how do you seal blacktop

The Process of Blacktop Sealcoating

• 1. Clean and prepare your paved surface. Be sure the driveway is as clean as possible before you seal it. ...
• 2. Repair cracks before you start ...
• 3. Mix the sealcoat product ...
• 4. Apply the asphalt sealer ...
• 5. Lay down the first coat in long, horizontal lines down your driveway. ...
• 6. Protect the surface while it dries ...

Full Answer

What kind of sealer do you use on Blacktop?

This blacktop driveway is twenty years old. It’s in very good condition. Photo credit: Tim Carter There are three basic types of blacktop or asphalt sealers: simple emulsified asphalt; refined coal tar sealers; and 100 percent man-made acrylic polymer sealers.

Should I seal my asphalt blacktop?

However, a blacktop sealer can help prevent that base from being damaged. Resealing asphalt can help keep water out from the gravel underneath. In addition, the sealing could help protect the blacktop from:

What is the best way to seal a cracked asphalt driveway?

The Jetcoat 10-year driveway sealer can fill cracks and seal in one resurfacing product. It’s best to apply a second coat after the first coat has dried and is smooth to touch within 24 hours. Coverage will vary from 250 to 350 square feet per bucket of driveway sealer. 3. Asphalt Driveway Sealing Cost Breakdown

What is Blacktop Sealcoating and why do you need it?

Blacktop sealcoating is one of the essential steps to protecting an owner’s investment in an asphalt driveway or parking lot. Whether your driveway or parking lot is new asphalt or older asphalt, it will require seal coating.

Can I seal my asphalt driveway myself?

The best asphalt driveway sealer materials cost about $100, but you'll save about $200 in labor over a professional job. A power washer speeds the cleaning process, but you can do the job without it.

Does blacktop need to be sealed?

Denny says asphalt should be sealed once every three years. It's best to do it during summer or early fall, because asphalt is more flexible and easier to manage in warmer temperatures. Concrete driveways, on the other hand, should be sealed every four to five years.

What is the best way to seal asphalt driveway?

0:513:38How to Seal an Asphalt Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a squeegee to spread it and then use a brush to pull it down you want a very thin coatMoreYou can use a squeegee to spread it and then use a brush to pull it down you want a very thin coat for the best.

Is sealing asphalt worth it?

Sealcoating will protect against fading, and can even improve the appearance of your asphalt. It will restore the lustrous appearance of the asphalt, even if some natural fading has occurred. It will also fill all of minor surface flaws, giving the pavement a smooth and even appearance.

How much does asphalt sealcoating cost?

The cost of sealcoating If you're going to get professional sealcoaters to do the job, the typical sealcoating cost would range between $0.08 to $0.30 a square foot. This means that, on average, you can expect to pay between $48 to $180 to sealcoat a 600 square foot parking space.

What's the average cost to seal a driveway?

National Average: $486 According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, driveway sealing costs can range from $250 to $768, with the national average at $486. Asphalt sealcoating products typically range from $0.06 to $0.38 per square foot.

Do I need to pressure wash driveway before sealing?

It All Begins With Pressure Washing the Driveway Sealing without cleaning first is a huge mistake that only a novice would make. However, getting out all of the dirt and grime along with stains is a must before permanently securing them onto the driveway's surface with a sealer.

How much does a 5 gallon bucket of driveway sealer cover?

between 250-500 square feetNote: The typical 5-gallon sealcoat container can cover between 250-500 square feet depending on the material's condition and texture. For simplicity's sake, these examples use five gallons that cover the maximum 500 square feet.

Is sealing a driveway worth it?

Extends the Life of Your Driveway A seal coating will prevent damage to your driveway from UV rays, vehicle fluids, water, and more, which means it will last longer. Replacing a driveway can be expensive, so the longer you can keep your driveway looking great, the better.

Is it OK if it rains after sealing driveway?

In the vast majority of cases, driveway sealant will be impervious to rain 12 hours after application. As long as you've applied your sealer in good conditions, your sealer will have cured enough to resist rain after 12 hours.

How long does asphalt sealer last?

Overusing sealer can cause peeling, flaking or cracking if it builds up. The industry standard is for sealcoating to be replaced every two years, which allows the sealer on your driveway or parking lot to wear away prior to resealing.

Is it better to spray or squeegee driveway sealer?

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.

