How Much Does It Cost to Reseal Your Driveway?

Local contractors can provide precise costs based on your specific asphalt paving project. Contact experienced paving professionals here:

The Benefits

Before we look at the costs, let’s briefly touch upon why sealing your driveway is a worthwhile endeavor.

• Protection from Elements: Sealants shield against water penetration, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. For concrete, this means preventing spalling and freeze-thaw damage. For asphalt, it reduces oxidation and water infiltration that can lead to cracks.
• Stain Resistance: Oil, gas, and other chemical spills are less likely to penetrate and stain a sealed surface.
• Enhanced Appearance: A freshly sealed driveway, whether the rich black of new asphalt or the clean look of sealed concrete, significantly boosts curb appeal.
• Extended Lifespan: Regular sealing can extend the life of your driveway by several years, delaying costly repairs or replacement.
• Easier Maintenance: Sealed surfaces are generally easier to clean and sweep.
• Improved Safety: For concrete, some sealers can improve traction. For asphalt, sealing can help prevent loose aggregate.

Resealing vs. Sealing

It’s important to clarify terms, as they are often used differently depending on the driveway material:

• Resealing: This term is most commonly associated with asphalt driveways. It involves applying a new topcoat of asphalt-based sealant to an existing asphalt surface. This refreshes its appearance and protective qualities. “Tarmac” is a term often used interchangeably with asphalt, particularly in regions like the UK; for the purpose of sealing, the process is essentially the same for asphalt/tarmac.
• Sealing: This term is generally used for concrete driveways. It involves applying a protective layer (often clear, but can be tinted) that penetrates the concrete or forms a film on top. It doesn’t typically add a new “surface” layer in the same way asphalt resealing does but rather protects the existing concrete.
• Paver Sealing: For interlocking pavers, sealing helps to lock in jointing sand, prevent weed growth, deter ants, and protect against stains.

This article will use “Driveway Sealing” as an umbrella term and then specify “resealing” for asphalt and “sealing” for concrete and pavers where distinctions are necessary.

Asphalt Driveway Resealing Costs

Asphalt driveways, also known as blacktop or tarmac, require periodic resealing to maintain their integrity and appearance. The cost to reseal an asphalt driveway can vary, but here’s a general breakdown.

Average Cost to Reseal Asphalt Driveways

Nationally, homeowners can expect to pay between $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot for professional asphalt driveway resealing. For an average-sized driveway (e.g., 600 sq ft), this translates to approximately $450 to $900. Smaller driveways may incur a minimum project fee from contractors.

Factors Affecting Asphalt Resealing Price

• Driveway Size: Larger driveways cost more overall but may have a lower per-square-foot rate.
• Condition of the Asphalt:
  • Minor Cracks: Filling these before sealing is essential and adds to the cost. Crack filler material might cost $10-$30 per tube/gallon for DIY. Professionals will include this in their prep.
  • Oil Spots: These need to be cleaned and primed, or the new sealant won’t adhere properly.
  • Extensive Damage: Significant alligator cracking or potholes may require patching before sealing, which can add hundreds of dollars. If the damage is too severe, resealing is only a temporary fix.
• Type of Sealant Used:
  • Asphalt Emulsion Sealers: These are common, generally lower in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and moderately priced. They are water-based.
  • Coal Tar Sealers: Historically popular for their toughness and fuel resistance, but their use is declining due to high VOC content and environmental/health concerns. They are banned or restricted in some areas.
  • Acrylic Sealers: These are often more expensive but offer better durability, color retention (staying blacker longer), and may be blended with polymers for enhanced performance.
• Number of Coats: Most jobs require one coat, but heavily worn surfaces might benefit from two, increasing cost.
• Preparation Work: This is a significant factor. Proper cleaning (pressure washing) and crack filling are vital for a lasting job.
• Geographic Location: Labor rates and material costs vary by region. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living typically have higher prices.

