Driveway Sealcoating questions, answered by experts
You should plan on sealing your driveway about once every five years, although you should plan to do it once every three years if your area experiences frequent rain or snow. Sealing your driveway protects it from moisture, UV rays, and chemicals from your car, like motor oil and antifreeze. If you find that your driveway stains easily or appears to be cracking or fading, you may want to schedule a sealing service regardless of when you last sealed it.
Yes, most professional repair services include the application of sealants for weatherproofing or waterproofing. This process helps protect the repaired area from moisture, weather damage, and future wear, which can improve durability and energy efficiency. It is always best to confirm with your contractor or service provider if sealing is included in their repair process.
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.
Instead of a set number of types, asphalt comes in variations designed for different needs. Some are categorized by temperature—hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix. Others are sorted by composition, like dense-graded, gap-graded (such as Stone Matrix Asphalt), porous, and mastic asphalt. There are also modified versions with added compounds like polymers, rubber, or emulsions. Instead of focusing on a number, it may be more useful to understand how contractors customize asphalt for durability, climate, and traffic conditions.
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.
The Gregory, SD 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.
Driveway extensions can provide valuable parking and recreation space and add to the value of your home on resale. Find out how much driveway extensions cost.
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.