Depending on pavement condition, traffic, climate, preparation, application and ongoing maintenance, a properly applied two-coat commercial sealcoat may typically provide protection for approximately three to five years in Calgary's climate. Traffic volume, drainage and the condition of the pavement underneath decide where in that range a specific lot lands.
What shortens the interval
Heavy turning loads, drive aisles and dumpster pads wear first. Standing water from poor drainage attacks the binder continuously. Aggressive plowing shortens the life of any coating, and lots plowed with steel-edged blades wear at the high points.
What extends it
Crack sealing before the coating, good drainage, spot treatment of failing areas in year two, and a re-seal scheduled before the coating is fully worn rather than after.
Why the re-seal is cheaper than the first
A lot on a maintained cycle needs far less crack work each round. The program cost per year falls as long as the cycle is never broken.
The short version
Plan on a three-to-five year cycle with annual inspection. Cycles are cheap. Catch-up is not.