How to Compare Sealcoating Bids in Michigan (And Avoid Getting Screwed)

You’ve got a stack of sealcoating bids sitting on your kitchen counter.
They all look… kinda similar.
Same black stuff. Similar promises. Wildly different prices.

One is suspiciously cheap. One is painfully expensive. One reads like it was written by a raccoon with a clipboard.

So, how do you actually compare sealcoating bids in Michigan and avoid hiring a “cheap-ass-phalt” company that leaves you with a sticky mess and decades of regret?

Here’s all the insider information those cheap contractors don’t want you to know.

Warning: Not All Sealcoating Bids Are Created Equal

A low bid doesn’t mean you’re getting a good deal. It usually means something is missing. And, I promise, you’ll end up paying for that “something” later.

Asphalt sealcoating is one of those industries where:

• Corners get cut
• Materials get watered down
• “Extras” magically appear after the job starts

Suddenly, that “great price” becomes more expensive than the highest bid you got.

5 Questions to Ask About Sealcoating Bids

Sealcoating is an investment in your property and your pavement. When comparing sealcoating quotes, asking the right questions will help you get the best deal. These 5 questions are the key to protecting your asphalt and your wallet.

1. Is This The Price I’ll Actually Pay?

Some companies treat estimates like a first date. They’re charming at first. But as soon as you sign on the dotted line, all their weird quirks (and extra fees) start showing up.

Watch for:

• “Base price” language
• Vague line items
• Missing details about surface prep, repairs, or crack sealing

Ask:

• Is this the exact total I’ll pay?
• What could increase this price?
• Is anything NOT included?

If they dance around the answer, run away while you still can.

2. What Materials Do You Use?

Sealcoating isn’t just mysterious black goo. What goes into it matters. A lot.

A quality mix means you get even coverage that lasts. Bad mixes can leave your property looking worse than before.

Cheap contractors often:

• Water down their mix
• Skip sand (which adds durability)
• Use oil-based products that get tracked everywhere

To avoid the cheap stuff, ask:

• What type of sealcoat mix are you using?
• Does it include sand? (It should. Always.)
• Is the mix designed for my specific surface?

If they can’t answer clearly, they’re probably not giving you more of a headache than a deal.

3. What Prep Work Is Included?

This is where bids quietly go to die. Because sealcoating without proper prep is like painting over dirt and hoping for the best.

A legit bid should include:

• Cleaning debris off the surface
• Crack filling and asphalt repairs (if needed)
• Clear instructions for sealcoating day (like removing vehicles, turning off sprinklers, etc.)

If prep isn’t spelled out, it’s either:

1. Not included
2. Going to cost extra
3. Going to be skipped entirely (yikes)

Unless you’re a fan of lumpy parking lots and peeling driveways, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you buy.

4. How Much Experience Does Your Crew Have?

We all know that Michigan has two seasons: winter and construction. Michigan’s short asphalt season makes it hard to keep the same crew from year to year.

Inexperienced crews lead to:

• Uneven sealcoat thickness
• Missed spots
• Early failure (cracks and peeling)
• More parking lot maintenance

To make sure you get people who know what they are doing, ask:

• How experienced is the crew?
• Will there be a supervisor on-site?
• Is it the same crew start to finish?

Because “some guys will show up” is not a comforting answer.

5. Do You Warranty Your Work?

If a company disappears faster than your driveway’s shine after the first rain, that’s a problem. You want a sealcoating company that will stand by their work for at least a year after application.

In your sealcoating bid, look for:

• A clear warranty
• Specific coverage details
• A real, established company with an exemplary reputation (not a ghost with a truck)

Ask:

• What does your warranty cover?
• Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
• Do you have customer reviews or testimonials I can see?

No written warranty = no accountability. And, a verbal agreement is definitely not sufficient. That’s a hard pass.

Your Sealcoating Bids Comparison Checklist

Print this. Screenshot it. Tattoo it on your arm if you must. (Or you could just download our guide to avoiding cheap asphalt companies.)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison table you can fill out. Each section lists what to look for in a sealcoating quote. Check the box if your contractor meets that standard.

 

Asphalt Seal Coating Red Flags That Should Make You Run

In summary, if:

• The bid is dramatically lower than the others
• The estimate is full of vague fluff
• They can’t explain their materials
• There’s no mention of prep work
• They don’t offer a warranty

That’s not a deal. It’s a trap.

What a GOOD Sealcoating Bid Looks Like

A solid sealcoating bid should feel boringly clear. It should include:

• A detailed scope
• Transparent pricing
• Prep + clear expectations
• At least a 1-year warranty

In other words: no surprises.

Cheap Asphalt Sealcoating = Expensive Lessons

When comparing sealcoating quotes, remember, you’re not just buying sealcoating.

You’re buying:

• Durability
• A sleek appearance
• Fewer headaches
• Less parking lot maintenance
• The peace of mind that you won’t have to redo the whole thing next year

So when you’re comparing sealcoating bids, don’t just ask: “Which quote is cheapest?”

Ask: “Which bid can I trust?”

That’s the one worth choosing.

For trustworthy sealcoating services backed by decades of experience, dozens of positive reviews, and a 1-year warranty, contact Stripe A Lot for a free quote. You can fill out this short form on our website or call us at (616) 772-2559.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sealcoating Bids

How many sealcoating bids should I get?

At least 2–3.
One bid tells you nothing. Two gives you a comparison. Three shows you the pattern…and usually exposes the “too good to be true” option.

We’d love to be one of the three estimates. It’s easy: call (616) 772-2559 to set up your free estimate.

Why are sealcoating bids so different in price?

Although they all claim to offer the same service, lower bids are usually skimping on quality or important steps.

Excessively low bids often:

• Skip prep work
• Use cheaper (or watered-down) materials
• Leave out repairs
• Add surprise fees later

Is it bad to choose the cheapest sealcoating bid?

I guess it depends on your risk tolerance…

If one bid is dramatically lower, there’s usually a reason (and it’s not because they’re feeling generous).

More often, you’ll pay for it later in:

• Poor durability
• Faster wear
• Having to redo the job sooner

What should be included in a sealcoating bid?

A solid bid should clearly outline:

• Surface prep (cleaning, crack filling)
• Materials being used
• Total cost (with no vague add-ons)
• Timeline and drying expectations

If it’s vague, that’s a red flag.

How do I know if a sealcoating company is legit?

Look for:

• Clear, detailed estimates
• Willingness to answer questions
• A warranty
• Consistent communication
• An established local presence
• Good customer reviews

Do sealcoating materials really make a difference?

Yes. A big one.

Different mixes affect:

• How long the coating lasts
• How it looks
• How well it holds up to traffic and weather

Cheap materials = shorter lifespan = more frequent re-sealing.

Should crack filling be included in the bid?

If your asphalt has cracks—yes.

Sealcoating alone doesn’t fix damage. Skipping crack filling is like putting a Band-Aid over a leak and calling it plumbing.

How long should sealcoating last?

Typically up to about 3 years, depending on:

• Weather (hello, Michigan winters)
• Traffic
• Quality of materials and application

The moral of the story is: good prep + good materials = longer lasting sealcoating.

How long after a sealcoating application can I use my driveway or parking lot?

Usually 24–48 hours.

It might look dry sooner, but don’t risk it. (Unless you want to look at tiremarks and footprints.)

What’s the biggest mistake people make when comparing sealcoating bids?

Choosing based on price alone. Look carefully at what’s actually included and who you can trust to do it right.