If you want a longer lasting driveway, start with proper asphalt driveway cleaning. A clean, dry surface helps sealer bond, improves appearance, and cuts callbacks. Use this checklist to plan safe work before you seal or stripe.
Why It Matters
Soils, oil, and moss block adhesion. Removing them restores texture so coatings and paints stick. Clean first, repair second, seal last for a durable finish.
Tools and Safety
Gloves, eye protection, stiff push broom, wire brush, leaf blower, degreaser, crack tool, tamper or plate compactor, and fresh water. Check weather, surface and air temps, and keep people and vehicles off the drive until products cure.
Surface and Stain Cleaning
Trim edges, pull weeds by the roots, then sweep thoroughly. Avoid aggressive pressure washing that can dislodge aggregate; rinse lightly if needed and let the surface dry. Scrub oil or fuel spots with a driveway safe degreaser until water no longer beads. For timing guidance, see the Application Temperature Cheat Sheet. If stains persist, prime them before sealing to improve bond after this cleaning.
Crack Prep and Filling
Brush out vegetation and dust. Blow clean. Homeowners can use cold pour filler for hairline to 1/2 inch gaps, backfilling deeper voids with clean sand. Contractors often choose hot rubberized material applied with equipment like the RY10 Elite Melter Applicator. Tool smooth with a squeegee and keep product in the crack, not on the surface. Learn more in How to Fix Pavement Defects.
Pothole Patching
Remove loose material, place a suitable patching mix, and compact in lifts. A hand tamper or plate compactor improves density. If mix sticks to tools, use a light release agent. Structural failures may require professional repair.
Drying and Sealing
After repairs cure, finish with a gentle rinse if needed and allow full dry time. Moisture trapped under sealer can cause peeling. Tape a small plastic sheet down for an hour; if condensation forms, wait. When dry, protect the surface with a quality coating from the Asphalt Sealer collection.
Pro Tips
Schedule asphalt cleaning for a dry window and avoid rain within 24 hours of sealing. Mind cure temperatures. For step by step training, enroll in the Asphalt Property Maintenance Course. Regular asphalt driveway cleaning and timely sealing extend service life and keep curb appeal high.
Learn more: Enroll in the Asphalt Kingdom Maintenance Guide today!
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