Driveway Sealcoating questions, answered by experts
In general, water-based driveway sealers are considered the most eco-friendly option. Products that utilize water, limestone, and some basic binding agents have lower VOC levels and odor levels compared to sealants made with oil or tar. In recent years, soy-based driveway sealers have become available for homeowners who want fully VOC-free driveway sealers.
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.
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.
When comparing installation costs, asphalt is often less expensive upfront than concrete. Asphalt prices typically range from $7 to $15 per square foot, while concrete can range from $3 to $18 per square foot. However, long-term costs should also be considered. Concrete driveways generally last longer (up to twice as long) and require less maintenance, which can make them more affordable over their lifespan. While asphalt has a lower installation cost and is easier to repair, it requires more frequent maintenance, such as sealing, which can add up over time. Therefore, while concrete is more expensive initially, its durability may offset the cost in the long run.
If the goal is to reduce your lifetime asphalt driveway repair cost, driveway sealers with oil bases tend to last longer because their composition allows them to penetrate deeper into your driveway's asphalt. This provides deeper, longer-lasting protection compared to water-based products that tend to simply sit on the surface of the asphalt. Knowing that you won't have to redo your driveway as often could leave more room in your budget to cover something like the cost of a heated driveway.
The Stuart, NE homeowners’ guide to driveway sealcoating
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a tar and chip driveway falls between gravel and asphalt. Is this unique process the happy medium you've been looking for? Let's take a look.
The average driveway coating takes between 30 minutes and eight hours to dry, but weather and sealant type can influence the dry time. Read on to learn more.
