Sealing your driveway is one of the simplest ways to protect it from the weather and enhance its appearance. But even the best driveway sealer won’t work if you skip the crucial first step: cleaning. Not preparing your driveway for sealing is a problem we see time and time again. Bubbles, streaks, flaking, and peeling can mean needing to start over from scratch.
All it takes for high-quality, long-lasting driveway sealing is a little simple cleaning. This quick guide walks you through the process.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need for Prep Work
Before you start sealing your driveway, you’ll need to gather a few things. These include the following:
If you don’t have some of these materials, don’t worry. Consider asking friends, family, or neighbours. All this equipment and these materials are also available in any good local hardware store. You could even rent tools like a leaf blower or pressure washer instead of buying them, if you’re looking to cut costs!
How to Prepare Your Driveway for Sealing
The process isn’t as complex as it might seem. Here’s a driveway sealing checklist for helping you prepare.
Step 1 – Clear the Surface of All Vehicles, Debris, and Dirt
Move all cars, bikes, planters, and toys off the driveway. Clean your driveway for sealing by sweeping away leaves, sand, dirt, and pebbles using a stiff broom (or a leaf blower). It’s also worth edging where your yard meets the driveway; grass and soil can creep onto the surface.
Any loose debris left behind will prevent the sealer from bonding properly, so take the time to do a thorough job.
Step 2 – Power Wash or Rinse the Driveway Thoroughly
Use a simple garden hose with a stiff-bristle broom to wash your driveway down. If using a pressure washer, ensure it’s on a low-pressure setting with a fan nozzle, and held at least 45 cm from the surface.
Start at the highest point of your driveway and work your way down in steady lines. The goal is to wash away any remaining dust or grime. Avoid using high pressure – it can damage the surface.
Step 3 – Remove Oil Stains or Grease Spots
Oil (and other greases or lubricants) stains look awful. Plus, they can stop the sealer from bonding to the surface.
Apply a driveway degreaser to remove oil stains from your driveway. Alternatively, hot water and detergent should be sufficient for small, fresh spots. Agitate and scrub the oil with a stiff broom, rinse, and repeat if necessary.
Step 4 – Fill Any Cracks or Potholes with Filler or Patch
Now that the surface is free from dirt, debris, and oil, check it for cracks or small holes. Depending on whether it’s asphalt or concrete, use an appropriate crack filler for narrow gaps, or a cold-patch compound for larger holes in asphalt driveways.
If you’re not sure which type of filler to use, just call or visit your local hardware store. Staff shouldn’t have a problem matching you with the right product for your driveway type.
Apply filler by following the filler manufacturer’s instructions, then wait for it to cure. Filling enhances appearance and reduces the effect of water seeping and pooling underneath the surface.
Step 5 – Let the Surface Dry Completely Before Sealing
The key to driveway sealing preparation is patience. Your driveway must be completely dry before you apply any sealer.
In most cases, it takes 24 to 48 hours.
If not, it won’t adhere properly, and you’ll have to start all over again. Test a few spots; if they still feel damp or cool to the touch, give it more time. Once you’re sure it’s dry, you can go ahead and seal your driveway.
How Long Should You Wait After Cleaning Before Applying Sealer?
Residual moisture from washing takes time to drain or evaporate. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before applying your sealer, and sometimes up to or above 48 hours in cooler or humid conditions. Check the forecast to make sure you’ve got two or three dry, mild days ahead, with daytime highs above 10 °C.
Check your driveway sealer for specific recommendations. The drying time before applying sealer to your surface can vary, although it’s usually safe for vehicles after 24 hours, or 48 hours in more humid conditions. It can take several days to fully cure, but it should be safe to use in the meantime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Driveway Sealing
Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when sealing your driveway:
Don’t worry, though. A little extra prep and taking your time saves a lot of frustration and leaves you with a driveway that’s the envy of the neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts
Done right, a sealed driveway protects your investment for years to come. And, of course, it looks great! Whether you’re tackling it yourself or calling in the professionals, proper preparation makes all the difference.
Here at Interlock Driveway, driveway sealing is an integral part of our process when installing an interlocking driveway. We’re committed to providing you with the best driveway in town. Let’s chat today about what we can do for you!