Sealing driveways

[whizbyu]

What is the ideal "sealant" for an asphalt driveway? I have seen what appears to be latex based products that go on the asphalt ambient temperature, and others that look like petroleum based that is sprayed through a heating element. This is a private driveway. No heavy trucks (Ford F350 would be the largest vehicle on it). Located in Charlotte, NC where the winters are generally mild, hardly get any snow. Summers are pretty hot, up to 100F ambient.
Thanks!

 

[Dave Sherman]

I don't have fond memories of maintaining my asphalt driveway, but when I sealcoated mine I just used the stuff that comes in 5-gallon buckets that gets applied with a big wooden squeegee. I understand price and longevity are closely related, so don't go with the cheap stuff.

I do think it's beneficial though, it seals the hairline cracks and keeps them from getting bigger.

If you DIY, factor in one pair of old jeans, one pair of old socks, and an old pair of shoes that you will never wear again, because they will pretty much be unusable for anything BUT sealing the drive again. Ask me how I know ;-).

 

[VNTS]

I seal mine every 5 years or so, use the 10 ry stuff from home depot, Lattexite, it is a water base coating.

Keeps the drieway looking good and supposedly extends the life.
Mine is 15 yrs old and crack free so I assume it helps. Takes about 2-3 5 gallon pails for each application, may take more if the driveway has never been sealed. I have sealed it about 3 times, use a squeegee takes a couple hours, do it in ealry fall before leaf season.

 

[JTK]

In the N.East, IMO, coal tar emulsion applied every other year works best. It doesn't peel and it keeps the surface strong.

Things might be totally different in areas that don't get freeze/thaw cycles.

I've seen all too many people use the latex based stuff, coat it too often or too thick and wind-up with major pealing, which looks like khrap pretty much from that point on.

Joel

 

[DrinkDuff77]

I used to work for a sealcoating company during the summers in college. Unfortunately, I didn't learn too much about the chemical properties of the sealer or what types may be best for you.

I can give you some tips, though. Make sure you prepare the driveway well before you apply the sealer. You don't want any rocks or dirt on there. We used wire brushes and a blower. Also, prime any oil spots first. You can add sand to it if you want some extra traction but don't over do it.