How to Start a Sealcoating Business In 2024

Are you wondering how to get started on a new sealcoating business and if it is the right time? Well, now is the optimal time to begin.

With weather conditions becoming so unpredictable, pavements are taking a beating. Sun and rain turn pavements dull and gray, decreasing property curb appeal.

Property owners are now looking to spruce up their property by adding sealcoating to their asphalt driveways and parking lots, giving them a fresh look.

Starting a sealcoating business is a lucrative business idea as it currently is a high-demand service with high profit margins and minimal initial investment.

Keeping your overheads low will allow any new business owner the opportunity to start earning profits very early on.

To many property owners across America, the benefits of sealcoating are evident. They choose only this repair option to maintain their pavement and increase its lifespan.

What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a treatment that is added over asphalt paved surfaces as an extra layer of protection. Its objective is to keep paved surfaces in good condition from oxidation, natural elements, and any fuel spills that will undoubtedly occur over time.

What are the benefits of sealcoating?

Asphalt driveways are always a good idea for parking cars on a smooth, clean surface and improving the curb appeal of a home. But asphalt does not last forever, so protecting it with sealcoating is the best way to give the surface longevity. Here are some of the benefits of adding sealcoating.

• Fills hairline cracks preventing any water from seeping in.
• It prevents oxidation from UV rays which eventually causes cracks in the asphalt.
• Snow melts faster on asphalt that has a sealcoat.
• A sealcoat will prevent oils and gasoline from damaging the asphalt.
• It saves a property owner the cost of regularly replacing or repairing a pavement.
• Adding a sealcoat keeps your pavement from fading, keeping it looking as good as new.

Tips on How to Start a Sealcoating Business

1. Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

Your sealcoating business plan is a map of your business idea. It clearly states your business’s objectives and outlines your steps to achieve them. When crafting your business plan, you should plan out at least five years of revenue and cost estimates.

Some of your own research will need to be carried out on the costs for those five years. A good start would be researching the cost of equipment, renting a space,  labor, and sealcoating. You will then need to outline the projected sales in the five years.

Ensure you write a good description of your business idea, explaining the services you intend on offering in great detail.

It is also a good idea to include details of your target market. An excellent business plan can also help you attract investors by demonstrating that you have a clear vision of how your business can be successful.

2. Register your business and acquire permits and licenses

When you register your new business, it becomes a legal entity, which provides the following advantages:

• You have limited personal liability.
• It is easier to obtain loans and capital.
• You may be eligible for certain tax benefits.
• Applying for permits and licenses becomes easier.
• You build a professional relationship with customers by creating a brand.

Whether you work as an independent contractor or run a sealcoating team, you must have a license. The specific licenses you require may differ depending on your business’s state, county, and city.

3. Find a reputable asphalt sealcoating supplier

Starting a sealcoating business will require you to stock up on sealcoating supplies and equipment.

To set up a supply agreement, you’ll need to identify a sealcoating supplier in your area who meets the quality standards you are looking for.

They can also advise you of any environmental limits as you will be dealing with some toxic substances. These are a few things to look for in a supplier.

• Does the supplier’s product meet the required standards and specifications? If they do, then the supplier must be able to supply a certificate of compliance.
• The sealer supplier should be able to provide information that educates you on the products, whether it is written or online.
• The supplier must have a good reputation within the sealcoat community as you do not want to be dealing with an underhanded supplier.
• A good supplier will also supply other products needed for your line of business. Finding a supplier who has everything you need will save time and money.

4. Get the right tools and equipment

Without the necessary tools, it is impossible to sealcoat a driveway or any other type of pavement.

Once you have decided what types of services you plan on offering, determining what tools are needed is much easier. Some of the basic equipment you will need:

• Sealcoat sprayer
• Stiff broom, squeegees, and brushes
• Crack cleaner machine (for crack filling jobs)
• Crack repair machine
• Oil stain remover
• Heavy-duty gloves

If you wish to do much larger jobs than just asphalt driveways, you will need to look into heavy-duty machinery for these jobs.

Because sealcoating requires a lot of tools and equipment, you will need a reliable vehicle to carry them around. A truck or 4×4 in good condition would be the best option.

When shopping around, it is vital to get what you can afford. Also, ensure that it won’t be breaking down regularly as this will cost you jobs and the additional cost of repairing it.

5. Market your business

Marketing your business will require developing a winning marketing strategy. A good marketing strategy outlines the goals to promote your business and expand your customer base.

Your marketing strategy should always correspond with your business plan, helping you achieve those business goals you set out right from the beginning.

To get started, advertise in local newspapers and on social media. Ask your customers to write a Yelp or Google review.

Is a sealcoating business profitable?

Demand is always going to be the driving factor in this business. As more people choose to pave their driveways with asphalt and more parking lots are being created and surfaced with asphalt, the demand for maintenance will grow.

However, how much money your business will make will rely on a variety of things, including your overhead costs and how much staff you hire.

When starting a business, it is vital not to hire too many staff. Most choose to start as an independent contractor with an extra pair of hands.

As your business grows, you can grow your staff intake. You will always have to keep in mind that you will have to thin out the staff complement if your business ever slows down.

Keeping your overheads low would require having good relationships with suppliers so that you will be able to negotiate good deals on products you purchase. Buying products you consume a lot of in bulk is also another way to save.

Conclusion

Sealcoating is an excellent first-time business. You’re off to a good start if you already have a reliable work truck and local contacts. But like any new business, this is going to be hard work, to begin with.

Having a good marketing strategy will give your business an extra boost. If you already live in an area where asphalt paving is popular, then this is a place to begin marketing.

Try to get to know your neighbors. They are more likely to trust someone in their neighborhood and someone they know with their asphalt pavement.

Whatever approach you take, it is vital to keep your business adapting. Keep up with the latest technology and products. This will keep your business relevant for years to come