How to Get the Most Out of Your Sealcoating Season (Even When the Weather’s Against You)

You only get about 120 sealcoating days each year in the Pacific Northwest.

Every dry day matters. Every hour counts. When the rain rolls in—or a heatwave hits—it can throw your entire schedule off track.

We’ve worked with dozens of sealcoating companies over the years. The ones who’ve succeeded faced the same weather as the ones who didn’t. The only difference is the strategies they used.

This guide shares the four real-world strategies contractors use across the Northwest to stay productive, profitable, and prepared—even when the weather won’t cooperate.

1. Schedule, Adapt, and Communicate

Some contractors schedule weeks out and cross their fingers. The smart ones watch the forecast like a hawk and move fast when conditions line up.

When the skies look dicey, use hyperlocal forecasting tools like Windy, Weather Underground, or RadarScope to see when you’ll actually have a usable window—not just a generic "partly cloudy" prediction.

In the meantime, communicate early and often with your customers. Most people will understand weather delays—especially when you keep them in the loop.

Then when the window hits, do what you do best.

2. Use Products Designed for PNW Conditions

In a region known for its rain and coastal chill, the material you use can make or break the job.

Choose a sealcoat that’s tried and tested in the Pacific Northwest climate. One that goes down evenly and dries quickly. And whose color and durability hold up through wet winters and hot, dry summers.

But you also need material that’s consistent from batch to batch, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how it will perform.

Armorseal was born in the Pacific Northwest and is formulated for Northwest sealcoaters to succeed.

3. Make Sure You Have Quick, Local Product Access

You don’t have time to drive hours for material during peak season.

Choose a supplier who has the local infrastructure to get you the quantities you need when you need them. 

From local 24/7 cardlock tanks to same-day delivery, the right supplier can save you hours of time every day so you’re making money rather than burning gas hauling material across the state.

4. Prep Your Crew in the Offseason

A trained, tight crew can turn a 7-hour job into a 4-hour one. And when time is money? That’s everything.

Use the offseason to train new team members, refresh your veterans, and run dry runs. Make sure everyone knows their role, their tools, and how to pivot when plans change.

Simple checklists for setup and takedown can save you critical minutes each day. And a little incentive for fast, clean work never hurts.

Smart Contractors Win the Season—Not Just the Sunny Days

Sealcoating season doesn’t wait for perfect weather. And the best contractors don’t either.

With the right prep, the right product, and a few smart plays, you can stay productive even when conditions aren’t ideal.

Need help staying ahead this season? We’re here to make sure you’re stocked, supported, and ready to roll—every dry day you get.

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