Driveway Sealing Cost

Sealing your driveway is the ideal way to protect it from elements that cause damage, such as sunlight, oil stains, weed and moss growth, water penetration, dust, and dirt.

It will also clean up a scruffy driveway and restore its appearance, making it look clean and attractive.

In this guide, we will tell you about the costs involved in sealing a driveway, factors that affect those costs and how to find a driveway sealing specialist near you.

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How Much is Driveway Sealing?

The cost of driveway sealing in the UK depends on numerous factors, including the size of the driveway, the surface material, the overall condition of the driveway, and the number of coats required.

Any preparatory work will also influence the cost. Common tasks that need to be done before sealant is applied to a driveway include:

• Cleaning
• Re-sanding joints
• Weed removal
• Repairing cracks

For example, block paving often requires re-sanding work before sealant is applied, and concrete may need cracks or small holes repaired.

The cost to lay sealant is a more cost-effective option than resurfacing or driveway replacement, but it can only be carried out if the driveway base is stable and the surface only needs minor cosmetic repairs.

Driveway Sealing Prices

These prices also include the cost of labour. Costs for the same type of job will vary depending on where you live. You will pay more in London and the South East of England, as these areas are more expensive than other parts of the UK.

How Much Do Sealant Supplies Cost?

The cost of sealant depends on the type you want to use and the size of your driveway. Sealant types include:

Acrylic Sealers

An acrylic sealer will leave your driveway with a glossy finish. It is UV-resistant and dries quickly. Re-application every 2-3 years

Cost: £5 to £9 per litre

Polyurethane Sealers

Gloss finish. Ideal for enhancing colour. Often used in high-traffic areas. Re-application every 4-6 years

Cost: £9 - £13 per litre

Solvent-based Sealers

A solvent-based sealer is often used on printed concrete and block paving driveways because it penetrates to a greater depth than a water-based sealer. Re-application every 3-4 years

Cost: £10 - £16 per litre

Water-based Sealers

Water-based sealers are environmentally friendly because they don’t contain any solvents. Water- resistant and hard-wearing. Re-application every 1-2 years

Cost: £6 - £8 per litre

Specialist Cleaners

Specialist Cleaners are designed for a particular driveway material. For example, block-paving sealant, stone, tarmac and concrete.

Cost: £15 - £25 per litre

Supplies, in addition to sealant, can include:

• Kiln-dried sand: £0.75 - £1.10 per m²
• Weed treatment: £3 - £7 per litre
• Cleaning products: £2 - £8 per litre
• Crack repair material: £20 - £30 per litre
• Tools: Hire of a pressure washer £40 - £80 per day

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs to consider when you are having your driveway sealed. If you take these costs into consideration, it helps you to keep your budget on track.

Typical additional costs include:

Labour Costs and Timescales

Driveway specialists charge around £150 to £200 per day. But they will often quote a driveway sealing job as a fixed price based on the size of the driveway. Labour and other factors will be built into the final amount.

How Long Will It Take to Seal a Driveway?

Although applying the sealer to a driveway doesn’t take long, you also have to factor in the time it takes for preparation, cleaning, drying and curing.

A small 30m² driveway will take:

• Clean: 1-2 Hours
• Dry: 24 Hours
• Seal: 1-2 Hours
• Cure: 24 - 48 Hours
• Total clean and seal: 2 – 4 hours
• Total Time: 2 – 3 Days

A medium 60m² driveway will take:

• Clean: 2-3 Hours
• Dry: 24 -36 Hours
• Seal: 2 – 2.5 Hours
• Cure: 24 – 48 Hours
• Total clen and seal: 4 – 5.5 hours
• Total Time: 2.5 – 3-5 Days

A large 90m² driveway will take:

• Clean: 3-5 Hours
• Dry: 24 – 36 Hours
• Seal: 2 – 4 Hours
• Cure: 24 – 48 Hours
• Total clean and seal: 5 – 9 hours
• Total Time: 3 – 4 Days

Poor weather, complex projects or awkward access may prolong the work further, which means some sealing projects might take a few days more than estimated.

Cost Factors for Weeding

The Size of the Driveway

Labour costs increase because it takes more time to clean, prepare and reseal a larger area.

Surface Type

Some surface types require more work. For example, plain concrete is much quicker to work with than block-paving, and it is normally quicker to apply sealer to tarmac than it is to decorative concrete.

Condition of the Driveway

Amount of preparation required. Additional costs may be generated by extra preparation for drainage issues or the removal of heavy objects or awkward obstructions.

Number of Coats

An average quote for sealing a driveway will normally incorporate the application of 1 or 2 coats of sealer. Extra coats will usually be applied at an additional cost.

Choice of Sealant

Not all sealers are the same. They vary in finish and quality. Some are more suited to driveway surfaces than others. For example, solvent-based sealers are often used on block paving because they penetrate to a greater depth.

