How Much Does Driveway Sealing Cost? (2024 Guide)
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Applying sealant will extend the life of a driveway. Driveway sealing costs range from $275 to $820, with many homeowners spending around $545.
Highlights
- Sealing a driveway costs between $275 and $820 with a national average of $545.
- Cost factors for this project include driveway size, material, condition, and accessibility; sealant type, number of coats, labor, and geographic location.
- Some of the benefits of sealing a driveway are protection from weather and tires, stain resistance, and improved curb appeal.
- Most homeowners do not have the experience or equipment to seal a driveway properly, so this job is generally best left to a professional.
Need to seal your driveway?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from driveway sealing experts near you.
Driveway sealcoating can prolong the life of a driveway and protect it from sun damage, rain, snow, and oil spills. Having a well-sealed driveway can also enhance the curb appeal while protecting the integrity of the surface material. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, driveway sealing costs can range from $275 to $820, and the national average cost to seal a driveway is $545.
Labor prices average $1.15 per square foot, but labor costs fluctuate according to geographic location. Homeowners can expect to pay between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot for both materials and labor. It’s a good idea to review all of the factors and considerations that can impact driveway sealing cost, such as square footage, type of sealant, and repair costs. It’s also worth examining how to save money on sealing driveway surfaces and knowing what questions to ask a driveway sealing professional.
Key Cost Factors
Several factors can influence driveway sealing costs. Prices can differ from the national average due to driveway square footage, driveway material, driveway condition and accessibility, the type of sealant and number of coats, labor cost, and geographic location.
Driveway Size and Material
Sealing a driveway is typically cheaper than the cost to pave a new driveway. The overall price for the project depends on the square footage of the driveway, the cost of the sealant, and the condition of the driveway. Some sealants cost more than others, but they average between $0.08 and $0.50 per square foot. A 500-square-foot driveway typically requires 5 gallons of sealant, which can run between $30 and $100. Keep in mind that the price will double if two coats of sealant are used. The total price of the project averages between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. Some contractors have a minimum fee for driveway sealing, so homeowners with smaller driveways may pay more than this to meet the minimum charge.
The cost to seal asphalt driveway surfaces can vary depending on what type of sealant is used. Asphalt sealcoating can cost $0.15 to $0.23 per square foot, and sealing concrete costs $0.85 to $2.13 per square foot. Concrete driveways need to cure for at least 30 days before a seal is applied. Some homeowners choose to seal older concrete surfaces to prevent water from entering small cracks and making them bigger. The best concrete sealers can be solvent or water-based acrylics. While less common, those who have paver driveways will need to use one of the best paver sealers for their driveway.
Driveway Condition and Accessibility
If a driveway has been neglected and hasn’t been sealed in some time, it may have cracks, small holes, or pitted areas. A thicker and more durable sealant is usually needed to seal these areas. If the asphalt is damaged, it may need an overlay coating, and if the damage is extensive, a fill-and-seal option is the way to go. Crumbling asphalt that has reached the end of its life will need to be replaced, and a new asphalt driveway costs around $5,080 on average.
Flat driveway surfaces are easier to seal than areas that are steeply sloped since the sealant may run down the surface. The accessibility of the area can also impact labor costs. If the driveway or parking area is in a hard-to-reach spot, it will take longer to complete the job and will likely result in higher labor costs.
Need to seal your driveway?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from driveway sealing experts near you.
Sealant Type
The type of sealant used to seal a driveway affects the overall price of the project. Homeowners who live in areas that experience extreme cold or heat will want to opt for a UV- and weather-resistant sealant for year-round protection. There are several types of sealants, and each has its own characteristics. The most common type of sealant is asphalt emulsion sealer which costs $0.08 to $0.10 per square foot, but other commonly used types are coal tar, epoxy, acrylic, blended, and oil-based. Typically, the more synthetic the sealcoating, the more expensive it will be. These can range in price from $0.08 to $0.50 per square foot.
Number of Coats
Residential driveways typically only need one coat of sealant. If the area sees a lot of traffic or is home to heavier vehicles, two coats are usually recommended. Parking lot sealcoating usually requires two or three coats of product for enhanced durability. Additional coats of sealant will result in the homeowner paying more for materials. It’s worth noting that the price does not double with each coat as the prep work is only done once and is included in the initial price.
Labor and Geographic Location
Labor costs will vary from project to project, depending on the condition of the driveway, but run about $1.15 per square foot on average. If the area needs to be cleaned or repaired, the cost to seal driveway cracks (or to fill them using one of the best asphalt driveway crack fillers) can raise the overall price. If the driveway needs extensive preparation before the sealant is applied, expect to pay more in labor costs. Many companies also have a minimum service fee that they apply to driveway sealing jobs that covers gas expenses, insurance, vehicle costs, equipment, materials, wages, licensing, and more. Even if homeowners have only a short driveway or a small parking space that needs to be sealed, they may be charged the minimum fee.
