Best Way to Seal an Asphalt Driveway

Clean the Driveway

• Remove any overgrown grass and dirt that have extended onto the asphalt. Use a flat shovel to cut along the edges of the asphalt and expose its boundaries. Sweep any excess debris from the asphalt and make sure that no excess dirt remains on the asphalt. Use a pressure washer to clean the asphalt. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can rent one from your local tool rental store. The pressure washer will have color coded tips that are inserted into the end of the wand; these tips control the pressure of the water - never use the red tip for cleaning your driveway. It is best to use yellow or white for asphalt driveways.

Repair

• If the Asphalt is damaged, then you will need to repair it before sealing. Cracks will need to be closed up with a rubberized caulk that is specifically for sealing asphalt cracks. If the cracks are not closed up with caulk, then water will seep into the cracks and damage the asphalt further. Fix any large holes with an asphalt patch called Tamp & Set; it should be applied when conditions are hot. Use a hand tamper to pack the asphalt. Cover any oil spots with asphalt primer; this will neutralize the oil spots and allow the sealer to stick.

Seal

• The asphalt sealer will come in 5-gallon buckets. You should mix the sealer with a drill and a mixing bit. Tape off any areas that should be protected from the sealer. Pour the sealer directly onto the asphalt and distribute it with a squeegee; because the sealer is so thick, rollers and sprayers will be ineffective. The sealer will apply smoothly, like mud. Pay attention to the distribution so that you don't have any sealer pooling up. Work your way out of the driveway--you don't want to close yourself in with sealer.