There is an old saying that implies that buyers get what they pay for, but when they choose the wrong asphalt sealcoating contractor, people sometimes wind up paying a high price for inferior work. The companies that manufacture sealants provide detailed instructions for everything from preparing the asphalt pavement properly for sealcoating to cleaning the equipment after the job is completed. Unfortunately, many inexperienced or unscrupulous contractors do not comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. The sealcoating that they apply will likely begin to peel, flake or turn to dust within just a few weeks. Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality results require following a series of steps, and if any step is omitted, the sealcoating will not be as long-lasting or as attractive.
Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality – Plan Properly
A good sealcoating professional does not simply show up at the site and immediately begin spraying sealant. Instead, he will evaluate the condition of the pavement, determine its grade, make any necessary repairs and assess the way that work should flow. He will evaluate the impact that current humidity levels, wind speeds and other environmental factors will have on the sealant’s curing time. He will ensure that he has the proper equipment and the correct staffing at the site.
Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality – Secure the Work Area
Someone walking or driving across wet sealant can absolutely ruin the job as well as pose a safety hazard to himself and the contractor’s workers. Barricades, cones or tape will be placed to prevent unauthorized entry into the area.
Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality – Clean and Prime
A quality sealcoating job requires that the pavement be thoroughly cleaned. If the pavement is dirty, the sealcoating cannot bond to the pavement and will quickly fail. Cleaning involves removing dirt and debris as well as treating the areas where oil and other automotive fluids have leaked onto the pavement. Sealcoating does not bond well to petroleum-based automotive fluids, so it may be necessary to apply a primer. Rust spots may also need to be primed, and priming may be needed for high-volume traffic lanes subjected to vehicles that are stopping, accelerating or turning frequently.
Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality – Apply the Sealcoating
Sealcoating must be applied at the correct rate; a thick coat of sealant will have difficulty curing and may never fully cure, resulting in a gooey mess that is easily tracked. If a second coat is needed, the first coat must be sufficiently cured before an additional coat is applied. Throughout the process, the contractor or his supervisor will check for any spots that might have been missed so that they can be quickly addressed.
Asphalt Sealcoating – Understanding Quality – Leave the Site Clean
Throughout the process, the contractor’s crew should show respect for your property by maintaining a clean site and ensuring that any trash is removed before they leave. Paper cups, plastic water bottles or other debris could blow onto the wet sealant and mar the finish.
For Quality Sealcoating, Contact the Experts
At Alpha Paving, we apply more gallons of sealcoating every year than any other contractor in Texas. We are an asphalt paving company and specialize in sealcoating in Austin, Tx. We offer a full range of paving services, including parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, milling, asphalt overlays and paving, traffic sign installation, road construction, speed bump installation and concrete repairs and paving. We deliver work that is of exceptional quality, provide personalized customer service and offer competitive prices. To receive a free quote, call our office at (512) 677-9001 or use our online form to send us your request.
