How To Clean & Reseal Your Asphalt Driveway

An asphalt driveway can look great when it’s new, but after time it may need to be cleaned and repaired. Here are simple instructions on how to clean an asphalt driveway, make some repairs and apply a sealant for extra protection. Best of all, you can save money by doing this project yourself.

Preparation

Regular cleaning followed by resealing will minimize repairs and help your asphalt driveway last for a long time.

TIP: Before starting this project, check the weather forecast. You’ll need a few dry days in a row to clean and seal. Check the products’ directions for specific details.

01 Inspect your driveway. Some driveways may need repair before resealing. Basic repair instructions are included in these instructions. If extensive repairs are required, discuss the job with a Lowe’s associate for suggestions on the appropriate products and quantity.

02 One day prior to starting your project, carefully turn the sealer bucket upside down and store in a warm and safe place. This helps mix up the sediments that have settled on the bottom.

Cleaning The Driveway

01 Remove any weeds and sweep away any dirt, rocks or debris.

02 Clean the dirt out of cracks and holes with a brush.

TIP: You can also use a leaf blower to remove debris from cracks.

Inspect the driveway for oil spots or algae and treat with a cleaner recommended for these stains. You might have to scrub these problem areas. It’s important to remove the oil and transmission fluids because over time they will damage the asphalt.

04 Select a light-duty pressure washer (less than 2200 psi) to avoid damaging the driveway.

TIP: Set up the pressure washer and select the tip according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For asphalt, you should use a low-pressure tip to avoid damaging the surface. Review the safety precautions for your unit and wear appropriate clothing, including closed-toe shoes.
CAUTION: NEVER point the sprayer at anyone or yourself.
You can also use a garden hose with nozzle for cleaning; however, a pressure washer can save water, time and effort.

05 Fill the pressure washer with the cleaning detergent recommended by the pressure washer manufacturer. Be sure to keep the detergent off plants near the driveway.

CAUTION: DO NOT use bleach as it can harm the pressure washer and the environment.

06 Connect the unit’s water supply to a garden hose, no longer than 50'.

Connect the spray gun, wand and low-pressure tip to the unit, assuring that the safety latch is on.

08 Start the motor. If the engine is difficult to start, squeeze the spray gun trigger to relieve internal pump pressure.

TIP: Some smaller pressure washers use electric motors that are plugged into an electrical outlet.

09 Press the spray trigger until soap is visible in the water stream.

10 Test the pressure washer and cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before continuing.

11 Begin cleaning. Move the wand over the driveway slowly, using long, even strokes. Keep the speed constant and the distance between the nozzle and the driveway consistent to avoid streaking, stripping or leaving distinguishing spots on the drive.

12 Allow the detergent to work on the concrete surface for 5-10 minutes. As needed, rewet the surface with a gentle spray so the detergent does not dry on the surface.

13 Set the pressure washer to rinse and squeeze the trigger until the stream is clear. Then rinse the surface.

14 Allow the surface to thoroughly dry before continuing.

Repairing The Driveway

01 Visually inspect the driveway to determine if repairs are necessary before sealing.

02 Repair damage to the asphalt, depending on size:

To patch a small (less than ¼" wide) crack:

1. Apply a bead of asphalt filler/sealer in the crack.

2. Smooth it out with a putty knife, if necessary.
3. Allow it to cure.

To patch larger cracks:

1. Apply a repair compound with a straight edge trowel, wearing latex gloves.
2. Allow the compound to cure as recommended by the manufacturer.

To repair shallow depressions:

1. Fill the depression with a patch.
2. Spread the compound with a trowel.
3. Tamp down the repaired area.

To repair a deep hole (pothole):

1. Remove loose material and edges with a hammer and chisel. Shape the sides to make them straight and not angled.

2 If the hole is deeper than 4", fill with gravel to within 4" of the surface.

3 Apply a 2" layer of repair compound, then tamp it down and allow to dry.

4. Then apply another layer of compound and tamp it down.

5 Once the compound reaches surface level, apply just a little bit more and tamp down to ensure a tightly compacted repair. For large, wide holes, you can use a piece of plywood to tamp down the compound.

03 Allow the patch(es) to fully cure, following the manufacturer’s recommendation before sealing.

Sealing The Driveway

01 When applying sealer, it’s best to do two thin coats rather than one heavy coat.

Here’s how the coats should be applied:
1. Start near the house and work towards the end of the drive.

2 Apply the first coat parallel to the house, working back and forth down the drive.

3 After that dries, apply the second coat in the opposite direction.

02 Thoroughly stir the sealant following the manufacturer’s instructions.

03 Use a discardable paint brush to apply sealant along the edge of the driveway. This is called “cutting in”. Be careful not to get the sealer on any edging or concrete.

04 Starting near the house or garage, pour the sealer across a small section of the driveway.

05 Spread the sealer with either a brush or squeegee, pulling it from one side of the drive to the other.

1. The brush will work the sealer into the surface, which is beneficial if your asphalt hasn’t been sealed in a long time. It might leave brush strokes.

2. The squeegee will give your surface a smooth finish.

3. The squeegee should feel as if it is gliding across the sealer. At the edges, turn, reposition the squeegee, and continue pulling.

4. Work slowly and carefully to cover the entire driveway.

TIP: For efficiency, have a friend pour the sealer for you.

06 When you’re almost finished with the first bucket, add sealer from the second bucket to ensure color consistency.

07 Once the first coat has dried, apply the second coat in the opposite direction.

08 When the driveway is covered with sealer, allow the surface to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before parking on it.

TIP: Place the sealer buckets at the street-end of the driveway to prevent anyone from driving on the surface.

A clean and resealed asphalt driveway can be an attractive entry to your property. And you’ve saved money by doing the job yourself. For more money-saving home improvement tips and projects, visit Lowes.com/Videos.

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