Although latex acrylic sealers are one of the most expensive options, they're one of the best asphalt driveway sealer options because they're durable, stain resistant, and non-toxic. They can last 5 to 10 years and are UV-resistant to stand up against hotter climates.
Jetcoat 10-year
10 years, however, is a long, long time and it's how long you'll have in between coats if you get Jetcoat's 10-year sealant. This long-last sealant is designed to last, with a patented formula that'll cover your driveway for 10 years.
Coal tar sealcoat is known for its hard, durable film, deep dark color and increased fuel resistance. It's also known as an easier material to work with than is asphalt-based, due in part to it being more forgiving in marginal weather/environmental conditions.
Oil-based sealers have long been favored for their numerous advantages, particularly their exceptional durability. These sealers can effectively safeguard your driveway for up to four years, depending on the specific product and prevailing environmental conditions.
Concrete driveways are considered the 'old reliable' choice for most homes. It'll last longer than any other of the driveway materials, on average, and unlike asphalt, it'll only need minimal maintenance over the years.
Using a squeegee is more hands-on, and the workers will know exactly what spots they've hit and what they've missed. They will be able to apply a thicker layer of sealer as well. Ultimately, spraying is better for large areas when time is short, and squeegee is better for smaller lots and a thicker application.
Using acrylic for seal coating asphalt is an expensive choice. In fact, it is the most expensive choice. Despite the cost, acrylic sealer has a number of benefits. It is durable, UV resistant, weather resistant and classified as environmentally friendly.
Applying two coats of any sealer will dry and create a better finish much better than one thick coat. These sealers are water based, and they cure and form a film primarily during the evaporation of water from the coating. A thin coat will evaporate much faster and create a single uniform layer.
The product of choice is oil-based sealer because it achieves more complete penetration and adhesion to old, rough asphalt surfaces and typically lasts several times as long, usually four to six years, depending on weather conditions.
The best time to sealcoat your driveway is during summer when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 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.
While slathering seal coat over asphalt in a thick layer can be tempting, a “more is better” approach is detrimental to the pavement beneath. Too much sealer can lead to premature cracking, which will shorten the lifespan of your driveway.
Apply sealant every three to five years. 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.
Apply a minimum of 1-2 heavy coats per day. Coverage should be at least 250 square feet per 5 gallons. For larger areas, pour onto the surface and roll.
While we still recommend those with cracks developing try to get their asphalt seal coated before it gets too cold, spring is really the best time for seal coating. 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.
Driveway Square Footage
A 500-square-foot driveway typically requires 5 gallons of sealant, which can run between $40 and $165. Keep in mind that the price will double if two coats of sealant are used.
Selecting the right grade comes down to how long you need your sealer to last. In general, you should avoid using consumer-grade sealers. These are the kind you'll find in home improvement stores. They're not very durable and don't protect well against weather.
Sealcoating is not designed to be an asphalt crack filler, it is made for sealing the surface and protecting it from the elements such as UV light, salts and oils. It is not flexible enough to fill a crack without re-cracking and it does not have adhesion quality's that Asphalt Crack Filler has.
Asphalt Driveways
With a nice, firm surface and relatively inexpensive installation cost, asphalt is an attractive option for homeowners with long driveways and/or budget constraints. It's best suited to colder climates and should be resealed every few years to extend its lifespan.
The Drawbacks of Seal Coating
One is that it can be messy and difficult to apply evenly. It's also important to note that sealants will not repair significant damage to your driveway; they will only protect it from further damage. If your driveway is damaged, you'll need to have it repaired before sealcoating it.
The first coat of the first time the asphalt is sealed – a squeegee is very effective in getting sealer in all the nooks and crannies of unsealed asphalt – after that coat, sealer ought to be spray applied for maximum coverage and thickness.
Acrylic polymer driveway sealers contain mostly man-made chemical ingredients and provide all of the UV, water, gasoline and oil protection of coal tar. Synthetic sealers are on the higher end of the price scale but have lower VOC emissions and increased longevity over asphalt and coal tar sealers.