Ease of Access

Access problems mean that contractors may have to bring in materials manually, which takes longer. Shared driveways could also take longer to complete, as permission will be needed from the person sharing the driveway before any work can begin.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can slow down a sealing installation. If contractors have to leave before they have finished preparing the driveway, for example, you are still likely to be charged because the time has been blocked off, and you’re still on your job.

Sealing can’t be done in wet or frosty weather. The best time to reseal your driveway is between April and September.

Location in the UK

London and the South East of England are typically more expensive than other parts of the UK.

Extra Repairs Before Sealing

Extra repairs, such as dealing with cracks, carrying out patch repairs or re-sanding, will add extra costs to your resealing quote.

Building Regulations Related to Driveway Sealing

Most driveway sealing projects do not require building regulations approval. However, the sealant should not change the material’s porosity or permeability of the driveway surface.

Building regulations state that driveways must be constructed using permeable materials or that you incorporate a sustainable drainage system (SudS), and excess water must be drained into a soakaway on your property.

Water from your driveway cannot drain directly into the public highway, and this also applies to any contractors disposing of wash-off or waste while installing a driveway or applying sealant.

A responsible contractor is knowledgeable about building regulations and will work in compliance with them.

What's Involved in Driveway Sealing?

Driveway sealing will protect your driveway from damage caused by water penetration, UV rays, oil stains and general wear and tear. The most important part of the sealing process is preparation.

Driveway sealing usually involves the following steps.

Cleaning – The area is usually thoroughly cleaned, starting off with a sweep to get rid of surface dirt and debris. This is followed by a pressure wash or chemical cleaning products to get rid of stains and marks. Cleaning can take between 1 and 5 hours, depending on the size of your driveway.

Repairs – If your driveway has cracks or small holes, these will be repaired before the driveway is sealed. Block Paving might need to have the gaps between the pavers topped up with sand. Repairs can take between 1 and 3 hours.

Sealer Application – Once the driveway is dry, the sealer is applied by using a roller or a spray applicator to produce an even finish. The sealing application will usually take between 1 and 4 hours.

Curing – The driveway must be left to dry out (cure) completely before it is used to ensure the sealer is fully set. This can take between 24 and 48 hours.

Types of Driveway Sealing

There are several types of sealers available. The choice you make should take into account the finish you want to achieve and the type of material you have on your driveway surface.

The sealant you use will affect how the driveway surface looks, its resistance to UV rays and stains and how long the protection lasts.

Block Paving Sealers

Block paving sealers are designed to protect individual blocks and stabilise the joints between them. These sealers will usually bind the kiln-dried sand in the joints, which helps to prevent weed growth and reduce movement over time.

You can buy block paving sealers in a matt or gloss finish. That gives you the choice of a glossy finish or a natural look. Block paving sealers penetrate deeply into the surface so that the blocks and the sand are protected.

Costs to seal block paving can be higher than other materials because the preparation of replacing the sand between the gaps takes more work.

Concrete Driveway Sealers

Concrete sealers are typically acrylic or polyurethane-based and can be used on plain and imprinted concrete driveways.

Concrete sealers help to reduce oil stains, water penetration and surface wear. They are available in gloss or matte finishes. Gloss is usually more popular with householders who have decorative concrete because it will enhance the colour.

Concrete sealers are durable, but they may need reapplying every few years, depending on traffic levels and weather exposure.

Tarmac and Asphalt Sealers

Tarmac or asphalt sealers are designed to restore faded colour and protect the surface from UV rays and water, which can cause the surface to crack.

Tarmac or asphalt sealers are usually found in matt or low-sheen finishes, rather than gloss. Unlike some other sealers, tarmac products are typically more functional than decorative, and most finishes are matt or low sheen rather than high gloss, which can be slippery and unnatural looking.

Tarmac and Asphalt sealing are more affordable options, but the results depend on proper cleaning and preparation before application.

Imprinted Concrete Sealers

Imprinted concrete needs to have a specialist sealer that protects the surface and enhances its decorative finish. These sealers are usually acrylic-based. When applied, they highlight the pattern and deepen the colour.

Gloss finishes are commonly used for this type of driveway as they create a polished look. But this can make the surface slightly more slippery when wet, so anti-slip additives are sometimes included.

Imprinted concrete sealing can be more expensive than standard concrete sealing because of its decorative value and the fact that it may need multiple coats.

Natural Stone Sealers

Natural stone driveways require specialist sealers that are designed to work with porous materials such as sandstone, limestone, or granite. These sealers soak into the stone rather than sitting on the surface.

Most natural stone sealers are breathable, meaning they allow moisture to escape while still protecting against water and stains. This means problems such as trapped moisture or surface damage are reduced.

