Asphalt driveway repair and sealing
Fill cracks, patch potholes and seal driveways and small lots, starting with light equipment.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Maintenance work on existing asphalt: crack filling, pothole and edge patching, and sealing surfaces to extend their life. You do not lay new paving, so the equipment is much lighter.
Your first three steps
- Learn the basics from suppliers, trade courses or by working a season for a local paving company
- Buy crack-filling kit, sealer equipment and cold-patch material, and price a few sample jobs
- Quote neighbours and nearby small businesses, and take before and after photos for your listings
Who pays
Homeowners, small landlords, condo and strata boards, and small businesses with parking areas.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per job based on area and repairs needed, with repeat sealing every few years and referrals from neighbours.
Skills that help
- Comfortable with physical outdoor work
- Measuring areas and quoting accurately
- Reliable and tidy on customers' property
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, including damage to property and vehicles
- Some areas restrict certain sealer products, so check local and provincial rules before buying
- Work is mostly spring to fall, so plan for a quiet winter
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
- WCB/WSIB coverage rules if you hire helpers (varies by province)
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: asphalt driveway repair and sealing
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an asphalt repair and sealing business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the equipment, sealer and vehicle you need. Because you repair and seal rather than lay new paving, the equipment is much lighter.
How much can an asphalt sealing business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and their size. Work is mostly spring to fall, so plan for a quiet winter.
What rules should I check before starting driveway sealing in Canada?
Check commercial general liability insurance, including damage to property and vehicles. Some areas restrict certain sealer products, so check local and provincial rules before buying. Also check for a municipal business licence and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire helpers.
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