Are all asphalt sealers the same?

All asphalt driveway sealers provide driveway beautification and can increase the value of your Bay Area property, but protection and longevity will vary with type and grade. Identifying your sealant needs based on information rather than brand will help in choosing the right product for the job.

Is there a difference in asphalt sealers?

A major difference between water-based and oil-based driveway sealers is how they work. While water-based or acrylic sealers form a protective layer on top of the driveway, oil-based sealers go one step further.

Are there different types of driveway sealers?

There are several types of concrete sealers from which to choose, including coal tar, asphalt-based, plain surface, and fill and seal.

What are the different types of asphalt sealer?

Which asphalt driveway sealer is best?

Coal Tar Sealer

Coal tar asphalt driveway sealer is considered the standard for asphalt — in some places, that is. The preferred choice for both asphalt driveways and streets for many years, coal tar sealer is made from sticky coal tar. It can last for up to five years on a driveway.

Asphalt Sealcoating 101 What is Driveway Sealer?

Is it better to spray or squeegee driveway sealer?

Sprayers provide better control of the amount of sealant used, making the application process more precise. Squeegee machines take a little longer than sprayers, but hand squeegees are the most timeconsuming. On many jobs, it will take twice as long for workers to apply sealcoating by hand.

Is oil or water based driveway sealer better?

Sealcoating your driveway starts with deciding whether to use water or oil-based sealers. Although both types have advantages, water-based sealers' shorter cure time and eco-friendliness make it the better choice in many situations.

Why you shouldn't seal your driveway?

He added that sealing a driveway could yield unwanted consequences: Oil from the bitumen (the black glue that holds the asphalt together) will be tracked into the home, or the sealant could wear away unevenly, making the surface look as if it's peeling.

Which is better latex or oil based driveway sealer?

The oil based, he said, will bind with the original paving material whereas latex will just cover it. That being said, if you sealcoat with a latex sealer, going over that coat with an oil based coating will do you little to no good.

What is the best time to seal a driveway?

It's best to seal your driveway in the fall or the spring because the temperatures tend to be more moderate. In order to put seal coating on, the outside temperatures need to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the weather needs to be free of heavy rain for 24 hours.

Can you put two coats of driveway sealer on?

Most driveway sealer manufacturers recommend two coats with a minimum drying time of eight hours between coats, so this driveway sealing project will fill an entire weekend.

How much does a 5 gallon bucket of driveway sealer cover?

Asphalt Sealer Prices

Note: The typical 5-gallon sealcoat container can cover between 250-500 square feet depending on the material's condition and texture. For simplicity's sake, these examples use five gallons that cover the maximum 500 square feet.

How often should you sealcoat your driveway?

Typically, sealcoating is recommended every 3 years to provide adequate pavement protection as well as attractive curb appeal for your commercial property or home. Your SealMaster pavement professional can provide the best possible pavement maintenance plan for your unique situation.

How long do you stay off driveway after sealing?

How long do I have to stay off the driveway after it is completed? Upon completion, we recommend to keep vehicles off for a minimum of 48 – 72 hours. You may walk on the driveway after 24 hours.

Is asphalt sealing worth it?

Yes, it is a necessity as you need to protect your valuable asset. If you want your driveway to last, seal coating is the way to go. Unprotected asphalt leads to cracks and potholes that can severely damage your foundation.

What is the best temperature to apply driveway sealer?

The best temperature range for applying sealcoat is between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal temperatures are those that start around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning and increase throughout the afternoon.

How do you prepare asphalt driveway for sealing?

Are driveway sealers worth it?

The benefits include: Appearance: It's satisfying to return to a home that looks tidy and attractive. Curb appeal can raise a home's value, too — up to 14 percent, according to one recent study. Cost: On average, sealing a driveway costs between 10 and 30 cents per square foot.

Why do they put sand on new asphalt?

Adding silica sand or boiler slag to pavement sealer can improve the sealcoat. A mix consistency that keeps the aggregate suspended in the mix tank helps to ensure uniform distribution of aggregate throughout the seal coating job, says Geoff Crenson.

What if it rains after I seal my driveway?

What About Rain 12 Hours After Sealing Driveway? In the vast majority of cases, driveway sealant will be impervious to rain 12 hours after application. As long as you've applied your sealer in good conditions, your sealer will have cured enough to resist rain after 12 hours.

What is the difference between oil based and water based sealer?

Water-based sealers feature low VOC levels (volatile organic chemicals), so it's also a more environmentally friendly option with fewer fumes than an oil-based stain.

Can you roll on asphalt sealer?

If you're applying an acrylic-based driveway sealer, which is designed for concrete or masonry surfaces, it can be applied with a roller. If you're applying an asphalt-based product, however, it must be applied with a squeegee.

Do it yourself driveway sealer vs professional?

The biggest difference between DIY sealcoating and professional sealcoating is that professionals use spray tanks. Edges are still done the same way, but large areas are evenly coated with a large tank that feeds a high pressure spray wand.