How to Seal an Asphalt Driveway

As summer draws to an end, it makes sense for many of us with asphalt driveways to consider weather protection or seal coating. I sealcoat my driveway every two years and it usually takes a Saturday afternoon to complete this. The project will last longer if you are doing this for the first time or have several wide cracks to fill. This side project alone will take up an afternoon as you apply crack fill with the aid of a trowel.

When picking a day to seal coat you must consider two consecutive days free of rain and the temperature must be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The materials needed to seal coat the driveway consist of seal coating, driveway squeegee, stiff broom, clean stick for stirring, and some old clothing and shoes that are allowed to get really dirty. The quantity of seal coating needed all depends on the dimensions of your driveway, so take time out to measure before heading out to the home and garden center for your supplies.

Seal Coating the Driveway - Prep the Surface

The first step to take when coating the driveway is to inspect for any serious cracks. These large cracks would be larger than ¼ inch. If you spot cracks of this size you will need to purchase crack fill and a small trowel if you do not have one. If the driveway does not contain cracks of this size you can proceed onward to pulling any weeds or grasses coming up through the asphalt. Next do a thorough sweep of the surface getting rid of any excess leaves, dirt, and debris. Once the surface is free of debris, you will want to wash the asphalt with mixture of detergent and water or asphalt cleaner diluted with water. Make sure to use the stiff brush to work in the soapy water. Once the driveway has been washed, do a thorough rinse with the hose.

Seal Coating the Driveway

As the driveway becomes dry, it is time to apply the coating. Open a bucket of seal coating and adequately stir contents making sure you bring bottom contents to the top as you stir. The heavier contents of the seal coat mixture have a tendency to settle to the bottom so it is important to make sure the solution is uniform throughout. For the reason alone, you may want to tip your buckets of seal coating upside down the night before the project to allow the contents to move around.

Before pouring coating, make sure vehicles are parked in the street or another location so you will have access to vehicles once the seal coat is applied. Remember you will not be able to drive on the surface for approximately twenty four hours so make sure all vehicles are out of the garage. Convey the news to family members that the driveway is off limits as to avoid bicycles or foot traffic trespassing across the messy black surface.

Begin pouring about a quarter of the bucket on to the top corner surface of the drive way. Work squeegee into solution and pull across driveway in overlapping rows. Be sure to pull solution all the way to the edge of the surface as to completely cover the edges. Try to avoid too heavy of a concentration of coating in one area. After you have covered a few rows, you will need to pour another quarter bucket and repeat the process working your way to the bottom of the driveway. As you proceed through your project you will notice that there are some areas that look lighter than others. You can always go back and re-apply some additional coating. Once you complete the driveway application, line buckets at the base of the driveway to prevent anyone from driving up onto your driveway. The coating should dry in less than twenty four hours giving your driveway that brand new look again.