One of the most important processes in the maintenance of your driveway is sealing. Sealing an asphalt or concrete driveway protects it against the elements, oil stains and wear and tear. But once the sealant has been applied, one should understand when it is safe to walk on the sealant. This guide will describe the amount of time you have to wait before walking on your newly sealed driveway and why timing is important to achieve the best results.
What is Driveway Sealing and Why is it Important?
Since we are about to get into the waiting times, we should briefly look at what driveway sealing is and why it is required.
Driveway sealing is the process of laying a protective layer over your driveway surface which is usually asphalt or concrete to protect it against the sun, rain, oil spills and other contaminants. The sealant also keeps the driveway fresh, avoids cracks, and increases its life span.
Sealing a driveway also helps:
Oxidation prevention: Extends life of the asphalt by shielding it against UV rays.
Minimize water absorption: Prevents the water to seep through the surface and crack.
Improve looks: Makes your driveway look new again by re-coloring it.
So, what determines the amount of time that you have to wait before you can walk on a newly sealed driveway?
Factors That Affect Drying Time
The time that it takes before a driveway can be used by foot traffic after sealing can be influenced by a number of factors:
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are quite important in the drying and curing time of driveway sealant.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Temperature: The optimal temperatures in sealing a driveway are between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 30°C). When it is too hot, the sealant may dry up too fast and fail to bond. When it is too cold, the sealant might require a long time to dry and cure.
Humidity: The high humidity may slow down the drying process since the moisture content in the air reduces the rate of evaporation.
Rain: Do not seal your driveway during rainy days or when there is a possibility of rain. Sealants need dry conditions to cure properly.
Type of Sealant Used
The sealants come in various forms such as coal tar, asphalt emulsions and polymer sealants.
Each type has different curing times:
Coal Tar Sealers: These are the most widespread and normally require about 24 hours to cure completely. The driveway should be safe to walk on after the first 24 hours, but it is better to wait longer.
Asphalt Emulsion Sealers: These sealants require a little longer curing time and can need 24 to 48 hours after which foot traffic can be allowed.
Polymer-Based Sealers: These tend to dry the fastest and may be ready to receive light foot traffic within 12 to 24 hours.
Thickness of the Sealant Layer
The more the layer of sealant, the more time it will take to cure. When the contractor uses more than one layer or when the initial layer is very thick, the driveway will be slow to dry up. Thicker coats trap moisture, slowing down the curing process.
How long do I have to wait to walk on my sealed driveway?
As a rule, you are not supposed to walk on your driveway at least 24 hours after sealing it. This will enable the surface to dry adequately.
Nevertheless, the precise waiting time might be different, relying on the above-mentioned factors:
24 Hours: In the case of most driveways that have been sealed using the standard asphalt-based sealants, 24 hours are normally sufficient to allow foot traffic.
48 Hours: In case the weather is humid, cold, or the driveway is bigger and thicker, it might be good to wait 48 hours so that the sealant could be completely cured and bonded.
72 Hours: When the weather is cooler or raining, it is advisable to wait 72 hours before walking on your driveway so that the sealant can be able to dry completely.
Why is Timing Important for a Sealed Driveway?
Timing is very important to make the driveway and sealant last long.
Premature walking or driving on the driveway may result in:
Footprints and Tire Marks: You might leave footprints or tire marks when you walk or drive on the driveway before it is cured completely and it may be hard to get rid of them.
Uneven Curing: Walking on the driveway before it is cured can cause the sealant not to spread evenly causing streaks or uneven applications.
Early Destruction: When the sealant has not been allowed to cure well, it may wear off quickly and this will decrease its effectiveness and life span.
How to Speed Up the Drying Process
You may be keen to walk on your newly sealed driveway but wish to dry it faster, then here are some tips:
Airflow: Use fans to create airflow around the driveway provided the weather is right to help drying.
Proper Drainage: Ensure that the driveway does not have standing water as this will reduce the rate of drying.
Wait for Perfect Weather: It is best to wait until it is warm and dry before you do your sealing job. The drying process will be accelerated by sunlight but avoid sealing in too hot weather.
Most of the time, it is recommended that one waits at least 24 hours before walking and 48 to 72 hours before driving to allow sealant to bond and cure. The drying time may vary with weather conditions, the kind of sealant applied, and the thickness of the application, therefore, it is advisable to adhere to the manufacturer instructions to get the best results. When you give the curing time properly, you will save your driveway and make the sealant last several years.