DIY Asphalt Resealing Costs vs. Professional

Resealing an asphalt driveway yourself can save money on labor, but it’s a labor-intensive job.

• DIY Costs:
  • Sealant: A 5-gallon pail of asphalt sealer typically costs $25-$70, covering around 250-500 sq ft, depending on the product and surface porosity.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Degreaser, driveway cleaner.
  • Crack Filler: $10-$30 per tube/gallon.
  • Tools: Squeegee or roller ($20-$50), brushes, mixing paddle, gloves, pail.
  • Pressure Washer Rental (if needed): $50-$100 per day.
  • For a 600 sq ft driveway, DIY material costs could range from $100 to $300+, excluding tool purchases or rentals if you don’t own them.
• Professional Costs: As mentioned, $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, including materials, labor, and proper preparation.

When to Choose DIY vs. Pro for Asphalt: DIY is suitable for smaller driveways in good condition with minimal cracking. For larger driveways, significant prep work, or if you prefer a guaranteed professional finish, hiring a contractor is often worth the investment.

Concrete Driveway Sealing Costs

Concrete driveways, while durable, also benefit significantly from sealing to protect against stains, water damage, and de-icing salts. The cost to seal a concrete driveway often differs from asphalt resealing.

Why Seal Concrete?

Unlike asphalt which gets a “new” black surface, concrete sealing is primarily about protection and sometimes enhancement:

• Prevent Spalling: Flaking or peeling of the concrete surface due to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
• Resist Stains: Oil, grease, rust, and other liquids can permanently stain unsealed concrete.
• Mitigate Freeze-Thaw Damage: Water absorbed into concrete expands when it freezes, causing cracks and surface deterioration. Sealers reduce water absorption.
• Protect from De-icing Salts: Chlorides in de-icing salts can accelerate concrete deterioration. Sealers provide a barrier.
• Enhance Appearance (Optional): Some sealers can give a “wet look,” enhance color, or provide a gloss or matte finish.

Typical Costs for Sealing Concrete Driveways

Professional concrete driveway sealing typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. Some high-performance sealers like epoxies can be significantly more. For a 600 sq ft driveway, expect costs between $600 and $1,500.

Types of Concrete Sealers and Their Cost Impact

The choice of sealer is a major cost driver for concrete.

• Acrylic Sealers:
  • Cost: $0.20 – $0.75 per sq ft (material only).
  • Pros: Affordable, easy to apply, good for aesthetics (can provide gloss/color enhancement), UV resistant, breathable.
  • Cons: Less durable than other types, may need reapplication every 1-3 years.
  • Appearance: Can be matte or glossy, clear or tinted.
• Polyurethane Sealers:
  • Cost: $0.50 – $1.25 per sq ft (material only).
  • Pros: More durable than acrylics, excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, UV stable (non-yellowing).
  • Cons: More expensive, can be slippery if not formulated with an anti-skid additive, application can be more sensitive to moisture.
  • Appearance: Typically clear, forms a durable film, available in various sheen levels.
• Epoxy Sealers:
  • Cost: $1.00 – $3.00+ per sq ft (material only). Often used for garage floors but sometimes for driveways.
  • Pros: Extremely durable, high gloss, excellent resistance to water and chemicals.
  • Cons: Most expensive, can be very slippery when wet, not breathable (can trap moisture), may yellow with UV exposure unless specifically formulated for exterior use. Preparation is critical.
  • Appearance: Often high gloss, can be clear or colored, can incorporate decorative flakes.
• Penetrating Sealers (Siloxane, Silane, Siliconate):
  • Cost: $0.40 – $1.50 per sq ft (material only).
  • Pros: Penetrate into the concrete to form a hydrophobic barrier, invisible protection (no film), long-lasting (5-10+ years), excellent for freeze-thaw and salt protection, breathable.
  • Cons: Do not typically enhance appearance (no gloss or color change), may not protect against oil stains as well as film-formers unless specifically formulated.
  • Appearance: Matte, invisible finish.

