Should I mask off my Ottawa garage door before sealing the apron?

Yes, absolutely mask off your garage door before sealing your driveway apron. Asphalt sealer will permanently stain and damage garage doors, and overspray is nearly impossible to remove once it dries.

Proper masking is essential because sealer application — whether by squeegee, brush, or spray — creates splatter and overspray that travels further than most homeowners expect. Even careful squeegee work can flick sealer droplets 3 to 4 feet, and any breeze will carry fine mist onto nearby surfaces. Garage doors are expensive to replace or refinish, and sealer stains are permanent on most door materials including steel, aluminum, wood, and vinyl.

Use plastic sheeting or masking film to cover the entire garage door from top to bottom, extending the coverage at least 2 feet beyond each side of the door opening. Tape the plastic securely to the garage door frame — not the door itself — using painter's tape that won't leave residue. For roll-up doors, make sure the plastic hangs loose enough that it won't interfere with the door mechanism if someone needs to open it during your project. Also mask any windows, light fixtures, decorative hardware, or vehicle bumpers that might be nearby.

Ottawa's climate makes proper surface prep even more critical before sealing. Clean the apron thoroughly with a stiff brush and degreaser to remove oil stains, dirt, and loose material. Fill any cracks wider than 5mm with rubberized crack filler and let cure completely. The apron area typically sees heavy traffic from vehicles turning into the garage, so it may have more oil staining and wear than the main driveway surface.

Apply sealer only when temperatures are above 15°C with no rain forecast for 24 hours. Ottawa's temperature swings mean morning conditions can be perfect while afternoon thunderstorms ruin the cure. Start early in the day and work systematically from the back of the apron toward the street so you don't trap yourself. Use thin, even coats rather than one thick application — thick sealer takes longer to cure and may remain tacky in Ottawa's humid summer conditions.

Remove masking materials while the sealer is still slightly wet (within 2 to 3 hours) to prevent the plastic from bonding to cured sealer and creating a mess when removed. Keep vehicles off the sealed apron for at least 24 hours — longer if temperatures are cool or humidity is high.

Need help finding a driveway contractor for larger sealing projects? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who have the equipment and experience for efficient, professional results.