Sealing asphalt driveway - 1st time - suggestions ?

**CheckeredFlag** · 08-23-2012, 10:39 AM

I have an asphalt driveway that hasn't been re-sealed for a couple of years, and have been thinking about doing it myself

Looks easy enough

I know it has to be cleaned first, and I already bought some crack filler and some trowel patch to take care of that part ...

my question is: there seems to be several different kinds of sealers ... What have you used ?

How long should I expect it to last ?

Are there different "grades" of sealer ? (Some heavier duty than others ?)

I'm thinkin this may be one of those - "You get what you pay for" kinda things

TIA

**mwoolfso** · 08-23-2012, 10:57 AM

I am in the same position you are in and around 1 year behind you. I already did the research.

You get what you pay for, and there are 2 general guidelines I learned:

1. The more solids in the sealer, the better (and more expensive) the product will be.
2. The warranty length is telling as well and supports #1. A longer warranty usually means better quality and more solids left after liquids evaporate and cure.

Over the last 5-years a new set of formulas considered airport, racetrack or pavement-grade has emerged. This grade of sealer has more durable acrylic polymers and lasts longer than other formulas. Some come with a 10-year warranty.

Coal-tar and asphalt sealers seems to be the 2-types that are sold in the retail channel (Home Depot, Lowes, etc...). Each has their pros and cons. I will be getting an airport-grade sealer next year.