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You should plan on sealing your driveway about once every five years, although you should plan to do it once every three years if your area experiences frequent rain or snow. Sealing your driveway protects it from moisture, UV rays, and chemicals from your car, like motor oil and antifreeze. If you find that your driveway stains easily or appears to be cracking or fading, you may want to schedule a sealing service regardless of when you last sealed it.

If you notice minor cosmetic problems with your driveway, you should seal it. Look out for cracks and holes on the surface, faded asphalt or concrete, and stains from oil and other chemicals. Replacing your driveway may be necessary if you’re dealing with significant problems—¼-inch cracks, large potholes, and puddles from drainage issues. The cost to install an asphalt driveway typically ranges between $4,200 and $9,000, significantly more than resealing. Consider talking to a professional to discuss whether resurfacing your driveway—a midway project between resealing and replacing—is a better option for you.

Yes, it’s possible to seal your driveway too much. Whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, sealing it every year opens your driveway to potential damage. Sealing an asphalt driveway annually may cause the seal to crack and peel even more. It may even trap oils within the asphalt that can leave you driving on a soft driveway. Avoid sealing your concrete driveway too much to prevent the concrete from cracking. If water enters these cracks, it can freeze, expand, and cause the cracks to worsen.

New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer—generally from 30 days to a year.

During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.

The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.