The price of labor and materials can also vary due to geographic location. Labor prices are typically higher in densely populated urban areas and are less expensive in more rural areas.
| Location | Cost Range (Materials and Labor) |
| California | $945 to $3,190 |
| Colorado | $880 to $1,690 |
| Ohio | $125 to $900 |
| Texas | $940 to $3,950 |
| New York | $125 to $850 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for driveway sealing cost, it’s helpful to be aware of any additional price factors and considerations. These can include minimum service fees, cleaning, repairs, sealing additional areas, and supplemental enhancements.
Cleaning
Before a pro can sealcoat a driveway, it needs to be clean of debris, oil, and dirt. Depending on how dirty it is, it may need a professional power washing to prepare it for sealant. The average price to have a professional power wash a driveway is $0.27 to $0.39 per square foot. Some professionals may include this as part of the total project cost. Concrete cleaning and sealing services cost around $1,500 on average.
Repairs
If there are holes, cracks, or chips in the driveway, they’ll need to be repaired before sealant can be applied. Anyone who has researched asphalt driveway vs. concrete costs knows that while asphalt costs less up front, it is likely to need more repairs over time. Repairing an asphalt driveway can cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. It’s recommended that a professional take care of the repairs to extend the life of the driveway surface. If the driveway is very badly damaged, the cost of repairs could be substantial. Driveway repair costs can range from $300 to as much as $5,500, with the national average at $2,325.
Need to seal your driveway?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from driveway sealing experts near you.
Sealing Additional Areas
In addition to sealcoating driveway surfaces, asphalt roofs, patios, and other areas may also benefit from sealing. If there are other areas that need a sealant, it’s best to schedule those to be sealed at the same time as the driveway. Many contractors have a minimum service fee to seal a driveway, and some homeowners with a smaller driveway will end up paying the minimum fee instead of a price based on the total square footage.
| Additional Area | Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Patio | $150 to $630 |
| Parking lot | $15,800 to $31,500 |
| Roof | $450 to $2,000 |
| Sport court | $6,500 to $12,800 |
| Walkway | $260 to $530 |
Enhancements
Some homeowners like to change up the look of their driveway with additional features, such as having a design stamped into the surface or dyeing it a different color. Asphalt dye pigments can cost an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.
Cost by Type of Sealant
The type of sealant used affects driveway sealing prices. The coverage each type of sealant provides depends on the texture and condition of the driveway surface. There are several types of driveway coating, so homeowners will want to assess the characteristics and benefits of each to find out which of the best driveway sealants suits their needs.
| Type of Sealant | Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| Asphalt polymer emulsion | $0.08 to $0.10 |
| Coal tar emulsion | $0.06 to $0.10 |
| Eco-friendly | $0.25 to $0.38 |
| Fast-dry | $0.10 |
| Fill-and-seal | $0.35 to $0.50 |
| Latex acrylic | $0.20 to $0.25 |
| Oil-based | $0.15 to $0.20 |
Asphalt Polymer Emulsion
Asphalt polymer emulsion costs between $0.08 and $0.10 per square foot. It’s a popular sealant that can last up to 4 years or more under the right conditions. It’s considered more eco-friendly than fast-drying or coal tar sealers, but it is prone to gas and oil stains. It needs to be applied during the summer months for optimal temperatures.
Coal Tar Emulsion
Typically the least expensive of the driveway sealers, coal tar emulsion sealant costs about $0.06 to $0.10 per square foot. Its popularity is due to its longevity and stain resistance. This sealant is carcinogenic, and it may pollute the surrounding soil and contaminate the groundwater. Coal tar emulsion is banned in many areas due to the environmental impact of the product.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly driveway sealers are another expensive option. Priced at $0.25 to $0.38 per square foot, this type of sealant typically lasts around 5 years. Since many areas have banned the use of sealants like coal tar emulsion that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), more eco-friendly options have been made available. Some of these soy-based sealants have low odor, excellent adhesion, and offer UV and chemical resistance.
Need to seal your driveway?
Maybe it's time to call a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from driveway sealing experts near you.
Fast-Dry
Fast-drying sealers cost about $0.10 per square foot. These don’t last as long as other sealants and need to be replaced about every 2 to 3 years. After application, a driveway can be used for foot traffic in an hour and for vehicle use in just 24 hours. Fast-drying sealant needs specific conditions for correct application: humidity levels under 35 percent, temperatures above 75 degrees, dry, and sunny. This product is known to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment.
Fill-and-Seal
Fill-and-seal is a thick sealant that can fill bigger holes and cracks. It contains additional material, such as gravel, crushed stone, or sand, and is similar to asphalt. This patching technique runs between $0.35 and $0.50 per square foot and requires a sealant coat on top which can add to the price.
Latex Acrylic
Priced at $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot, this nontoxic driveway sealant is a blend of synthetic acrylic and polymers. It’s stain-resistant, fills deep cracks and moderately sized holes, is UV-resistant, and can last from 5 to 10 years. While it’s one of the most expensive types of driveway sealant, ma