How to Reseal an Asphalt Driveway (4 Steps + Cost)

TL;DR: Asphalt driveways need resealing every 2-3 years to block water, UV damage, and oxidation. A typical 600 sq ft two-car driveway costs $90-$150 for DIY sealer or $200-$400 for a professional job. The work takes one weekend: clean, repair cracks, apply two coats, cure for 24-48 hours before driving.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 6 min read_

An asphalt driveway left untreated will crack, fade to gray, and need replacement in 10-12 years instead of the expected 20-25. Resealing every few years costs a fraction of repaving and keeps the surface flexible enough to survive freeze-thaw cycles.

Okoniq Property Hub logs each driveway sealing job with photos and the product brand, so you know exactly when the next coat is due and which sealer held up best.

When should you reseal an asphalt driveway?

Reseal when the surface turns light gray or you see fine cracks starting to form — typically 2-3 years after the last coat. New asphalt needs 6-12 months to cure before the first sealing; applying sealer too early traps oils inside and prevents proper bonding. If you see standing water pooling or exposed aggregate (small stones visible), the existing sealer has worn through.

Spring and fall are ideal seasons: temperatures between 50°F and 85°F with no rain in the 24-hour forecast. Avoid sealing in direct sun on hot days — the sealer will dry too fast and not bond properly. Most professionals recommend waiting until morning dew has evaporated but before midday heat. A well-timed sealing job adds 3-5 years of life for every application.

How do you prepare an asphalt driveway for sealing?

Start by cleaning the surface with a pressure washer or stiff broom to remove dirt, oil stains, and loose debris. Oil spots need a degreaser — TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a commercial asphalt cleaner — because sealer won't stick to petroleum residue. Scrub stains with a wire brush, rinse thoroughly, and let the driveway dry for 24 hours.

Fill cracks wider than 1/4 inch with rubberized crack filler from a caulk tube or pour bottle. Cracks smaller than 1/4 inch can be sealed over, but anything larger will reappear through the sealer within months. For holes or damaged areas deeper than 1 inch, use cold-patch asphalt and tamp it level with a hand tamper or 4x4 post. Edge the driveway borders with painter's tape or cardboard if the sealer might stain concrete, grass, or siding — coal-tar and asphalt-emulsion sealers both stain permanently.

Sweep the entire surface one more time right before opening the first bucket. Dust and pebbles left behind will create rough patches in the finished coat.

What type of sealer should you use and how much?

Coal-tar emulsion sealers are more durable and resistant to gas and oil spills but are banned in some states due to environmental concerns. Asphalt-emulsion sealers are water-based, less toxic, and widely available at hardware stores — they typically last 2-3 years between coats. A 5-gallon bucket covers 250-350 square feet depending on the driveway's porosity, so a 600 sq ft two-car driveway needs two buckets for two coats.

Expect to pay $30-$50 per 5-gallon bucket of asphalt-emulsion sealer or $40-$60 for coal-tar if it's legal in your area. Add $10-$20 for a squeegee applicator with a long handle and another $5-$10 for crack filler tubes. Total DIY cost for a two-car driveway runs $90-$150 including materials.

Professional sealing costs $0.10-$0.20 per square foot for asphalt-emulsion or $0.15-$0.25 for coal-tar, so the same 600 sq ft driveway is $200-$400 installed. Pros bring commercial-grade equipment, thicker coats, and a warranty — worth it if your driveway has multiple oil stains or significant cracking that needs expert patching. Similar to basement waterproofing, small prep mistakes on a driveway cost more to fix later than hiring experience upfront.

How do you apply sealer and how long does it take to cure?

Pour a line of sealer across the top of the driveway and spread it with a squeegee in smooth, overlapping strokes. Work from the garage door or top edge toward the street, moving backward so you don't step in wet sealer. Apply a thin, even coat — thick puddles will crack and peel within months. Let the first coat dry 4-6 hours (or until it no longer feels tacky), then apply a second coat in the perpendicular direction for full coverage.

Block off the driveway with cones or caution tape. Foot traffic is safe after 24 hours in warm, dry weather; wait 48 hours before driving on it. If rain threatens within 24 hours of application, cover the driveway with plastic sheeting or postpone the job — water will wash uncured sealer into the lawn and ruin the bond.

Edge lines and turn marks from tires will appear in the first few weeks as the sealer hardens fully. Avoid sharp steering while parked and don't use a kickstand or jack stands on fresh sealer for at least a week. The surface reaches full hardness in 30 days.

Should you hire a professional or DIY?

DIY makes sense if your driveway is under 1,000 square feet, relatively flat, and you have a free weekend. You'll save $100-$250 on labor and gain exact knowledge of which sealer went down and when. The work is repetitive but not skilled — if you've painted a deck or regrouted bathroom tile, you can handle driveway sealing.

Hire a pro if the driveway has multiple large cracks, potholes deeper than 2 inches, or drainage problems that pool water. Professionals can infrared-heat damaged sections, compact cold-patch properly, and apply commercial-grade sealer at 30-50% thicker coverage than DIY buckets. They also carry liability insurance if something goes wrong. Expect quotes to include crack filling, cleaning, and two coats of sealer as a package.

Ask for references and photos of previous work. A rushed or poorly prepped sealing job will peel within one season and waste the cost of materials. As with chimney and fireplace inspections, experience shows in the prep work more than the final coat.

FAQ

How long does driveway sealer last?

Asphalt-emulsion sealer lasts 2-3 years under normal traffic; coal-tar emulsion lasts 3-4 years. UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy vehicle weight all shorten lifespan. Plan to reseal when the surface turns light gray or fine cracks reappear.

Can you seal a driveway with cracks?

Yes, but fill cracks wider than 1/4 inch with rubberized crack filler first. Sealer alone won't stop cracks from spreading. Unfilled cracks will telegraph through the new sealer within months and allow water to penetrate the base.

What temperature is best for sealing an asphalt driveway?

Apply sealer when air and surface temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F with no rain in the 24-hour forecast. Sealer won't cure properly below 50°F and will dry too fast above 90°F in direct sun. Early morning or late afternoon in spring or fall are ideal.

How much does it cost to seal a driveway yourself?

A typical 600 sq ft two-car driveway costs $90-$150 for DIY materials including two coats of asphalt-emulsion sealer, crack filler, and a squeegee. Coal-tar sealer runs $40-$60 per bucket versus $30-$50 for asphalt-emulsion. Professional sealing for the same driveway costs $200-$400 installed.

Can you drive on a freshly sealed driveway?

Wait 48 hours before driving on newly sealed asphalt in warm, dry weather. Foot traffic is safe after 24 hours. The sealer reaches full hardness in 30 days — avoid sharp turns and kickstands during that period to prevent marking the surface.

This is educational information, not construction or structural advice. Consult a licensed paving contractor if your driveway has drainage issues, widespread cracking, or base failure beyond surface sealing.