How often should blacktop be sealed?

every two to three yearsAsphalt sealcoating is every two to three years depending on how much traffic your driveway gets or how constantly it is being exposed to the elements such as UV rays, snow and other chemicals.

Is it worth it to seal your driveway?

Extends the Life of Your Driveway A seal coating will prevent damage to your driveway from UV rays, vehicle fluids, water, and more, which means it will last longer. Replacing a driveway can be expensive, so the longer you can keep your driveway looking great, the better.

When Should I seal my asphalt driveway?

You need to also seal your driveway after every repair. For brand-new driveways, it's imperative to sealcoat it after 90 days or when the asphalt is hardened and fully cured. The ideal time to sealing your driveway is in the summer or when the temperature reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the pros and cons of sealing an asphalt driveway?

The Pros and Cons of Sealing AsphaltWhat Is Sealcoating? Asphalt is often used in the construction of parking lots, driveways, and roads. ... Asphalt Sealcoating Benefits. ... Improve the Look of Faded Asphalt. ... Prevents Damage. ... Stopping Potholes. ... Cost-Effective Option. ... Sealcoating Drawbacks. ... Never Apply Sealcoat To Fresh Asphalt.More items...•

What is a blacktop sealcoating?

Sealers contain emulsions that combine asphalt or refined coal tar with clay, water, and mineral fillers. When applied, the water evaporates, and the emulsion hardens to form a protective blacktop sealcoat. The sealer hardens to a beautiful black surface giving a single-family home, multi-family residence, or commercial or industrial property curb appeal with a polished look.

How to maintain uniform color of sealcoat?

Before you use up one bucket of sealcoat, blend in the next bucket. There can be differences in colors between buckets, and this method helps you maintain color uniformity over the entire surface.

How long does asphalt last?

An asphalt driveway could last up to 30 years if the driveway was installed correctly and regularly maintained. Regular maintenance includes filling cracks annually and blacktop sealcoating when needed.

What is asphalt seal coat?

Asphalt driveway seal coat sits on top of the driveway and acts as a barrier. That barrier prevents water, ice, oil and car fluids, sun, salt, and chemicals from eating away at the driveway or parking lot surface.

What is the best product to fill cracks in a concrete floor?

More significant cracks should be filled with a product designed for such use before the surface seal coating is applied. A rubberized crack sealer is ideal for repairing such cracks.

How many types of pavement sealers are there?

Pavement sealcoat products come in a variety of standards. There are three types of pavement sealers.

How long does it take for asphalt to dry?

Sealed asphalt can be driven on after 12 to 24 hours in the heat of the summer. However, we recommend you allow 48 hours to maintain an excellent looking finish.

What is blacktop sealer?

There are three basic types of blacktop or asphalt sealers: simple emulsified asphalt; refined coal tar sealers; and 100 percent man-made acrylic polymer sealers. The simple asphalt emulsion sealers offer the lowest levels of protection. In essence, they simply contain the same asphalt that was used to bind the sand and gravel together in ...

How long does it take to seal a blacktop driveway?

Depending upon the time of year it was installed, your climate, daytime temperatures, etc. the earliest you can seal your driveway is 90 days after installation. Your driveway should be exposed for at least 90 days where the daytime temperature is 70F or greater. ...

How long does asphalt sealer last?

Even if you use just an emulsified asphalt sealer from a quality manufacturer, this coating should last two to three years. Applying sealer every year is a mistake. It is simply overkill and a waste of money. Good luck on your sealing project!

What are the green and red sealers on tennis courts?

These are the acrylic sealers. If you have ever played tennis on a blacktop court that has the distinctive green and red sealers, you have walked on these acrylic sealers. The acrylics in these sealers are unaffected by sunlight and air. They stay flexible for many years.

How to remove oil drippings from car?

Remove caked up oil drippings. Clean oil spots with special oil cleaners available from the sealer companies. Tough spots should have a special oil primer applied so the sealer sticks to the oil stained area.

Can you keep a blacktop soft?

If you do not let these oils evaporate, your blacktop may remain soft for a long time. Things such as bike kickstands, heavy metal objects, etc. will dent your new blacktop. If you have anything that leaks oil, use cardboard to protect the new blacktop to keep it oil-free until such time as you can seal it.

Is it better to seal a driveway or paint?

Sealing a driveway is not much different than painting the walls or ceiling in your house. If you have ever painted a room correctly, you know that you must wash the surfaces to be painted, patch any holes in the plaster, caulk all cracks, and apply the paint in a uniform thickness (not too thin and not too thick). Driveways are just the same.

