How to Seal an Asphalt Driveway

Sealing Asphalt Driveways

Introduction:

Asphalt driveways require routine maintenance and autumn is the best time of the year to do it. Sealing the driveway every couple of years is the primary maintenance all asphalt driveways require. If an asphalt driveway is not sealed periodically, the surface will crack over time which will allow water to penetrate the surface causing further driveway deterioration.

Periodically sealing your driveway will extend its life by many years. Typically an asphalt driveway that is ignored will last only about ten years. Sealing it every couple of years will extend its life by at least another decade. The autumn weather is perfect for doing this DIY because it’s warm enough for the sealer to penetrate the surface yet not so hot that it will take days to cure.

The asphalt sealer seals the small surface which prevents water from working its way underneath the asphalt. When water gets underneath the driveway it will undermine the integrity of the base causing erosion which can eventually lead to sink holes in the asphalt.

In addition, during the winter months the melting snow and ice can work its way into the asphalt driveway cracks during the day and then freeze when the temperatures drop. This will cause the cracks to widen which in turn will allow more water to penetrate the surface.

Although a driveway sealer contractor would be happy to do the job it will cause you hundreds of dollars as opposed to doing it yourself at a fraction of the cost.

How to seal asphalt driveways:

· Before applying the sealer, repair any cracks or holes using either a cold patch or an asphalt driveway crack sealer. Crack fillers are made from a synthetic rubber and come in either a tube that you apply with a caulking gun or in jugs where you simply pour the filler into the crack or hole. Allow several weeks for it to fully cure prior to sealing the driveway.

· Driveway sealer comes in five gallon containers. Typically a five gallon container will cover 350 to 400 square feet. Calculate the area of your driveway and then divide that number by the amount of area each container can cover. This will determine how many containers of seal you’ll need.

· Apply the sealer on a warm day so that it spreads easily. Spread the driveway sealer using a long handle squeegee or broom that is specifically made for sealing driveways. Before beginning insure that the surface is free of sand and dirt. Sweep the driveway using a stiff broom. If necessary wash the driveway using a regular garden hose and let dry over night.

· Pour the sealer onto the driveway surface in small pools and spread it with an asphalt squeegee. Do not put it on too thick otherwise it may take much longer to cure and it will be susceptible to peeling.

Do not drive or walk on the fresh sealer for forty eight hours. Typically the driveway sealer will require a couple of warm dry days to thoroughly seal.

That’s all there is to it.

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