How Much Does Sealing an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
Last Updated: January 19, 2022
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Whether you want to keep your recently paved asphalt driveway looking brand new or extend the life of an older driveway, sealcoating is a worthwhile investment. Sealant forms a layer of protection on top of the driveway that reduces the deleterious effects of the elements and chemicals. In addition to preserving the driveway, a coat of sealant improves a home's curb appeal and value.
Driveway Sealing Considerations #
The cosmetic and performance benefits of driveway sealing make this job practically a no-brainer. But the finer points of sealing, such as how often to do it, which products and application methods to use, and whether or not to hire a pro, aren't so obvious. Read on to find out the answers to some frequently asked driveway sealing questions.
How Often Should I Seal my Driveway? #
The recommended interval for driveway sealing depends on your local climate. In areas that experience harsh winters, heavy precipitation, high temperatures, or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, sealing might be needed every year or two. In milder climates, every 3 to 5 years should suffice.
Is Driveway Sealing a Do-it-Yourself Job? #
DIY driveway sealing is certainly possible, but there are a few reasons why it makes more sense to hire a pro.
For starters, applying sealant is a pretty messy job, and depending on the product used, sealant can be toxic. Pros, moreover, have access to better-quality sealants than those available to weekend warriors at the local hardware store or home center (but since the safety of some sealants have been called into question, make sure you understand what's being applied to your driveway).
Pros can also finish the job faster, which means less waiting time waiting for the driveway to dry. Finally, the knowledge and experience of a professional generally leads to better sealing results. This can actually reduce the frequency of sealant applications and save you money in the long term.
Average Driveway Sealing Cost? #
There are quite a few factors that determine the cost of asphalt driveway sealing, including the following:
- Driveway size
- The amount of prep work required (prep may include cleaning oil spots, clearing vegetation from the driveway edges, and sealing cracks and holes)
- Sealant and filler products used
- Sealant application method (spray-on or squeegee)
- Whether the driveway abuts objects (thus requiring manual sealer application in spots)
- Transportation and man hour costs
Bearing in mind these factors, professional asphalt driveway sealing can cost $.10 - $.30 per square foot or as much as $.50 - $1.00 per square foot.
Doing the job yourself might yield savings of $100 - $200 per 1,000 square feet of driveway. According to the website Do it Yourself or Not, DIY costs for sealing a 20 x 50 foot drive run $80 compared to $240 for professional sealing.