I just bought a house about a month ago.  It has an asphalt driveway that is in relatively good shape.  My question is, when should I get a new seal coat on it?  I've seen a couple of my neighbors get theirs done recently.  I was always told that when it starts to fade in color then its time.

I used to have a 200’ double wide one.  I resealed it every 4-5 years.  I did it myself with a 2’ squeegee.  I bought it in 5 gallon cans.

I have it done every year. It protects it from water seeping in the cracks and then causing damage when it freezes. I was told that you shouldn't seal it in the first year after it is put down though. I did it my self a few times but then realized it was actually cheaper to hire someone and the quality of the job I have to admit is at least as good.

8 minutes ago, BassinCNY said:

I have it done every year.

That seems a little excessive.  But rather than waiting I think I am going to have it done later this summer or fall now anyways.

I have mine done every 3 years. 

Installer told me don't seal the first year wait until the 2nd year. After that he recommended sealing it every other year. 

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Installer told me don't seal the first year wait until the 2nd year. After that he recommended sealing it every other year. 

Do you think that it serves a purpose to actually protect the asphalt, or is it primarily just for appearance?  Seems to be a fair amount of people out there who think it’s only for how it looks and has no value in protecting the actual surface.

We just got ours done last year and the guy said to do it every other year at the most.  Definitely not a job i would want to deal with myself even though it isn't terribly difficult.  Those guys can do our driveway whcih can fit about 8 cars in about an hour.  Usually we try and get a bunch of people in the neighborhood to get it done and we get a little discount.  

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

Do you think that it serves a purpose to actually protect the asphalt, or is it primarily just for appearance?  Seems to be a fair amount of people out there who think it’s only for how it looks and has no value in protecting the actual surface.

It helps to keep the water from seeping in especially in the larger cracks. In the north like you and I are water in asphalt (concrete as well) is a recipe for disaster come winter. That’ll destroy a driveway in no time.

 

My dad has his done every 3-4 years and his 25 year old driveway is in excellent shape. 

13 hours ago, gimruis said:

Do you think that it serves a purpose to actually protect the asphalt, or is it primarily just for appearance?  Seems to be a fair amount of people out there who think it’s only for how it looks and has no value in protecting the actual surface.

 

Both but primary reason is protection from moisture degradation. 

10 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

My dad has his done every 3-4 years and his 25 year old driveway is in excellent shape. 

 

You just sold me on it right there.  Its like 150 bucks to have it professionally done here and it takes them about 2 hours.  If its means keeping my driveway in decent shape for that long with a new coating every few years, that is pennies compared to putting in a brand new driveway.

6 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

You just sold me on it right there.  Its like 150 bucks to have it professionally done here and it takes them about 2 hours.  If its means keeping my driveway in decent shape for that long with a new coating every few years, that is pennies compared to putting in a brand new driveway.

The other deciding factor in keeping an asphalt driveway in good condition is the base. If the base is no good then you’re fighting an uphill battle, but obviously at this point that’s out of your control. Nonetheless sealing it will help tremendously regardless of the base. 

1 minute ago, 12poundbass said:

Nonetheless sealing it will help tremendously regardless of the base.

I just looked at it last night again closer.  It doesn't even have any hairline cracks to fill.  No major holes or pitting either.  So ya, its in better shape than I initially thought.  I am going to get it sealed before October.

Give whatever company you go with my PayPal info so they can send me my commission. 

Asphalt driveway laid 19 years ago and have never touched it.

It has faded however but in very good condition structurally.

6 minutes ago, Bird said:

Asphalt driveway laid 19 years ago and have never touched it.

It has faded however but in very good condition structurally.

 

So you haven't sealed it in 19 years?!  d**n.  Now that makes me rethink my decision.  You're not helping @Bird!

11 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

So you haven't sealed it in 19 years?!  d**n.  Now that makes me rethink my decision.  You're not helping @Bird!

Terrible pic, my apologies but yes our driveway was paved in 2003.

Sorry if I'm a negative influence ?

5 hours ago, Bird said:

Terrible pic, my apologies but yes our driveway was paved in 2003.

Sorry if I'm a negative influence ?

I actually like that better than black, at least in that setting. Looks cool.

On 6/30/2022 at 4:06 PM, gimruis said:

 

So you haven't sealed it in 19 years?!  d**n.  Now that makes me rethink my decision.  You're not helping @Bird!

I would ignore what @Bird says. You think a guy that is too lazy to mow his grass is going reseal a driveway. LOL.

4 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I would ignore what @Bird says. You think a guy that is too lazy to mow his grass is going reseal a driveway. LOL.

? Had a feeling that was coming.

Mowed and weed eated today, that should get me to August ?

On 6/30/2022 at 4:21 PM, Bird said:

Terrible pic, my apologies but yes our driveway was paved in 2003.

Sorry if I'm a negative influence ?

You’re cutting into my commission! My kid needs shoes. ?

17 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

You’re cutting into my commission! My kid needs shoes. ?

A-Jay

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

A-Jay

Did you put his fro to shame back in the day, and did you have goldfish in your platform shoes? ?

10 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Did you put his fro to shame back in the day, and did you have goldfish in your platform shoes? ?

I've been shaving my head since 79 . . . 

A-Jay

27 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I've been shaving my head since 79 . . . 

A-Jay