If your blacktop driveway is looking a bit worn, it may be time for a fresh seal coat. Not only will your driveway be looking new again, but it will also help protect it from the elements. From repairing cracks to filling potholes, we have a few tips on how to asphalt seal your driveway.
Plan Ahead
If you have large holes to fill, you’ll need to allow plenty of time for your patchwork to cure before you put on your seal coat. Put on your seal coat only when you know there will be 24 – 48 hours of clear and dry weather with temperatures above 65 degrees.
Cleaning
First, be sure to sweep away any leaves, dirt, or debris from your surface. Be sure to scrape any roots or weeds out of any cracks. Use soap and water, or a specialty driveway detergent along with a stiff brush to get off any oil or heavy liquid debris. Once you spot clean, you can spray soap and water or specialty detergent all over the surface and spray off with a hose or pressure washer. Be sure to let your surface completely dry before the next step.
Patch & Repair
Use crack filler product into any cracks up to 1/2 inch wide and smooth it over with a putty knife. Larger cracks or potholes over 1/2 inch can be filled with an asphalt ready mix patch product (some products need a 30 day cure time). A tamper can be used to even out the patch with the surface of the driveway.
Spread Sealant
Once you’ve cleaned and prepared your surface and are ready for the sealant. Let your Asphalt Sealant bucket sit upside for 24 hours before opening. This allows the product to mix thoroughly and helps mix up any settled materials. When you’re ready to use, be sure to stir the sealant well. A paint drill attachment makes quick work of mixing of non-gel sealant.
When you’re pouring sealant, run a line directly onto your surface. For the first coat, be sure to zig-zag across the width of the driveway by using a squeegee or brush to pull the sealer towards the edges, creating as thin of a layer as possible. Overlap each pass to get an even coat (check the product label for dry time).
When the first coat is dry, apply the second coat working up and down the length of your driveway for an even finish. If you start earlier in the morning and have full sun on your driveway, you may be ready for your second coat the same day. Be sure to block off your wet area for 24 – 48 hours to allow for a proper cure. Depending on where you live, temperatures may dip below 65 degrees in the evening. In this case, you may need to let your sealant cure longer.
To test if your driveway is dry, run a towel across the surface to make sure it comes up clean. You can also use a toothpick to see if your crack sealant is fully cured – if it is still wet or black, it is not ready. Stop in at any of our locations to speak with an expert Employee Owner if you have questions on dry time.
For more tips and tricks, stop in at any of our locations to speak to an expert Employee Owner, or head over to acehardware.com!