Driveway and Patio Sealing FAQ
What is driveway and patio sealing?
Protect and preserve your outdoor hardscapes with our clear protective sealants. Designed to defend against weather, stains, and daily wear, our clear sealing services enhance durability and maintain the appearance of:
- Concrete: Driveways, walkways, and patios
- Pavers & Blocks: Paver, block, and brick driveways, walkways, and patios
Important Note on Our Scope of Services: While we offer powerwashing and surface washing for asphalt driveways, we do not provide asphalt sealing, sealcoating, or asphalt repair work. Additionally, our sealing services do not include structural maintenance—we do not fix driveway cracks, fill potholes, level uneven concrete, or regrout gaps between pavers and blocks. Our focus is strictly dedicated to deep cleaning and applying protective clear sealers to concrete and paver surfaces.
Is driveway or patio sealing necessary?
Yes, it is if you want to keep your driveway and patio looking good for as long as possible. Professional sealants help to protect from water penetration, UV damage, oil and chemical spills, along with general deterioration. This extends the lifespan of your driveway and protects it from everyday wear and tear. Sealant also generally improves appearance and helps to prevent costly repairs. If you opt out of driveway sealing you will likely notice fading, cracking, water damage, oil stains, and premature deterioration of the material’s surface.
How often should a driveway or patio be sealed?
In general, most driveways and patios with average use would benefit from a sealing if done every 2–5 years. That said, specific conditions and circumstances can impact that estimate. Factors like climate, traffic, previous maintenance and the current condition of the surface will ultimately determine your ideal frequency, as will the quality of the sealant being used. Harsh weather extremes and heavy traffic could require that you seal more often, but at the same time, over-sealing is not advised. Patios, walkways and driveways that are in a shady area, for instance, may require more frequent power washing to combat buildup, but they likely will not need very frequent resealing. The easy rule of thumb is that if you are seeing any signs of age, it is time to reseal. Contact our team for a more tailored timeline.
How long does driveway and patio sealer take to dry?
Specific drying time for any given project will depend heavily on the current temperature, relative humidity and sun exposure. In general, typical dry time is about 3-4 hours for the surface to be dry to touch, but at least 24 hours for foot traffic and anywhere from 48-72 hours to be able to fully cure and stand up to vehicle traffic.
Is there a best time of year for driveway and patio sealing?
Successful driveway sealing depends heavily on temperature, with ideal temperatures being above 50°F, especially between 55°F and 90°F at the very most. Too cold or too hot of a surface temperature and the sealant may not set or cure well. This means that in northeast Ohio, the best time of year for driveway and patio sealing is anywhere from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the temperature allows. Remember that the surface temperature of the driveway will often be higher than the air temperature.
Moisture and humidity are also key factors. Stretches of dry weather with minimal rain forecast in the next 24 to 48 hours are vital. Rain will damage fresh sealant if it falls before the full cure time. Rain can also wash away products, cause streaking, and affect long-term durability. This is why it is vital to choose a stretch of a few days with no potential for rain in the forecast. Warm, dry, and sunny days will allow for the sealant to cure properly and form a strong bond with the surface material. Spring sealing can remedy winter damage, while fall sealing can help to prevent it.
Should I seal my new driveway or patio right away?
No. It is best to wait for several months to a year after a new driveway is installed before sealing it. Allowing for a long enough curing period ensures that excess moisture is able to escape and does not remain trapped under the sealant. Sealant doesn’t adhere as well to new surfaces, and applying sealant too soon after installation could lead to long-term problems with your driveway or patio.
What are the signs that my driveway needs to be sealed?
Typical signs to look out for include color fading or discoloration and staining, small surface cracks, an unusually rough texture, and water soaking into surfaces instead of beading up. If you’re seeing these telltale signs, it’s time to call Chagrin Home Improvements and schedule an appointment for driveway or patio sealing.
Does driveway or patio sealing fix damage?
