Sealing your driveway is a necessary step in home maintenance. You can do the job yourself and save a lot of money in the process providing you have the correct tools, decent weather and enough time on your side. Make sure you do this job when the temperatures are not too hot or too cold and the weather forecast shows dry conditions for at least two days.  

To begin you'll need a pressure washer, enough sealer for your driveway, oil remover, a squeegee or a broom and some general house cleaner to clean your driveway. Turn your buckets of sealer upside down the night before you plan on starting this job as it will allow the contents of the bucket to pre-mix. 

Clean the driveway

To begin, remove all of the weeds from any cracks which may have developed over time. Use oil remover to clean any oil stains on the driveway as these can bleed through over time addinfg extra repairs to your job. When the stains are removed, use some cleaner and a pressure washer or hose to thoroughly clean the driveway surface. 

Fill and seal the cracks

Allow your driveway enough time to dry and start to fill and seal the cracks using asphalt crack filler. Use a putty knife or a trowel to smooth over the cracks so that they are level with the driveway surface.  

Apply the sealer

You'll want to wear some old clothes and shoes for this portion of the job as it can be messy and could ruin your clothing. Mix the sealer first according to the manufacturers instructions. When the sealer is thoroughly mixed, pour it from the bucket horizontally from one side of the driveway to the other. Set the bucket down and spread the sealer as thin as possible using your squeegee. Apply more sealer and continue to work your way across the entire driveway surface until the whole area is covered and spread thin. Leave the sealer to rest and dry for a whole day. The following day, mix your sealer again and apply another layer, this time working in the opposite direction. Leave it to rest and dry for an additional day. 

Dry and check

After you've left your sealer to fully dry, test it before using the driveway as normal. You can do this by simply taking a kitchen cloth and rubbing the driveway surface. If the cloth comes away looking black or wet then the sealer needs more time. Be sure that the surface is thoroughly dry before using your driveway like normal.

For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Home Outdoor.