Professional Concrete Sealing Price Factors

• Driveway Size and Complexity: Larger or intricately shaped driveways cost more.
• Current Condition: Extensive cleaning, stain removal, or minor crack repair (using a flexible sealant) will add to the cost.
• Type of Sealer Chosen: As detailed above, penetrating and epoxy sealers are generally more expensive than acrylics.
• Surface Preparation: Concrete must be impeccably clean and dry. Acid etching might be required for some sealers, especially epoxies, to ensure proper adhesion.
• Geographic Location: Labor and material costs vary.

DIY Concrete Sealing Costs vs. Professional

• DIY Costs:
  • Sealer: Material costs vary widely based on type (see above). For a 600 sq ft driveway, acrylic sealer might be $120-$450, while a penetrating sealer could be $240-$900.
  • Cleaner/Degreaser: $20-$50.
  • Etcher (if needed): $30-$60.
  • Applicator Tools: Sprayer, roller, brushes ($30-$100).
  • Pressure Washer Rental: $50-$100 per day.
  • Total DIY costs for a 600 sq ft driveway could range from $200 to $1000+, heavily dependent on sealer type.
• Professional Costs: $1.00 to $2.50+ per square foot.

When to Choose DIY vs. Pro for Concrete: Applying acrylic sealers can be a manageable DIY project. However, penetrating sealers and especially epoxies require careful surface preparation and application. If you’re inexperienced or using a high-performance sealer, professional application is recommended to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

Sealing Other Driveway Materials

Paver Driveways

Pavers are often sealed to:

• Stabilize joint sand
• Prevent weeds and ant hills
• Protect against stains (oil, rust, organic matter)
• Enhance color and appearance (wet look or natural)
• Make cleaning easier

Cost: Professional paver sealing typically costs $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot. This includes cleaning, re-sanding joints (if needed), and applying the sealer. DIY material costs for paver sealer range from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are not “resealed” or “sealed” in the same way as hard surfaces. Maintenance involves regrading, adding new gravel, and ensuring proper drainage. The concept of a topical sealant does not apply.

Calculating Your Driveway Sealing Costs

Whether DIY or hiring a pro, you can estimate costs with a simple formula:

1. Measure Driveway Area:
   • Area (Square Footage) = Length (ft) x Width (ft)
   • For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and triangles, calculate individual areas, then sum them.
2. Determine Sealant Needed (for DIY):
   • Gallons Needed = Total Square Footage / Coverage per Gallon (from sealant container)
   • Always round up to the nearest whole gallon or buy an extra pail to ensure you have enough.
3. Estimate Material Cost (for DIY):
   • Total Material Cost = Gallons Needed x Cost per Gallon
   • Add costs for cleaners, fillers, and tools.
4. Estimate Professional Cost:
   • Total Professional Cost = Total Square Footage x Professional Rate per Sq Ft

Example Calculations:

Scenario 1: Asphalt Driveway (600 sq ft)

• DIY:
  • Sealant: 600 sq ft / 400 sq ft per pail coverage = 1.5 pails. Buy 2 pails.
  • 2 pails @ $40/pail = $80
  • Crack filler, cleaner, incidentals = $50
  • Estimated DIY Total: $130
• Professional:
  • 600 sq ft x $1.00/sq ft (mid-range) = $600

Scenario 2: Concrete Driveway (800 sq ft, using a mid-range penetrating sealer)

• DIY:
  • Sealer: 800 sq ft / 200 sq ft per gallon coverage = 4 gallons.
  • 4 gallons @ $70/gallon = $280
  • Cleaner, sprayer rental = $80
  • Estimated DIY Total: $360
• Professional:
  • 800 sq ft x $1.75/sq ft (mid-range) = $1,400

These are illustrative examples. Always get actual quotes for professional work and check current material prices for DIY.

