5 Common Mistakes By Amateur Asphalt Sealcoating Companies
When done correctly, sealcoating in Springfield MO makes all the difference in your pavement’s longevity. Sealing helps protect it against damage, extending its lifespan while mitigating the risk of severe issues. It also helps refresh your paving, restoring that beautiful, glossy black color that everyone loves. However, when done incorrectly, sealcoating can cause more harm than good! Reputable asphalt sealcoating companies can deliver excellent results, keeping your pavement in stellar shape over the long haul. Unfortunately, less seasoned contractors can make mistakes that’ll cost you. Here are five of the biggest asphalt sealing errors you might see an amateur sealcoating contractor make.
What’s Wrong with Applying Too Much Product When Sealcoating in Springfield MO?
You’d think that a “more is more” approach to asphalt sealcoating is a good thing. However, applying too much sealer can create issues during the curing process. The correct technique is to apply multiple thin coats of asphalt, allowing each layer to dry before proceeding to the next. It’s a time-intensive process, and some less experienced Springfield asphalt sealcoating companies will try to save time by applying a single thick coat.
What happens is that the sealer will not cure properly. In most cases, the upper layer exposed to air will cure while trapping moisture beneath it. That results in peeling, flaking, and low longevity. Using too much sealer may even increase the risk of premature cracking.
Can’t Sealcoating Companies Just Use Sealer to Fill Cracks?
Many incorrectly believe that asphalt sealcoating is a fix-all solution to all their pavement problems. Even some sealcoating contractors believe that. However, the service that Springfield asphalt sealcoating companies provide is all about preventative maintenance. It doesn’t fix damage, and professionals shouldn’t treat sealer as a makeshift crack sealer.
You must perform all necessary repairs before sealcoating. That means patching all potholes, sealing all cracks, and creating a smooth, reliable surface that the sealer can bond to. The best sealcoating companies will handle repairs for you, preparing your pavement for sealing the right way.
Do Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Really Need to Perform Surface Prep?
In addition to performing repairs, Springfield asphalt sealcoating companies must also complete comprehensive surface preparations. This stage of a project involves sweeping away dirt, picking up trash, cleaning up vegetation, pre-treating stains, and sometimes washing the surface with water. The goal is to remove any buildup of grime that could interfere with the curing process.
The asphalt sealer needs a clean, dry surface to bond to. Therefore, a lack of prep will lead to low-quality results that don’t last.
Why Does Sealer Require Preparation Before Sealcoating in Springfield MO?
It’s not just your pavement that needs preparation. Asphalt sealcoating products also require prep. Sealcoating contractors buy sealer as a concentrated mix. Before application, they need to prepare it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically involves adding a specific amount of water and sand.
Some shadier sealcoating contractors will cut corners here, leaving out sand or adding too much water to the mix. Sand is necessary because it improves durability and provides some slip resistance. Watered-down formulas don’t last, and a lack of sand will cause premature wear.
Why Can’t Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Provide Service in Inclement Weather?
Finally, sealcoating companies should never provide service if the weather isn’t right. Sealcoating in Springfield MO requires warm, dry conditions. Temperatures should be between roughly 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels should also be below 50 percent, and there should be no chance of precipitation during application and the 24-48 hours of curing that follow.
Inclement weather will prevent curing and bonding. In some cases, rough weather can wash the sealer away, resulting in an unsightly finish with inadequate protection.
Want to hire a company that knows how to avoid these sealcoating mistakes and more? Turn to Action Asphalt. With extensive hands-on experience serving clients like you, we have the expertise to get things done correctly. Our top priority is your satisfaction, and we never cut corners or rush jobs. Instead, we work diligently to provide exceptional results that last. That applies to all our services, which include sealcoating, asphalt paving, repairs, resurfacing, chip seal, parking lot maintenance, and more.
Let’s discuss your needs in greater detail. Contact Action Asphalt at (417) 386-3610, email actionasphalt417@gmail.com, or submit your information through our online form to receive a free quote.
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