Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Conrad, MT

There are more pros than cons, but there are a few disadvantages to sealing your driveway to be aware of. Sealant can make the surface slippery, which can be a hazard, especially when the driveway gets wet. Look for sealants with abrasive additives to help counteract this. You’ll also need to remember to reapply your sealant every two years and budget for the expense that comes with it.

Since freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter months can damage your driveway, it's best to winterize your driveway in the late fall before the first freeze hits. Doing so will help to protect your driveway from damage throughout the winter season. Plus, drier, warmer weather makes applying and curing sealant much easier.

Ideally, you should seal your driveway when there won’t be rain for several days, but at a minimum, there can’t be rain for at least 24 hours. If it rains shortly after you seal your driveway, the water can wash away the sealer and render your work useless. You’ll have to wait for your driveway to dry out and try applying again. Note that some sealers—like oil-based sealers or specialty fast-drying sealers—may cure faster. Ask your contractor for information on timing before the install, and if there’s rain in the forecast, postpone the job.

Maintaining a driveway depends on its material. For concrete and asphalt, it's best to clean the surface thoroughly twice a year with a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Sealing the driveway is crucial to protect it from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Before applying a sealant, pressure wash the surface to remove any loose sealant, dirt, or stains, as sealing over them will trap them. Any cracks or expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. In colder climates, use sand instead of salt for de-icing. Sand helps melt snow and ice without accelerating the freeze-thaw process, which can cause cracks.