How to Start and Grow a Sealcoating Business

The global sealcoating market is projected to grow from $1.53 billion in 2025 to $1.86 billion by 2030, expanding at a steady 4.01% annual rate. 

As property owners invest more in protecting their asphalt, demand for sealcoating services is rising fast. It’s a high-potential trade with low startup costs and strong long-term returns.

How to Start and Grow a Sealcoating Business: TL;DR

Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to start a sealcoating business.

1. Define Your Target Market and Service Area

Your service area determines how your sealcoating business operates. Keep travel distance manageable to save on fuel and maximize your daily workload. Most contractors stay within a 30-mile radius to reduce costs and complete more jobs each day.

• Urban areas bring more commercial work, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and municipal properties
• Suburban and rural areas focus more on residential driveways and small business properties

Research your competition before choosing your service area. Look up local sealcoating companies, study their pricing, and read customer reviews. 

You can even call as a potential customer to see how they handle inquiries. You might find that some competitors only target large commercial jobs, leaving smaller clients underserved. Others may offer poor communication or customer service, providing an opportunity for you to stand out.

2. Build Your Business Foundation

Register your business and choose the right structure. Many sealcoating contractors form an LLC for liability protection and tax benefits, while a sole proprietorship works for smaller operations with minimal paperwork.

Check your local and state regulations for required licenses. Some areas classify sealcoating under general contracting, meaning you may need a contractor’s license. Certain cities also require permits for storing sealant or operating a commercial vehicle.

Get insured early to protect yourself and your business.

• General liability insurance covers property damage and injuries
• Commercial auto insurance protects your truck and trailer
• Workers’ compensation insurance is required once you hire employees

Open a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This makes tax time easier and helps track profitability as your business grows.

3. Create Your Financial Plan

Startup costs can add up quickly. Expect to spend $20,000 to $30,000 on equipment, a vehicle, tools, safety gear, and initial materials.

Funding options include:

• Using personal savings if you want to avoid debt
• Applying for a small business loan through your bank or the SBA
• Exploring equipment financing from suppliers with lower upfront costs

Set your prices based on local market rates and your operating costs. Most sealcoaters charge between $0.15 and $0.30 per square foot for residential driveways. Research your competitors and adjust for material costs, labor, and travel time.

Estimate your first-year revenue conservatively. Factor in the number of jobs you can complete each week during the busy season, along with slower months and weather delays. Keep six months of operating expenses in reserve for stability.

Note: Looking for the right estimating software? Check out our list of the 7 best asphalt paving estimating tools in 2025, with pricing, features, and options for takeoffs, DOT bids, and full project workflows.

4. Invest in the Right Equipment and Supplies

Start with asphalt emulsion sealer, which meets environmental standards better than coal tar. Although coal tar offers superior durability (3–5 years vs. 1–2 years for asphalt emulsion), asphalt emulsion is more environmentally friendly with lower VOC content and fewer harmful compounds. Order one 55-gallon drum to test quality before buying in bulk.

Your spray system depends on your workload:

• Drum-mounted systems work for residential driveways and small jobs
• Tote-mounted systems (100–300 gallons) suit growing contractors
• Trailer-mounted rigs (500+ gallons) are ideal for established operations with steady commercial work

Invest in professional-grade tools such as push brooms, squeegees, crack fillers, and striping paint. Cheap tools break fast and slow you down.

Make sure your vehicle can handle the weight. A 300-gallon spray system weighs over 2,500 pounds, plus your trailer and gear. Choose a truck with a towing capacity of at least 7,000 pounds to stay safe and efficient.

5. Build Your Brand Identity

Your brand is the first impression customers have of your business. Choose a name that’s easy to remember and clearly communicates what you do. Avoid complicated words or confusing spellings. 

Here’s how to check if your name is available before you commit:

• Search your state’s business registry and the USPTO trademark database
  
• Google the name to see if it’s already in use
  
• Make sure the domain name and social media handles are available

Design a clean, professional logo that looks good on everything from business cards to truck wraps. Stick to two or three colors that represent your brand. Simple designs are easier to reproduce and recognize.

Your truck can double as a moving advertisement. A well-designed vehicle wrap should include your business name, phone number, website, and a short list of services. Add your service area if you want to target nearby cities. People notice trucks in their neighborhood, and that often leads to calls.

6. Establish Your Online Presence

Your website is your digital storefront. It should explain what you do, show examples of your work, and make it easy for people to contact you. Include details about services like sealcoating, crack filling, and line striping. Add before-and-after photos to build trust.

Include a contact form or booking option, so customers can reach you anytime. Many people look for services at night or on weekends. Make your phone number visible on every page and add a click-to-call button for mobile users.

Set up your Google Business Profile right away. It helps your business appear when people search for “sealcoating near me.” Upload photos of completed jobs, list your service area, and ask happy customers to leave reviews. Strong ratings bring in new clients.

Social media also works well for local contractors. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Post project photos on Facebook and Instagram
• Share maintenance tips that show your expertise
• Respond quickly to questions and messages

Local Facebook groups are excellent places to connect with homeowners who need your services.

7. Launch Your Marketing Strategy

Start with people you know. Offer discounted services to friends or family in exchange for reviews and photos. These first jobs help you build a portfolio and online credibility.

Door-to-door marketing still works. Target neighborhoods with older asphalt driveways. Leave flyers or door hangers, and offer a group discount for neighbors who book together.

Direct mail can be effective if you send it at the right time. Mail postcards in early spring before peak season begins. Add a limited-time offer to encourage quick responses and track which neighborhoods respond best.

