How Much Does Asphalt Sealing Cost in 2025?
The average cost of sealing an asphalt driveway is $565 for a 1,000-square-foot area.
The cost of asphalt sealing depends on the driveway's size, shape, accessibility, labor cost, and the type of sealer used.
Asphalt sealing prevents damage, increases life span, and maintains a driveway's condition.
Hiring an asphalt sealing professional ensures quality repairs, proper procedures, safety, and saves time and potential future repairs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, sealing your asphalt driveway costs $565, with prices ranging from $278 and $854. Factors like the size of your driveway, the type of sealant you choose, and the number of coats you apply will affect the final price. Hiring a professional not only saves you the hassle of renting equipment but can also be a cost-effective way to ensure the job is done right.
Asphalt Sealing Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of sealing your asphalt driveway, including its size, shape, condition, and any necessary repairs before applying the sealant. Let's break down the most common cost factors that can affect your project's price.
Size
The size of your driveway plays a major role in the sealing cost. Larger driveways require more sealant and labor, which increases the overall price. Driveway contractors charge between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot for materials and labor. Keep in mind that for smaller driveways, you might be charged a minimum fee for the job.
Shape
If your driveway has an irregular shape, it may be harder to treat, increasing your total cost. Flat and uniform surfaces are the easiest to sealcoat and require less time and effort. Sloped areas are tricky to seal correctly because the solution may run down during the process. Long pathways are also more time-consuming because of their unique shape.
Area Accessibility
The ease of access to the area that needs sealcoating is another important cost factor. If it's hard for the pro to access your driveway, the job will take longer, adding to labor costs. Surfaces that are difficult to access include backyard areas and blacktops nestled in remote spaces on your property where it’s harder to bring equipment.
Type of Sealer
The type of sealer you choose determines how much you pay per square foot. Most asphalt driveway sealants come in 5-gallon or 55-gallon units, and you can get an average of 100 square feet of coverage per gallon. Coverage varies depending on the thickness of the sealant, with thicker sealants providing less coverage but a more durable finish.
Number of Coats
The number of coats needed for your asphalt driveway depends on the type of traffic you're expecting. If it's a basic residential driveway, one coat is enough. If your driveway gets a lot of traffic or holds heavier vehicles, two to three coats should give sufficient protection. Additional coats will increase the cost of sealing your driveway, but you won’t pay twice for cleaning or surface prep that was done on the first coat.
Prep and Repair
Sealcoating cannot take place until cracks, fissures, or chips in your driveway or other paved area have been filled or repaired. If your driveway is severely cracked or damaged, the repair process will be more extensive, costing between $0.60 and $1.75 per square foot.
We highly recommend that a driveway professional take care of these repairs to maximize the life of your asphalt surface. Sometimes one sealing pro can do both the repairs and sealing; other times you may need to hire two separate contractors. Proper preparation and repair are essential steps before commencing any sealing.
Cleaning
Before your driveway is sealed, it must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant. Grass and weeds must be cleared from edges or inside cracks, and the surface must be free from oil, dirt, or debris. This often involves blowing the surface clear and pressure washing it.
While some contractors include pressure washing as part of the total cost of sealing, others may charge separate fees ranging from $0.27 to $0.39 per square foot. If your driveway is heavily soiled or oily, professional power washing may be necessary to get it clean enough for sealing. The cost of pressure washing a driveway ranges from $100 to $500, with an average price of $210.
Labor
The average labor cost of driveway sealing is $1.15 per square foot. For example, you can expect to spend about $1,150 for a 1,000-square-foot sealcoating.
| Driveway Size | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| 250 feet | $290 or minimum flat rate |
| 500 feet | $575 |
| 750 feet | $860 |
| 1,000 feet | $1,150 |
Asphalt Sealer Prices
The type of sealant will significantly impact your project's cost. There are several effective options available, and the right one for your driveway may depend on your location. Consult a driveway sealing professional to determine the best sealer type for your project.
| Type of Sealing | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Emulsion | $0.08–$0.10 |
| Oil-based | $0.15–$0.20 |
| Latex acrylic | $0.20–$0.25 |
| Eco-friendly | $0.25–$0.38 |
| Fill-and-seal | $0.35–$0.50 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Thinking about sealing your asphalt driveway yourself? By sealing your driveway yourself, you can save around $1.15 per square foot on labor costs. However, keep in mind that if your DIY job doesn't go as planned, you may need to hire a professional to fix any mistakes, which could end up costing you more. Hire a local asphalt sealing professional to ensure high-quality results.
Before you decide to tackle this project, consider:
Safety: Protect your skin and eyes from hazards like fumes and sprays.
Cleaning: You'll need to thoroughly remove oil, stains, and debris from the surface ahead of sealing.
Quality of Repairs: Properly address all cracks before applying the sealcoat.
Proper Procedure: Mistakes can be costly if you end up needing to hire a pro to fix them.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you live in a mild climate, you may only need to seal the surface every three years. If you live in extreme heat or cold, you should seal your driveway every other year to protect it from sun or winter weather damage. Consider the frequency of sealing a driveway when purchasing a home in an area with extreme weather.
Sealing your driveway between spring and fall in optimal warm and dry weather conditions maximizes its protection and extends its lifespan. Moderate temperatures allow the sealant to bond properly with the asphalt surface, ensuring a durable seal. Avoid sealing during extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow, as these conditions can prevent the sealant from curing correctly.
An asphalt filler sealer is a product that fills cracks while simultaneously sealing the asphalt surface, providing comprehensive protection in one application. It's ideal for repairing minor damage and preventing future issues. When selecting the best asphalt filler sealer, consider factors such as drying time, durability, environmental impact, and compatibility with your existing asphalt. Choose a high-quality product that fits your budget and meets your driveway's specific needs to ensure long-lasting results.
Maintaining your coated blacktop is essential for its longevity. Clean your driveway thoroughly twice a year using a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove dirt, debris, and stains. Reseal the surface when required, every two to three years, to keep it protected. Avoid parking on a newly sealed driveway for at least two weeks. Prevent oil and gas spills, and promptly repair cracks or damage to prevent them from worsening. Removing snow and ice promptly can also protect your asphalt from freeze-thaw damage.
Preventing cracks in your driveway starts with regular maintenance. Clean your driveway thoroughly twice a year to remove debris and identify any budding issues. Seal your driveway every two to three years to protect it from water infiltration, UV damage, and wear from traffic. Promptly repair any small cracks to prevent them from expanding. Avoid parking heavy vehicles on the edges of your driveway and ensure proper drainage to reduce stress on the asphalt or concrete. These proactive steps help maintain the integrity of your driveway and extend its lifespan.
Absolutely. You don't need to be restricted to the standard blacktop asphalt. These days, you can find this material in exciting colors like brown, white, green, brick, terracotta, and more. If you have a color in mind, shop around to find the option that suits your vision for your asphalt driveway.
