FLORAL PARK

Tips For Hiring a Paving Contractor to Apply Asphalt Seal Coating

Whether you're a homeowner looking to beautify the paved area around your home, or a business owner tasked with keeping a commercial parking lot in good condition, routine asphalt seal coating is an essential part of maintaining your paving surface. It keeps the underlying surface protected from elements that degrade it over time, which can result in small cracks that eventually turn into potholes. While it's easy enough to buy a container of sealant at your local big box home improvement store and try to do the job yourself, hiring a professional paving contractor is your best bet for long- lasting results.

First, a professional should always make sure the pavement is clean before sealcoating. This can be done by blowing or sweeping the entire surface and possibly power washing it if there are oil stains that won't come off with regular cleaning products. The contractor should be able to tell you about the best method for your specific needs.

In addition to making sure the pavement is clean, any cracks should be filled before seal coating is applied. Crack filler can be purchased from your local paving contractor or from most home improvement stores, and it should be used as directed on the label.

Once the pavement is ready, it should be sprayed with sealant using a specialized sprayer or a squeegee. If it's a large surface, the contractor may prefer to use the sprayer as it will get the job done much faster. In some cases, sand is mixed with the sealant to create a non-slippery surface and add more consistency to the product.

A gallon of sealant typically covers 100 square feet, but this varies depending on the age and condition of the pavement and how it's being used. The contractor should be able to give you an accurate estimate of how much material you'll need for your project.

Finally, a good contractor should be willing to provide references for past jobs. These can be extremely helpful when it comes to getting a feel for the quality of work that you'll receive. If a contractor is hesitant to give you references, this could be a red flag.

The final consideration is to make sure the paving contractor has both general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverage in case any accidents occur during your project. This is a requirement in many states and should be confirmed with the contractor before hiring them.

While it's tempting to go the do-it-yourself route with a container of sealant from your local big box home improvement store, you'll end up spending more in the long run when you hire a professional paving company for your driveway or parking lot maintenance. A good paving contractor should always be happy to provide references and photos of their previous projects, as well as an estimate that will keep the project on budget. They should also be able to answer any questions that you might have about the installation process, as well as their guarantee on their workmanship. Contact A-Top Asphalt Paving today!