Applying driveway sealer is an important step in keeping a well-maintained asphalt driveway. By seal coating your driveway, you are making sure that the asphalt upholds its strength and flexibility especially during adverse weather conditions, when it can become brittle and susceptible to cracking.
Without sealing, you will notice your driveway getting filled with holes and cracks as time passes, which can encourage the growth of grass in them. Thus, the application of seal coating should be done at least every two years, or up to four years if there are no visible cracks yet. It would be the right time to apply driveway blacktop sealer once you notice your driveway getting lighter in color, or if the coating already shows some light-colored patches.
Preparation
A lot of the work in applying sealer is done during preparation. First, you need to protect the areas near the driveway that you would not want to get the sealer in. Walls, the front of your garage, flowerbeds and grass near the garage should be covered. The driveway should also be clean, so you may have to use a high pressure sprayer or a push broom. With dirt and weeds cleaned from the driveway, the application of sealcoating can be done smoothly.
Crack Repairs
Other pre-sealing preparations that you should do include making sure that all cracks have already been sealed with a crack filler and holes should already have been patched. To prepare your crack for crackfilling, you need to clean the crack out thoroughly. You can do this with a stiff broom or our 2-in-1 Ryno brush.
You should also anticipate the weather and plan to leave the sealer to settle for at least 3 days. With that said, it is best to do your seal coating when there is no rain for the next few days. Lastly, before applying sealer, make sure that you are dressed for the part. Sealers can be unpleasant, so you would need to wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing and a mask to avoid possible skin contact and vapor inhalation.
Driveway Blacktop Sealer Application
Asphalt sealer can be applied by hand or by a sprayer. Applying sealer by hand allows you to be more exact, letting it be applied without waste or overspray. You will only need a squeegee or floor broom and a stirrer to give you the right sealer consistency.
However, be aware that applying sealer by hand is more time-consuming. With a sprayer system, you can finish the job quicker, and you can see a more even application of the sealer. The downside is you would need to procure a sprayer, and there's a tendency for overspray.
When you're ready to seal coat your driveway, stir the sealer thoroughly so that you will have the right consistency when applying it.
If you have a steep driveway that needs further traction, add sand to your sealant. However, this should only be done if you are applying it by hand. Do not add sand if you will be using a sprayer.
Once the sealant is thoroughly stirred, apply a thin coat by starting at the top of the driveway and working toward the bottom, until you reach the end of the driveway.
Let the first coat dry for at least 12 hours before applying a second thin coat of sealer.
Remember that it is better to apply thin layers that dry faster than to apply one thick coat that will take longer to dry.
Need Help
Our asphalt experts can help you with your driveway maintenance project. Call us at 1-866-399-5562 or e-mail us with the form below to get free advice on your DIY driveway project.
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