Detailed Factors Influencing Overall Driveway Sealing Costs

We’ve touched on many factors, but let’s consolidate and expand:

1. Driveway Size and Shape: The primary driver. Complex shapes or steep slopes may increase labor costs.
2. Driveway Material: Asphalt resealing and concrete sealing have different material and labor considerations, as detailed.
3. Condition of the Existing Surface:
   • Cleaning: Heavy dirt, mildew, or moss require more intensive cleaning (e.g., pressure washing, specific chemical cleaners), adding to prep time and cost.
   • Crack Repair: The extent and size of cracks determine the amount of filler needed and labor involved. Minor cracks are usually included in basic prep; extensive cracking adds more.
   • Pothole/Patching: For asphalt, significant depressions or potholes must be patched with cold patch or hot mix asphalt before sealing, a separate cost.
   • Stain Removal: Deep-set oil or rust stains on concrete may require specialized poultices or multiple cleaning attempts.
   • Weed Removal: Particularly for cracks or paver joints.
4. Type and Quality of Sealant:
   • Asphalt: Basic emulsion sealers are cheaper than premium acrylic or polymer-modified options.
   • Concrete: Acrylics are generally the most budget-friendly; polyurethanes, epoxies, and high-quality penetrating sealers (like those with high concentrations of silanes or siloxanes) are more expensive but offer greater durability or specific protective qualities.
5. Labor Costs (Professional Work):
   • Geographic Location: Labor rates vary significantly between urban, suburban, and rural areas, and between high-cost-of-living (HCOL) and low-cost-of-living (LCOL) regions. Always get multiple local quotes.
   • Contractor Experience and Reputation: Established, reputable contractors may charge more but often provide better quality work and warranties.
   • Scope of Prep Work: If a contractor has to do extensive cleaning and repairs, the labor cost will be higher.
6. Number of Coats: Most residential applications are one coat, but a second coat (if recommended for a particular product or situation) will nearly double material and labor for the application phase.
7. Accessibility: Difficult-to-access driveways might incur slightly higher labor charges.

When is Sealing Not Enough? Repair vs. Replacement

Sealing is a preventative maintenance task. It protects a structurally sound driveway. It is not a solution for major structural problems.

Consider repair or replacement instead of sealing if your driveway exhibits:

• Asphalt:
  • Widespread, deep alligator cracking (indicating base failure).
  • Multiple large potholes.
  • Significant sinking or heaving.
  • Edges crumbling away extensively.
  • If the driveway is over 20-25 years old and showing multiple issues, resealing offers limited benefit.
• Concrete:
  • Large, deep, or actively moving cracks (wider than 1/4 – 1/2 inch).
  • Significant heaving, sinking, or slabs rocking.
  • Widespread, deep spalling that exposes the aggregate over large areas.
  • Severe structural damage from tree roots or ground movement.

In such cases, sealing might provide a very temporary cosmetic fix but won’t address the underlying issues, leading to wasted money. Consult with a paving or concrete professional to assess if major repairs or a full replacement is more cost-effective in the long run.

Top Tips for Driveway Sealing Success

• Timing is Key: Apply sealers when temperatures are moderate (typically above 50°F or 10°C and rising) and no rain is forecast for at least 24-48 hours. Avoid extremely hot, direct sun, which can cause the sealer to dry too quickly.
• Preparation is Paramount: The most common cause of sealer failure is inadequate surface preparation. The driveway must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, debris, oil, and grease. Cracks must be filled.
• Read Product Instructions: Different sealers have specific application guidelines, drying times, and coverage rates. Follow them meticulously.
• Don’t Over-Apply: For asphalt, too thick a coat can lead to tracking and a slippery surface. For concrete film-forming sealers, a thick coat can also be problematic.
• Consider Two Thin Coats: For some sealers, two thin coats are better than one thick coat, especially for concrete.
• Curing Time: Allow adequate curing time (as per manufacturer instructions, often 24-72 hours) before driving or parking on the newly sealed surface.
• Safety First (DIY): Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and old clothing. Ensure good ventilation if using solvent-based products.