Is Sealcoating in Clay Twp Worth It for Your Driveway or lot?

Thinking about sealcoating your driveway or parking lot?
You’re not the only one. Folks around New Baltimore, Chesterfield, Clinton Township, and St. Clair Shores are all asking the same thing this time of year:

“Is it worth doing?”
“What kind of sealer should I use?”
“How often should I seal my asphalt?”

Here’s the real talk—straight from the local field crews who are out there every day.

Sealcoating does a lot more than just make your asphalt look good (though it definitely brings back that rich blacktop finish). It protects your surface from sun, water, oil, road salt, and Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycle. Without it, your asphalt fades, cracks, and breaks down a lot quicker—especially in spots like Clinton Township, Macomb Township, New Haven, or along the lake in Fair Haven.

For residential driveways, every 2 to 3 years is a good rule.

Parking lots—especially in busy areas like Mount Clemens, Fraser, or growing neighborhoods in Clinton Township—should be sealed every 1 to 2 years.

Some folks wait longer, but if you’re in Michigan, it’s better to stay ahead of the weather.

Not really. Think of sealcoat like sunscreen—it prevents damage, it doesn’t fix it. That said, it can fill small hairline cracks and adds a layer of protection before winter hits places like Richmond, Armada, or even shady, tree-lined drives in Clinton Township. Bigger cracks and potholes need to be repaired first.

Always go with two thin coats. They dry better, last longer, and don’t peel like a heavy one can. We’ve seen thick coats go wrong too many times—especially on cooler or humid days in areas like Harrison Township, East China, or shaded subdivisions in Clinton Township.

Sealcoating likes warm, dry weather—temps above 50°F and no rain in the forecast. In Macomb County and southern St. Clair County, we usually start in May and wrap things up by early October.

You can definitely DIY it—but be ready to power wash, fill cracks, and apply at just the right time and temp. A lot of our customers in Chesterfield, Clinton Township, and St. Clair Shores prefer to let the pros handle it. We’ve got the gear, the materials, and the experience to do it right—clean, fast, and weather-ready.

Coal-tar is tough but full of chemicals—and banned in some parts of Michigan.

Asphalt emulsion (water-based) is safer and better for the environment. We use it a lot in neighborhoods near Ira Township, Marine City, Lake St. Clair, and even more now in Clinton Township due to its safety around families and pets.

Petroleum or acrylic sealers fall somewhere in between.

Not sure what’s best? We’ll help you choose the right product for your driveway or lot—and make sure it lines up with your local guidelines.

Poor prep = peeling.
Sealing on humid days? You’ll get tracking.
Shady spots might stay gray for a bit—but they’ll darken up soon.

These are all common issues we’ve seen, even in well-maintained areas like Clinton Township, where tree cover and backyard drainage can affect dry time.

Some sealers—especially coal-tar—can wash into lakes and rivers. That’s why more places near the water—like Algonac, Fair Haven, and even parts of Clinton Township with creek or canal access—are leaning toward water-based sealers. They’re safer for kids, pets, and the planet.

Before you start, make sure to:

• ✅ Power wash and clean the surface
• ✅ Fill any cracks or potholes
• ✅ Pick the right sealer for your area
• ✅ Check the weather forecast
• ✅ Apply two thin coats
• ✅ Let it cure fully before driving on it

Sealcoating isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a smart move—especially around here. It gives your asphalt a clean, fresh look and helps it last longer through Michigan’s harsh seasons.

Whether you’re in New Baltimore, Fraser, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, or anywhere else in Macomb or St. Clair County, it pays to keep your asphalt sealed and protected.