5 Common Mistakes By Amateur Bridgeport Sealcoating Companies
Asphalt sealcoating in Bridgeport can make or break the longevity of driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. While asphalt is tough, years of exposure can wreak havoc on the material over time. Sealcoating protects asphalt from the elements and wear, mitigating the risk of damage while keeping your pavement looking its best over the long haul. Reputable Bridgeport sealcoating companies will provide top-notch service every three to five years, giving your pavement the best chance of long-term success. Unfortunately, there are also many amateur companies offering this service. Their lack of experience often leads to disastrous mistakes that can cost you. Here are some of the most common sealcoating faux pas that an amateur might make.
How Important is Surface Prep Before Sealcoating?
Successful Bridgeport sealcoating requires thorough surface preparation. Skipping this step can result in subpar protection and a finish that doesn’t last. Asphalt sealcoating products need a clean and dry surface to bond to. If there’s a layer of filth over your asphalt, the sealer won’t cure properly. Instead, it’ll peel up quickly, exposing your pavement to damage from the elements.
Local Bridgeport asphalt sealcoating professionals will take as much time as needed to clean your pavement. Surface prep usually involves cleaning up vegetation, pulling weeds, sweeping away dirt, and washing the pavement. If necessary, contractors will also pre-treat stains for maximum coverage. This extra work takes time, but it’s crucial for getting long-lasting results.
Is Local Asphalt Sealcoating a Replacement for Repairs?
Another major mistake that unseasoned sealcoating companies make is treating this service as a fix-all repair solution. Asphalt sealing offers protection. It’s a form of preventative maintenance, not a way to address cracks, potholes, or other defects.
Before proceeding with any Bridgeport sealcoating, your contractors should conduct a comprehensive inspection and address all necessary repairs. If they skip this step, the existing damage will worsen. Furthermore, the finish will be unsightly. Repairs help prevent water infiltration and damage while also providing a smooth finish for the sealcoating to bond to.
Can Sealcoating Companies Use Products I Can Purchase?
If you see any so-called asphalt sealing professionals pull up to your property with products you can get at any big-box store, consider hiring someone else! While you can purchase asphalt sealing products at local stores, experienced contractors typically use professional-grade alternatives that are only available directly from suppliers. Professional-grade formulas contain a higher concentration of tar or bitumen, offering greater protection and longer-lasting results. Consumer-grade products don’t last.
The same goes for application tools. Local Bridgeport asphalt sealcoating companies will use a combination of sprayers, squeegees, and hand tools, ensuring precise application without the mess.
What Happens if Amateur Bridgeport Sealcoating Companies Apply Too Much Sealer?
Unfortunately, amateur sealcoating companies try to save time by applying thick coats of product. Successful Bridgeport sealcoating requires multiple thin coats, allowing contractors to build up protection in areas that receive the most traffic. Thicker applications don’t cure properly. Instead, you’ll encounter quick degradation, cracking, and peeling. The finish will leave something to be desired as well.
The correct way to perform Bridgeport sealcoating is to apply thin coats, allowing each to dry and cure before moving to the next.
Can Contractors Do Asphalt Sealcoating in Bridgeport During Inclement Weather?
No matter what a contractor says, it’s never “OK” to do asphalt sealcoating in Bridgeport when it’s raining! If the weather turns, trusted sealcoating companies will reschedule the service appointment to ensure top-notch results.
Rain will wash away the sealer before it has a chance to cure. However, that’s not the only weather issue that can arise. Sealers will only cure in temperatures between 50 to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require humidity levels below 50 percent and a mild breeze. If the conditions aren’t suitable for sealcoating, you must reschedule to avoid bigger headaches.
Don’t trust asphalt sealcoating with just any company. At Erskine Paving, we work hard to do things right every time. We bring years of experience and an unwavering dedication to your satisfaction. Our team operates under strict quality control standards, ensuring consistently high results. We never cut corners, rush jobs, or skimp on quality to save time or money. Our biggest priority is delivering exceptional results and customer service you can trust.
In addition to sealcoating, Erskine Paving offers new asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, resurfacing, dirt work, line striping, sweeping, snow plowing, and more. Give us a call today to learn more about what we do. You can obtain a free quote by calling Erskine Paving at (304) 892-8576, emailing Erskinesealcoating@gmail.com, or using our online form.