Every year around September and October many driveways and parking areas are seal coated, but why? Why the need to seal coat driveways and asphalt pavement?
Seal coating is the process of applying an emulsion type product over the existing asphalt driveway that will seal and even fill small voids and cracks. This process can be completed to prevent additional damages to the pavement by weather and chemicals in contact with the driveway or parking area.
The seal coating process can be applied normally one year after the initial pavement has been placed to allow proper cure and wear of the surface. However, it is recommended to seal coat driveways and pavements every two to three years, occasionally going down to one year, depending on the traffic and pavement conditions. Once applied you will need to protect the area at least 36 hours, 48 hours is the actual recommendation to allow for the chemical to set and cure. Depending on the manufacturers' recommendation, the right time of the year to seal coat is the one on which temperatures will drop to 55 degrees, so the product can cure properly, but watch out that leaves and debris might degrade the emulsion coating one it has been applied and before it has set.
International publications indicate that the average cost for materials to seal a driveway is about 40 cents per square foot. It might be higher depending on the area that needs to be covered, so you might want to factor in an additional 40 to 60 cents for the labor cost. A typical work on a driveway can be completed for approximately $1 per square feet but it all depends on the size and conditions of the driveway. Bear in mind that walls and other obstacles that prevent you from applying the seal coating with a squeegee will significantly add costs to your project.
Low-end sealants range from $6 to $9 for a 5-gallon pail that covers about 400 sq.ft. while top graded products will cost around $25 per 5-gallon pail and can cover up to 300 square feet.
There are two main products available: coal tar sealers and asphalt emulsion coatings. The first one is cheaper and will require more product management when it is being applied. If you are concerned about fuel and chemical spills, this is the one to use, if not you might want to use the asphalt emulsion type. This type of sealer is easier to apply but won't create a great protection layer against chemical spills and will also emit less volatile organic compounds VOCs than regular coal-tar-based products.
It is important to know that the more solids in the product, the better quality the sealant might have. Be sure to verify manufacturers recommendations before buying the product and make sure it is intended for your use.
Now that you are ready to the work, it is important to make a case for it and let your customer know about the many benefits of seal coating the area. Here are some good benefits of the process:
When applying the product be sure to follow these tips for better performance:
It’s great that you mentioned how sealcoating can help extend the life of our driveway by protecting the surface against salt, chemicals, and moisture that might cause damage to the pavement. My new house in Louisville still needs a driveway installed, so I wanted to get one before I buy a car of my own next month to use for work. I’ll take note of this while I look for a residential asphalt paving contractor in Louisville to hire for help with my driveway installation soon. https://www.bidritepaving.com/new-paving-installation
Your explanation that driveway work normally costs $1 per square foot but varies depending on the size and condition was very helpful. I’m considering purchasing a new family vehicle soon, so I want to make sure our driveway is adequately repaired before then. Otherwise, I’ll have to deal with unforeseen expenses for exterior repairs. When I hunt for an asphalt paving business to get in touch with shortly to seal my driveway, I’ll make sure to keep this in mind. https://www.bdasphaltpaving.com/
Rebar Concrete Products’ blog post on seal coating driveway cost, tips, schedule, and benefits was a comprehensive guide. It covered all the essential aspects of seal coating, from its advantages to cost considerations and maintenance tips. The step-by-step breakdown of the seal coating process was particularly helpful. Thank you, Rebar Concrete Products, for sharing your expertise on this important driveway maintenance practice!
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I appreciate you helping me to understand that seal coats need to be applied to the pavement when the temperature is over 40-45 degrees. Should you avoid applying a seal coat when the temperature is too high? It seems like hiring a professional would be a good way to make sure that a seal coat is applied at an appropriate time and temperature. https://www.cuzkell.com.au/services/
My husband and I are planning to install an asphalt driveway as soon as it warms up in a month or so. We both think this would be a great investment for our home and we want it to last us a long time. It’s good to know that sealcoating asphalt can help extend the life of the driveway and create a uniform look. https://www.americanasphalttx.com/services.html
I found it helpful when you said that when you are concerned about fuel and chemical spills, you must consider coal tar sealers. This is something that I will share with my brother because he is planning to have a new driveway installed next weekend. He mentioned that he wants to have it sealcoated after to save him money from repairs. He has to consider that he drives cars and trucks, so I will ask him to follow your tips. https://www.asphaltingdm.net.au/civil-works
It was helpful when you recommended that we consider coal tar sealers for our asphalt if we’re concerned about fuel and chemical spills since they’re the best option to consider as protection. I imagine if you manage a gas station, it would help to have coal tar sealers for your driveway to protect the surface from oil spills. I’ll be sure to remember this while I look for a contractor to call for asphalt pavement maintenance soon. https://hevasphalttexas.com/asphalt-paving
Thanks for mentioning that there are two main types of products for seal coating. I’ve had an asphalt driveway for just over two months, but I need to get it sealed again. I’ve heard that it’s difficult to do in the winter, so I’ll have to wait until Spring. https://panapaving.com/seal-coating
It sure did help when you informed us that it typically costs around $1 per square foot when working on a driveway but it still depends on the size and the condition. I’m thinking of buying a new family van soon, and since I don’t want to deal with unnecessary costs for exterior repairs, I want to make sure our driveway is properly patched up before then. I’ll be sure to take note of this while I look for an asphalt paving company to contact soon for my driveway sealing. http://gatewaypaving.com/services
I had no idea that a sealant can protect against moisture damage in concrete. I have been hoping to get a new concrete patio installed in my backyard because my current one is just pavers. I’ll definitely want to get it sealed after it’s installed as well. https://www.chrisnolteconcreting.com.au/services
Its great when you said that sealcoating is a cost-effective way of repairing or surfacing the existing pavement. My uncle owns a construction company and wants to hire a commercial paving company to pave some new roads. Thanks for the information on sealcoating and I will surely send your blog to my uncle! https://5starpropertympw.com/sealcoating/bradenton-fl
It really stood out to me when you pointed out that you can extend the life of a driveway by having it sealcoated. Would it be a good idea to have the sealcoat reapplied every couple of years? This seems like a great way to keep your driveway in good condition for a long time. http://www.azzpsd.com/asphalt-seal-coating/
I appreciate that you mentioned that seal coating is a cost-effective way of repairing or resurfacing pavement. I have an asphalt driveway at home that I would like to keep for a few more years. I think that it would be a good idea to contact a professional who can help me get some seal coating for my driveway. https://www.affordablepavingco.net/residential-services
Elle Jones
November 02, 2023
I appreciate that you mentioned that, although it still depends on the size and condition, driveway repair normally costs about $1 per square foot. We’re thinking of getting a new family van soon, so I want to make sure our driveway is fixed correctly before then so I don’t have to worry about needless exterior repairs. When searching for an asphalt paving company to get in touch with soon for driveway sealing, I’ll make sure to keep this in mind. https://www.ristichasphaltpaving.com/asphalt-paving