Asphalt driveways look so nice after they've been paved and can add a lot of curb appeal to your home. If not properly cared for though, that brand new paved driveway can look unsightly, and it may begin to crack and break apart. Sealcoating the driveway and maintaining it are both important tasks to keep your driveway in good shape. See below for instructions and tips to sealcoat your driveway.
Here's What You'll Need:
- Sealcoat (amount depends on the size of your driveway)
- Long-handled squeegee
- Paintbrush
- Caution tape (or flags)
- Old clothing and tennis shoes
Instructions:
- To start, you'll need to do some prep work to your driveway. Clear your driveway of all debris such as dirt and grass clippings. Use a leaf blower to blow off the debris, then use a garden hose and mild soap to wash off stains or stuck-on debris.
- If you have grass or weeds growing through any cracks in the driveway you'll need to remove these using weed killer, then clear out any debris in the crack with a shop vacuum.
- Fill in the crack with asphalt caulk or an asphalt patch if the crack is larger than one inch wide.
- Next, you can begin sealcoating the driveway. Be sure to wear old clothing and shoes as this is a dirty job.
- Start by using a paintbrush along the edges of the driveway to keep the sealcoat off of landscape areas such as concrete blocks, rock or along the garage floor. You can use tape along these areas to prevent getting sealcoat on these areas as well.
- Once you have cut in the sealcoating, you can use the long-handled squeegee to apply the sealcoating to the driveway. Start at the top and work your way down.
- Spread the sealcoating evenly across the driveway and remove squeegee marks to blend it in evenly with each row. Continue working in this manner all the way down your driveway.
- When finished, use flags, caution tape or rope with cloth tied to it to warn anyone not to drive or walk across the driveway. You'll need to allow the sealcoating to dry and set for about 24 to 48 hours.
Keep your driveway clean and free of debris, and wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining your driveway or causing a breakdown of the asphalt. Sealcoat the driveway at least every two years to keep it looking like new and to lengthen the life of your asphalt.
If your driveway needs some serious asphalt repairs and sealcoating, you may want to contact a paving contractor to do the job for you.
