Sealing asphalt driveway is not necessary, but very nice and does help. In any case, do fill cracks to keep the water out, and keep any joints in good repair (more below).
This newspaper column argues why not to add a driveway sealer. If you really want to dig in, read the government doc on kinds of asphalt sealers. Bore — ing.
My favorite sealer is the Jetcoat Premium Driveway Sealer, Asphalt Crack Filler and Sealant: see it is online here.
But is it worth the time and the cost of all the goop? It’s not hard work. But you decide below.
Table of contents hide
What’s the point?
A Must-Do
The Best Driveway Sealer
How to Apply Driveway Sealer:
Fillng Cracks and Joints
Related links for Concrete Driveways
What’s the point?
Argument For: Instant Curb Appeal is the best reason to do this. Selling? It looks awesome so you’ll get your money back when you sell.
- A combination of air and the sun’s UV can make the asphalt become brittle, but slowly.
- If you use salt, that accelerates the normal degradation and shortens the life of your asphalt.
- Water freezes causing erosion. (The Appalachian mountains used to be as big as the Rockies. It’s true.)
- Sealing blacktop’s top value: looks. It is the start of an endless cycle that you don’t need but will enjoy.
Argument Against: Think of all the asphalt roads that are never sealed. They’re exposed to the elements, used by heavy trucks, and last many years.
The Washington Post agrees: it’s almost needless!
A Must-Do
Keep on top of the cracks: more below.
As always, use the best, below I recommend only sealers boasting high polymers and at least a two-year warranty. Some offer warranties of 5 or 6 years, but that’s bunk. Read why here.
The Best Driveway Sealer
Why I get the best:
Here it is online, the Jetcoat Driveway Sealer. There is no point in buying low or medium-grade driveway sealers. The time and cost of re-coating frequently are actually more expensive in the long run.
I only recommend solvent-based sealers and paints for driveways. The one I recommend below contains petroleum asphalt, silicate, and polymers. What a goop.
Don’t use coal tar sealers: They are not at all environmentally friendly, so I don’t want them around. They are banned in some states, and the list will grow. Then, when they disappear, what will you do at re-coating time? Plus they stink forever in the heat.
Why not water-based?
Sure, water-based chemistry has come a long way, but I go with what works (and they cost the same).
What is the best driveway sealer product today?
From my research, I recommend Jetcoat for asphalt (not concrete or brick!). A five-gallon bucket only covers 250-300 sq. ft., on par with most others, but at least this one is quality. It fills smaller cracks. The shipping costs as much as the product, so try to find it locally, but if you can’t it’s still a good deal, and it’s delivered. To your driveway.
Key point: if you are selling, you’ll get your money back.
How to Apply Driveway Sealer:
You don’t need much info here. Stir it frequently, keep moving, don’t quit until it’s done, that’s the key thing. Aim for a uniform thickness: it’s not hard to get. A drill attachment is helpful to stir.
Tools: Apply with a squeegee or the back of a push broom. This tool has both – used in the video at the bottom. For main areas, and budget brushes you will toss to do the edges. You can clean the squeegee. For a thin coat (recommended two thin coats over one thick, as with paint), you can use the brush side to even it out.
Two Thin Coats are much more than twice as protective as one coat and last twice as long. I would go with the recommendation on this. A second coat of the sealant should be applied after the first coat has dried TO THE TOUCH OR WITHIN 24 HOURS.
So you need 2 days of no rain: the weather forecasts are as good today at the 5-day as they were at the 1-day in 1980, thanks to computer modelling.
Wait at least a day or more in cool weather for vehicle traffic. Send me before and after pics and I’ll make you as famous as me. Ha!
Block off your driveway, and clean the squeegee if you want.
Good video below.
How often do I have to re-seal the driveway?
As a general rule, you should seal your asphalt driveway every 2 to 3 years. But you don’t have to EVER seal it and if you do seal it, and it needs more, but you don’t want to, there is no rule that says you must. So? Your driveway won’t look great. It’s not the end of the world. On the other hand, it’s only money. And time. Oh yeah and the work. Oh, ug the smell.
But it looks great!
How long does driveway sealer last before it shows real degrading?
About two years in most North American climates.
Do I need to seal my driveway after pressure washing?
You don’t ‘need’ to. But if you want to seal it, yes, clean it really well. If you have read my posts, you know I love the Sun Joe line of washers. They go and go. Check the price on a good one.
Some ‘experts’ (internet ‘experts’) say yes, some say no. Think of all the asphalt in the world that is never sealed and heavily abused. Seems fine to me. But as stated above, good looks and some protection is a nice touch. But the downside is the mess, expense, and your time.
