Should I Seal Coat My Parking Lot in North Carolina?
If you're a property owner or facility manager in North Carolina, chances are your parking lot is one of your most overlooked—but most valuable—assets. You’ve probably heard of sealcoating, but is it really necessary? How often should it be done? And does it make a difference in our climate?
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions and show you how smart maintenance today can help you avoid expensive asphalt repairs tomorrow.
And just so you’re aware, FixAsphalt.com has been in commercial paving and parking lot maintenance since 2001. We quote asphalt, concrete, pavement repair and pavement asphalt seal coating projects daily, so all of this info is from real projects quoted in 2024-2025.
NOTE: This article has been read, edited, and approved for publishing by Steven Brahney, who has 30+ years of asphalt experience maintaining and reconstructing asphalt parking lots for commercial properties in every state on the East Coast.
Let’s get started!
Why Sealcoating Matters in North Carolina
North Carolina’s weather patterns—hot, sunny summers and mild winters—may seem asphalt-friendly. But the truth is, these conditions speed up oxidation and UV damage, especially for parking lots paved in the last 10 years using recycled asphalt mixes.
Sealcoating acts like sunscreen for your asphalt. It:
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Slows oxidation and surface erosion
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Blocks UV rays that cause brittleness and cracking
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Repels water and oil-based stains
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Restores a fresh, dark-black finish that improves curb appeal
The Warning Signs: Is It Time to Seal Coat?
Look for these indicators that your parking lot is due—or overdue—for sealcoating:
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The surface looks gray and chalky instead of deep black
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Hairline cracks are forming (spiderweb cracks are an early warning!)
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Striping lines are faded or barely visible
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Water pools in specific areas after rain
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Your last sealcoating was over 3 years ago
Example from the field:
In central NC, we recently assessed a shopping center with severe alligator cracking across 50% of the lot. It hadn’t been sealed in over a decade. A $7,000 sealcoating job five years ago could’ve delayed the need for a $120,000 mill & pave job today.
Best Time of Year for Sealcoating in NC
Sealcoating in North Carolina is typically best done:
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April to early June
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Mid-September through October
Avoid peak summer months with temps over 95°F, which can cause uneven curing and flaking.
How Long Does Sealcoating Last?
In North Carolina, a properly applied commercial-grade sealcoat can last 2–4 years, depending on:
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Traffic volume
- # of coats of pavement sealer (1, 2 or 3 coats)
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Drainage conditions
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Original asphalt mix
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Quality of contractor work
How Much Does Sealcoating Cost?
Most commercial properties in North Carolina can expect to pay $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot for sealcoating, depending on:
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Number of coats
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Size and condition of the lot
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Surface prep required (e.g., crack sealing, cleaning, oil stain treatment)
Are There Any Restrictions On Sealcoating In North Carolina?
In North Carolina, in the county of Mecklenburg, applying any pavement sealers containing coal tar or steam-cracked asphalt resin is prohibited by law on asphalt parking lots and asphalt driveways. Unfortunately, many seal coating contractors in Charlotte, North Carolina, do not adhere to this ban and still apply coal tar emulsion sealers. As a property owner, this exposes you to liability. Ensure the asphalt sealing contractor you choose adheres to the law and only uses asphalt emulsion pavement sealers with acceptable PAH levels.
For a list of approved products, please click the link below:
Find a Sealcoating Contractor in North Carolina
At FixAsphalt.com, we connect commercial property owners with pre-vetted local sealcoating contractors throughout:
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Charlotte
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Raleigh - Durham
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High Point - Greensboro
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Wilmington
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Fayetteville
- The Outer Banks
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And all across NC
Need a quote?
Click here to request a free asphalt evaluation and get matched with a top-rated local contractor.
Final Thoughts
Sealcoating isn't just cosmetic. It's preventative maintenance that can extend your asphalt lifespan by 10–15 years if done regularly. If your lot hasn’t been sealed in the last 3 years, now is the time to act—before cracks, raveling, and potholes set in.
Curious What Will Asphalt Seal Coating Cost In North Carolina?
Find out below
If you're managing a commercial property in North Carolina and wondering what it might cost to sealcoat your parking lot, you're not alone. Every lot is different, and the cost can vary based on size, condition, and location. That's why we've created a quick, no-pressure survey to help you get a personalized estimate in under 60 seconds. Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll guide you toward the right solution—and show you how to protect your pavement before small cracks turn into costly repairs.
Tags:
asphalt maintenance North Carolina, sealcoating NC, commercial parking lot repair, Charlotte NC sealcoating, pavement preservation tips, parking lot contractor NC
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