Asphalt Driveways: Should I seal coat my blacktop? How often and what time of year?

Most experts agree that you should seal your driveway regularly. But some think it's a waste of time and money.

Pros:

Sealed Driveway — **Freshly sealed driveway**

Sealing will keep your driveway looking good.
Sealing can extend the life of your driveway. It can prevent damage to your driveway from the sun's ultraviolet rays, vehicle fluids, and water. This means your driveway will last longer and you'll have more time before you need an expensive driveway replacement.
The more your driveway is used, the more likely it is to benefit from sealing.
Sealing is much cheaper than replacing your driveway.
A sealed driveway can melt snow and ice faster.
A sealed driveway is easier to maintain. You can clean it with a broom.

Cons:

Cracked driveway — **Don't let this happen to your driveway**

Sealing an asphalt driveway costs between $250 and $700 per 1,000 square feet.
Even sealed driveways can develop cracks.
Sealing usually needs to be redone every one to three years (sometimes longer). Once you start resealing, you need to keep doing it.
If your driveway has never been sealed and it's in good condition, it might not be necessary.
A blacktop driveway with high quality asphalt cement and a gravel base that was installed correctly can potentially last for 20 years or more without sealing.
A seal-coated driveway can get hotter during the summer than unsealed driveways. This is because sealed driveways are darker and absorb more sunlight.
Blacktop sealer cannot fix a driveway with a poorly installed gravel base.

Don't seal your asphalt driveway if:

Your driveway hasn't been sealed in many years and has already degraded. It might make more sense to resurface or replace your driveway.
Your asphalt driveway is less than six months old.
Your blacktop is still in good shape. If the previous layer of sealant hasn't deteriorated yet, you're just adding another layer. Too many layers can lead to cracking.
It's below 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Even if you don't seal your blacktop driveway, you still need to maintain it:

Keep your blacktop clear of debris.
Repair cracks. You can fix cracks yourself with asphalt caulk or call a professional - especially with larger cracks.

What time of year is best to seal an asphalt driveway?

The best time to seal is when it's warm (late spring/summer/early fall) when asphalt is more flexible.
It's best to seal your driveway when the temperature is between 55° Fahrenheit and 90° Fahrenheit.
Make sure the temperature is not expected to fall below 50° Fahrenheit at any point for at least 24-48 hours after application. Water-based sealers won't bond well if it's too cold.
Don't seal if it's supposed to rain in the next 24 hours.
Weather conditions affect how long it takes before you should use your driveway again. It's usually best to wait at least 12 to 24 hours, but check with your contractor. Colder and more humid weather will slow the drying process of the sealer.

How often should I seal my asphalt driveway?

Most experts recommend resealing blacktop every two to three years, but sometimes after just one year or as many as five to ten years. The more you use your driveway, and the more snow and ice your driveway deals with, the more often you need to seal. If your driveway isn't used much you might not need to reseal it for five years or more.

Recommended Articles

Does Blacktop Need to be Sealed? Here's the Truth. (Your Own Architect)

Why sealing your blacktop driveway is pointless (Washington Post)

Do I Need to Seal My Driveway? (Family Handyman)

How Much Does It Cost to Seal a Driveway? (Angi)

Driveway Repair: When to Patch, Resurface, or Replace a Damaged Driveway (Angi)

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How Much Does It Cost to Install an Asphalt Driveway? (Angi)

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