Sealant is designed to protect concrete, pavers or block surfaces, not to repair damage. Cracks, erosion, chemical damage from salt-dissolving crystals, missing sand or other jointing compounds will not be fixed by applying a surface sealant. These issues need to be addressed prior to sealing along with ensuring that the surface is cleaned and allowed to fully dry. This will ensure good adhesion and a smoother finished surface. When properly applied on a prepared surface and when used with appropriate regularity, driveway sealant can help to reduce the likelihood of future damage.
How long does driveway or patio sealing last?
In general, driveway and patio sealant should last 2–3 years, or perhaps up to 5 years at the very most. But this is merely an estimate. Individual factors affecting lifespan include localized weather exposure, amount and severity of vehicle traffic, and extremes like snow and ice. Heavy freeze-thaw cycles and regular winter snow plow operation and ice removal can also take a premature toll. Proper initial installation of the driveway will also make a huge difference to how well driveway sealing works as a protectant, along with the quality of the sealant itself. At Chagrin Home Improvements, we use high-quality, professional grade products. Contact us with any questions.
Is driveway and patio sealing worth it?
For most homeowners, yes, it is. If your driveway is in relatively good shape and you make any needed minor repairs, then routine maintenance like driveway and patio sealing can be what keeps it looking great and remaining structurally sound for years to come. Periodic driveway and patio sealing is also far more affordable than major repairs or a full replacement, and when your driveway or patio is kept up it automatically boosts your property value and your home’s curb appeal should you want to sell. That said, a driveway or patio that has been neglected for years may not be a good candidate for minor repairs and sealing–it may be time for major repairs or even a full replacement. Each case will vary. For a more specific and detailed answer, feel free to contact our team and we can help you personally.
Can I seal my driveway or patio myself?
As a homeowner you certainly can do whatever you feel is best when it comes to maintaining your home. However, just because DIY sealing is possible, doesn’t mean it is your best option. Professional driveway sealing from the expert team at Chagrin Home Improvements involves thorough surface preparation and cleaning, professional grade materials, and we guarantee an even application and long-lasting results proportional to the unique site characteristics. We routinely do this work, and so are streamlined and efficient with key techniques that are central to the sealant’s success. We have the needed tools and products at the ready, and will be in and out quickly, with the aim of helping you get your property back to normal sooner rather than later.
Will sealing make my driveway or patio waterproof?
No, not necessarily. Sealant helps your driveway or patio to resist water penetration, but it cannot make concrete, pavers or block completely waterproof. That said, when sealant is properly applied on a driveway that is in good condition, it can do wonders to protect your driveway in the winter months when moisture is high and when snow, ice and road salt are present.
Should I do anything to prepare my driveway or patio for sealing?
Any major repairs need to be made prior to driveway sealing to ensure a smooth surface. It is also a good idea to clear any debris from the driveway, remove vehicles to an out-of-the-way location, trim grass edges that abut the driveway, and avoid sprinkler or irrigation use to prevent water infiltration. The Chagrin Home Improvements team can take it from there, with thorough power washing and surface preparation.
Will driveway or patio sealing be messy?
Professional contractors use techniques to minimize mess and protect surrounding surfaces during application. At Chagrin Home Improvements we take all necessary precautions to keep sealant on your driveway, walkway or patio, not on lawn, landscaping or other property. If you have specific concerns, feel free to contact us.
How long does driveway and patio sealing take?
The answer will depend on the size and scope of the project, but most residential driveways can be fully sealed within just a few hours. For commercial properties or more extensive projects, we can work with you to give a more specific time estimate. It is important to note, too, that it is a best practice to power wash a driveway or patio well in advance of sealing (24 to 48 hours) to ensure that the surface is fully dry and that the pores of the material have released any trapped water. A string of sunny days will obviously speed up this process. Remember, too, that regardless of the time to apply, it still stands that a 24-48 hour cure time is vital to ensure a high-quality finish and to guarantee durability.