A new asphalt driveway is one of the bigger investments a Cambridge homeowner makes, so it’s natural to want to protect it right away. But sealing too early can actually do more harm than good.
Why new asphalt needs time
Fresh asphalt is still curing for months after it’s laid. It needs time for the oils in the mix to settle and the surface to harden. Sealing before it has cured can trap those oils and leave a soft surface. Most installers recommend waiting until the asphalt has had a full season to cure (often around a year) before the first seal. Always follow the advice of the company that installed your driveway.
The best time of year to seal in Waterloo Region
Sealer needs warm, dry weather to cure properly: daytime temperatures comfortably above 10°C and no rain in the forecast for at least a day. In Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo that usually means late spring through early fall. Late summer is a popular choice because it protects the driveway right before winter.
What to do in the meantime
- Avoid sharp turns of the steering wheel while parked, which can scuff soft new asphalt.
- Keep heavy items (trailers, dumpsters, ladders on small feet) off the surface in hot weather.
- Clean up gas or oil spills quickly.
- Watch for early cracks and get them filled before winter.
After the first seal
Once your driveway has had its first seal, re-sealing every 2–3 years keeps it protected from water, salt and UV fading. It’s far cheaper than major repairs or a repave.
Free, no-obligation quote: call (226) 887-1400 · Mon–Fri 7am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm
Cambridge Driveway Sealing · (226) 887-1400
Serving: Cambridge (Galt · Preston · Hespeler · Blair) · Kitchener · Waterloo · Puslinch · Ayr
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