Driveway Sealcoating Aftercare – What You Should Know
Thanks for choosing to sealcoat your driveway! To help it last and look great, here are some simple but important tips to follow:
Stay Off the Driveway (As Long As You Can)
- Minimum wait time: 72 hours—especially in hot weather.
- Best practice: Stay off it as long as possible. The sealcoat takes about 6 weeks to fully cure.
- During this time, tire marks and scuffs can still happen, so the longer you avoid using it, the better.
- Keep in mind: Every driveway is different. The exact cure time depends on the condition of your pavement.
Be Gentle When Driving
- Back out in a straight line—avoid turning your wheels while the car is sitting still.
- No sharp turns or cranking the steering wheel, especially during the 6-week curing period. This helps prevent tire marks.
About Cracks
We want to be clear about how we handle cracks:
Which Cracks We Fill
- We only fill cracks that are ½ inch wide or larger.
- Not sure if a crack should’ve been filled?
→ Visit our Crack Sealing Page under Services!
What Crack Filler Is
- It’s a hot rubber material that stays soft and flexible.
- It can heat up again in the sun, so try not to park, ride or walk over cracks to avoid pulling it up.
If It Gets Damaged
- If the crack filler gets torn up, you can use a cold crack filler from Home Depot for small touch-ups.
- We don’t use cold filler ourselves because it doesn’t hold up well in changing weather.
What to Expect Visually
- Crack filler is applied inside the crack, not just on top.
- It may not fill the crack all the way to the surface—and that’s normal!
- You might still see the crack filler after sealcoating. That’s okay—it’s doing its job by protecting the pavement, not just making it look perfect.
Important Notes
- Crack filler does not prevent weeds.
- The sealcoat may not fully cover the crack filler depending on your pavement’s condition.
Final Tips
- Don’t let leaves, dirt, or water sit on the driveway while it’s drying.
- Avoid parking heavy vehicles for at least a week.
- Expect some streaks or uneven color at first—this is normal and will even out over time.