When is the Best Time to Seal a Driveway?

Your driveway takes more than its share of tires, UV rays, and snow shovels throughout its lifetime. You’ll need to seal it routinely to help ensure it stays in prime condition. But you can’t just seal it whenever the mood strikes; it’s important to know the best time to seal a driveway, whether it’s new or you’ve had it for a while.

Below, we’ll review when to seal a driveway—and when not to seal a driveway—for optimal results.

When to Seal a Driveway

The best time of year to seal a driveway is spring through fall, or whenever temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm environment helps the sealant bond with your driveway. Be sure to check the weather app on your phone—any rain within the first 24 hours post-sealing could wash away your efforts.

When Not to Seal a Driveway

The most important thing to remember about when to seal a driveway is this: Don’t seal it when it’s brand new. Rather than preserving that “new driveway” look, sealing a freshly poured driveway creates a barrier that prevents excess moisture from evaporating. This results in a softer surface that is prone to driveway cracks and chipping. Whether you’re working with a concrete or asphalt driveway, the surface requires a curing period before you apply a coat of sealant.

Another thing that sounds silly but is surprisingly easy to forget about: Make sure your cars aren’t in the garage while you’re applying sealant, because you can’t drive over a freshly sealed driveway until it’s done curing. Unless you’re looking for an excuse to have a staycation, that is.

When Should You Seal a New Asphalt Driveway?

You’ve already fronted the cost to install an asphalt driveway, so you’re probably looking for the best way to protect that investment. A great way to do this is by resealing it. The cost to seal an asphalt driveway typically runs between $275 and $820 per 1,000 square feet. Again, don’t do this while your asphalt driveway is still brand new, as you’ll be causing harm down the road.

So, how do you know when to seal a new asphalt driveway? A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three months, or even up to nine months. The sweet spot is at least a few months after the pour, but not so late that the weather becomes too cold.

When Should You Seal an Older Asphalt Driveway?

After the initial installation and the first seal of your asphalt driveway, you can wait between 3 and 5 years for the next application. If your driveway gets a lot of direct sunlight or snow or gets a lot of use from your vehicles, you can shorten the intervals between sealing your asphalt driveway to every 2 to 3 years.

When Should You Seal a Concrete Driveway?

Concrete has a shorter curing period than asphalt, so you should be able to apply sealer after about a month. Once again, look for temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure it won’t rain on your work. 

If you’re working with an older concrete driveway, it’s still a great candidate for sealing. Just make sure you take care of repairs and clean it beforehand. Like asphalt, you can wait a few years before resealing your concrete driveway.

How Often Should You Seal a Driveway?

Realistically, every 2 to 3 years is a perfectly fine goal to shoot for when it comes to resealing your driveway, but in some cases, you can wait as long as 5 years. How often you should seal your driveway depends on the weather in your area and how much wear and tear your driveway endures. A local asphalt sealcoating contractor is your go-to source for a smooth, sturdy surface that will withstand the test of time.

DIY vs Hiring a Pro to Seal a Driveway

Sealing a driveway, whether asphalt or concrete, can be difficult work. If you’re taking on this job on your own, it’s crucial that you thoroughly understand how to seal a driveway. If it’s done incorrectly, your driveway will be prone to cracking and chipping issues. And if you time the sealing poorly, a small amount of rain or even morning dew can wash away all your hard work.

Unless you have an abundance of experience doing DIY driveway and sealing projects, we highly recommend working with a professional. Professional driveway sealing contractors can recommend the best driveway sealers for the type of driveway you have and will ensure the sealant is applied correctly and efficiently—and at the best time. Get quotes from at least three different driveway sealing contractors near you to ensure you find a pro that fits your needs, including budget and project timing.