Driveway sealers are protective coatings applied to asphalt or concrete driveways to protect and enhance their appearance. When properly applied, driveway sealers provide a waterproof barrier that prevents damage from water, oil, gas, sun exposure and other elements. But how long does an unopened container of driveway sealer last before it expires and should no longer be used?
What is in Driveway Sealer?
Driveway sealers typically contain a blend of the following ingredients:
- Asphalt or coal tar emulsion – The primary protective binding agent.
- Acrylic polymers – Enhance durability and appearance.
- Aggregate (sand or minerals) – Provide texture to help prevent slipping.
- Water – Thins the emulsion for application.
- Other additives – Promote adhesion, extend drying time, etc.
The exact formulation varies by manufacturer and product type (asphalt vs. coal tar). But in general, the ingredients in driveway sealer work together to create a thick, black coating that adheres to the driveway surface, fills cracks, and repels water.
Shelf Life of Unopened Driveway Sealer
An unopened container of driveway sealer will generally remain usable for 2 to 3 years past its manufacturing date if stored properly.
Here are some factors that affect how long driveway sealer lasts unopened:
- Product ingredients – Coal tar sealers tend to have a longer shelf life than asphalt products due to the preservative properties of coal tar.
- Temperature – Cool, consistent temperatures prolong shelf life. Heat can cause the ingredients to deteriorate and separate.
- Container – A tightly sealed metal or plastic bucket keeps oxygen out better than paper or cardboard.
- Storage conditions – Storing sealer off bare concrete and avoiding excessive heat, cold, or moisture is ideal.
With proper storage and handling, most major sealer brands claim their unopened products will retain effectiveness for at least 2 years from the manufacturing date printed on the container. Some may last up to 4 years, but 3 years is a typical maximum shelf life.
Signs Sealer is No Longer Usable
Here are some signs that an unopened sealer container is past its prime and should no longer be used:
- The contents appear separated, with liquid pooled on top and solids settled on the bottom.
- The product is difficult to mix and uniform consistency cannot be achieved.
- The color has faded to a grey or brown tone.
- The sealer has an abnormal odor, perhaps like rancid cooking oil.
- The container is swollen or shows signs of damage from improper storage.
A small amount can be poured out to check consistency and look for separation. But if in doubt, it is best to purchase fresh sealer instead of trying to use product that is likely expired.
Does Unopened Sealer Ever Go Bad?
Yes, driveway sealer can go bad in an unopened container if it is stored for too many years past its shelf life or under poor conditions. Here are some ways sealer can deteriorate over time:
- Ingredients separate – Solids like mineral aggregate sink while liquids rise to the top.
- Polymers break down – Acrylics and other polymers degrade, reducing effectiveness.
- Emulsion destabilizes – The asphalt or coal tar emulsion can curdle and harden.
- Evaporation – Slow water loss thickens the sealer and alters the formula.
- Freezing – Extended freezing and thawing can damage the emulsion.
These types of deterioration impede proper mixing and application. Using expired sealer often leads to failure as it will not adhere, cure, or protect the driveway correctly.
How to Store Unopened Sealer Properly
Follow these tips to prolong the shelf life of your unused driveway sealer:
- Check the date – Only purchase fresh sealer that will last through your project.
- Read the label – Follow any specific storage instructions.
- Keep cool – Store away from direct sun, ideally 65-80°F.
- Avoid freezing – Prevent exposure below 32°F.
- Protect from rain – Moisture damages pails and sealant.
- Seal tightly – Close lids firmly to prevent air entry.
- Store upright – Don’t allow ingredients to separate from improper orientation.
- Use oldest first – When re-sealing, draw from oldest containers first.
Take these simple precautions, and your unopened driveway sealer should easily last 2-3 years in the bucket. Avoid drastic temperature swings and moisture, and you may get up to 4 years before the product expires.
Can You Use Expired Driveway Sealer?
Using driveway sealer after its expiration date is not recommended. While it may look normal in the container, expired sealer often fails to adhere and cure properly once applied to a driveway. The results will likely be a spotty, incomplete seal that lacks water resistance.
There is no practical way to rejuvenate old sealer or test its viability. Once the ingredients begin to naturally separate and degrade, the product is no longer suitable for its intended use. You may be able to thin the sealer with an appropriate solvent, but this dilutes the active ingredients and compromises performance.
It is better and safer to always start each sealing project with fresh sealer well within its use-by date. The small added cost for new product avoids the risk of spending time and effort on an application that looks bad and fails to protect the driveway surface.
Disposing of Expired Driveway Sealer
If you have an old container of driveway sealer that is past its shelf life, the product must be disposed of properly:
- Check local hazardous waste rules – Driveway sealer likely qualifies for special disposal.
- Allow sealer to fully dry – Open the container to let the sealer harden.
- Mix with an absorbant – Kitty litter, sawdust, or dirt helps soak up any liquid.
- Place in proper container – Seal hardened sealer in a leakproof bag or box.
- Take to approved disposal site – Do not place in curbside trash pickup.
Never dump old sealer down a drain, storm sewer, or directly onto the ground. Follow all regulations to responsibly dispose of the hazardous product.
FAQs
Does unopened driveway sealer expire?
Yes, unopened driveway sealer has a shelf life of 2-4 years, after which the ingredients will deteriorate and the product will expire. Using expired sealer often leads to failed applications.
What happens if you use old driveway sealer?
Old driveway sealer that has sat for too long may not adhere and cure properly when applied. This leads to a thin, spotty coat that lacks water protection. At best, the results are poor. At worst, the sealer washes away.
Can you mix new and old driveway sealer?
It is not recommended. Old sealer that has separated or expired is incompatible with fresh sealer. Mixing the two undermines the performance of the new product. Always use recently purchased sealer within its shelf life.
How do you dispose of old driveway sealer?
Allow leftover sealer to fully dry and solidify. Mix with absorbant material. Bag or box the dried sealer and take to a hazardous waste disposal site. Never dump old sealer down drains or onto the ground.
What happens if driveway sealer freezes?
Freezing may permanently damage the asphalt or coal tar emulsion in driveway sealer, causing it to destabilize or curdle. Store sealer where temperatures remain above freezing to prevent damage.
Conclusion
When stored properly in the original sealed container, unopened driveway sealer typically lasts 2-4 years past its manufacturing date before expiring. Heat, freezing, and moisture will accelerate deterioration of the ingredients. Once expired, sealer may not mix or apply correctly, resulting in failed driveway applications. It is always wise to start each project with a fresh container of sealer so you know the product is viable. Use older inventory first and dispose of any expired sealer properly.
