Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Kill Devil Hills, NC

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.

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.

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.

If you don’t want to seal the entire driveway using a squeegee, you can use a roller instead. Rolling the driveway sealer also provides an even, sufficient coating, although it might require more skills to control the speed and pressure. We don’t recommend spraying the driveway sealer because it would cause more splash, hence wasting more material. If anything, you may spray the sealant and go over the surface again with a squeegee to ensure proper coating.