How to Prep Your Driveway Before the Asphalt Sealcoating Company Arrives

Ever scheduled a home service and then realized you weren’t sure how to get ready for it?

It happens more often than you think, especially when it comes to driveway sealcoating. A little prep work before the crew shows up can make a huge difference in how smooth, durable, and long-lasting your asphalt looks afterward.

But what exactly should you do before the pros arrive? That’s where most homeowners get stuck.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps to get your driveway ready, simple things that can save you time, money, and a few headaches once the asphalt sealcoating company pulls in.

Checklist: What to Do Before Your Asphalt Sealcoating Company Starts Work

1. Sweep Away Loose Dirt and Debris

Start with the basics. Use a stiff broom or push broom to sweep off the entire driveway. Get rid of leaves, dust, sticks, and loose gravel. Any debris left behind can stop the sealcoat from bonding to the surface.

You don’t need to go crazy scrubbing, just make sure the surface is clear and dry. Don’t use water yet. Sweeping first helps you spot deeper issues and areas that might need extra care later.

2. Clean Off Oil and Grease Spots

Oil stains are a big problem for sealcoating. The material won’t stick well if oil is still soaking into the asphalt. Look for dark or shiny patches. These are usually spots where cars have leaked oil or fluids.

To clean them:

• Sprinkle kitty litter or oil absorbent on fresh stains

• Scrub old spots with dish soap and warm water

• For tougher stains, use a degreaser made for asphalt

Try to remove as much as possible. If a stain is too deep, let the asphalt sealcoating company know in advance. They might apply a primer to help the coating stick.

3. Trim Grass Along the Edges

If grass or weeds are creeping over the edges of your driveway, now’s the time to trim them back. Use garden shears, a weed trimmer, or even a flat shovel to cut them flush.

Overgrown edges can get in the way and stop sealant from reaching the outer lines. Keeping the borders neat helps the job look sharp and finished.

This small step often gets skipped, but it makes a big visual difference when the sealcoating is done.

4. Remove Any Items on or Near the Driveway

Move everything off your driveway before the sealcoating team arrives. That includes:

• Cars

• Bikes

• Trash bins

• Planters

• Toys

• Basketball hoops

Also, move anything near the driveway that could be at risk from splatter, like decorations, solar lights, or porch rugs.

This gives the team space to work and avoids damage. A wide, clear area makes it easy to apply the sealant smoothly from edge to edge.

5. Mark Sprinklers and Hidden Fixtures

If you have sprinkler heads near your driveway, mark them clearly. Use flags, cones, or even small sticks with ribbon tied around them.

This tells the crew to avoid stepping on or damaging them. The same goes for anything hidden at ground level, like:

• Drains

• Utility covers

• In-ground lights

Let your asphalt sealcoating company know where these are if they’re hard to spot. A little prep saves you from a broken sprinkler or cracked light fixture later.

6. Delay Your Sprinklers and Mowing

Water and fresh-cut grass can ruin a sealcoating job. If your sprinkler system runs on a timer, shut it off 24 hours before and after the appointment. This keeps the surface dry and ready.

Avoid mowing the lawn right before or right after sealcoating. Grass clippings can blow onto the wet surface and stick to the coating.

Keeping everything dry and clean (for a day or two) is key to a strong seal and smooth finish.

7. Patch Small Holes or Cracks Ahead of Time

If your driveway has small cracks or pits, patch them before the sealcoating team shows up, unless they’re handling it for you. Many companies offer crack filling as part of their service, but it’s best to check ahead.

You can use a basic asphalt patch or crack filler from the hardware store if you’re doing it yourself. Just make sure it dries fully before sealcoating day.

This step helps the coating last longer and gives a smoother look.

8. Block Off the Area

You don’t want kids, pets, or guests walking across fresh sealant. Set up a plan to keep everyone clear of the driveway before and after the work is done.

Use cones, caution tape, or even lawn chairs to block access. Let family members and neighbors know the space will be off-limits for at least 24–48 hours.

Once the asphalt sealcoating company finishes, they’ll usually add tape or signs. But it’s smart to prep for this yourself, too.

9. Check the Weather Forecast

Sealcoating only works if the weather is right. Make sure no rain is expected for at least 24 hours after the job. The temperature should stay above 50°F during application and drying.

A good asphalt sealcoating company will usually reschedule (if needed), but it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast too. Dry, sunny days help the coating cure faster and more evenly.

10. Communicate with the Company

The final preparation step? Reach out to your asphalt sealcoating company a day or two before they arrive.

Confirm:

• The time of arrival

• What you need to have ready

• Whether they’re doing crack filling or patching

• Any concerns about drainage, traffic, or stains

Clear communication avoids surprises. It also helps the job run on time and on budget. A quick call or text goes a long way in making sure everything’s good to go.

Wind Up

Getting your driveway ready before the asphalt sealcoating company arrives helps everything go faster and smoother. A clean, dry, and clear surface means better results and less mess. It also saves the crew time and prevents mistakes that can shorten the life of your driveway coating.

Preparation doesn’t take much; it just takes a few simple steps that make a big difference. Don’t wait until the last minute. Do your part ahead of time, and you’ll love the final results.

Need a reliable crew? Armor Asphalt is ready to help. Book your sealcoating service today, and we’ll take care of the rest!