I'm dealing with a 2500 sq ft asphalt driveway that's nearly 25 years old and starting to show spider cracks and some crumbling. I've had a contractor sealcoat it every two years for the last decade, but now he's quoted me around $2500 to $3000 for the next job. I'm considering doing it myself because it doesn't seem too hard. I already have a pressure washer for cleaning, a steel brush attachment for my trimmer to handle the flakes, and a powerful blower to prep the surface. My main questions are: is it worth the effort to DIY? How much could I potentially save compared to the quote? Also, I'm shopping for sealers — I've seen prices ranging from $20 to $45 for a 5-gallon bucket. The warranty seems to be the only major difference. I live in Wisconsin and I probably have just a day or two to complete this project. Is DIY a good move, or should I just let the pros handle it? Thanks for your insights!
3 Answers
Honestly, I think hiring a pro is the way to go. They typically do a much better job than most DIY attempts, and when you factor in the price of your materials, it might not even save you that much. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the mess and cleanup afterwards, which can be a total hassle. In the end, it might just be worth it for your peace of mind!
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d probably recommend hiring it out, too. The pros usually have the right equipment and experience to make it last longer. And honestly, you might end up saving just a little by doing it yourself, but you risk making a bigger mess. Plus, it’ll take you time away from other things. Better to let the experts handle it!
Have you thought about compromising? You could do all the prep work yourself and just have your regular contractor come in to do the sealing. It might save you some cash while still ensuring a quality job!
That's a great idea! I hadn't thought of that — thanks for the suggestion!