Choosing a Contractor for Commercial

Step One
Sealcoating project is to contact sealcoating applicators and get references and company histories. Each company should be able to supply you with five or more references including contact names and phone numbers.

You should call at least three of the references. When you call, be prepared to ask questions. Ask what kind of application they had done and if they were satisfied. Also ask if they have ever used another sealcoating company and how the companies compared.

 

Step Two
Involves setting up appointments. You should ask each company to send someone to walk the pavement with you and describe in detail how he or she intends to complete the project. After two or three estimators, you will be able to tell who the knowledgeable people are.

 

Step Three
Insist that the applicator submit a detailed bid including manufacturer's literature. This is not a burden to you or the applicator. Good contractors will use a combination of drawings and notes.

A detailed bid should include, where appropriate, the following:
• Patching/Asphalt Repairs
• Crack Filling
• Pavement Cleaning
• Oil Spot Sealing
• Description of the Sealcoat Application
• Logistics
• Samples

An itemized bid that identifies the costs for crack filling, patching, and sealcoating is preferred. The contractor should tell you how he or she intends to patch the asphalt. There are several methods available. The most common methods include in-depth hot mix, compression, and cold mix. With an itemized bid you will know exactly how each repair will be made. Ask for a guarantee.

There are two basic choices for crack filling: hot melt and cold pour. In general, hot melt is thought to be superior, especially in the larger cracks.

Some method of pavement cleaning needs to be done. At the very least the pavement should be thoroughly swept. Sealer does not adhere well to dirt. One consideration property managers may want to make allowances for is the noise blowers and sweepers make. Regulatory compliance with storm water discharge may also be a consideration.

Oil spots in parking stalls should be sealed with a specialized oil spot sealer or should be cut out and patched. Sealer does not adhere well to oil. Oil softens asphalt. If the asphalt is soft, it should be removed and replaced.

 

Tips on Choosing Your Pavement Contractor
Try to do business with a local contractor. Locals will be familiar with all the materials used in theregion, including the base material, subgrade conditions, as well as the asphalt materials and specifications.

The contractor should know the climate conditions, including the temperature extremes,freeze/thaw conditions, and yearly rainfall. They should be able to predict how all of the above will
affect the frequency of sealcoating necessary.

Develop specifications for the kind of job you want done and the elements that will go into it, including cleaning, patching, removal, and replacement.

Your contractor should be able to recommend a product that is compatible with the pavement in place, with the same coefficient of contraction and expansion, as well as with good skid resistance in all weather conditions. He or she should also be able to provide safety data sheets on the product.

Do not forget to look at the reputation, promptness, and the insurance coverage of your contractor.