Asphalt Driveway Maintenance Schedule for Oregon Homeowners

Your Oregon Driveway Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance is where Oregon homeowners save the most money on a driveway. A surface that gets sealed and crack-filled on schedule can last 25 to 30 years. One that gets ignored often fails in under 15. The work is not complicated, but the timing matters, especially in Oregon, where the wet season dictates when you can and cannot do it. This guide lays out a clear year-by-year plan. For the full driveway picture, start with our complete asphalt driveway guide.

The Short Version

• Year 1: Let a new driveway cure. Do not sealcoat yet.
• 6–12 months in: First sealcoat once fully cured.
• Every 2–3 years: Resealcoat.
• Ongoing: Fill cracks as they appear, ideally before each winter.
• As needed: Patch potholes promptly; clean stains and debris regularly.

Year by Year

A Brand-New Driveway (Year 1)

Do not sealcoat a new driveway right away. Fresh asphalt needs time to cure and release its oils, typically 6 to 12 months. Sealing too early traps those oils and softens the surface. During the first year, simply keep the driveway clean, avoid heavy point loads, and let it harden. Our when to sealcoat a new driveway guide covers the timing in detail.

First Sealcoat (6–12 Months)

Once the surface is fully cured, apply the first sealcoat. This restores the rich black color and, more importantly, replaces the binder and protects the asphalt from water, UV, and oxidation. In Oregon, schedule this for a dry stretch in late spring through early fall.

Routine Sealcoating (Every 2–3 Years)

After the first coat, reseal every 2 to 3 years. High-traffic driveways and sun- or salt-exposed surfaces, like those on the coast, may need it closer to every 2 years. This single habit does more than anything else to extend driveway life, as our how long a driveway lasts guide explains.

Crack Filling (Ongoing, Before Winter)

This is the most important seasonal task in Oregon. Any crack that lets water into the base is an open door for damage, and our wet winters and freeze-thaw cycles widen cracks fast. Fill cracks as soon as you spot them, and do a sweep every fall before the rains and cold set in. Our driveway crack repair guide covers the methods that actually hold.

Pothole and Patch Repair (As Needed)

Address potholes promptly. A small pothole is a quick surface fix. Left alone, water gets into the base and the pothole grows, sometimes signaling base failure. Do not let small damage become structural damage.

Timing Around Oregon's Wet Season

Oregon's climate puts a tight window on sealcoating and crack filling. Both need dry, warm conditions, ideally surface temperatures above 50°F with no rain in the forecast for a couple of days. That means:

• Best window: Late spring through early fall (roughly May to September in the valley, shorter at higher elevations and on the coast)
• Avoid: The wet season, when surfaces stay damp and products will not cure or adhere
• Fall priority: Get crack filling done before the rains start so water cannot reach the base over winter

High-desert homeowners in Bend, Klamath Falls, and similar areas should prioritize fall crack sealing especially, because freeze-thaw is their biggest threat.

A Simple Seasonal Checklist

• Spring: Inspect for winter damage. Plan sealcoating if due. Clean the surface.
• Summer: Sealcoat if scheduled. Best curing conditions of the year.
• Fall: Fill all cracks before the rains. Clear debris and leaves.
• Winter: Avoid harsh de-icers where possible. Plow carefully to protect edges.

Small Habits That Help

• Clean up oil and fuel leaks quickly; they soften asphalt
• Keep heavy equipment, dumpsters, and trailer jacks off the surface or use protection
• Trim back vegetation and roots that lift or crack edges
• Keep drainage clear so water moves off the surface

These cost nothing and meaningfully extend the life of the driveway.