How Often Should I Seal My Driveway?

Your driveway is a dependable workhorse. It endures baking hot sun, frigid and icy winters. When’s the last time you did something nice for it, like give it a nice protective coat of sealer? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone: The dependable old driveway often gets ignored. Sealing your driveway protects your investment and prevents damage from water penetration, UV rays, freezing, salt and chemicals. It also prevents water from turning hairline cracks into bigger ones. And, last but not least, it gives your driveway a nice, new spiffy surface. (Think about how you feel after a refreshing visit to the salon.)

How Often Should I Seal My Asphalt Driveway?

The most common driveway that needs sealing is asphalt, sometimes called blacktop for its slick black coating. Opinions differ on how often these driveways need a new black coat. But here in New York and Connecticut, where driveways suffer through plenty of rain and snow, lots of freezing and thawing, plus hot summer sun, your driveway should get a new coat of sealer at least every other year. As time goes by, all these forces of nature dry out and damage the blacktop, gradually breaking down the binder that holds the aggregate together. You’ll start to see cracks in the surface. If these cracks aren’t properly filled, and the pavement isn’t sealed, water will start to penetrate, causing more cracks, ruts, and potholes.

Should I Seal My Concrete Driveway?

Concrete driveways are more durable than asphalt driveways, so they don’t need to be sealed as often. Every five years should do the trick. But keep an eye on it. If you notice any cracking, contact your Neave Masonry professional, who can tell you if the driveway needs sealing or maybe other attention.

Sealing A Paver Driveway

Seal your paver driveway every two years or so, and it will better resist dirt and oil. Sealer also helps prevents the pavers from absorbing moisture, which keeps cracks from forming. If your old pavers are looking a bit drab, a nice coat of sealer can polish them up.

When Should I Seal My Driveway?

If you have someplace to go soon, hold off on the sealing. You can’t be in a hurry, Murray. Wait at least three hours — five or six is even better — after the final coat before walking on the driveway, and at least 24 hours before you drive on it. Maybe this is a good time to settle in with that new book (or just park along the street for a day).

Leave It To Neave

The experts at Neave can handle your sealing, but they’ll also inspect your driveway for any cracks, stains, potholes or crumbling areas that need repair. We’re experts at all the prep work that needs to be done before the sealer goes on, including cleaning and repairing any damage.

If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or, fill out our simple web form, and and we’ll contact you. Your driveway never lets you down. Treat it to a nice new coat.