Making an educated decision about maintaining your facility's asphalt surfaces can help prevent you from paying too much, getting a poor quality job and making a bad decision. Here are some commonly asked questions about seal coating commercial asphalt:
What if the price is too good to pass up?
Although a low price bid may be tempting, making an impulsive decision based solely on price can cost you later. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or seal coating contractor. Make sure the company is well established - do they have a local address, a well-developed website and references? Also, it doesn't hurt to get several bids and check each company out thoroughly. Be sure to keep in mind, you usually get what you pay for!
Should we have this sealant applied every year?
No! Although many paving companies may lead you to believe that you should seal coat every year, seal coating your asphalt too much can lead to problems. The first two coats of sealer applied to your asphalt are what protect it. Additional coats are usually just for cosmetic purposes.
Should we seal our asphalt in the summer?
It is not appropriate to seal coat asphalt in hot weather. The sealer will dry too quickly causing it to peel, flake or get streaks in the finish. If the job needs to be done in hot temperatures, above 90 degrees, a good paving contractor will spray the surface with a light mist of water to cool the asphalt before applying the seal coat. Doing so will cool the surface considerably. Ideal temperatures to apply seal coat are between sixty and ninety degrees.
Can we just seal coat asphalt pavement ourselves?
Adding up the total costs of undertaking this project will give you the answer to this question. Basically, it's going to end up costing you more and you more than likely will not be thrilled with the results. Not only will sealer, sold by the pail, cost as much as five times more at local improvement stores, it is not the high quality as professionally mixed commercial sealer. Tools are often expensive and may not be of professional grade to perform the task properly. Prior to seal coating, the surface must be cleaned - a leaf blower and a hose won't give the professional results of a commercial blower and washer. Add in your labor time, and the fact that you'll probably ruin your shoes, shirt, pants and gloves - it really adds up. Using a professional, paving and seal coating company will only cost you a few dollars more that it would to do it yourself, and you'll be much more satisfied with the job when complete.
A well-paved asphalt surface can last 20-40 years if maintained at proper intervals. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or sealing contractor. They can develop a strategy to maintain your pavement. Spending a little more now, can save you a lot down the road.
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