What percentage of blacktop is not asphalt?

I started to look very closely at the average blacktop road and driveway. When you study them, you quickly realize that more than 90 percent of the surface is not asphalt. What you see are small stones and sand. The asphalt cement shows up as a thin line in between the stones and sand. Remember, sand is very small pieces of stone. The stones and sand in blacktop are immune to UV damage from the sun.

What is the glue that holds together the sand and stones that make up a blacktop drive?

The asphalt cement used at the plant that makes blacktop for the city roadways was undoubtedly the same used to make residential driveways. Asphalt cement is the binder, or glue, that holds together the sand and stones that make up a blacktop drive, road or parking lot.

Why is my driveway black?

When a blacktop driveway is new, it’s as black as a moonless night because the asphalt cement has coated all of the sand and stones in the mix. Over time, this very thin coating wears off and you start to see the color of the stones and sand. Don’t discount this distinctive look. So long as the asphalt cement used at the blacktop plant was high quality, your driveway will not fall apart in a few years without sealer. If it does start to crack and crumble, it’s not a lack of sealer; it’s an indication that the gravel base was not installed correctly.

How long does it take for asphalt to oxidize?

Keep in mind that this oxidation only happens at the very top of the asphalt that’s exposed to the sunlight, and it can take years and years for larger stones to become dislodged.

Can you seal a blacktop driveway without sealer?

Don’t discount this distinctive look. So long as the asphalt cement used at the blacktop plant was high quality, your driveway will not fall apart in a few years without sealer. If it does start to crack and crumble, it’s not a lack of sealer ; it’s an indication that the gravel base was not installed correctly.

Can you seal a blacktop driveway?

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. If you don’t take off your shoes when you come into your home, you’ll track the asphalt indoors, discoloring vinyl flooring and carpets.

Is blacktop cement sealed?

First and foremost, I thought long and hard about blacktop roads in my city. They were never sealed. The asphalt cement used at the plant that makes blacktop for the city roadways was undoubtedly the same used to make residential driveways. Asphalt cement is the binder, or glue, that holds together the sand and stones that make up a blacktop drive, road or parking lot.

Where to put sealer on driveway?from familyhandyman.com

Start at the top left or right edge of the driveway and pour the sealer in an upside-down U-shape pattern. Pour the sealer onto the driveway (Photo 7).

How to clean oil stains from sealer?from thisoldhouse.com

For oil and gas stains that may repel or discolor the sealer, spot clean with a specialized cleanser and a stiff bristle brush.

How Long Does it Take to Sealcoat a Driveway?from thisoldhouse.com

Sealing a driveway should be no more than a weekend affair —with dry weather and temperatures above 50 degrees required.

How to get asphalt sealant out of a power mixer?from wikihow.com

Remove the lid of the asphalt sealant and create a cut in the center. Place the mixing paddle that attaches to your power mixer into the asphalt sealant and then place the lid over the rod and attach it to the container. This will prevent splashes of asphalt from leaving the container during mixing.

How much does driveway sealer cost?from familyhandyman.com

Driveway sealer is available in various grades and price ranges, from as little as $15 per 5-gallon pail to about $35 per pail for a premium product. Some bargain products contain almost 50 percent water and have lower coverage rates and a correspondingly shorter guarantee, so they’re not the most cost-effective solution over the long term. Use one of them if you’re trying to spiff up the driveway before selling your home. Premium products, on the other hand, are made with higher quality resins and UV stabilizers and contain filler and elastomeric material, so they last longer and carry a longer guarantee.

How to keep others from driving on the surface?from thisoldhouse.com

To keep others from driving on the surface, block the foot of the driveway with cones or used sealant

How to get rid of streaks on a wand?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

Consistent wand height is also very important when applying sealer. For the best results, hold the wand at waist level, straight out so that the stream of sealer sprays straight down. This will help eliminate skipped spots and takes the streaks out of the pattern.

What is the best sealer for a cracked blacktop driveway?from bobvila.com

For cracked blacktop driveways, Latex-ite Filler Sealer does double duty—it helps fill cracks up to ⅛-inch wide, and it also provides an attractive driveway coating.

What to do before sealing driveway?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

There are a few steps you need to take before sealing your driveway. Make sure that you have all the proper equipment and supplies with you the day before sealcoating. Also, wear safety glasses, gloves and shoes when sealcoating.

