Asphalt Driveway Sealers

Dear Tim, I plan to reseal my driveway this summer (it has been three years since the last reseal). Each summer, I go through the ritual of filling cracks, and on those years when I need to reseal, I coat the driveway as well. I have been hard pressed to find any rating of the crack sealant products available. As a result, I don't know how effective the products really are that I find in the local DIY store. Judging by appearances -- the cracks in my driveway that need retreatment each year -- I'd say they are not especially effective (even taking account of shrinkage). Further, I have never seen anything on the market like the tape that sealing companies use to cover cracks. I'd be grateful for your guidance -- what are the best, most effective products for sealing cracks, filling small holes and 1/2 inch to one inch cracks? Is the tape that professionals use effective? It seems to work pretty well. Is it available to the consumer? Many thanks, Duncan

Dear Tim,
We just had a new asphalt driveway put in, and we didn't get any instructions from the company nor a contract. But it looks like a very nice job with the exception there is grass growing through the asphalt. What can be done about this problem if anything?

Thankyou, Bill (arizona)

The City of Las Vegas just slurried our street two weeks ago. I just finished installing a new drive way with pavers. The construction work left the street area in front of my house stained fron the sand, dirt, and cement mixing. Is there something I can apply to bring this area to match the new surface?

Hi, I just had a new blacktop driveway put in. I live in the Buffalo area. How long must I wait before sealing it?

Are asphalt sealers available in colors? If so, are they as durable as the black sealers?

I see great question but NO ANSWERS! Are they hidden someplace I can go get the answers?

where are the answers? i too just had a new asphalt driveway but put on over my old broken up concrete driveway. should i look for any problems? and what kind of sealer should i get and when ? also, what kind of crack sealant is best?
thank you.

I need to reseal my driveway- some guy who works for an asphalt company stopped by and said he would spray liquid asphalt over my drive,then I should wait a year to have it resealed-but the liquid asphalt should be applied first-please explain- ps-this guy does this on the side

I have a large asphalt parking area in the front of my house. It radiates a lot of heat from the sun and my house and gardens get overheated because of it. Do they make a color coating in light gray that I can put on it to reduce this problem?

I too am interested in ratings on crack fillers.

Sup

I recently had an asphalt driveway laid, and it has a bump in the middle - the paver said it was a crown, and necessary since I have a slight hill sloping toward the driveway. He also stated that this is harder to do than just laying it out flat - is this the case?

Three years ago I spent $150 for materials to fill cracks in my 40 year old driveway and for the sealer which I applied myself. I also spent numerous hours filling the cracks. I was able to get two years out of the sealer, but I used 3 differnet types of crack fillers (caulks, pourable fillers, etc.) per manufacturer's directions, and they all failed miserably that same year during the cold Midwest winter.
Last year I spent $170 to have my driveway professionally sealed and to have the cracks filled. This year it is already 50% gray and some of the hot rubber crack sealer is failing. What a waste.
New dilemma: let it go all gray, seal it with cheap sealer each year and forget the cracks (approx $60), or pay a professional $170 every two years. Hmmm.
Remember, if in a cold climate, I would say don't waste your money on the crack sealers found in home improvement stores.

I just had a new asphalt driveway put in. I live in the Chicagoland area. I kknow that I need to wait to sealcoat it. How long do I have to wait? In addition, a portion of the driveway was not compacted with a roller and the stones are not compressed closely together. Water runs into the stones and not over them. What can I do now? Thanks

where can I find green colored driveway seler?

Dear Tim: Unfortunately, I did not read your precautions about sealing a new driveway. My asphalt contractor recommended in writing that the driveway be sealed immediately. I complied with his recommendation and had him apply the oil based sealer. The surface is tacky after about 12-18 hrs. The weather here is warm and expected to get into the nineties for the next few days. Should I simply stay off the new pavement as long as possible and hope it cures properly. Appreciate your comments. Thanks.
Sincerely, Con Lacey

when to seal a new asphalt driveway?

I would also like to know the answers to some of these questions!!! But it has been 5 months so what the chance???