In America, asphalt is the leading choice for paving parking lots and all types of thoroughfares. Asphalt pavements are attractive, economical, and fast to install, and they can have surprisingly long lives if they are properly maintained. One of the most cost-effective procedures to protect the health and appearance of an asphalt pavement is the periodic application of a high-quality sealcoat. Asphalt overlays and new pavements should be sealed no more than 12 months after they are installed. The interval between subsequent applications is normally around two years, but your actual schedule could be different. However, before you hire a Birmingham sealcoating professional, you should find the answers to a few questions to ensure that your job will be performed correctly.

How Long Has the Contractor Been Applying Asphalt Sealcoating in Birmingham?

The contractor’s overall experience is important, but it is equally important to learn how much experience they have with Birmingham sealcoating projects. Asphalt sealcoating requires a combination of weather conditions to ensure a successful application. An experienced Birmingham sealcoating company will have a better understanding of the local conditions than a contractor who only worked in arid locations or areas where the temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year. Furthermore, you want to make sure that your Birmingham sealcoating contractor has successfully completed jobs that are similar in size and complexity to your own.

Does the Contractor Have References From Former Sealcoating Clients?

Contractors who are both experienced and reputable will have a list of clients for whom they provided asphalt sealcoating services. If an experienced Birmingham sealcoating company cannot provide you with references, it is possible that former clients were very dissatisfied with the company or the quality of its asphalt sealcoating services. If your contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to contact them. Try to find clients with projects similar to yours. For example, look for jobs involving sealcoating asphalt parking lot pavements if you want to sealcoat your parking lot.

Does Your Asphalt Sealcoating Contractor Have the Appropriate Insurance Coverage?

A Birmingham sealcoating company should carry at least three different types of insurance to protect their clients.

• Workers’ Compensation: Asphalt sealcoating in Birmingham can pose risks to the workers employed by the contractor. The company’s workers’ comp policy should cover every one of its employees who will set foot on your property.
• General Liability: The workers’ comp policy carried by asphalt sealcoating contractors only covers their employees. It will not cover your employees, your visitors, or your neighbor’s employees or visitors. Nor will it cover any property damage that might result from the actions of the contractor’s crew members. However, general liability insurance can cover these types of losses. A Birmingham sealcoating company should have general liability insurance with a policy limit of at least $500,000.
• Vehicle Liability: Typically, when asphalt sealcoating in Birmingham, contractors use a variety of trucks and vans to move products, personnel, tools, and equipment to the job site. Your contractor should carry at least the minimum coverage for commercial vehicle liability insurance.

What Services Are Part of the Contractor’s Quote for Your Birmingham Sealcoating Project?

There are certain things that contractors need to do before, during, and after asphalt sealcoating in Birmingham. Your contractor needs to specify whether these steps are included in your quote or will involve an additional charge.

• Significant cracks, potholes, and other damage will need to be repaired prior to sealcoating.
• The pavement must be meticulously cleaned. This includes the removal of dirt, loose gravel, grass clippings, trash, and dead leaves. It should also include the removal of pools of oil, gas, and other automotive fluids.
• Some areas will require the application of a primer to ensure the creation of a strong bond between the sealant and the pavement. Typically, the areas that are most likely to require a primer are oil stains and areas with aggregate polishing.
• Birmingham sealcoating should never be applied thickly. Instead, your contractor should apply a thin coat, wait for it to dry, and then apply a second thin coat. If a third coat is needed in high-wear areas, it should also be a thin coat that is applied after the second coat dries.
• If your contractor is sealcoating an asphalt parking lot, it will need to be striped and marked. In some cases, parking lot striping and marking can begin as soon as the final coat of sealant is dry. In other cases, your contractor will need to return the following day.

The Surface Masters can help you obtain a longer life for your pavement. We are experienced professionals with an immaculate reputation and impeccable references. In addition to asphalt sealcoating in Birmingham, we offer crack sealing, asphalt repairs, pavement marking and striping, asphalt paving, concrete repairs, asphalt overlays, and concrete installation. We are known for our exemplary service and exceptional craftsmanship. To request a free quote, call 470-557-8985, complete the online form, or email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com.