How To Seal Your Asphalt Driveway In 4 Easy Steps
Sealing an asphalt driveway might seem like an overwhelming do-it-yourself project, but the reality couldn't be more different. Not only is sealing your driveway a relatively simple undertaking, but the results are well worth it. Protecting your driveway from ice, oil and ultraviolet rays will keep it in pristine condition for years to come. So check out the four easy steps below to discover how you can have the best driveway in the neighborhood.
Basic Cleaning
Before anything else, you'll need to do some basic cleaning. First, get a durable scrubbing brush and a bucket of hot, soapy water in order to scour oil stains. When you've successfully removed the oil stains, take a dry, thin-bristled brush and clean out debris from any small cracks that you see. You can pick up some liquid asphalt at your local hardware store to fill in the cracks after they have been cleaned. Then do the same for any potholes - thoroughly remove any debris and fill in the holes with asphalt patch.
Preparing for Sealer
If you had to fill in any potholes, wait at least a day after doing so before applying sealer. Then perform another once-over, sweeping the driveway completely clear of debris. The best time to do this is right before a weekend that you're positive won't bring any rain. Allowing the sealer to set for several days without any threat of excess moisture is crucial to ensuring the efficacy and durability of the sealer.
Applying the Sealer
For about $13, you can get roughly five gallons of sealer, which will let you seal a surface area of around 300 square feet. You'll also need a driveway squeegee to properly apply the sealer. To get started, slowly pour the sealer across the width of the driveway, starting at the top. You'll want to use the squeegee to spread the sealer thinly but evenly, partially overlapping the strips of sealer until you've reached the bottom of the driveway. Remember to budget enough sealer for a second coat that you'll apply later. If you apply the first coat in the morning, come back that same evening to complete the second one. Finally, you'll need to let the sealer dry for a full day before you use the driveway again, so think about blocking off the driveway with some tape to make sure that nobody accidentally turns in and ruins the job.
For professional help with this task, contact a company like LSC Construction Services, Inc.