Should you seal a brand new asphalt driveway?

For starters, never seal a new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs a minimum of six months for the oils in it to evaporate. The less oil, the harder the driveway, which is the goal.

How long should you wait to seal a new asphalt driveway?

If you've recently installed a new driveway, wait at least 90 days to a year to ensure the sealant doesn't damage the asphalt. Sealcoating a new driveway too early may trap oils within the asphalt, resulting in a driveway that is too soft or flexible. Sealcoat your asphalt driveway when the temperature is 50–90°F.

Does asphalt really need sealed?

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 happens if you don't seal an asphalt driveway?

As it deteriorates, it loses strength. As the surface becomes more exposed, you start to develop cracks in it that allow more water and oxygen in, and your pavement will deteriorate at a rapid rate." Carter said it doesn't matter whether the smooth, black surface wears off the asphalt driveway.

Why you shouldn't seal your driveway?

As asphalt becomes more brittle, it loses its ability to hold onto things such as the sand and stones in asphalt roads and driveways. Keep in mind that this oxidation only happens at the very top of the asphalt that's exposed to the sunlight, and it can take years and years for larger stones to become dislodged.

When to sealcoat a new driveway. How long before sealcoating new pavement.

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 is the best product to seal an asphalt driveway?

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.

Do driveway sealers need two coats?

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.

What happens if it rains after sealing driveway?

Rain and other precipitation will ruin the hard work you put into sealing your driveway. Rain will wash away driveway sealer, resulting in an uneven or nonexistent coat of sealant. Always check your local forecast before sealing your driveway. Sealant must cure for 4–8 hours before it can resist rain.

How long does asphalt take to cure?

Since asphalt needs time to harden and cure, usually 6-12 months, your parking lot or driveway will remain soft and pliable until then. You may walk on the new pavement immediately, but keep automobile traffic off of it for at least 3 full days and longer in hotter temperatures.

How much driveway sealer do I need?

Divide the square footage of the driveway by 80 to find the number of gallons of sealer you need for one coat. Each gallon covers about 80 square feet and each bucket of sealer contains 5 gallons. Divide the number of gallons by 5 to find the number of buckets you need, reveals MV Organizing.

What time of year is best to seal driveway?

Spring Is The Best Time To Seal Coat Your Asphalt

It means your driveways and parking lots look great for the entire year, and warm spring weather is the perfect temperature for a well-set coat. Plus, a fresh seal coat is easily damaged by winter machinery, like snow plows.

What are the benefits of sealing a driveway?

How long does asphalt sealer last?

Seal coating can last up to three years if your pavement is in great shape, however, older asphalt may need to be resealed annually.

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.

What temperature is needed to seal a driveway?

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 much does 5 gallons of driveway sealer cost?

A moderately-priced sealcoat costs around $90 for 5 gallons, which has a maximum 500-square-foot coverage capacity. When figuring the additional costs of sealant, you can expect to spend $1,330 for a single coat of sealant to 1,000 square feet of asphalt.

How do you seal a new driveway?

You will need to let the asphalt harden before you attempt to seal it. Fresh asphalt is softer and more flexible due to the oils that need to evaporate. It is important to let those chemicals cure and harden—you will want to wait a minimum of 90 days before sealcoating any asphalt driveway or parking lot.

How soon can I apply a second coat of driveway sealer?

A second coat should be applied after the first coat has cured. Under ideal conditions, typically we recommend waiting 4-12 hours, and until the first coat is fully dry and cured all the way through the film.

Is oil based driveway sealer better?

Unlike water-based driveway sealers, oil-based varieties have a longer cure time and distinct odor that is quite strong and often lingers in the air for days after the sealing is complete. Oil-based sealers also contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which pollute the environment.

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.

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.