DIY: Driveway Seal Coat

Choosing a Sealant

• The sealant you choose for your driveway should resist rain, sun and other elements. Choose one that is tested and proven to resist the elements that may cause most harm to your driveway. For instance, if you live in Arizona, where it is typically dry and sunny, a sealant with a high resistance to UV rays which also withstands hot summer temperatures is a good choice. Your hardware store staff should be able to direct you to the right sealant choice.

Application Tips

• Sealant should be applied every few years (experts say two to four years) or as the existing sealant becomes thin and worn down. Applying sealant every year will cause the sealant to build up over time, which will split and peel. Before the sealant is applied you should also fill in cracks that are more than 1/4 inch wide with driveway crack putty or filler. After this completely dries and cures, clean the driveway with warm water and a heavy-duty cleaning detergent. Laundry detergent, dish detergent or another heavy cleaner can be used. On new driveways, sealant should be applied only after 90 days.

When to Apply

• The spring is the ideal time to seal a driveway. However, if you find that your area rarely has two days of consistent mild and sunny weather, the fall or early summer may be a better choice for you. The sealant should be applied while the temperature is mild, between 50 and 70 degrees and there is little chance of rain and low wind, as dirt and leaves can be blown into the drying sealant. The driveway must be completely dry before application. One way to ensure the application goes on correctly is to wash down the driveway in the morning, thoroughly hose it down and then let it dry. Do the application in the mid- to early afternoon so that the sealant has a chance to dry before the temperature drops that night. Another option is to clean the driveway the night before with detergent, and then the following morning simply wash it down with water and let it dry before the sealant is applied.