Sealing an Asphalt Driveway

Old asphalt is always cracking and aging. From simple splits to full-fledged loose chunks, you can bet that if you don’t repair your asphalt driveway regularly, it’s going to fade into oblivion. But hiring a professional asphalt driveway repair company can be a huge project that consumes both your time and your money. Use this guide to sealing an asphalt driveway and get a professional seal job without the high price.

Prep Work

You’ll need to first prep the old driveway by giving it a good cleaning. Use a broom or electric leaf blower to remove any excess debris. You may need to use a shop vacuum to remove any loose gravel from any cracks or gaps. Cut back any overgrown grasses and cover the sides of the driveway with a piece of painters plastic or tarp.

Once the debris is cleared off of the driveway, you’ll need to scrub it clean. Using a stiff bristled brush and a bucket of warm soapy water to clean the driveway. Any oil stains will need to be cleaned using a driveway degreaser. Allow the driveway to dry for 24 hours before continuing to the next step.

Sealing Cracks

Asphalt driveways are designed to do two things: hold cars and crack. Cracks in your asphalt driveway should be sealed prior to covering the entire driveway with a sealant. Use a caulk gun and a tube of driveway crack sealant to fill any holes, cracks or gaps. Overfill the gap with the caulk and use a spackling knife to smooth the caulk flat. A small brush can help match the natural grain of the driveway. Allow the caulk to dry for a few hours before continuing to the next step.

Sealing the Driveway

As with all paints and sealants, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid compromising the warranty. Begin by blocking off the driveway to ensure that no cars, pets or stray feet end up on the newly applied driveway sealant.

Next, you’ll need to spread the driveway sealant onto the driveway starting from one end to the other without painting yourself into a corner. Some driveway sealant requires that you use a cotton mop while others use a push/pull squeegee to spread the coating of sealant onto the driveway. In some cases, a large heavy nap roller cover will be needed to create a smooth and consistent seal over the old driveway. Allow it 48 hours to dry before using your fresh new driveway.