How Often Should You Sealcoat Your Driveway?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

It's important to note that you shouldn't sealcoat your driveway too frequently. Otherwise, you risk damaging it.

How Much Does it Cost to Seal Your Driveway?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

In the US, the average cost of sealcoating is between 10 - 15 cents per square foot. It may be a little higher in California or New York as contractors usually charge more. There are other contractors who would charge per 1000 square feet and not by the square foot, so make sure that you review the entire contract before proceeding. You may also have to pay an additional for the labor cost but this would depend on the contractor you work with.

What is Asphalt Sealcoating?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

When not repaired, it can negatively impact the curb appeal of your driveway. In a worst-case scenario, cracks may lead to potholes that will burn a hole in your pocket. With sealcoating, you can add an extra layer of protection to your asphalt surface. When you properly maintain your asphalt by sealing, rest assured that it will extend the life of your driveway. If you are a property owner, it may even add value to your home.

How Much Does it Cost to Sealcoat Asphalt?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

Sealcoating only costs between $0.15 and $ 0.25 per square foot. It's more affordable compared to asphalt installation which costs between $1.5 and $2 per square foot.

How Much Money Can You Make with a Sealcoating Business?from blog.asphaltkingdom.com

Asphalt sealcoating is a lucrative industry. You can already get started with just the basic equipment. How much you can earn from this business depends on you. Do you plan to make this a full-time business or only during weekends? Use our Sealcoating Profit Calculator to see how much you can earn.

Where to put sealer on driveway?

Start at the top left or right edge of the driveway and pour the sealer in an upside-down U-shape pattern. Pour the sealer onto the driveway (Photo 7).

How long does it take to seal a driveway?

The driveway sealer application phase is much faster, taking only a few hours per coat for a typical driveway.

How much does driveway sealer cost?

Driveway sealer is available in various grades and price ranges, from as little as $15 per 5-gallon pail to about $35 per pail for a premium product. Some bargain products contain almost 50 percent water and have lower coverage rates and a correspondingly shorter guarantee, so they’re not the most cost-effective solution over the long term. Use one of them if you’re trying to spiff up the driveway before selling your home. Premium products, on the other hand, are made with higher quality resins and UV stabilizers and contain filler and elastomeric material, so they last longer and carry a longer guarantee.

How much does it cost to seal asphalt?

The best asphalt driveway sealer materials cost about $100, but you’ll save about $200 in labor over a professional job. A power washer speeds the cleaning process, but you can do the job without it. In addition to a squeegee or application brush, you’ll need a broom, drill, mixing paddle, duct tape, dashing brush and poly sheeting to protect painted surfaces.

What happens if you use a brush on a sealer?

Use of the wrong applicator. Using a brush when the manufacturer specifies a squeegee (or vice versa) will cause premature sealer failure.

How to mix water and solids in a pail?

Start the mixing paddle near the top of the pail and slowly lower it into the contents settled at the bottom. Cycle the mixing paddle up and down while it spins to combine the water and solids into a smooth consistency. Choose an area on the driveway for mixing and cover it with poly sheeting to protect against spills (dried spills will show through the sealer). Remove the pail lids and cut a small hole in the center of one lid. Use that lid to prevent splashing during mixing. Stir until the mixture is smooth (Photo 4).

What to use to remove oil from driveway?

Using the wrong one can cause premature failure. You’ll also need liquid driveway cleaner/degreaser to remove oil and tree sap. If your driveway has visible oil stains, pick up a bottle of oil spot primer.

Is it Worth Sealing an Asphalt Driveway?

In the short-term, most asphalt driveways function perfectly fine without a sealant layer to protect them. Because sealing your blacktop is not highly urgent and imperative to the current function of your driveway, many people put it off and even question whether it is worth the effort and cost.

What You Need to Know When Sealing an Asphalt Driveway

Considering the above pros and cons, sealing most residential and commercial asphalt driveways makes sense. Increasing your driveway’s lifespan even by a few years can help save money in the long run by reducing asphalt repairs and prolonging the time until you need to get your driveway resurfaced or replaced.

Final Thoughts

When first approaching the idea of sealing your asphalt driveway, it can seem extremely complicated and expensive. However, that is far from the truth because it’s a relatively simple process that can extend your driveway’s lifespan significantly and save you money.