If you have a driveway, it is essential to keep it in good condition. One way to do this is by seal coating it. Sealcoating your driveway can help protect it from the weather and extend its life.
It's not advisable to seal coat in the winter as the colder season will negatively affect the performance of the sealer. The sealer may not bond with the asphalt or will not cure correctly. The temperature also helps the sealcoat to dry — learn how long it takes for sealcoating to dry here.
Disadvantages of Seal Coating
It won't repair or restore cracked or crumbling pavement. Seal coating can be applied to surfaces with minimal cracking, dry patches or faded sections. However, any pavement cracks, potholes or areas with compromised structural integrity must be repaired first.
The lifespan of sealcoating can vary depending on several factors, including climate, traffic volume, and the quality of the sealcoat application. Generally, a properly applied sealcoat can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years.
Curing Time: While the sealcoat may feel dry after a few hours, it takes longer to fully cure. The curing process typically takes one to three days, depending on factors such as weather conditions and humidity levels. It's essential to allow sufficient curing time before subjecting the surface to vehicle traffic.
Commercial grade asphalt sealer is the single most important item to buy for professional sealcoating results. This is true for everyone, whether you are a homeowner who wants to sealcoat your own driveway or you're a grizzled pro who's has been in this business for a decade.
Asphalt driveways should be sealed once every two to three years, while concrete driveways require sealant every four to five years. Concrete often goes unsealed due to a mistaken belief that it doesn't require a sealer. Not sealing concrete can shorten the driveway's lifespan as water seeps into the concrete.
If it begins to rain after sealcoating your driveway, it's important to avoid driving on the surface until the rain has completely stopped. This precaution is necessary because the presence of water can interfere with the curing process of the sealant, potentially causing it to come off prematurely.
Wet or dry? A hot, dry driveway above 95° F will dry to fast; the result can be a very uneven finish. We recommend cleaning the surface first using a driveway cleaner, which also serves to cool off the surface. Make sure there is no puddled water on the driveway before sealing.
If the product is usable donate it to a neighbor, paving contractor or other person who may use it. Sealers that say on the label that they contain petroleum distillates or coal tar are considered hazardous and should be disposed of as part of a hazardous waste collection program.
Asphalt-based sealers are durable and provide good protection against oil and gas spills. Coal tar sealers are known for their water resistance and durability but are not the most eco-conscious decision. Acrylic sealers have good UV protection and are usually used on concrete driveways.
The paint will not cure properly and will be prone to cracking. However, if sealcoating is applied too thickly, it will not dry evenly. In addition, your sealcoating will not hold up to traffic and will need to be reapplied ahead of schedule to maintain adequate protection for your pavement.
The best time of year to seal a driveway is spring through fall, or whenever temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm environment helps the sealant bond with your driveway. Be sure to check the weather app on your phone—any rain within the first 24 hours post-sealing could wash away your efforts.
But if you want to drive on it, then you have to wait a minimum of 12 hours for it to dry and cure. If it's overcast or if rain is in the forecast, then the drying and curing process will definitely take much longer. For optimum results, we recommend that you use your driveway 48 to 72 hours after sealcoat was applied.
Once you understand the type of Concrete you are working with, it will be easier to choose the correct Concrete Sealer and method for applying. Spraying Concrete sealers tends to be the more commonly used method for contractors and larger jobs, and rolling is more for the homeowner or smaller jobs.
If you have beginner level DIY skills, it's recommended you hire a professional for this work. A poor quality job is likely to lead to repairs in the future and corrective actions during installation, all of which can mean extra costs and hassle. Preparation will be a key focus for any specialist.
The best way to protect a driveway once it has been cleaned is by using a good quality driveway sealer. A block paving drive sealer can help to keep a driveway looking like new by making the surface water resistant which in turn will help slow down deterioration.
If you decide to seal a blacktop driveway, you open up a Pandora's box of problems, in my opinion. The sealer is made up almost exclusively of asphalt. The UV rays will attack this thin coating, and it will begin to harden and fail.
During the summer months of May through August we recommend staying off the driveway with vehicles for 48 hours. After September 1st allow 72 hours or more depending on the temperature. Driveway sealer will dry like paint from the top down. It may feel dry on the surface but may still be wet underneath.
Although both types have advantages, water-based sealers' shorter cure time and eco-friendliness make it the better choice in many situations.