Seal Coating vs Resurfacing: What Ontario Churches Should Budget For

Church boards often face a difficult question: Do we seal coat—or do we resurface? Understanding the difference is critical for responsible budgeting and stewardship.

What Seal Coating Does

Seal coating:

• Protects existing asphalt
• Extends lifespan
• Improves appearance
• Costs significantly less

It does not fix structural damage.

What Resurfacing Involves

Resurfacing:

• Adds a new asphalt layer
• Corrects widespread cracking
• Is far more expensive
• Disrupts access longer

How to Decide

Seal coating is appropriate when:

• Asphalt is structurally sound
• Cracks are minimal and repairable

Resurfacing is needed when:

• Base failure exists
• Potholes are widespread
• Asphalt is crumbling

Budgeting with a Stewardship Mindset

Preventative maintenance saves tens of thousands over time. Many Ontario churches delay too long and lose the seal coating window entirely.

Typical Cost Comparison

• Seal coating: $0.20-$0.35 per square foot
• Resurfacing: $3.00-$6.00 per square foot
• Full replacement: $8.00-$12.00+ per square foot

A 10,000 square foot parking lot:

• Seal coating: $2,000-$3,500
• Resurfacing: $30,000-$60,000
• Replacement: $80,000-$120,000

Planning Ahead

Regular inspections and seal coating every 2-3 years can extend asphalt life by decades, delaying or even eliminating the need for expensive resurfacing.