Driveway Sealer Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the amount of sealer you'll need for your asphalt driveway and the approximate cost. Proper sealing protects your driveway from weather, UV rays, and spills, extending its lifespan and improving its appearance.
(Check product label; typically 75-150 sq ft/gallon)
(If buying 5-gallon buckets, divide bucket cost by 5)
Understanding Driveway Sealing
Asphalt driveways are exposed to harsh elements daily, including sun, rain, snow, and automotive fluids. Over time, these factors can cause the asphalt to deteriorate, crack, and fade. Driveway sealing is a preventative maintenance measure that applies a protective layer over the asphalt surface.
Why Seal Your Driveway?
- Protection: Sealer creates a barrier against water penetration, UV radiation, oil spills, and other chemicals that can break down asphalt.
- Extended Lifespan: By protecting the asphalt, sealing can significantly extend the life of your driveway, delaying the need for costly repairs or replacement.
- Improved Appearance: A fresh coat of sealer restores the rich black color of asphalt, enhancing your home's curb appeal. It also fills minor surface cracks and imperfections.
- Cost-Effective: Sealing is a relatively inexpensive maintenance task compared to repairing or replacing a damaged driveway.
Factors Affecting Sealer Coverage
The amount of sealer you'll need isn't just about the size of your driveway. Several factors influence how much product is absorbed and how far a gallon will spread:
- Driveway Condition: Older, unsealed, or very porous driveways will absorb more sealer, meaning a lower coverage rate. Newer, smoother, or previously sealed driveways will require less.
- Type of Sealer: Different sealer formulations (e.g., coal tar, asphalt emulsion, acrylic) have varying viscosities and solids content, which affect their spread rate. Always check the product label for specific coverage recommendations.
- Application Method: Spraying typically uses less material than squeegeeing or brushing, but squeegeeing can push more material into cracks.
- Number of Coats: Most manufacturers recommend two thin coats for optimal protection and appearance. The calculator accounts for this.
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure Your Driveway: Accurately measure the length and width of your driveway in feet.
- Determine Number of Coats: Most experts recommend two coats for best results.
- Find Sealer Coverage Rate: This is crucial. Check the label of the specific sealer product you plan to use. It will typically state "X square feet per gallon" or "X square feet per 5-gallon bucket." If it's per 5-gallon bucket, divide that number by 5 to get the per-gallon rate for this calculator.
- Input Cost per Gallon: Find the price of your chosen sealer. If it's sold in 5-gallon buckets, divide the bucket price by 5 to get the per-gallon cost.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Sealer Needs" button to get your estimated total area, gallons needed, and total cost.
Tips for Sealing Your Driveway
- Clean Thoroughly: Before sealing, clean your driveway of all dirt, debris, oil stains, and weeds. A pressure washer can be very effective.
- Repair Cracks: Fill any significant cracks or potholes with appropriate asphalt repair products before sealing.
- Choose the Right Day: Apply sealer on a warm, dry day with no rain in the forecast for at least 24-48 hours. Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Apply Thin, Even Coats: Two thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow adequate drying time between coats as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Protect Surroundings: Use painter's tape or cardboard to protect adjacent concrete, landscaping, or garage doors from sealer splatter.
By following these guidelines and using this calculator, you can confidently plan your driveway sealing project and achieve professional-looking results.