There are several common questions that tend to arise from clients during the process of sealcoating a driveway or any similar surface, and many of these surround timelines. One of the most common such questions: How long after driveway sealing can I drive on the driveway?
At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to provide a wide range of asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair and other driveway sealing or paving services to clients around Ogden, UT, including concrete solutions as well. The answer to the above question depends on a few factors, though there are some general time ranges to keep in mind here as well. Here are the basics on how long you typically have to wait to drive on your driveway after it’s received sealcoating.
General Averages
Before we get into some specific factors that may influence your driveway’s specific timeline for driving after sealcoating, let’s first go over some general averages for this process. From a minimum standpoint, assuming average conditions and climate, you will typically have to wait at least 12 hours, and up to 24 in some cases.
However, for those who don’t have an imminent driving need and really want to get optimal results from their sealcoating, we recommend waiting at least 48 hours. This brings you into the full range of time for the curing process to complete and virtually guarantees a high-quality result.
However, there are other factors that can impact this timeline – and ways you can speed it up in some cases if absolutely necessary. Let’s look at these in our subsequent sections.
Weather Conditions
As you may have guessed, one of the top variables in determining how long you should wait to drive on a newly-sealed driveway is the weather. If it’s particularly hot and dry outside, this can speed up the curing process significantly – but if it’s wet, rainy or even humid out, expect your timeline to move more towards that 48-hour range we noted above.
If you have severe weather conditions like rain, snow or ice, it’s generally best to wait until these conditions have passed before driving on the driveway. This will allow the sealcoating to fully cure and provide the best possible results.
Humidity Levels
Down related lines, humidity levels can also impact how quickly your sealcoating cures. In general, very humid conditions lead to slower curing times – and this is especially true if there’s no sun or heat to help dry things out.
When it comes to humidity, time of year is often a major factor as well. For instance, if you’re sealcoating in the summer when humidity levels are generally higher, expect your timeline to be on the longer side.
Complete Avoidance
While driving is the most obvious activity to avoid during the curing process, it’s important to note that any type of major use should be avoided. This means no heavy foot traffic and certainly no vehicles driving or parking on the newly-sealed driveway.
If you absolutely have to access your driveway during this 48-hour (or longer) period, move slowly and carefully while taking care not to scrape or damage the sealcoating in any way. Otherwise, simply avoid using the driveway until the recommended time has passed.
Possible Ways to Speed Up Process
If there is an urgent need to use the driveway sooner than the recommended time frame, there are a few possible ways you could potentially speed up the curing process. However, be aware that these methods may not always be effective and could even cause damage if not done correctly.
For example, some people recommend using blowers or fans to help dry out the sealcoating faster – but this can also cause dust and debris to become embedded in the sealant. We recommend avoiding this method and instead following the recommended timeframe for best results.
Rather, there are certain sealer additives that our professionals may be able to use to speed up the curing process. These are only used in specific circumstances and should always be applied by experienced professionals.
As you can see, there are several factors that can influence how long you should wait to drive on a newly-sealed driveway. It’s important to follow the general timeline recommended by professionals for best results, but also be aware of potential ways to speed up the process if absolutely necessary. Ultimately, proper care and patience will lead to the best results for your driveway and ensure that your sealcoating lasts as long as possible.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Asphalt Masters for more information or assistance with any of our services. We strive to provide top-quality solutions and customer service in all areas of concrete and asphalt repair, sealcoating and more for clients around Ogden, UT and nearby areas.
