So, you finally got your driveway sealed. It looks amazing, doesn’t it? But now comes the awkward part: when can you actually drive on it without ruining all that fresh work?
The Magic Number: 24 to 48 Hours
In general, most sealed driveways need at least 24 hours before they can handle vehicle traffic. But, and this is important, that’s a best-case scenario.
If the weather is warm, dry, and sunny, 24 hours might do the trick. If it’s a bit cloudy or cooler? Play it safe and wait 48.
Not sure what counts as “cool” in British Columbia terms? Anything under 15°C, especially with overcast skies or humidity, will slow down the drying process. Think of sealcoat like fresh paint. Sealcoat needs time to cure, not just dry to the touch.
Quick Reference Chart
| Conditions | Safe for Walking | Safe for Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Hot & Sunny (20–25 °C) | 4 hours | 24 hours |
| Overcast or Cloudy (15°C) | 6–8 hours | 48 hours |
| Cool & Humid (<12°C) | 10+ hours | 72 hours |
What About Foot Traffic?
You can usually walk on your driveway after 4 to 6 hours, assuming good weather. Just make sure your cousin with the high heels or your kid on a scooter doesn’t test that theory too soon.
Here’s Where Most People Get It Wrong After Hiring Sealcoating Services
Let’s get into a few insider notes most skip when talking about when to drive on your freshly sealcoated driveway or parking lot:
- Your driveway’s shape matters: A flat, straight driveway dries evenly. But curves, slopes, or shaded areas (hello, tree-lined suburbs) may stay tacky longer. If one side faces the sun and the other hugs a hedge, don’t expect even results.
- Curing takes longer than drying: Even if the surface feels dry after 24 hours, the full curing process can take up to 30 days. So go easy—avoid tight turns, heavy trucks, and parking in the exact same spot every day for the first week or two.
- Humidity’s a sneaky villain: British Columbia isn’t exactly famous for dry air. Even if it’s not raining, high humidity can keep that sealcoat sticky. If you see dew in the morning, wait a bit longer.
If you’ve got questions about the specific conditions in your area (North Van fog? Burnaby shade?), just give us a call. At Burnaby Blacktop, we seal driveways all over the Lower Mainland, so we’ve seen every “but what if…” scenario.
But before we let you go
What Not to Do (But People Do Anyway)
- Don’t turn your wheels while parked: That’s the fastest way to leave scuff marks or twist the sealer off before it sets.
- Don’t wash it too early: Wait at least a full week before hosing it down.
Remember, if you’ve got questions about the specific conditions in your area (North Van fog? Burnaby shade?), just give us a call. At Burnaby Blacktop, we seal driveways all over the Lower Mainland, so we’ve seen every “but what if…” scenario.
Burnaby Blacktop Sealcoating: We’ve Got You Covered (Literally)
At Burnaby Blacktop, we don’t just show up, seal your driveway, and disappear. Our sealcoating services are backed by experience, care, and real conversations with real homeowners—because let’s face it, asphalt can be confusing.
We’ll walk you through:
- How long to wait before walking or driving
- What to avoid during the first few days
- When to consider reapplying in the future
And we won’t just toss instructions at you and hope for the best. Our crew will give you clear guidance before we leave, plus friendly reminders if rain’s on the horizon or if your unique surface needs extra drying time. We’re also happy to answer your “just checking…” calls if you’re unsure when it’s safe to drive.
So if you’re worried about messing up your new sealcoat with one too-early tire turn, don’t be. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to do (and what not to do) after we finish the job.