Sealing a driveway costs $1 to $2 per square foot with installation or $400 to $800 total for 400 square feet. The total cost depends on the number of coats, driveway size, and sealant type. Repairing any chips, holes, or cracks in the driveway before sealing it will increase the cost.

Asphalt driveways typically use emulsion, latex-based, or eco-friendly sealants. Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot installed or $575 to $1,700 for 2-car driveways. Contractors typically use acrylic or epoxy sealants for concrete driveways, which cost more than sealants commonly used for asphalt driveways.

Driveway sealing, or sealcoating, uses various materials to create a protective membrane over a driveway. This protects it from: 

• Rain
• Snow
• Ice
• UV exposure
• Physical damage

Most driveway sealants take 12 to 72 hours to fully dry and cure before you can park or drive on it. It takes 1 to 3 hours before you can walk on the driveway. The drying time depends mostly on the weather and the type of sealant used, so ask you contractor for a specific time frame.

Sealing a driveway is worth it because it:

• Helps extend the lifespan of the driveway
• Improves curb appeal
• Protects it from snow, ice, rain, car fluids, and UV rays

Driveways that aren't sealed develop cracks and potholes more easily.

You should reseal your driveway every 2 to 10 years, depending on the sealant type you use and how extreme your climate is. If you just installed a new driveway, make sure to wait 3 to 6 months to seal it. Until then, the new driveway will not be fully cured and may be too soft or flexible to seal.

The best driveway sealer for you will depend on your local climate and the level of heavy traffic your driveway gets. Asphalt is inexpensive and commonly used, but it doesn't last very long. Latex-based sealants are more expensive but typically last much longer and are non-toxic, unlike coal tar and fast-dry sealants.

Before choosing a driveway sealer near you, follow these steps:

• Get 3+ estimates from licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
• Check their credentials and read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Avoid the lowest bids as this often indicates lack of experience or low-quality work.
• Get a written contract and warranty before the sealing process starts.

Ask these questions to make sure you choose an experienced driveway sealer:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How many years have you been sealing driveways?
• Do you have references or a portfolio I can look through?
• How will you prepare my driveway before applying the sealant?
• Can you give me a free estimate?
• Can you repair the driveway, or do I need to hire someone else for that?
• What's the best sealant type for this climate?
• Do you ever thin out your sealants?
• How long will this sealant last before I need to reseal my driveway?
• How long will it be before I can walk or drive on it?