Whether or not it looks like it needs it, asphalt should be sealed once every two to three years. So, even if your asphalt driveway doesn’t have any cracks or holes in it, sealing it will be necessary if you want to maintain its smooth finish and strength.
With it being such a big task that needs to be done regularly, it’s advised that you learn to seal asphalt surfaces yourself. It’s the best way to save some money, and you can do it without having to compromise on how the driveway looks. In this guide, you’ll find out how.
Is It Necessary to Seal Coat Asphalt?
Whether or not you think about it as such, a driveway is an important thing. It has to be strong enough to hold heavy cars for long periods, all while looking attractive outside of your home. Getting a good driveway installed is usually expensive, too, so keeping on top of it is important.
Over time, your driveway will inevitably show signs of wear and tear, even if you look after it well. From the weather conditions to the toll time takes on any surface, there is a lot that can damage asphalt. And, with damage comes potholes and unsightly cracks. These can harm the wheels of your cars and cause structural issues further down the line.
Sealing asphalt regularly is the only way to stave off signs of age and keep it working at its best. Just don’t try and seal your driveway too often. Attempt to seal annually and you’ll end up with a surface that flakes and cracks, which is a problem that’s much harder to rectify.
For best results, all you have to do is invest in the right products and put them to good use once every couple of years.
What Is the Best Way to Seal an Asphalt Driveway?
To seal an asphalt driveway effectively and give it a finish that will last a long time, you will need to invest in an asphalt sealer, which will be relatively inexpensive, and an asphalt sealer sprayer. You can get them for around $1,000, which is a good price for a product that will save you money in the long run and last for years to come.
Once you have those products to hand, plus any protective equipment you feel you might need including safety gloves, aprons, and goggles, the job itself shouldn’t take too long. And, as long as you invest in high-quality equipment, the result is likely to be indistinguishable from the finish a professional might achieve.
However, if you’d rather leave the job of achieving a professional finish to the actual professionals, you could always get a contractor, like Denver Concrete Driveway Pros to seal your driveway for you. But, with the tendency of some laborers to charge through the nose, the cost of doing so can quickly add up.
Sealing Cracks in Asphalt Driveway
Your driveway might need more than just a coat or two of sealer. If your asphalt surfaces are starting to crack, you’ll need to repair those cracks before you apply your sealer. This will make for the most attractive results and a more robust driveway.
One of the best ways to repair asphalt driveway before you seal it is to use rubberized asphalt tape. Simply lay it down along the length of the crack and burn it on with a propane torch. Altogether, your asphalt repair products likely won’t cost you more than $100. For that one lump sum, you’ll be able to complete repairs for which a contractor could charge hundreds.
For bigger cracks, you might want to consider investing in an asphalt crack filler machine. They can fill and bind large cracks in both asphalt concrete, and would likely be a good investment for homeowners with more problematic driveways.
How Do I Prepare My Driveway for Sealing?
After you’ve fixed any cracks in your asphalt driveway, you can start to prepare it for sealing. To do so, all you need to do is give it a good clean, which can be done in three simple steps:
- Scrub any stains with a bristled brush and degreaser.
- Clear gravel, grass, leaves, and other debris with a broom.
- Use a pressure washer or hose to clean any dirt off your driveway’s asphalt surface.
It’s a good idea to start this job when you’re sure you’ll have a few good weather days. Attempt to seal your driveway in the rain and you could compromise the finish.
How Do You Seal Asphalt?
Once you’ve completed your cleaning and DIY asphalt repair, you can crack on with the most important job: using your asphalt sealer sprayer to apply a smooth seal coat. It’s an easy process, although it does take some time. So, plan ahead and make sure you leave yourself with enough days to clean, apply, and dry.
Step One: Mix Your Sealer
Most asphalt sealers will need to be mixed with water to ensure a sleek finish without lumps or bumps. So, start by mixing your product following the instructions provided.
Step Two: Spray the Edges
Using your driveway sealer sprayer, apply the first lot of seal coat to the edges of your asphalt surface. You may want to protect flowerbeds, fencing, or anything else that borders your driveway when you do. This will make for a much tidier finish.
Step Three: Apply Your Seal Coat
With your borders done, it’s time to apply the main coat. Holding your asphalt sealer sprayer a few feet away from the driveway’s surface, spray in a smooth left-to-right motion, ensuring that each area is covered before you move on.
Step Four: Apply a Second Coat, If Needed
Depending on the product you opt for, you may need to apply a second coat. If so, leave your driveway to dry for the time specified on your product’s label before doing so.
Step Five: Clean Up Any Overspray
This isn’t so much a final step as something you’ll need to do throughout the seal coating process. Using water and sponges, clean up any overspray before your asphalt sealer dries. It will be much harder to remove if you decide to do it later, so get into the habit of cleaning up spillages as they happen.
The Right Way to Seal Your Asphalt Driveway
With little more than an asphalt sealer sprayer and a pail of quality seal coat, any homeowner can seal their asphalt driveway. After the upfront costs are out of the way, taking a DIY approach to asphalt driveway maintenance can save a fortune in contractors’ fees. It’s easy enough to do, too!
Given that all asphalt driveways need to be sealed every couple of years, it’s worth investing in the products and learning the techniques. It’s the best, most cost-effective way of keeping any asphalt surface in great condition.