Fillng Cracks and Joints
I’ve written about joint maintenance in general, but here is a quickie on asphalt cracks.
First option: A strong epoxy-based filler that comes in a caulk tube. I trust Red Devil. The best deal is a case: you’ll use it all. (Read about the kind of caulk gun that won’t fail if it gets dropped.) Don’t use a putty knife as the product suggests. I wrote about caulk guns and how to use them here.
Second option: A gallon of rubber polymer from the Henry Company that fills cracks up to 1/2 inch wide in asphalt driveways. Pour it straight out of the jug. Stands up to temperature extremes.
How to apply crack filler:
- A precaution: you don’t have to, but you can use painter’s tape to mask off where you don’t want the goop (if you are not sealing the entire driveway).
- Cut the nozzle as small as possible as it should fit into the smallest crack you have.
- Fill the cracks up to and just above the surface of the crack.
- Use a rag just damp and wipe off the excess.
- Don’t push it in, and don’t let it get rained on until it dries or it will stain.
Related links for Concrete Driveways
- Change the Joint Sealant Before Sealing or Painting Your Driveway
- Concrete Stain – Top Recommended Stains (+How To Stain Concrete)
- How to Prepare Concrete for Painting or Staining
- Preparing Old, Sealed Concrete for Stain or Paint
- Concrete Paint – Top Picks and 5 Key Planning Points
Here is a guy doing it right:
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in driveway maintenance and asphalt sealers, I've delved into various products and techniques to provide you with valuable insights. My experience stems from practical application, thorough research, and a genuine passion for ensuring driveways remain in optimal condition. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
1. Sealing Asphalt Driveways:
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Argument For Sealing:
- Curb Appeal: The primary benefit is instant curb appeal, enhancing the aesthetic and potentially increasing property value.
- Protection from Elements: Sealing protects asphalt from the combined effects of air, UV rays, and salt, preventing brittleness and degradation.
- Erosion Prevention: Sealing helps prevent water freezing, which can lead to erosion.
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Argument Against Sealing:
- Comparison to Unsealed Roads: Many asphalt roads are not sealed and still endure exposure to elements and heavy traffic, lasting for years.
- Opinion of Washington Post: The Washington Post suggests that sealing driveways may be almost needless.
2. Choosing the Best Driveway Sealer:
- Recommended Product: Jetcoat Premium Driveway Sealer, Asphalt Crack Filler, and Sealant.
- Avoidance of Coal Tar Sealers: Not environmentally friendly, banned in some states, and may pose challenges during re-coating.
- Preference for Solvent-Based Sealers: Specifically mentioning solvent-based sealers with petroleum asphalt, silicate, and polymers.
3. Application of Driveway Sealer:
- Key Tips:
- Stir Frequently: To maintain consistency during application.
- Aim for Uniform Thickness: Achieving a consistent layer for better protection.
- Two Thin Coats: Emphasizes the protective benefits and longevity of applying two thin coats over one thick coat.
- Tools: Squeegee or the back of a push broom for application.
4. Frequency of Re-Sealing:
- General Rule: Suggests re-sealing every 2 to 3 years for asphalt driveways.
- No Strict Rule: Acknowledges that re-sealing is not mandatory, and some driveways may not need it.
5. Driveway Sealer Lifespan:
- Degradation Time: Approximately two years in most North American climates before visible degradation.
6. Sealing After Pressure Washing:
- Cleaning Recommendation: Suggests thorough cleaning before sealing, and mentions the use of pressure washers, specifically recommending the Sun Joe line.
7. Filling Cracks and Joints:
- Recommended Products:
- Epoxy-Based Filler: Red Devil in a caulk tube for joint maintenance.
- Rubber Polymer: From the Henry Company, suitable for cracks up to 1/2 inch wide in asphalt driveways.
8. Application of Crack Filler:
- Procedure: Recommends using painter's tape for masking, cutting the nozzle for precise application, wiping off excess, and cautioning against rain exposure before drying.
9. Related Links for Concrete Driveways:
- Joint Sealant Change: Suggests changing joint sealant before sealing or painting a concrete driveway.
- Concrete Stain: Provides information on recommended concrete stains and the process of staining.
- Preparing Concrete for Painting or Staining: Offers guidance on preparing old, sealed concrete for stain or paint.
- Concrete Paint: Highlights top picks and key planning points for concrete paint.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in driveway maintenance contribute to the credibility of the information provided in the article.
