How long should you wait to seal a new asphalt driveway?

Typically you want to wait a minimum of 6 months before applying sealcoat to fresh asphalt to give it time to fully cure, compact, and settle. You might be able to get by with less time in some cases, but 6 months is usually the absolute minimum as a rule of thumb.

Should you seal a new asphalt driveway?

For starters, never seal a new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs a minimum of six months for the oils in it to evaporate. The less oil, the harder the driveway, which is the goal. Ideally you want your sealer to be on your driveway for at least 48 hours before any rain comes down on it.

When should asphalt sealer be applied?

Ideally the best time of year for driveway sealcoating is between May and October. However, you will want to check the forecast to be as sure it will not rain while the driveway is setting. It is important to not touch or drive on the seal coated driveway for at least 12 hours.

How long before you can seal coat a new driveway?

It is important to let those chemicals cure and harden—you will want to wait a minimum of 90 days before sealcoating any asphalt driveway or parking lot. The longer you wait, the stronger the pavement will be. If possible, wait nine to twelve months.

What time of year is best to seal driveway?

spring
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.

Is driveway Sealcoating worth the money?

Kindler said sealing helps prolong the life of a driveway and should be a regular part of home maintenance. “If you seal-coat a driveway or a highway, the surface will last longer,” said Kindler, who teaches a pavement class at Ohio State University. “I would recommend doing it about every three years on a driveway.”

Is Sealcoating your driveway worth it?

How often should you seal a blacktop driveway?

After the initial seal, asphalt should be resealed once every three to five years. If you live in a climate with freezing winters and hot summers, consider resealing your driveway once every two to three years.

How long does it take for asphalt sealer to dry?

As a general rule, allow at least 24 hours for the sealcoat to fully cure before driving on it. Be aware, however, that temperature and humidity levels greatly impact how long it takes for certain types of asphalt sealers to dry and fully cure.

Is Sealcoating driveway worth it?

How long should I wait to seal my driveway?

If you plan to seal it, wait at least 90 more days, if not a year, to ensure your sealant doesn’t crack or damage the asphalt underneath. If it goes on too early, the sealer locks in those lightweight hydrocarbon oils that give the asphalt its flexibility. This makes the asphalt surface easy to mark with tires…

How long will asphalt sealer last after reapplication?

While asphalt-based sealer is likely to retain its look and seal for 1- to 3-years before reapplication is required, tar-based sealers tend to maintain their integrity beyond 3 years, so again, choosing the right product is critical.

How long does it take for asphalt to harden on driveway?

Asphalt ABCs. Asphalt requires at least 90 days to fully cure and harden. If you plan to seal it, wait at least 90 more days, if not a year, to ensure your sealant doesn’t crack or damage the asphalt underneath. If it goes on too early, the sealer locks in those lightweight hydrocarbon oils that give the asphalt its flexibility.

Is there a way to seal asphalt driveway?

The answer is not straightforward about sealing asphalt and you’ll discover LOTS of conflicting information on the Internet about this topic. LISTEN to the above podcast to discover what you need to know.