Sealing your asphalt driveway is a great way to improve its appearance and keep it in good condition for years to come. However, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “How often should I seal my driveway?” Well, you have to consider a few things, like how bad the weather gets and the amount of traffic your driveway gets. Depending on that, you might need to seal your asphalt driveway every year to every 3 years, with also the option for a double coat of sealing. Let's dive into when and why you should seal your driveway to keep it looking great and lasting longer.
Standard Recommendation
For most driveways, the general rule of thumb is to seal it every two years. This timing strikes a good balance for most homeowners. Sealing every two years helps maintain that protective layer on your asphalt while avoiding over-application.
Over time, the sealant starts to wear down because of constantly being exposed to sunlight, rain, snow, and the weight of your vehicles. Sealing it every two years makes it so your driveway is always protected without making you feel like you’re overdoing it.
Sealing your driveway isn’t just about making it look good, it’s about protecting the asphalt. Asphalt is porous, meaning it can absorb water, oils, and other substances that can break it down over time. Without proper sealing, the surface can weaken, and small cracks can develop into larger, more expensive issues.
That’s why we usually recommend every two years; it gives your driveway enough protection but also allows for the sealant to wear down enough to be reapplied when necessary.
Adjust Based on Condition
Even though sealing every two years is ideal for most driveways, you might need to make a few adjustments based on your driveway's condition and the climate it's exposed to. If you need help figuring out if you need to adjust your paving schedule, then here are some tips:
Seal Your Asphalt Driveway Once a Year
If your driveway is facing tough conditions like extreme weather or heavy traffic, or if you start noticing visible cracks, fading, or deterioration, it’s a good idea to reseal it every year. Asphalt that’s exposed to harsh winter weather, freezing temperatures, and heavy snow can experience cracks that form from freezing and thawing, which makes it especially vulnerable.
It's not just weather you have to be aware of, you also need to see how often your driveway is being used by your vehicles. Believe it or not, heavy vehicles actually wear down the sealant faster by putting a lot of pressure on the asphalt, which can make it crack. These are just a few of the reasons why your driveway cracks.
If you’re noticing signs of wear earlier than expected, sealing every year can help keep everything looking fresh and prevent further damage.
Seal Your Asphalt Driveway Every 3 Years
On the other hand, if your driveway seems like it barely has any wear on it, this changes how often you seal your driveway, meaning you can stretch it to every three years. This is often the case for driveways in milder climates or areas that don’t experience harsh winters.
If the driveway still has a strong surface with little to no fading or cracking, you can confidently wait three years before applying a new coat of sealant.
Premium Long-Lasting Option
For even longer protection, you may choose our premium asphalt sealing service! Two coats of sealant are applied within 48 hours. This is good if you don't want to make as many trips out to reseal your driveway. With the two coats, you have much better protection, which will last between 4 to 5 years, based on your driveway's condition and how much traffic it has.
Of course, if you're getting a double coat of sealing, then it makes your driveway way more durable and shields it from the harsh weather for longer. If you're the type of person who wants to do it once and forget about it for a long time, then this is a great investment.
Final Thoughts
It's just about understanding the unique needs of your asphalt. If you follow the two-year rule, you'll probably be fine and won't need to worry much about your driveway. But you have to remember that factors like the weather or heavy traffic can change how often you have to seal your driveway.
If your driveway faces harsh conditions, don’t be afraid to reseal it more often. On the other hand, if it’s in good shape and doesn’t face a lot of wear, you can stretch the time between sealings to every three years. And for those looking for the most durable option, the premium service can give you years of protection with minimal maintenance.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Action Paving. We’ve got the experience and know-how to keep your driveway looking its best, year after year.
