Another reason to love summer
Keeping your driveway free of cracks and unsightly potholes not only makes driving over it easier and smoother, but it adds significant curb appeal to your home. Whether you’re looking to repave your driveway to restore its pristine surface or seal it to protect it against the elements, the timing of these projects can significantly impact their effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Learn the optimal time to repave or seal your driveway, factoring in the weather, your climate, the condition of your driveway, and more.
Generally speaking, plan to repave or seal your driveway between late spring and early fall. In most places, this is the time of year when the air and surface temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and the ground won’t be wet from winter rains and snow—it’s always best to pave over firm ground. Paving over water can damage the base layers and cause asphalt to cool too quickly.
While weather is the main factor that affects this project, there are a few other factors to be aware of when you’re planning to repave or seal your driveway.
Paving is best done when the climate is warm and there are no rainy days in the forecast. Ideally, the temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit—the time of year for this weather will vary based on where you live and the local climate. It’s always better to pave your driveway when the weather is a little warmer rather than colder, so if you live in a place with extreme seasons, aim for early summer.
You should hold off on repaving or sealing your driveway if it’s in poor condition, which might include cracks, potholes, crumbling debris, or water damage. By repaving or sealing the driveway when it’s damaged, you could make the problem much worse and cause the cracks to deepen. In addition, significant cracking could be a sign of a deteriorating foundation. Talk to a local driveway paving professional to understand the best course of action and get a thorough evaluation of your driveway and home.
While you should seal your driveway every two to three years, you shouldn’t seal it when it’s brand-new. Sealing a freshly poured driveway can create a barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating, leaving it prone to cracks and chipping. Allow your new driveway to cure properly, and hold off on resealing until a few years have passed.
If you have multiple cars parked in your driveway or other large items such as boats or trailers, you’ll need to figure out a plan for moving them before you get started on repaving or sealing.
The cost to repave a driveway could be less during the off-season, which is fall and winter. While waiting until the weather cools a little is usually only possible if you live somewhere with very mild weather, such as the Southwest, it can be much less expensive than the late spring and summer when this project is in high demand.
The worst time to repave or seal a driveway is when rain or snow is in the forecast or when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder weather can cause the asphalt binder to become brittle and crack, and if water seeps into these cracks and then freezes, it can cause further damage during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. In addition, high winds, which are usually more common in the fall and winter, can similarly cool the asphalt as it is being poured, exacerbating the above issues.
The cost to repave a driveway is $6,800 on average, however, the cost can range between $1,400 and $12,100, depending on the size of your driveway and the materials used. Adding a coat of sealant to your driveway will cost you an additional $500 on average.
The task of sealing a driveway is one that an experienced DIYer can do and a great one to add to your regular home maintenance checklist.
Repaving a driveway, however, is not typically a DIY job. You’ll need a very large amount of concrete or asphalt, which will necessitate the presence and work of a local driveway paving company. In addition, you’ll need access to complicated, expensive construction equipment as well as a license to operate it.
The cost to hire a pro to repave or seal your driveway runs between $5 and $7 per square foot. Prices can vary—or be higher than this—if your driveway is on a steep grade or if you’re looking to complete the project during a season with high demand.
Plan to seal your driveway between late spring (after the rains have slowed) and early fall, or when temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. A warmer environment helps the sealant bond with the driveway. To ensure your driveway cures correctly, you should make sure no rain is in the forecast for at least 48 hours after sealing.
A properly applied sealcoat should last between two to five years, but we advise having your driveway resealed every two to three years to give it optimal protection. If you live somewhere with extreme weather, plan to reseal your driveway every two years—heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures can deteriorate the sealant quickly.
Gravel is the least expensive driveway type, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. That said, you’ll likely need to add new gravel filling once or twice a year which can add up in additional costs over time. In addition, be prepared to regularly rake the gravel into place to keep your gravel driveway looking its best.
