Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Talbott, TN

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.

To maintain your asphalt driveway, add a new coat of sealant every three to five years. Pricing varies, but you will pay about $0.08 to $0.50 per square foot from start to finish. You can also choose to add a fill-and-seal layer that includes a layer of aggregate to fortify a damaged top layer of asphalt.

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.

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.