Estimate the total gallons of sealer required for your project based on area, surface condition, and number of coats.
The calculator estimates the required sealer volume with these steps:
For a 600 sq ft area with a 'Standard/Average' surface condition (coverage rate of 90 sq ft/gallon), applying 2 coats with a 5% waste factor:
You would need to purchase approximately 14 gallons of sealer.
The Asphalt Sealer Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, property managers, and contractors planning to protect and extend the life of asphalt pavement. Sealcoating is a critical maintenance task, and a key part of the process is accurately determining the amount of material required. Buying too little sealer can halt a project midway, while buying too much leads to unnecessary cost and waste. This calculator removes the guesswork, providing a reliable estimate based on the three most important factors: project area, surface porosity, and the number of applications.
At its core, the Asphalt Sealer Calculator uses a logic-based model that goes beyond simple area calculations. The tool's most significant feature is its ability to adjust the material coverage rate based on the pavement's condition. An older, more porous, or unsealed asphalt surface will absorb significantly more sealer than a newer, smoother surface. Our calculator assigns a specific coverage rate (in square feet per gallon) to each condition—Poor/Porous, Standard/Average, or Good/New—reflecting this real-world variable. This conditional logic ensures a much more accurate estimate than a one-size-fits-all approach, preventing material shortages on absorbent surfaces or over-purchasing for well-maintained ones.
The functionality of the Asphalt Sealer Calculator also incorporates standard industry best practices. It defaults to two coats, as this is the widely accepted minimum for achieving a durable, protective layer that can withstand traffic and weathering. Furthermore, the inclusion of an adjustable waste factor allows you to plan for incidental losses, such as spillage or over-application in uneven areas. For further reading on the technical aspects and benefits of sealcoating, Wikipedia's entry on Sealcoat provides a solid overview. For application best practices, resources from industry leaders like SealMaster offer valuable guidance for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the Asphalt Sealer Calculator empowers you to budget effectively and purchase materials with confidence. By breaking down the calculation into transparent steps, it helps you understand how the final volume is determined. Use the Asphalt Sealer Calculator to ensure your next sealcoating project is planned efficiently, saving you time, money, and hassle.
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The condition of the asphalt directly determines its porosity, or how much sealer it will absorb. Older, unsealed, or rougher pavement is like a sponge and will require significantly more sealer per square foot than newer or recently sealed asphalt. Selecting the correct condition is the most crucial factor for an accurate material estimate.
The first coat of sealer penetrates and bonds with the asphalt surface, filling in voids. The second coat provides a uniform, durable wear layer that protects against sun, water, and oil. Applying two thin coats creates a much stronger and longer-lasting barrier than one single thick coat, which is prone to cracking.
A typical waste factor is between 5% and 10%. This accounts for sealer left in the bucket, minor spills, and slight over-application on uneven areas. It's a small buffer to ensure you don't run out of material just before finishing the job.
No, you should wait at least 90 days, and preferably 6-12 months, before sealing new asphalt. New pavement contains oils that need to evaporate (a process called "curing"). Sealing it too early will trap these oils and cause the sealer to fail prematurely.