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How to Budget for Driveway Repairs

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How to Budget for Driveway Repairs

A smooth driveway stops water damage and improves your curb appeal without breaking your bank account.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $650 before anything else
Across the 0% window $36.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $650 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Sealing your driveway prevents cracks from turning into potholes that ruin your tires. When the work is done, you stop worrying about weeds pushing through the surface and water pooling near your foundation.

You want to aim for a dry weekend when temperatures stay above seventy degrees. Contractors are usually busiest in the spring, so booking in the late summer or early fall often helps you secure a better rate.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left, which will increase your costs quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Never go with the first price you hear. Call three local paving companies to walk the property and give you an estimate. You want to see if they include cleaning and heavy-duty crack filling in their base price.

  2. 02

    Clear the driveway

    Remove all cars, planters, and debris before the crew arrives. They need a clean surface to ensure the sealant bonds correctly. Use a leaf blower to get the fine dust out of the cracks.

  3. 03

    Use your card for the project

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay for the $650 job in smaller chunks of $36.11 per month. Just keep an eye on your calendar so you don't miss the window.

  4. 04

    Verify the prep work

    Check that the contractor fills deep cracks with a hot-pour material rather than just painting over them. If the cracks aren't repaired properly before sealing, they will just open up again when the ground shifts.

  5. 05

    Observe the cure time

    Ask your contractor exactly how long you need to stay off the driveway. Typically, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before driving on it. If you park too soon, you will leave deep ruts in the fresh finish.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How often should I seal my driveway?

You should generally seal your driveway every two to three years. If water stops beading on the surface, it is a sign that the old sealer has worn off and you are due for a fresh coat.

Can I do this project myself?

You can buy buckets of sealant at a hardware store to save money, but it is physically demanding work. Professionals have better equipment to clean the surface and apply the sealer more evenly.

What happens if it rains right after the job?

Rain is the enemy of fresh sealer. If a sudden storm hits within 24 hours of application, the sealant may wash away or lose its grip, requiring you to have the company come back to fix the patchy spots.

Does crack repair make the cracks invisible?

Not really. Crack filler is functional, not cosmetic, so you will likely still see the line where the crack was. The goal is to stop the damage from spreading, not to make the driveway look brand new.