Driveway Sealcoating in Unity, Oregon: 2026 Cost Guide

Driveway Sealcoating in Unity, Oregon

Sealcoating is the cheapest way to stretch the life of an asphalt driveway, and in Unity's high-country climate it earns its keep. This tiny town in the upper Burnt River valley on Highway 26 gets intense summer sun, deep snow, and a long freeze-thaw season, all of which wear asphalt down. A good sealcoat is a protective skin that keeps water, UV, and oxidation from aging the pavement before its time. This guide covers what sealcoating does, the coal-tar versus emulsion choice, when it can be applied at this elevation, and what it costs in a remote part of eastern Oregon.

What Sealcoating Does

Asphalt is held together by a binder that breaks down over time. Sun oxidizes it, water works into the surface, and freeze-thaw pulls it apart. Sealcoating lays a protective coat that:

• Blocks UV oxidation that turns asphalt gray and brittle
• Keeps water out of the surface, which matters enormously where freeze-thaw is deep
• Resists fuel and oil that soften asphalt
• Restores the dark color and smooths minor surface wear

Sealcoating does not fix cracks or structural damage. Those need driveway repair first. Seal a sound driveway and you protect it. For the fundamentals, see our what is sealcoating guide.

Coal-Tar vs Asphalt-Emulsion Sealer

There are two main sealer types.

Coal-tar sealer is valued for durability and strong resistance to fuel, oil, and UV. It holds up well under harsh sun and chemical exposure. It carries more odor during application, and some areas restrict it.

Asphalt-emulsion sealer is lower odor and more environmentally friendly, widely used across the Pacific Northwest. It applies cleanly and performs well in residential settings, though it may need recoating a little more often in the harshest conditions.

For a Unity driveway, both work. The choice comes down to durability priorities and environmental preference. A contractor who knows high-country conditions recommends based on your surface and the intense elevation sun.

The Cure Window Is Short at Unity's Elevation

Sealcoat needs warm, dry conditions to cure, generally surface and air temperatures above 50°F with dry weather for a day or more after application. At Unity's high elevation that window is narrow:

• The reliable stretch runs roughly June through early fall
• Summer offers hot, dry days that cure sealer well, the best time
• Cool nights arrive early in fall, closing the window on the back end
• Spring is often too cool and wet until the weather settles

Because the window is short and crews travel from the Willamette Valley base, scheduling early matters. Our guide on the best time to sealcoat in Oregon covers timing in more depth.

Recoat Cadence

A driveway should generally be resealed every two to three years. In a harsh high-elevation climate like Unity's, where summer sun is intense and winters bring deep freeze-thaw, staying closer to every two years keeps the protective layer intact. A driveway that goes too long oxidizes and lets water in, and that is when freeze-thaw damage accelerates. Regular sealing is far cheaper than the crack and base repairs that follow neglect.

What Sealcoating Costs in Unity

Industry baseline ranges shown below. Actual costs vary with driveway size, surface condition, sealer type, and haul distance.

Driveway Size	Industry Baseline Range
Small (up to 500 sq ft)	$100–$300
Average (500–1,000 sq ft)	$250–$600
Large (1,000–2,000 sq ft)	$500–$1,200
Per square foot	$0.15–$0.40

In a town as remote as Unity these run toward the higher end because of the long travel and mobilization. Sealcoating is small in square footage, so the fixed cost of getting a crew out is a larger share than in a metro area. Timing your sealcoat with neighbors or with other site work spreads that cost.

Choosing a Sealcoating Contractor in Unity

A few things separate a real sealcoat from a quick spray that peels:

• Surface prep. The driveway must be cleaned of dirt and oil and have cracks filled first. Sealer over a dirty or cracked surface fails fast.
• Right conditions. A contractor who applies in marginal weather to fit a schedule leaves you with a coat that does not cure. Good ones wait for the short window.
• Honest cadence. A reputable contractor tells you when you actually need a recoat.
• Clear travel cost. Long-haul jobs carry mobilization; a good quote names it.

Cojo travels from its Willamette Valley base to serve Unity and Baker County. We prep properly, apply in the right conditions, and seal driveways to handle the high-elevation sun and deep freeze-thaw of the upper Burnt River valley.

For related services, see driveway repair in Unity, asphalt paving in Unity, and sealcoating in Baker City for the nearest larger market.