What Is the Best Temperature to Sealcoat Your Driveway?

There's a range, not one number

This is one of the most common questions we get. People worry about whether the weather is right to finally get their driveway done. There's no one exact temperature, but there is a range that works well.

Start with the sealer itself. Every sealant comes with manufacturer instructions that list the temperatures it works best in. Those numbers come from testing, so a good contractor follows them.

The sweet spot: around 70°F

The best temperature is right around 70°F. Most people worry about sealing when it's too cold, but you also shouldn't seal when it's too hot.

Below 50°F, sealer dries too slowly. Instead of setting in 24 to 48 hours, it can take 3 or 4 days. It won't look as solid, and leaves and dirt have more time to land on the wet surface.

Why temperature matters

Warmth helps the sealer bond to the asphalt and dry at the right rate. When it's too cold, the sealer doesn't bond well and stays soft too long.

Avoid sealcoating when it's too hot

Once the air is over about 92°F, it may be too hot. The pavement gets as hot as a frying pan, and the sealer dries on top before it can soak in and leave a solid finish.

Texas summers often go past 95°F, so in summer we work early in the morning or in the evening, when the pavement is cooler.