Sealcoating is one of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your driveway.
Waiting too long to reseal your driveway can lead to further damage and deterioration, so timing is essential when scheduling a sealcoating project.
In this blog, we’ll explore what time of year is best for sealcoating and share the signs that your driveway is in need of sealing.
Key Takeaways
- Your driveway should be resealed every two to three years or when you notice fading, cracks, or water absorption.
- Summer is the ideal season for sealcoating in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas because it offers the best conditions for your driveway to dry and cure properly.
- Sealcoating can be a DIY project if you have a small driveway with minimal wear and tear, but larger projects should be handled by a professional paving company like Betz Works.
The Best Season to Seal Your Driveway on the Central Coast
Summer is generally the best time of year for driveway sealing. Here’s why:
- Warm and Dry Conditions: Temperatures must stay between 60 and 95 degrees for the sealant to dry and cure correctly. Summer weather is usually drier, too, which is better for driveway sealing.
- More Daylight Hours for Drying: The long daylight hours in summer can speed up the sealant’s drying time, making the project less disruptive and inconvenient for you.
- Lower Risk of Rain Delay: Rain that falls before the sealant has cured can ruin the results, so your paving contractor will reschedule the job if rain is in the forecast. Although precipitation can occur in any season, it’s less common in the summer.
- Protects Driveway From UV Rays: The harsh UV rays from the summer sun can degrade asphalt. By sealing your driveway in early summer, you protect the surface for the rest of the season.
- Prepares for Winter Weather: Sealing your driveway before winter rain, snow, or ice is essential to prevent water damage, cracking, and potholes. Scheduling the project in the summer will ensure your driveway is protected by the time the winter weather rolls around.
How to Know It’s Time to Seal Your Driveway
The lifespan of your sealcoating can vary depending on many factors, such as the amount of traffic on the driveway, and others.
Keep an eye out for these signs that indicate your driveway is due for sealing:
1. Faded Color
Why It’s a Problem: New asphalt should be a deep black color. A fading color is a sign that the sun’s UV rays are breaking down the surface of the pavement and that the sealant has worn away.
How to Check: Examine your driveway when it’s under direct sunlight. If it looks gray instead of black, it needs to be sealed.
2. Water Absorption
Why It’s a Problem: A properly sealed driveway is water resistant. If the sealant has worn away, water will seep into the asphalt, causing cracks and potholes.
How to Check: During a rainstorm, watch how the water behaves on your driveway. If the water beads up, the sealant is doing its job. If it disappears into the asphalt, it’s time to reseal the surface.
3. Surface Cracks
Why It’s a Problem: Sealant protects your driveway from the elements, which reduces the risk of cracks forming. If you notice new cracks developing on the surface, the asphalt may be deteriorating. Small surface cracks will allow water and debris inside, eventually leading to further damage.
How to Check: Look for thin lines in your driveway, especially around the edges and in low spots. Newly formed cracks or cracks that are expanding in size indicate that your driveway needs treatment.
4. Rough or Pitted Texture
Why It’s a Problem: A rough texture can develop as asphalt breaks down, which may occur as a result of excessive traffic, exposure to chemicals, or normal aging.
How to Check: Run your hand along the surface of your driveway. If it feels gritty or uneven to the touch, the asphalt has probably deteriorated.
5. Oil or Chemical Stains
Why It’s a Problem: Your driveway sealant should be resistant to oil and other fluids that could leak from your car. Chemical stains on your driveway may be a sign that the sealcoating has worn away and the leaking fluid has penetrated the surface of the asphalt.
How to Check: Look for shiny or dark spots on your driveway that don’t wash away, which are typically signs of a car fluid leak.
6. Uneven Drying
Why It’s a Problem: Uneven drying after a rainstorm can happen when some parts of your driveway absorb the water and some don’t. This is a sign that the sealant is wearing off in patches.
How to Check: Rinse your driveway with a hose or examine it after a rainstorm to see if it dries evenly or if some spots dry faster than others.
7. Two or More Years Since Last Seal
Why It’s a Problem: Driveways should be resealed every two to three years. Even if you don’t see any signs of wear, it’s wise to reseal your driveway on schedule to prevent damage.
How to Check: Look through your records to find when you last sealed your driveway. If you can’t remember when you last sealed it, it’s probably time to do it again.
How to Seal Your Driveway
If you enjoy DIY projects and your driveway is in fairly good condition, you may decide to tackle driveway sealcoating on your own.
Here are five steps for sealing your driveway:
1. Clean the Surface
Prepare your driveway by sweeping away leaves and debris and pressure-washing the surface to remove dirt, oil, and other residue.
Move all vehicles and objects off the driveway so you have a clear surface.
2. Fill Small Cracks
Use crack filler to repair small cracks and chips in the driveway.
Cold pour filler is suitable for cracks less than half an inch in width, but larger cracks will require hot pour filler.
3. Apply Sealant
Pour pre-mixed sealant along your driveway, using a squeegee to spread it evenly across the surface.
Start from the edges of the driveway and work your way in.
After about eight hours of drying time, apply a second coat.
4. Let the Sealant Cure
Keep vehicles and other items off the driveway for at least 24 hours while the sealant cures.
Some sealants take longer to cure than others, so check the instructions to make sure you provide adequate time for curing.
5. Call the Pros for Large Jobs
If your driveway has cracks or potholes larger than 1 to 2 inches, you should contact a paving contractor like Betz Works.
Professional pavers have the equipment and materials needed to fill and seal large cracks and ensure the results stand the test of time.
What to Expect When You Call Betz Works
Our process begins with a site visit so we can see your driveway and determine which type of sealcoating service you need.
We’ll then send you a free estimate and schedule the project at a convenient time for you.
On the day of the job, we’ll clean your driveway, apply the sealant, and barricade the driveway to prevent traffic from entering while it cures.
Looking for Driveway Sealing in California? Contact Betz Works!
Betz Works provides paving, driveway repair, and sealcoating services for homeowners and businesses in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties.
If your driveway is due for sealing, we’re happy to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free estimate.
FAQ
What is driveway sealing?
Sealcoating is the process of applying liquid sealant to asphalt pavement to protect your driveway against water, weather, and traffic.
Is sealing a driveway worth it?
Sealcoating protects your driveway from the sun’s UV rays, water, and other sources of wear and tear. It prolongs the lifespan of the asphalt and can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
How much does it cost to seal your driveway?
You can purchase the supplies for a small DIY driveway sealing project for less than $100. According to Angi, professional sealing costs around $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot. However, costs can vary depending on your location and the condition of your driveway.