Last updated: April 2026 · By L’Équipe Marcil inc, Sherrington (Quebec)
Quick summary: in 2026 in Quebec, hot-applied asphalt crack sealing costs between $1.25 and $2.75 per linear ft for a commercial job, with a minimum visit charge of approximately $250 to $400 for small residential projects. Rates vary based on distance from the contractor, total quantity to treat, site accessibility, season, and whether patching is required beforehand. This article breaks down each factor and gives you real price ranges observed on our job sites in Montérégie and on the South Shore of Montreal.
How is crack sealing priced?
The vast majority of Quebec contractors charge for hot crack sealing by the linear ft of crack, with a minimum visit charge to cover the fixed costs of each job: transporting the melter, propane fuel to keep the product at 190 °C, a minimum of two technicians, and setup and preparation time.
The per-linear-ft rate is volume-based: the larger the total quantity, the lower the unit price. This is because fixed costs (travel, setup) are spread over a larger volume, and the crew becomes more efficient on a long continuous job.
Here are the typical ranges we see in Montérégie in 2026:
- Residential (under 200 linear ft) : flat rate of $250 to $400 covering the minimum visit charge. A typical driveway falls into this category.
- Large residential (200 to 500 linear ft) : approximately $2.00 to $2.75 per linear ft, with no minimum visit charge applied since the quantity already justifies the trip.
- Light commercial (500 to 1,500 linear ft) : between $1.75 and $2.25 per linear ft.
- Heavy commercial (over 1,500 linear ft) : tiered rates starting at $1.25 per linear ft, sometimes lower with an annual maintenance contract.
- Very large municipal or industrial job (over 5,000 linear ft) : custom quote, generally around $0.95 to $1.25 per linear ft.
The 7 factors that affect the price
1. Distance from the contractor’s base
The double-boiler melter continuously burns propane to keep the sealant at 190 °C. Every hour of travel between the base and the job site is an hour the equipment burns fuel without producing any work. A contractor based 5 km from your site can offer a rate 15 to 25 % lower than one based 50 km away, simply because of this dynamic. That’s why clients in Sherrington, Napierville, and Saint-Michel get our best rates: we’re 5–10 km from them.
2. Total quantity of cracks
A job of 100 linear ft often costs $300–$350 (minimum visit charge), while a job of 1,000 linear ft costs around $2,000 — half the price per linear ft. The difference comes from spreading fixed costs. If you can combine multiple jobs (neighbours, adjacent buildings, a condo complex), you can drastically reduce your unit cost.
3. Site accessibility
A ground-level parking lot with direct street access costs less than an interior condominium courtyard where the crew has to haul the melter 100 metres with an extra hose. Likewise, a job that requires closing off a lane to traffic and then reopening it costs more than one where the vehicles have already been moved.
4. Season
The most competitive rates are available in May and June, when crews have just opened their season and are looking to fill their schedule. From mid-July through the end of August, demand peaks and some contractors apply a seasonal surcharge of 10 to 15 %. In September–October, rates drop again, but wetter weather limits the number of viable application days.
5. Need for prior patching
If some of your cracks have widened to more than 20 mm or if sections show alligator cracking, those areas must first be patched with hot mix before sealing their perimeter. Patching costs between $25 and $55 per sq ft depending on depth — this is in addition to the crack sealing cost.
6. Time of intervention
Work during normal business hours (7 AM to 5 PM) is at the base rate. Night jobs for busy shopping centres or commercial parking lots can carry a 30 to 50 % hourly surcharge to cover the night crew and out-of-schedule work. Weekend jobs follow the same logic.
7. Type of product used
The Crafco 522 sealant, the Quebec market standard and compliant with MTQ 14501, costs more than a generic bulk sealant. The difference represents approximately 10 to 15 % of total material cost, or 3 to 5 % of the total job cost. For a commercial parking lot or condominium, saving money on a generic product is generally not worth it: Crafco 522 lasts 1 to 2 years longer in our climate.
Real quote examples from 2026
Residential driveway in Napierville
Standard driveway, 120 linear ft of cracks, surface otherwise in good condition. Price: $295 all-inclusive (minimum visit charge applied). Duration: 90 minutes. 2-year warranty.
Convenience store parking lot in Saint-Rémi
15-space commercial parking lot, 650 linear ft of various cracks, late afternoon job to minimize impact on customers. Price: $1,460 + taxes ($2.25/linear ft). Duration: 4 hours.
Condominium in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
80-unit complex, underground parking excluded, 3,400 linear ft of cracks on exterior driveways, 3-year annual contract. Year 1 price: $4,420 + taxes ($1.30/linear ft). Years 2 and 3: adjusted for bituminous material inflation, typically 2–4 %.
Industrial park in Huntingdon
Access lane and manoeuvring yard for a distribution company, 6,200 linear ft, job completed over two consecutive days. Price: $6,820 + taxes ($1.10/linear ft). Prior patching of 15 m² billed separately at $38/sq ft.
Pitfalls to avoid when getting quotes
- Suspiciously low rates under $1/linear ft for residential work. A rate that low is incompatible with using a genuine hot-applied sealant compliant with MTQ standards. You risk getting cold sealant or diluted product.
- Quotes without an on-site visit. A contractor who gives you a number over the phone without coming to look cannot properly assess the quantity or the surface condition. Expect surprises on the final invoice.
- Early-season «specials» at half price. In this industry, there is no margin for 50 % discounts. If it seems true, it means the product or the labour is compromised.
- Contracts without a written warranty. A good contractor guarantees their work for a minimum of 2 years. Without a warranty, you have no recourse if the work fails.
How to get the best price
- Get three quotes from contractors holding a valid RBQ licence. Decline any company that cannot provide their RBQ number.
- Plan in the spring (May–June) for the best rates.
- Combine jobs with your neighbours if several of you need crack sealing in the same area.
- Consider an annual contract if you manage a commercial parking lot. The annual cost is predictable and you typically get a 10 to 20 % discount on the per-linear-ft price.
- Prioritize proximity. A local contractor can often offer you a better price than one based in Montreal or Laval, simply by reducing travel costs.
A free quote for your project
L’Équipe Marcil inc offers free, detailed quotes delivered within 24 hours of our visit, for all asphalt crack sealing and asphalt repair projects in Montérégie and on the South Shore of Montreal. Our quotes always include the exact type of product used, the application method, the written warranty, and a detailed cost breakdown by section. For commercial parking lot and condominium managers, we also offer custom annual maintenance packages.
Related services
This article is part of our documentation on Asphalt Crack Sealing and Commercial Parking Lot Maintenance. For a free quote in Montérégie and on the South Shore of Montreal, contact L’Équipe Marcil inc at (514) 826-3568.
