What Does Sealcoating Do for an Asphalt Driveway?

Asphalt is durable, but it does not remain unchanged forever. Sunlight, moisture, freezing temperatures, road salt, gasoline and oil all contribute to surface deterioration.

That matters here in Northern Illinois, where driveways endure summer heat, winter cold and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Professional sealcoating applies a protective coating over the asphalt surface. It can help:

• Reduce exposure to sunlight and oxidation
• Limit the amount of surface moisture entering small voids
• Protect against damage from oil and vehicle fluids
• Slow normal surface deterioration
• Restore a clean, uniform black appearance
• Make ongoing asphalt maintenance more manageable

Sealcoating is most effective as preventive maintenance—before the driveway has developed widespread cracking, potholes or base failure.

Does Sealcoating Fill Driveway Cracks?

No. Sealcoating and crack filling perform different jobs.

Cracks that require treatment should be addressed separately before the sealcoat is applied. Simply brushing sealer over a significant crack does not repair the movement or damage underneath it.

This is one reason choosing an experienced asphalt contractor matters. Before recommending sealcoating, the contractor should inspect the driveway and identify areas that may require crack filling, patching or more extensive asphalt repair.

At Image Pro’s, our estimators will shoot you straight. If sealcoating is appropriate, we’ll tell you. If part of the driveway has failed and needs a real repair, we’ll explain that too.

How Often Should You Sealcoat a Driveway in Northern Illinois?

For a newly installed asphalt driveway, Image Pro’s generally recommends the first sealcoat during the following season. The asphalt needs time to cure before that initial application.

After the first sealcoat, we generally recommend sealcoating approximately every two years, depending on the driveway’s condition, exposure and use.

More frequent application is not automatically better. The right schedule should be based on the actual condition of the asphalt rather than the calendar alone.

Image Pro’s customers also receive maintenance reminders as part of our customer loyalty program, making it easier to stay ahead of driveway deterioration.

How Long Should You Stay Off a Sealcoated Driveway?

Under suitable conditions, wait at least:

• 24 hours before driving across the driveway
• 48 hours before parking on the driveway

Hot, humid or otherwise unfavorable weather may require an additional day or two. Always follow the instructions provided by the office and crew for the conditions at the time of your project.