Should I be wary of unmarked driveway sealing trucks in Ottawa?

Yes, you should be extremely wary of unmarked trucks offering driveway sealing services in Ottawa. These door-to-door operators are almost always running scams that target homeowners with high-pressure sales tactics, inferior materials, and grossly inflated prices.

Common red flags with unmarked sealing trucks include showing up unannounced claiming they have "leftover sealer from a job down the street," demanding immediate payment before starting work, refusing to provide written estimates or company information, and pressuring you to decide on the spot. These operators typically use watered-down sealer that provides little protection, charge $800 to $1,500 for work that should cost $200 to $500, and disappear immediately after collecting payment with no warranty or follow-up service.

Legitimate driveway sealing contractors in Ottawa operate established businesses with proper signage on their vehicles, WSIB coverage, business licenses, and professional equipment including commercial-grade squeegees, spray systems, and crack-filling equipment. They provide written estimates, explain the sealing process, and schedule work in advance rather than showing up unannounced. Professional sealcoating typically costs $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot in Ottawa, meaning an average 500 square foot driveway should cost $200 to $400 professionally sealed.

Ottawa's climate makes proper sealcoating critical for asphalt driveway longevity. With over 50 freeze-thaw cycles per winter and heavy salt exposure, unsealed asphalt deteriorates rapidly through water penetration and oxidation. Quality sealer applied every 2 to 3 years can extend your driveway's lifespan by 5 to 10 years. However, watered-down sealer from door-to-door scammers provides zero protection and may actually trap moisture against the asphalt surface, accelerating deterioration.

If you need driveway sealing, get quotes from established local contractors who can provide references, insurance certificates, and WSIB clearance. Schedule the work for warm, dry conditions (above 15°C with no rain forecast for 24 hours). Proper surface preparation includes cleaning, crack filling, and applying sealer in thin, even coats. The work should be scheduled, not impulse-driven.

Never hire anyone who shows up unannounced offering any home improvement service, especially driveway work. Legitimate contractors are busy enough with scheduled work that they don't need to drive around looking for customers. If someone knocks on your door offering driveway sealing, politely decline and close the door.

Need help finding a legitimate driveway contractor? Ottawa Driveways can match you with established local professionals who carry proper insurance and provide quality workmanship.