Natural stone sealers are typically more expensive because the specialist formulation preserves the natural appearance of the stone.

Types of Finishes and Sealer Properties

In addition to choosing a sealant based on the driveway material, homeowners will also need to consider the type of finish they want and how the product protects the driveway.

Matt and Gloss Finishes

Driveway sealers are usually available in matt or gloss finishes.

Matt finishes provide a more natural look and are often preferred for stone or traditional driveways. They are less slippery and tend to show fewer marks over time.

Gloss finishes enhance colour and give the surface a wet-look appearance. They are popular for decorative surfaces like imprinted concrete, but may require more maintenance to keep them looking clean.

The choice between matt and gloss can affect both the appearance and long-term upkeep of the driveway.

Breathable and Non-Breathable Sealers

Breathable Sealers

Breathable sealers allow moisture to pass through the surface while still protecting it from water and stains. These are particularly important for natural stone and older driveways where moisture can become trapped.

Non-breathable Sealers

Non-breathable sealers are more commonly used on concrete or imprinted surfaces because they create a solid barrier on the surface. This provides better protection but may lead to problems if moisture is trapped underneath and is therefore not used with natural stone.

The wrong type of sealer can mean it will, over time, start to peel, discolour, or lead to a damaged surface.

Penetrating and Surface Sealers

Penetrating Sealers

Penetrating sealers soak into the material and protect it from the inside. They tend to provide a more natural finish and are often used on stone or concrete surfaces where preserving the original appearance is important.

Surface Sealers

Surface sealers lie on top of the driveway and create a protective coating. These are more likely to enhance colour and provide a gloss finish. But they aren’t as long-lasting and may wear down over time.

The choice between the two will affect durability, appearance, the amount of maintenance required and the overall cost of driveway sealing.

Alternative Types of Driveway Sealing

Sealing offers protection from the stains and marks that can damage your driveway. But if you don’t feel that sealing your driveway is the best choice, here are some alternatives you can consider:

Leaving the Driveway Unsealed

You can leave your driveway unsealed. But if you want the surface to remain clean and tidy, you will have to spend time regularly cleaning, weeding and removing marks or stains. Any cracks or holes that appear should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Applying a Sealer Less Frequently

Some contractors recommend that the sealer be applied every 2 years, while others recommend every 3 to 4 years. You could have your driveway professionally sealed and cleaned every 4 years at a cost of between £200 and £600. You would be spending between £50 and £150 per year.

Using Surface-specific Protective Treatments

Surface-specific treatments like algae removal, water repellent or stain-resistant coatings can help to increase the lifespan of your driveway. They can be applied as a DIY job. But they will probably need to renew regularly to keep their protective effect.

Carrying Out Minor Repairs

Repairing cracks or holes in your driveway will help to keep its appearance and protect it from further damage.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning will help to keep your driveway free of dust, dirt and stains. You can buy driveway cleaners from DIY stores and wash the drive with a stiff brush or a power hose. If you want to pay for a professional clean, expect to pay between £2 and £5 per m².

Resurfacing

If your driveway still has solid foundations and is stable, but the surface is damaged and scruffy, then you may want to hire a specialist to resurface your driveway. The cost depends on the size of the driveway and the material you choose, but on average, prices range from £20 to £70 per m².

A driveway replacement

Resurfacing is a good option when your base is stable, but if your driveway foundations have failed, then a replacement may be your best option. The cost to fit a new driveway isn’t cheap, but it will completely renew the foundations and the surface. Expect to pay between £43 and £122 per m².

Checklist: Hiring a Driveway Sealing Specialist

When you want to hire a driveway sealant specialist, it’s a good idea to ask them some questions before you get a quote. We recommend obtaining at least 3 quotes so that you can compare pricing and services.

The questions you can ask could include:

• Is preparation included in your quote?
• What type of sealant will you use?
• Is cleaning the driveway included?
• I have block paving. Does the quote include resanding?
• How long after the work is complete can I use the drive?
• Is your work guaranteed?

You could also ask them:

• How much experience do you have with the type of driveway I have?
• Do you have feedback from previous customers that I could look at?
• Do you have Public Liability Insurance?

The quote should be in writing; it can be delivered to your address or via email. It should outline the scope of the work and the total cost.

Removing Driveway Sealing

To resurface a driveway, the cost will include the additional expense of removing the old sealer.

If your old seal has discoloured, peeled away or is trapping moisture, then your sealing contractor may recommend that you have the old sealer removed before applying a fresh coat. This is additional work and will therefore be an extra cost you’ll need to add to your budget.

If the damaged sealer isn’t removed and a new application is placed on top. The old sealer will continue to spoil, which may fade the colour and lifespan of the new sealer.

The cost to remove old sealer is, on average, between £45 and £125.

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