Sealing new asphalt driveway?

Had a new asphalt driveway installed in June and now I'm wondering about sealing it. Most Goggling says wait a minimum of 3 months, but ideally wait

6-9 months.

I'm in Wisconsin and waiting 3 more months it's going to be cold here. Is the outdoor temperature a factor and what about the snow/melt/freeze cycle? Won't water get in the small cracks, then freeze again at night, creating cracks if it's unsealed?

So the question is, can you seal in cold weather and should I do it before the snow flies?

Reply to
Joe J
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All the sealers I've used have been water/latex based and need decent temperatures to dry. Here in NJ I would not attempt using them past Sept. The directions are right on the product and should be available online as well. If you put it down and even if it;s just moderately cool, it will extend the drying time. The longer the drying time, the more opportunity for rain, animals, or whatever to screw it up.

Another consideration is nuts or leaves starting to fall from trees. It's too late to do mine right now because of acorns dropping. If I were you, I'd wait until May. Shouldn't be any rush. Much of what they achieve is cosmetic and a new driveway should look fine. I'd just wait and give the new asphalt plenty of time to cure.

Reply to
trader4

snow flies?

When they put down roads, I don't think they go back and seal. A latex seal might not shed water as well. Shouldn't the process be complete for a while ?

Does the driveway drain ?

Greg

Reply to
gregz

I'd wait. In fact, I waited about 25 years. Been about five since the last sealing so maybe next year again. If you have cracks, fill them so they don't keep getting frozen and move on you, but aside from that, sealing is more to make it look pretty.

Reply to
Ed Pawlowski

No. Yes.

About 4 years ago, we had our driveway paved in July. The company recommended sealing before winter and said they stopped appling sealer when the overnight temps dropped below 50, which in our area started 1 October.

Just had it resealed a month ago and the crew chief was amazed at how good shape it was in. Said that people think its cosmetic, but it really does extend the life.

Reply to
Robert Neville

Road mix isn't the same as driveway mix for most folks. It's also applied much thicker. A good sealer keeps the moisture from freezing in the cracks. Good sealers aren't latex, but they do shed water - that's what you want.

Reply to
Robert Neville

Had a new asphalt driveway installed in June and now I'm wondering about sealing it. Most Goggling says wait a minimum of 3 months, but ideally wait

6-9 months.

I'm in Wisconsin and waiting 3 more months it's going to be cold here. Is the outdoor temperature a factor and what about the snow/melt/freeze cycle? Won't water get in the small cracks, then freeze again at night, creating cracks if it's unsealed?

So the question is, can you seal in cold weather and should I do it before the snow flies?

Just to clarify, bad choice of words on my part. There are no cracks, it's just that to me it looks a little porous.

Contractor who installed it finally got back to me and he also said wait until spring/

Reply to
Joe J

LOL, the tars and oils in the asphalt will shed water for quite some time... Sealing it now is a waste, as it has not yet fully cured and will not begin to crack until it goes through freeze/thaw cycles...

Reply to
Evan

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