This is one of the most important articles for any homeowner interested in maintaining or improving their property. Prevent cracks from developing in driveways by cleaning them regularly and applying driveway sealer.
Apart from repairing cracks, applying driveway sealant will prevent them from reappearing at all! As you know time and weather are not always kind to your asphalt surface.
How to Clean a Driveway?
Before you begin, remove all debris such as loose or pea gravel from the surface of your driveway. Use a garden hose with a pressure washer wand or a power washer to remove all the debris from your driveway.
Always wash both sides of your driveway at once so you are not creating an uneven surface when it dries.
Also remove all existing oil spots, dirt, and debris from the driveway before applying sealant. Wash and neutralize any petroleum products present on its surface.
As you can see, this step is very important because it will make a big difference in how even your driveway looks when you apply the sealant.
How Do I Repair Driveway Cracks?
Driveway cracks can be repaired quickly and simply using driveway crack fillers or crack repair kits. You should always clean the area before applying a sealer.
How to Fix a Pothole in my Driveway?
Potholes can be repaired cheaply and effectively by using high-quality epoxy pothole repair kits. These small repair kits include everything you need to repair and fill potholes. Be sure to remove loose dirt or gravel from the portion of your driveway around the pothole using a garden hose.
Tools Needed for How to Seal a Driveway
It is important that you use the correct products to seal your driveway. You will need two things:
- A 4″ diameter plastic paint roller. Using a paint roller ensures smooth uniform coverage of the driveway.
- A driveway sealant to protect your driveway against cracking and fading overtime.
Read our article on the best driveway sealers for cleaning solutions you can use for your driveway. For best results, wait at least 2 hours for your driveway to dry completely before applying a driveway sealer.
How to Apply Driveway Sealant?
It is extremely important that you read the product label for the proper procedure of how to seal a driveway. When the label indicates that you are ready, begin by sealing your driveway cracks with any asphalt crack filling material and wait at least one hour (as per manufacturer instructions) after application before proceeding.
After waiting patiently, proceed to apply the sealer over your entire driveway surface. Using a roller or paintbrush depending on brand specifications. Allow the sealer to dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions before driving on it again.
How Long Does it Take to Seal a Driveway?
Application time depends upon several factors including the number of coats required and drying time between applications. It could take as little as 4 hours for one coat or up to 24 hours if multiple coats are applied and/or surfaces are not in ideal conditions. Very hot or cold temperatures can also lengthen the time.
How Often Should I Seal My Driveway?
Driveway resealing procedures should be performed every 2-4 years depending on weather conditions (exposure to rain, snow, etc.). Other factors include the frequency of use and vehicular traffic on the driveway.
How Long Does Driveway Sealer Last?
When applying driveway sealant, it’s important to understand how long the product will last before having to reapply it again.
Driveway sealer often lasts for two or three years depending on what climate you live in and other factors such as your personal maintenance of your driveway and the weather conditions you’ve been experiencing over the previous year.
