Protection for driveways and lots
Sealcoating in New Orleans, LA
Sun dries asphalt out and rain gets in through the cracks; sealer slows both.
- Free on-site estimates
- Written scope: base, thickness and drainage spelled out
- Permit questions answered before work is scheduled
Sealing Asphalt Between the Storms
Sealcoating is a thin coat spread over asphalt to protect it. In New Orleans the sun bakes the surface for most of the year, drying out the binder that holds the stone in place, and the rain then finds every crack. A fresh seal coat restores a dark, tight surface, resists gas and oil drips and slows the graying and raveling that come before cracks. It does not add strength or fix a failing base.
Timing in a wet climate
Sealer needs a dry surface and dry hours to set. HomeGuide recommends sealing in dry weather between about 50 and 95 degrees and keeping cars off for 12 to 72 hours. In New Orleans that means watching the forecast closely, working mornings in summer, and leaning on spring and fall when afternoon storms are less frequent. If rain is likely, we reschedule.
New asphalt waits
Fresh asphalt needs to cure before sealing; HomeGuide puts the wait at 3 to 6 months. Sealing too soon traps oils in the surface and can leave it soft.
Prep is most of the job
- Blow and sweep the surface, edges and joints
- Treat oil spots so the sealer bonds
- Fill cracks first with hot rubberized filler
- Cut back grass at the edges
- Hand-edge along the slab, walks and apron
- Apply two coats on most driveways
Product choice
HomeGuide notes coal tar sealers have been banned in many places over health and environmental concerns, and asphalt emulsion sealers are considered the more environmentally friendly choice. We tell you which product we plan to use.
Lots and striping
Sealing a parking lot covers the old lines, so restriping follows once the sealer dries. Doing both together is the most cost-effective facelift for an older lot. Porous asphalt is the exception: it should never be sealcoated.
What sealcoating cannot do
Sealer is very thin. It will not level dips, fill potholes or strengthen a base that has gone soft, and on a driveway that is sinking it only hides the problem for a season. We look for those signs first and recommend repairs before sealing when they are needed.
Commercial schedules
For businesses, we seal in sections, often early morning or on closed days, barricade each section while it cures and restripe afterward.
What's Included
A sealcoat job includes the prep and crack work, not just the sealer.
Cleaning and edging
Debris, dirt and grass removed from surface and edges.
Oil spot treatment
Stains primed so sealer bonds.
Crack filling
Open cracks filled before sealing.
Two-coat application
Squeegee or spray, hand-edged at slabs and aprons.
Typical Sealcoating Costs
| Item | National range |
|---|---|
| Driveway sealing (HomeGuide) | $1 to $2 per sq ft |
| 288 sq ft one-car driveway (HomeGuide) | $290 to $580 |
| 400 sq ft two-car driveway (HomeGuide) | $400 to $800 |
| 864 sq ft three-car driveway (HomeGuide) | $860 to $1,700 |
| National average job (HomeGuide) | About $600 |
| Parking lot sealing (HomeAdvisor) | $0.15 to $0.30 per sq ft |
National figures from HomeGuide and HomeAdvisor. New Orleans jobs often need extra base work on soft ground, plus permit and apron costs, so local prices can run differently. The number on your written estimate is what you pay.
Step by Step
1. Check
Confirm the asphalt has cured and note cracks and stains.
2. Quote
Area, crack footage, product and coats.
3. Prep
Clean, treat oil, fill cracks.
4. Seal
Apply on a dry day, barricade, tell you when to drive on it.
Sealcoating Questions
How often should I sealcoat?
HomeGuide gives 2 to 10 years depending on product and conditions. Strong sun pushes toward the shorter end. Once the surface turns gray and stone shows, it is due.
What if it rains right after?
Rain on uncured sealer can wash it off. We schedule around the forecast and reschedule if storms are likely.
Will sealing fix cracks?
No. We fill cracks first; sealer is too thin to bridge them.
Should I seal porous asphalt?
No. Sealer would close the pores that let water through.
Sealcoating Service Areas
- Asphalt Paving in New Orleans, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Metairie, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Kenner, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Gretna, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Harahan, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Chalmette, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Slidell, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Marrero, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Harvey, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Westwego, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Terrytown, LA
- Asphalt Paving in River Ridge, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Jefferson, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Belle Chasse, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Arabi, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Mandeville, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Covington, LA
- Asphalt Paving in LaPlace, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Luling, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Destrehan, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Meraux, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Estelle, LA
- Asphalt Paving in Abita Springs, LA
- Asphalt Paving in St. Rose, LA
Get a Sealcoating Estimate
Free sealcoating quotes across Greater New Orleans.