Introduction: Why Preparation Matters
Think of driveway sealing like painting a wall. If you don’t clean, patch, and prep the surface, the paint won’t stick — and you’ll be redoing the job in no time. The same goes for your driveway. Even the best commercial-grade sealer won’t hold up if the surface isn’t properly prepared.
In the Greater Toronto Area, with its harsh freeze-thaw cycles and heavy use of road salt, proper preparation is even more critical. At No Limit Sealing, we often see driveways fail prematurely because homeowners or contractors skipped the prep stage.
This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare your driveway for sealing — whether it’s asphalt, concrete, or interlock — so you know exactly what to expect before hiring a professional.
Step 1: Clear the Area
- Remove vehicles: Park cars elsewhere for at least 24 hours.
- Move furniture and toys: Get rid of anything that might block access.
- Trim grass edges: Overhanging grass can interfere with sealing lines.
👉 Pro Tip: Whether you’re in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Aurora or any other place in and around GTA, trimming grass around the edges helps create a clean, professional finish that boosts curb appeal.
Step 2: Thorough Cleaning
Before applying any sealer, the driveway must be spotless.
- Sweep debris: Use a stiff broom to remove dirt, leaves, and loose gravel.
- Pressure washing: For stubborn stains, a pressure washer or surface cleaner is essential.
- Oil & grease removal: These stains can prevent adhesion. We use commercial-grade degreasers for the best results.
- Weed removal (interlock): Pull out weeds growing between stones and clean out moss or dirt.
👉 Why this matters: Dirt or oil left behind creates weak spots where the sealer peels off within weeks.
Step 3: Repair Cracks and Holes
Ontario’s weather is notorious for creating cracks in asphalt and concrete.
- For asphalt:
- Hairline cracks are filled with crack filler.
- Larger cracks or potholes may require hot asphalt patching.
- For concrete or interlock:
- Cracks are repaired with appropriate fillers.
- Interlock may need re-levelling before sealing.
👉 Pro Tip: In Ontario, especially in GTA, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, where salt use is heavy, crack repair is especially important to stop water from penetrating and expanding during winter freezes.
Step 4: Drying the Surface
Moisture is the enemy of good sealing.
- Allow at least 24 hours of dry weather before sealing.
- Avoid sealing right after rain or pressure washing.
- The surface must be completely dry for sealer to bond.
At No Limit Sealing, we schedule sealing jobs around weather forecasts to ensure optimal curing conditions.
Step 5: Applying Tape or Barriers
For interlock patios or decorative areas, tape and plastic barriers may be used to protect edges, garage doors, and landscaping. This ensures a neat, professional finish.
What Happens If You Skip Preparation?
Skipping prep might save time in the short term, but the long-term costs are significant:
- Sealer peels off within months.
- Cracks reappear quickly and expand.
- Oil stains resurface through the coating.
- The driveway looks patchy instead of refreshed.
Homeowners from Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham and Newmarket, and all across GTA, often call us to fix “DIY sealing jobs gone wrong.” The cause is almost always poor preparation.
What We Do at No Limit Sealing
The good news is you don’t have to worry about doing any of this yourself. Our professional process includes:
- Deep surface cleaning: Using industrial-grade tools and cleaners.
- Crack and pothole repair: Restoring structural integrity before sealing.
- Proper drying time: Scheduling based on weather conditions.
- High-quality application: Applying commercial-grade sealer evenly for long-lasting results.
We handle everything — from start to finish — so you can sit back and enjoy a driveway that looks brand new.
FAQs About Driveway Sealing Preparation
Q: How long does preparation take?
A: For most residential driveways in the GTA, prep takes 1–3 hours depending on size and condition.
Q: Do I need to pressure wash my driveway before you arrive?
A: No. We handle the cleaning as part of our service. However, moving vehicles and furniture in advance helps speed things up.
Q: Can sealing be done in rainy weather?
A: No. The surface must be dry for at least 24 hours. We always monitor the forecast to ensure proper curing.
Q: How soon can I use my driveway after sealing?
A: Typically, 24–48 hours depending on weather conditions.
Why Homeowners Trust Us
DIY kits and cut-rate contractors often skip steps, leaving you with a driveway that looks good for a month but falls apart within a year. At No Limit Sealing, we never cut corners. Our professional preparation process ensures your driveway stays protected for years, not months.
Whether you’re in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket or Toronto, our team knows how to handle local conditions to deliver the best results.
Conclusion: Proper Prep = Long-Lasting Results
Driveway sealing is an investment — but only if it’s done right. Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful sealing job, and skipping steps is a recipe for disappointment. At No Limit Sealing, we guarantee thorough prep, premium products, and professional application every time.
👉 Ready for a driveway that lasts? Call No Limit Sealing today for a free estimate in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, or anywhere in the GTA. Contact No Limit Sealing today to protect your pavement and keep it looking great for years to come. Services are available in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Maple, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, Scarborough and other cities in or around the Great Toronto Area.
To Learn More About Our Pavement Crack Filling Services – Click Here
To Learn More About Our Driveway Maintenance Services – Click Here
Our Interlock Maintenance Services – Click Here
Our Interlock Construction Services – Click Here
And Our Pressure Washing Services – Click Here
