Ernest Kelley – Interlocking Driveways

Preparation

The first step in the sealcoating process is assessing your driveway or parking lot. A professional paving contractor will take note of any cracks, potholes, oil stains or other areas of the pavement that need immediate repair.

The next step is to clear the area that will be sealcoated. This means removing any cars, trucks, trailers, sheds, garbage cans, outdoor furniture or other items that will be in the way when the sealer is being applied. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep children and pets inside during this time.

Once the pavement has been cleared, any linear cracks should be filled with either a hot rubberized crack filler or a cold-applied crack filler that is mixed with an additive such as Zetac. This will allow the material to expand and contract with the pavement during any weather changes and protect it from further damage.

Lastly, the area to be sealcoated should be blocked off with barricades, cones or other traffic control tools to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles do not get into the work zone. This will also help you to communicate to any customers or suppliers that the area will be inaccessible and that they should make alternative arrangements.

While the preparation steps can be done any time of year, it is important to remember that asphalt sealer doesn’t cure properly if it is wet, so it is critical that the project is not scheduled during inclement weather. If you are considering a sealcoating project, consult with your paving contractor to make sure that the weather conditions will be appropriate for success.

It is also a good idea to check the lawn area that borders your parking lot. If your grass is overgrown, it may need to be mowed and trimmed so that the sealer will adhere to the pavement. Finally, if your parking lot has sprinklers that water it, shut them off at least 24 hours before the start of the sealing process and don’t turn them on again for 24 hours after. If you need to make deliveries in your parking lot, reschedule them and let the supplier know that your parking lot will be inaccessible for several hours on the day of the job.

Materials

Asphalt sealcoating consists of a mix of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers and water. The ingredients are combined to create a thick black material that is then applied to the surface of a paved area. There are also additives that can be used to modify the properties of the sealcoating material. These additives are designed to enhance the performance of the asphalt sealcoat. These additives can be added to the asphalt emulsion before it is mixed with the other ingredients or to the finished sealcoat. These include fungicides, antioxidants and UV stabilizers.

While there are different types of asphalt sealcoat materials, coal tar is the most common. It is designed to protect the paved surface and replenish the asphalt binder that is lost due to weathering. Coal tar sealcoats can be applied to any asphalt surface, and they are typically cheaper than other types of asphalt sealcoats. However, coal tar is considered to be a more hazardous material than other sealcoats. It releases volatiles into the air and emits a strong odor. It is also known to have negative effects on fish and other wildlife when it enters the waters of rivers, lakes and streams.

There are many benefits of having your parking lot or driveway seal coated. It will increase the longevity of your paved surface and save you money in the long run by preventing damage from oil, fuel and chemical substances that soften and degrade the asphalt. Seal coating also helps to keep the paved surface flexible under pressure from vehicular traffic, preventing it from cracking and deteriorating.

Asphalt sealcoating is most often performed from spring through fall. This is because the application process requires temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a period of 24 hours without rain. If your pavement isn’t sealed during this time, it may be damaged and require a costly replacement sooner than necessary.

Application

Sealcoating can provide a significant amount of protection for your commercial parking lot asphalt surface. It prevents oil, fuel, and chemical substances from penetrating the paved area and degrading it. It also protects the asphalt from vehicular pressure. This is important because when a paved area degrades, it becomes less flexible and subject to cracking under the weight of vehicles. Regular sealcoating can extend the life of your paved areas and reduce the need for repairs and replacement.

Thorough preparations are necessary to ensure the proper performance of the sealcoating process. This includes a thorough cleaning of the asphalt area and the repair of existing cracks, potholes, and damage. The surface must be dry, free of vegetation, rocks, debris, and sand, which can interfere with the adhesion of the sealcoat.

Once the area is prepared, it must be closed off to pedestrians and traffic with cones, barricades, and/or caution tape. The pavement must be clean and completely dry, which is why we use sweeping and blowers to ensure it is completely ready for application. The paving contractor must mix the sealer according to manufacturer instructions and specifications, ensuring the ingredients are evenly mixed. Mixing can be done manually, mechanically, or with specialized sealcoating equipment.

The proper mixing of the materials is essential to a long-term, effective result. The mixture must be thick enough to adhere to the paved surface and fill minor cracks and pits, yet still be fluid enough to easily flow across the surface and flow into low spots. There are a number of additives that can be added to the mix, and each serve a different purpose. These additives may help the sealer dry faster, alter sand suspension, improve flexibility, or increase resistance to salts and chemicals.

Once the materials are properly mixed, they can be applied using either a squeegee or spray application. Squeegee application is ideal for smaller areas and intricate surfaces, while spray application offers versatility and speed. Either method requires 24 hours of curing time before vehicles can return to the paved area. During this time, the freshly applied seal coat should be protected from pedestrians and vehicles to avoid damaging or marking the new coating.

Paving Companies construct paved surfaces, including roads, sidewalks, and driveways. They work on both residential and commercial projects.

A good paving company should be licensed and insured. They should also have references and be able to provide a written contract.

Avoid a company that refuses to give you a contract or provides only vague estimates. They may cut corners to save money and need a better job.

Paving companies are construction businesses that use asphalt to repair or construct roads, driveways, parking lots, and other public spaces. They can work on projects ranging from minor resurfacing to large-scale reconstruction. They typically operate under a sole proprietorship or an LLC and must obtain business licenses and insurance before performing any work. In addition, they must follow local and state regulations regarding using materials and equipment.

The best way to ensure you hire a reputable paving company is to get detailed estimates from multiple companies. These should include the work scope, materials, labor costs, and a warranty. You should look elsewhere if a paving company cannot provide a detailed estimate.

