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Sealcoating is worth the investment because it protects your driveway from damage, extending its life and the timeframe in which you need to replace it. Sealcoating costs around $500 on average, while replacing a driveway costs about $5,000. Sealcoating delays the need for replacement and it also helps keep your driveway looking newer for longer. As an added bonus, sealcoating can boost your property value and curb appeal, making it worth the sealing cost once every five years.

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.

Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.

Costs depend on the extent of damage, material costs, labor, and whether resurfacing is needed.