One of the best ways to upgrade both the looks and durability of your driveway, is to get it sealed. But if you want good results then you have to make sure you avoid these mistakes when sealing your driveway.
First, avoid cheap water-based sealants, they don’t offer the durability asphalt needs. Make sure you give the surface a good deep cleaning before sealing, since dirt and debris can ruin the application. Another important thing is to make sure that you properly protect your surroundings, or else you'll overspray and ruin them. Also, give the sealant time to dry, don’t drive on it too soon, or you’ll ruin the finish. Finally, never seal a wet driveway or do it when rain is on the way, as it’ll mess with the sealant.
Common Mistakes When Sealing Your Driveway
1. Using Cheap Water-Based Sealants
It’s tempting to go for the cheaper option, especially when money’s tight, but water-based sealants just don’t cut it when it comes to protecting your driveway. If you go with water-based sealants, they'll give you a temporary quick fix, but they wear out a lot faster than oil-based sealants and they don't even do that well against the weather.
In the long run, they'll leave your driveway exposed to more cracking and damage from heavy traffic. That’s why we always recommend and personally use high-quality oil-based sealers to get the job done right.
2. Sealing a Dirty Driveway
It might seem like a small thing, but if you don’t clean your driveway properly before sealing it, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Dirt, debris, and even old sealant can get in the way of the new layer bonding properly, leading to peeling, uneven coverage, or just a patchy finish that doesn’t look great. It’s not just about wiping down the surface, it’s about cleaning out cracks, edges, and any other spots where dirt might be hiding.
You can definitely clean it yourself, but it’s a pretty tedious process. If you want to make sure everything’s spotless, it’s best to leave it to the pros like us, who can get into all those nooks and crannies.
3. Not Protecting your Pavement and Surroundings
When you’re sealing your driveway, it's easy to get a little messy, and those spills can end up on your sidewalk, curbs, or even your garden. To avoid overspraying, make sure to protect everything around your driveway. Use marking tape, plastic sheets, or barriers to shield the surrounding areas.
Taking this extra step will keep everything clean and make sure your driveway’s fresh, new look doesn’t accidentally ruin anything else. It’s a small thing, but it’ll make a big difference when you’re finished.
4. Driving Over Newly Sealed Driveways
You’re excited about your freshly sealed driveway, but the key to keeping it looking good is to let the sealant fully dry. Driving on it too soon can leave ugly tire marks or even ruin the seal completely, meaning you’ll have to redo the whole thing sooner than you’d like.
Make sure to give it at least 24 to 48 hours to cure before you drive on it. The drying time might seem long, but it’s worth it for the smooth, lasting finish you want. The longer you can wait, the better.
5. Sealing Wet Surfaces or Before Rain
One of the worst mistakes you can make is sealing a wet driveway. If the surface is even a little damp, the sealant won’t go on properly, and it won’t adhere as well. This can cause the sealant to thin out, leaving your driveway unprotected and uneven.
It’s also a no-go if rain’s on the way. Wet weather can strip away the sealant or ruin its effectiveness, leaving your driveway looking streaky or worse. Always check the forecast before sealing, and be sure the driveway is completely dry. Sealing in perfect conditions is the key to making it last.
Final Thoughts
If you follow all these steps you'll avoid making these mistakes when sealing your driveway, giving you good results that'll last. But remember, professionals that have been doing this for years like our team at Action Home Services, will always give you the best results. For expert driveway sealing, leave it to Action Paving professionals to do it right!