It’s important to choose a paving contractor that has the right tools for the job. This can include a dump truck to haul the asphalt, a milling machine to remove the existing surface, and a vibratory roller to compact the material. You should also ensure the paving contractor has an appropriate crew size for the project. If the crew is too small, it may delay your project and lead to a poor result.

A paving company must have the proper licensing and insurance to perform a job. You can verify the licenses of a paving company by looking up their license number on the state’s website. You can also ask for a copy of their insurance certificate to ensure that they are covered in case of any damage or accidents during the project.

It would be best to have a good marketing strategy to be a successful paving contractor. This includes partnering with home renovators, commercial contractors, and landscaping companies to promote your services. It’s also important to find ways to attract new talent. Consider hosting career days and job fairs at local schools and colleges. You can also offer apprenticeships.

While the same factors that drive value for all businesses are important to valuing a paving contractor, some unique considerations set this industry apart. These special factors include seasonality, specific bidding requirements for federal, state, and local government contracts, and contracted set-asides for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. BVR’s latest special report, What It’s Worth: Valuing Paving Contractors, explores these factors in detail.

If you want your commercial paving project done right the first time, hire an experienced company. These professionals know the best ways to get a job done and will ensure that your new asphalt is smooth, high-quality, and durable. They will also work quickly and efficiently so your business is not interrupted during construction. In contrast, hiring an inexperienced person or doing the work yourself will take longer and result in poor-quality results.

A professional paving company should have years of experience in the industry and a portfolio of previous projects. They should also be able to provide a detailed project timeline and give you references that you can call. You should also be able to visit their website to see a gallery of past work. This will help you determine whether or not their work is up to par.

Paving is a complicated process, and it takes experience to do it well. Less reputable contractors may try to cut corners to save money, but this can cost you more in the long run. A reputable contractor will be honest about their pricing and won’t try to hide any hidden fees.

It’s important to choose a paving company that is licensed and insured. This will protect you from any legal issues if something goes wrong during the project. In addition, they should be familiar with local regulations and permits required for asphalt paving projects. They should also be able to explain the different options available for your commercial paving project, including materials, colors, and textures.

It would be best to look for a paving company that offers a warranty on their work. This will protect you if the job is outside your standards or has defects. This is especially important for a large project like a parking lot.

Consider using a local company if you are looking for a paving company. This will ensure that you are getting high-quality work at a fair price. In addition, if you use a local company, you will be helping the community by keeping money in the local economy.

A paving company uses a variety of equipment to complete asphalt paving projects. To achieve the desired results, they may have special paving machines such as cold planers, pavers, and milling machines. These machines help ensure the finished product is high quality and meets industry standards. They also ensure that the project is safe and adheres to environmental regulations.

The equipment a paving company uses varies depending on the size of the project and the type of pavement being laid. For example, a dump truck may transport the asphalt mix from the plant to the job site for smaller projects. This machine usually has a lift that allows the load to slide out of the back of the truck bed. Some trucks have a conveyor belt, an alternative to a lift.

In addition to these essential pieces of equipment, a paving contractor needs professional tools to complete the work promptly and efficiently. These tools can include a rake, screed, and rollers to compact the asphalt and prepare it for the top layer. They may also use a hot box to melt the asphalt mix before spreading it on the road.

When selecting a paving contractor, it is important to consider the equipment they have and their experience working in different locations. For instance, a company with extensive experience working in busy city centers will be better prepared to handle the disruptions caused by construction. They will also be familiar with ADA regulations, traffic control, and detour routes.

A reputable paving contractor will have the right equipment for every project stage. The paving machine they use can impact the quality and cost of the finished work. They will also be able to meet the unique requirements of each job, including its schedule and budget.

You should find a Cat dealer near you if you want to purchase a paving machine. They can offer you a wide selection of pre-owned equipment backed by the Cat Used standard. These machines are a great option for contractors who want to minimize their up-front costs and invest in long-term value.

Several insurance policies can help cover costs and protect you from financial disaster. These include commercial general liability, workers’ compensation, and hired and non-owned auto insurance. These are essential for any business that needs to operate. The cost of these policies will vary depending on the specifics of your company’s operations and your needs. It would be best if you also considered getting a professional liability policy to protect you from negligence claims.

Working on roads and pavements is inherently dangerous work. If someone gets injured on your property, it can lead to expensive lawsuits and loss of revenue. This coverage will pay for legal fees, settlements, and damages. It may also include coverage for lost wages and medical expenses.

It is important to check the reviews of paving companies before hiring one. This will give you an idea of their customer service and work quality. Look for companies with positive reviews, but don’t ignore negative ones. If there are many complaints, this is a red flag.

The cheapest insurance for paving contractors is general liability, which costs an average of $60 per month or $720 per year. You can get a comprehensive policy with a $1 million per occurrence limit and a $1 million aggregate limit. This will protect you from large financial losses that can ruin your paving business.

Another insurance that is vital for paving companies is workers’ comp. It will protect your employees if they are injured at work. This can include paying for their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and missed wages. You can also find a policy covering your business for auto accidents caused by workers on the job.

Other types of insurance you should look for in a paving contractor include product liability, commercial auto insurance, and business interruption insurance. You can also find a business owner policy (BOP) that bundles general liability and commercial property insurance at a discount. You should also check the equipment and tools coverage a paving contractor offers to ensure that your valuable assets are protected.

Sealcoating Your Commercial Parking Lot

Preparation

Materials

Application

What You Need to Know About Paving Companies

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