• Google Ads puts you in front of people actively searching for sealcoating services.
• Facebook Ads let you target specific areas or homeowners by ZIP code.

Start with a small budget and adjust as you see which ads bring in the best leads.

8. Price Your Services Competitively

Figure out your cost per square foot before setting prices. Include materials, labor, fuel, equipment wear, and overhead. Then add your profit margin.

Typical pricing:

• Residential driveways: $0.15–$0.30 per square foot
• Commercial lots: Lower cost per square foot but higher total revenue

Offer bundled services to increase job value. Combine sealcoating with crack filling or striping for a package deal. Maintenance plans that include yearly service also help build recurring income.

Use seasonal discounts to fill your schedule:

• Offer early-bird pricing in March or April
• Run end-of-season specials in the fall

These promotions help balance cash flow during slower months.

9. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

Great service wins repeat business and referrals. Here’s how to do it:

• Provide detailed estimates that explain every part of the job
• Communicate clearly before, during, and after each project
• Show up on time and leave the site cleaner than you found it

Quality work speaks for itself. Clean and fill cracks before sealing. Apply the sealer evenly and at the right thickness. Take pride in the quality of your finished work.

Follow up after completion. A simple call or text to confirm satisfaction can lead to referrals or online reviews.

10. Optimize Your Operations for Efficiency

Plan your routes to minimize driving and fuel costs. Group nearby jobs and avoid unnecessary backtracking. Use GPS or route planning software to save time and complete more jobs each day.

Always check the weather before confirming appointments. Sealcoating requires temperatures above 50°F and dry conditions for at least 24 hours. Have a plan for rescheduling if the forecast changes.

Track job performance. Record labor hours, material use, and travel time to see which types of work are most profitable. Adjust your pricing and scheduling to focus on those jobs.

11. Expand Your Service Offerings

Once your sealcoating business is running smoothly, look for add-on services.

• Crack filling: Complements sealcoating and increases revenue per visit
• Line striping: Adds professional appeal for commercial clients
• Pavement repair: Includes patching potholes and fixing edges

Adding these services builds customer loyalty and opens up larger, higher-paying contracts.

12. Scale Your Workforce

When demand grows, start with seasonal help. Hire students or part-time workers for summer jobs. Train them well and focus on safety.

As your business expands, invest in permanent employees who can lead crews and maintain quality. Provide training on equipment use, safety standards, and customer service.

Make safety a daily priority. Supply gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing. Train all staff on how to handle chemicals safely and how to operate the equipment properly. Accidents are costly and preventable.

13. Manage Your Business from Lead to Invoice

Keep track of every lead. Write down names, contact info, and job details, and follow up quickly. Fast response times help you win more jobs.

Use project management tools or spreadsheets to stay organized. Track each project from estimate to completion, including dates, materials, and crew assignments.

Invoice customers immediately after work is done. Offer multiple payment options to make it easy to get paid. Monitor your cash flow weekly so you always know where your business stands.

Staying organized, consistent, and responsive keeps your business running smoothly and profitable year after year.

Grow Your Sealcoating Business the Smart Way with OneCrew

Learning how to start a sealcoating business is only the first step. Once the calls come in and jobs start stacking up, keeping everything organized can get messy fast. 

OneCrew gives you a simple, connected system to manage your entire operation from your first lead to your final payment.

Here’s how OneCrew helps you start and grow your sealcoating business:

• Track every lead in one place. Capture calls, web forms, and referrals, then see which marketing efforts bring the most jobs.
• Create accurate estimates fast. Use built-in asphalt calculator tools to calculate materials, send branded proposals, and get approvals online.
• Schedule crews easily. Assign jobs, equipment, and staff without juggling texts or whiteboards. Everyone knows where to go and what to do.
• Stay connected in the field. Crews can access job details, upload photos, and update progress right from their phones.
• Get paid faster. Send invoices as soon as a job is done and let customers pay through a secure online portal.
• Track performance. Monitor labor, materials, and profit margins to make smarter decisions that drive growth.
  

OneCrew helps sealcoating contractors stay organized, save time, and grow profitably from day one. Book a free demo to see how OneCrew helps you manage leads, crews, and projects all in one place.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to start a sealcoating business?

Startup costs for a sealcoating business depend on the size of your operation and the equipment you choose. Expect expenses for a spray system, truck or trailer, hand tools, safety gear, and your first batch of sealer. Equipment financing and small business loans can help reduce upfront costs.

2. What equipment do I need to start a sealcoating business?

The equipment every contractor needs to start a sealcoating business includes a dependable spray system, truck and trailer, brooms, squeegees, crack-filling tools, and protective gear. As your business grows, upgrading to larger tanks or trailer-mounted systems helps handle commercial jobs more efficiently.

3. Is a sealcoating business profitable?

Yes, sealcoating can be a profitable trade because of strong market demand and recurring maintenance work. Success depends on efficient scheduling, accurate estimating, and providing reliable service that keeps customers returning each season.

4. Do I need a license to start a sealcoating business?

Yes, you’ll need a license to start a sealcoating business. Most states and cities require contractors to hold a general business or contractor license. Some areas also need permits for storing sealant or operating commercial vehicles. Check with your local regulatory office before accepting jobs.

5. How can I find customers for a new sealcoating business?

To find customers for your new sealcoating business, start by focusing on your local area. Use flyers, door hangers, or neighborhood promotions to build awareness. Create a Google Business Profile and post before-and-after photos on social media to attract new clients. Consistent communication and strong reviews help build trust quickly.