Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Fowler, OH

The three most common types of asphalt are hot asphalt, MC cold mix, and UPM asphalt. Hot asphalt is used most often for paving and patching roadways while it’s hot and workable. MC cold mix asphalt cures more slowly than hot asphalt, but it can be used for temporary patches and repairs in low-traffic areas. UPM is also used cold, but it can be used as a longer-term fix, usable in almost any conditions at almost any temperature.

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.

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.

Driveway sealcoating costs around $500 on average, or between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot for materials and labor. Most homeowners pay between $250 and $800 for this service. Your project price will depend mostly on the size of your driveway, the type of sealant, how much pressure washing or treatment is required before sealing, and the number of coats of sealant applied to your driveway. Most sealants come in 5-gallon or 55-gallon units, with up to 500 square feet of coverage per 4 gallons.