Cost

• According to Drivewaytips.com, having an asphalt surface professionally installed can cost the consumer anywhere between $1 and $6 per square foot. Seal coatings can be applied by the owner and can cost anywhere between $5 and $30 for a 5-gallon bucket.
  
  

Considerations

• As they age, asphalt surfaces become brittle and dried out, making them more prone to cracking. Even if they are well-maintained, asphalt surfaces are only rated to last between 10 and 30 years.
  
  

Sealing

• Properly sealing an asphalt surface is essential to keep it from cracking and prematurely deteriorating. Seal coatings help asphalt surfaces maintain elasticity, decreasing the likelihood of cracking.
  
  

Facts

• A 5-gallon bucket of asphalt sealant will typically cover around 400 square feet of surface. Because it is oil-based, asphalt is elastic and more likely to bend and deform than crack. However, improperly maintained asphalt is not immune to cracking.
  
  

Crack Repair

• Cracks can be filled with a material placed on top of a crack and heated until it melts into the crack. Consumer-grade latex and polymer crack sealers are available in pourable jugs.