How to Seal Your Own Asphalt Driveway
Sealing your own asphalt driveway is an ideal way to save some money and extend the life of the asphalt. As asphalt ages, it will get cracks. The cracks will eventually widen, causing the pavement to fail. This is especially true in the North where the asphalt goes through multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Seal your asphalt driveway properly to extend its life. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lawn edger
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Asphalt crack sealant
- Putty knife
- Garden hose
- Push broom
- Asphalt sealant
- Squeegee or brush
Instructions
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1
Run a lawn edger along the edge of the asphalt pavement. Remove all of the vegetation and debris.
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2
Examine the asphalt surface and find the cracks. The asphalt sealant will only seal hairline cracks. If the cracks are wider than that, then you need to apply an asphalt crack sealant first.
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3
Clean and scrub the cracks that you found with a stiff-bristled brush. Remove all of the dirt from the cracks and allow them to dry.
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4
Fill the cracks with a good quality asphalt crack filler. Follow all of the directions on the specific type of asphalt crack sealant you purchase. Pour a good bead of crack filler over the entire length of the crack.
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5
Smooth out the crack sealant with a putty knife. Push the crack sealant into the cracks and allow them to fill as much as possible. Following the manufacturer's directions, allow the crack sealant to completely cure. Many types of asphalt crack sealant are somewhat water soluble until they cure, so this is very important.
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6
Wash and scrub the entire surface of your asphalt driveway using a hose and push broom. Use high pressure water, if possible.
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Read the instructions on the asphalt sealer. Most good quality asphalt sealers come premixed so all you need to do is open the container and pour it out. Most asphalt sealants require the surface of the asphalt to be damp prior to sealing. Check the manufacturer's directions for the type of asphalt sealer you purchased.
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Spread the asphalt sealer throughout the entire surface of the driveway. Start at the highest point on the driveway. A squeegee works best for this step. Spread the sealant thin so it coats the surface, but is not too thick. Excess thickness could cause chipping and peeling later. Block the end of your driveway when you are finished with the first coat. Allow the asphalt sealant to cure.
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Apply a second coat to the entire driveway. Allow this coat of asphalt sealant to cure as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Asphalt sealant and crack sealer can be cleaned up using mineral spirits.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for temperature. Make sure the air temperature will be within the range specified during sealing and curing.
Check the weather forecast for rain. Do not plan to seal your driveway if rain is expected during the time when you plan to seal the driveway or during the curing time.
Wear old clothing, gloves and shoes when sealing your driveway. The sealant can be cleaned up, but is difficult to clean off shoes and clothing.
