Cost To Seal A Driveway/Sealcoating Driveway Cost

What factors influence the cost to seal a driveway?

sealcoating a driveway costs are recommended for certain types of new driveway surface after installation and post repair and cleaning for established driveways. Sealing the surface helps provide protection from the elements and the daily wear and tear of vehicle traffic. It will help your driveway surface to last longer as well as keeping an attractive appearance.

• The size of the driveway
• Whether there is a design or pattern on it and how intricate this is
• The condition of the driveway – the driveway will certainly need cleaning before it is sealed and there is no point sealing a driveway which first needs repair
• The type of sealant you choose
• The material the driveway is made from whether that is resin-bound, asphalt or block paving
• Where you live – labour charges are typically higher in London and the Southeast

Why should you seal your driveway?

There are lots of benefits from adding a sealant to your driveway surface regardless of how old it is. Sealant protects the material from the effects of the sun. Ultraviolet rays cause deterioration because it sets off a process of oxidation which can cause the driveway to crack.

Sealing can also offer protection against chemical spills such as fuel and motor oil, especially if you tend to work on a car on the driveway. Chemical spills can cause permanent staining and also penetrate the fabric of the driveway causing damage.

Many people use sealant to protect against weed growth which can occur even if you have laid a membrane on the sub-base. Sealant will distribute into tiny hairline cracks and fissures which weeds and grass love.

Sealcoating a driveway costs more upfront, but it does save money on future cleaning materials. Sealing makes cleaning easier because the surface is smooth and uniform. It covers over tiny cracks and imperfections making it hard for dirt and detritus to lodge in them.

Sealant can repel water from your driveway which can also cause damage and deterioration. This isn’t just a problem with rainwater but with frost and lying snow. Water can wear away the top particles of the driveway material and create tiny cracks which allows moisture to penetrate. During the freeze/thaw process in the winter, the cracks will widen and worsen. It is always worth sealing a driveway which is already showing signs of cracking because otherwise they will just get worse.

Justifying sealcoating a driveway costs

By protecting your driveway surface, you will increase its longevity by promoting structural integrity and minimising the impact of sun and rain which causes oxidation. Seal coating will keep the driveway looking its best for longer and so the upfront cost to seal a driveway will be worth it when compared to the savings made through less maintenance and repair.

Different types of driveway sealant

There are three main types of driveway sealant, water-based, acrylic and polyurethane.

• Water-based sealers – this type of sealant has the same properties as solvent-based products only with less environmental impact. Also, they do take longer to dry and don’t penetrate quite as deeply as solvent-based sealers
• Polyurethane sealers – these are considered the best option for block paving; they are expensive but generally last longer than acrylic alternatives
• Acrylic sealers – a good all-round option for your driveway and the recommend choice for concrete driveways and block paving

Finding the right contractor

Sealing driveways is big business as everyone wants their driveway to look great and not have to worry about the chore of looking after it. However, it is essential to use a reputable company otherwise the wrong product inexpertly applied could permanently damage your driveway.

If you have installed a new driveway, then ask the contractor to seal it at the appropriate time. You could also ask them to come back and re-seal at the appropriate intervals suggested by the manufacturer of the materials.

If your driveway is older and hasn’t been sealed before or for a long time, then you should find a reputable contractor who can recommend the correct product. Be aware that sealant may darken the existing colour of the diary or alter its appearance even if the product is clear and not intended to do this.

Cowboy companies that undercut on price could permanently damage your driveway. Always make sure you use a reputable company, preferably one that is personally recommended and with genuine customer references and testimonials which you can check.

Preparing your driveway for sealing

Whichever sealant you use, it will need to dry after application, so the winter is generally not the best time of year for this type of work. Late spring and summer are the best times of year to undertake cleaning, any repair and sealing.

The driveway needs to be completely clean and weed free first. This may be something you do yourself or you could ask a professional to do it for you. A good contractor will not lay sealant on a surface that is not clean enough.

New driveways tend to be left for a set interval before they are sealed. Newly laid blocks and paving slabs will take time to settle. Your driveway installer can tell you the recommended time to seal the new material.

How to save money on sealing your driveway

If you don’t fancy trying to seal the driveway yourself then you could save money by cleaning it so that it is ready for the contractor.

Cleaning a driveway involves a thorough sweep of the surface and then washing with a pressure washer. Make sure you use the machine correctly or you could damage the surface. Apply detergent or degreaser and leave for five minutes before spraying the surface with a back-and-forth motion, starting at the top and working your way down.

Remove moss, algae, weeds and grass by hand or using a spot sprayer. Scrub stains with a proprietary cleaner designed for your driveway surface.

If you are worried about pressure washing the surface correctly then you could do all the preparation work and hire a professional cleaner to do the last bit, this will still save you money.

Watch this short video on driveway sealing:

Once you understand the full cost to seal a driveway, it is also important to research the type of driveway you want to seal. Surfaces like imprinted concrete, Cobblestone and Asphalt are some of the types of driveway that can be sealed.

Frequently Asked Questions