prepared surface.