When paving companies construct a new asphalt pavement, they often recommend a routine maintenance schedule that includes periodic cleanings, timely crack repairs, and a sealant application every two to four years. They are not just trying to drum up future business. They know that an asphalt pavement that does not receive the necessary attention will have its useful life dramatically reduced. For example, not maintaining the recommended schedule for sealant applications can often cut the pavement’s life in half. However, sealant that is improperly mixed or incorrectly applied will not provide the results that you need. Therefore, it is crucial to know the questions you need to ask any Houston sealcoating contractor you are thinking about hiring to apply your sealant.
Why Asphalt Sealcoating Is Essential
Sealants create a barrier between your asphalt pavement and the forces that can damage it severely. These forces include water, sunlight, and automotive fluids. Sealants enhance the natural waterproofing properties of asphalt paving, screen out the UV rays that turn asphalt pavement brittle and dry, and retard the progress of automotive fluids that can soften the pavement. Sealants also restore the beautiful, dark color that your pavement exhibited when it was first installed. Any contractor you are considering should be able to explain all of the benefits you can gain from regular applications of a high-quality sealant.
What Type of Sealant and Mix Design Do Sealcoating Contractors Recommend?
Several sealant manufacturers are producing multiple types of sealants. Each manufacturer provides a mix design for every product. Basically, a mix design is a recipe that a contractor should follow to achieve the best results. A sealcoating contractor in Houston should be able to tell you the mix design for the sealant he recommends, and he should be able to explain his reasons for choosing one sealant over another. Be wary of any contractor who claims to have a secret recipe for mixing sealants or knowing what the manufacturer’s mix design specifies. You can verify his information by checking it against the manufacturer’s website’s specifications for the particular sealant your contractor plans to use.
Do You Have Proof of Valid Insurance Policies?
Your contractor should be able to provide you with proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, and he may also have an umbrella policy. If he does not carry workers’ comp, it could indicate that the people who will perform your work are temporary laborers instead of employees. Whether they are laborers or employees, if one of them is injured while on your property, you could be held legally responsible for his or her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the contractor does not carry general liability insurance, you might have to pay to repair any damages caused by one of his workers.
What Is the First Thing A Sealcoating Contractor Will Do on My Project?
A reputable sealing and striping company knows that it must plan carefully, especially if the project involves a large parking lot or busy thoroughfare. There will be traffic control issues, and large projects may require multiple phases. Furthermore, it is essential to repair cracks or other pavement breaks before attempting to seal the pavement. If the contractor cannot make the needed repairs, you may need to work with a paving contractor to make repairs beforehand. The pavement must also be meticulously cleaned to ensure the sealant and the pavement will establish a secure bond, so you should ask the contractor how he plans to clean the pavement.
How Will You Apply the Asphalt Sealant?
There are several acceptable methods for applying a sealcoat, but most contractors use a combination of sprayers and squeegees. Manual squeegee applications are time-consuming, so handwork is usually reserved for tight spaces or areas where an accidental overspray could damage a structure, landscaping feature, or vehicle. Most parking lots need two thin coats of sealant, and you should avoid any contractor who tells you that he can finish the job quicker by applying one thick coat unless you want the sealant to be short-lived and unattractive.
How Experienced Are You and Your Workers?
Your contractor’s previous experience is essential, but the experience of his crew is also necessary. For example, the contractor may have sealed hundreds of parking lots, but if all of his crew members are novices that he just hired the previous week, that could be a red flag.
Do You Provide Itemized Bids?
Whether they offer installations, maintenance, or repairs, all asphalt contractors should be comfortable providing written bids or quotes that itemize the work to be performed. These bids should specify the total square footage to be sealed, the quantity and name of the specific sealant to be used, the number of coats to be applied, the labor costs, the application method, and the scheduled date work to begin and end. However, remember that your contractor may need to revise this schedule if the weather will not allow a successful application. Beware of any contractor who vows to sealcoat your pavement on a specific date no matter what the weather is like.
Why Marathon Solutions Group Is the Right Sealcoating Contractor!
Marathon was founded to be the best asphalt maintenance and paving contractor in the Houston metropolitan area. Since 2005, we have provided exemplary results to customers throughout the region. Our services include parking lot striping, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, concrete installation, asphalt paving, asphalt resurfacing, bollard installation, parking lot signage, thermoplastic markings, drainage improvement, asphalt milling, and structural reconstruction. We collaborate with our customers to find the best solution for each individual client. Our exceptional reputation is based on our craftsmanship, professionalism, customer service, and integrity.
