The Homeowner’s Guide to Hiring the Right Driveway Sealing Contractor

HOW TO SPOT A SUB-STANDARD CONTRACTOR

Protecting your driveway is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Proper sealcoating extends your asphalt’s lifespan, enhances curb appeal, and prevents costly repairs—but only when done by a qualified, professional contractor. This guide will help you spot substandard contractors, avoid scams, and confidently hire the right team for the job.

Even if a contractor isn’t running a scam, some provide work that can compromise your driveway’s lifespan and appearance. Watch for these warning signs:

Shiny Sealants

A glossy finish may look appealing, but it usually signals a lower-quality product. Glossy sealants are slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard, and tend to wear faster than commercial-grade sealants.

Poor Preparation

Skipping essential steps like cleaning, crack filling, or surface repairs reduces adhesion and shortens the life of the sealcoat.

Improper Equipment

Substandard contractors often use tools meant for DIY jobs — like brooms, watering cans, handheld buckets, paint rollers, garden sprayers, or small squeegees — which lead to thin, uneven coverage and premature wear. They don’t offer application options needed for larger driveways like sprayers or large squeegees and edging to keep the property tidy.

No Site Visit or Images Required

A reputable contractor evaluates your driveway before quoting. They should advise whether sealing is appropriate or if repairs or reconstruction are necessary first. Quick, “flat-rate” quotes without assessment are a red flag.

No Written Estimate, Contract or Insurance

Written agreements protect both parties. Substandard contractors often avoid contracts, leaving you vulnerable if the work isn’t done correctly.

Poor Online Presence & Reviews

If you can’t find reviews or a website, it’s hard to verify experience or quality. Established contractors with a history of satisfied customers are far safer to hire. Check their Google Reviews!

QUESTIONS TO ASK A CONTRACTOR
& THE ANSWERS TO LOOK FOR

What type of sealant do you use?

❌ Retail-grade products from big-box stores
❌ Oil-based sealers
❌ Shiny or glossy sealers
❌ Diluted sealers with solids under 40%
❌ Coal-tar sealers (illegal in Ontario)
✔️ Asphalt emulsion sealers with a solid content over 40%, manufactured at a professional sealcoat plant
✔️ Bonus: Proprietary commercial-grade sealants for extra durability

What is the expected durability of your product?

❌ Vague answers or uncertainty about lifespan. 
❌ 1-2 Years
✔️ Asphalt emulsion sealers with a solid content over 40%, manufactured at a professional sealcoat plant
✔️ 3-4 Years or more.

How do you prepare the driveway before sealing?

❌ No mention of cleaning or crack filling.
✔️ Proper cleaning, crack repairs, and surface prep for full adhesion and longevity.

What equipment do you use?

❌ Just a broom for preparation
❌ Watering cans or buckets
❌ Paint rollers
❌ Garden hose
❌ Small squeegees
❌ Caulking gun for cracks
✔️ Gas powered blowers for preparation
✔️ Large squeegees
✔️ Commercial-grade spray systems
✔️ Sprayer wands or ride-on spray machine for larger estate properties
✔️ Crack sealing kettle for hot rubberized crack sealant application

Do you need pictures or a site visit/address?

❌ Doesn’t require pictures or site-visit, uses a flat-rate system without inspection.
✔️ Yes, to measure your driveway and evaluate whether sealcoating is your best option.

Is the project weather-dependent?

❌ Sealing on a wet driveway or right before rain
❌ Ignoring temperature or weather conditions
✔️ Scheduling around weather to ensure proper curing and adhesion and advises low temperatures be a minimum of 10°C.

Can you provide references or examples of similar projects?

❌ No references, photos, or examples of large driveways
✔️ References, testimonials, and photos of similar projects you can verify

How long have you been in business?

❌ Short-lived companies or new contractors with no proven experience
✔️ Established contractors with a history of successful projects

Are you licensed and insured?

❌ No proof of license or insurance
✔️ Fully licensed and insured to protect you in case of accidents or property damage

DOWNLOADABLE
CHECKLIST

Want a summary? Download our free checklist so you can hire the right driveway sealing contractor with confidence.

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    SURE-SEAL PAVEMENT CHECKS THE BOXES

    Justin Tomino
    Justin Tomino

    Business & Home Owner

    I’ve used Sure Seal many times over the last 15+ years for our business and now my home. They always do an amazing job and the crew is very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I highly recommend them.

    Tom Lo
    Tom Lo

    Home Owner

    Lance (owner) answers all the phone calls and emails promptly. Crews are friendly and seal my driveway in professional fashion. Very well job done. Will use them again.

    Kim
    Kim

    Home Owner

    They were quick to respond to our initial inquiry, they were informative about the process, and the crew that did the job was very efficient and professional. I would definitely recommend them and won’t hesitate to use them in the future.

    Ray Ray
    Ray Ray

    Home Owner

    I had my driveway done about 4 years ago and still looks good as new. All cracks were cleaned and sealed. They’re far better than any driveway sealer I had done in the past and only lasted a short time. Well worth the extra cost.