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Shortcuts That Indianapolis Sealcoating Companies Should Never Take

Everyone’s guilty of cutting corners and taking shortcuts at some point in their life to save time or money. However, when it comes to asphalt sealcoating, there are many shortcuts that contractors should never take! Indianapolis sealcoating companies offer a valuable service that can help keep your pavement looking its best while maximizing its longevity. However, sealcoating companies that skimp on quality can do more harm than good, ultimately costing you more in the long run. Here are some of the shortcuts that sealcoating companies in Indianapolis should never take with your project.

In What Ways Less Experienced Sealcoating Companies in Indianapolis Cut Corners When Preparing Sealer?

Indianapolis sealcoating is a process that involves applying correctly prepared sealer to every square inch of your asphalt to protect it from damaging factors. Contractors can use coal tar or asphalt emulsions for asphalt sealing projects. Regardless of the situation, these sealers require proper preparation. Sealcoating companies must prepare the sealer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which typically involve adding a specific amount of sand and water.

Eyeballing those amounts is a huge mistake. More unscrupulous sealcoating companies may ignore manufacturer directions entirely to save money. For example, adding more water and forgoing sand altogether is a common cost-cutting measure. The problem is that diluted asphalt sealing products provide lackluster protection, and a lack of sand harms overall durability and traction.

Do Indianapolis Sealcoating Companies Need a Variety of Tools to Complete a Job?

Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating companies should arrive at the job site equipped with the necessary tools, equipment, and labor to complete the project. Sealcoating companies may try to cut corners and save money by bringing only a sprayer to your property. The problem is that sprayers can’t get into tight spots. Attempting to seal those areas with a sprayer will result in a significant mess that can damage nearby properties or buildings.

Some contractors may also arrive with a team that’s far too small for your needs. It takes more than a couple of people to do asphalt sealing on an expansive parking lot! With fewer workers on site, projects take significantly longer, leading to more downtime for your business.

What Happens If A Contractors Rush Surface Prep?

Sealcoating requires ample surface prep. Your pavement must be clean and dry before sealcoating commences. Contractors should also handle all repairs, including filling and sealing cracks, patching potholes, and correcting surface defects.

If your pavement isn’t properly repaired or prepped, the asphalt sealing product can’t cure and bond to the surface. Sealcoating companies must take time to sweep away dirt, pretreat stains, and clean the asphalt if necessary. Cutting corners during the surface prep stage will lead to low-quality results that don’t last.

What Mistakes Can Sealcoating Companies Make During Application?

In addition to not bringing the right tools and the right amount of labor, Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating companies can cut corners during the application process. The right way to do Indianapolis sealcoating is to apply multiple thin coats. Of course, that takes time, and some contractors will try to cut back on the time spent on your site by applying a single, thick coat.

When applied in this manner, your sealcoating will not cure properly. It’ll take ages to dry, and the surface will likely cure faster than the material below, resulting in wheel tracking and eventual peeling. The finish won’t look good, and the money you spend on asphalt sealcoating will go to waste.

How Does the Weather Impact Asphalt Sealcoating?

Another shortcut that an Indianapolis asphalt sealcoating company should never make is ignoring inclement weather. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but sealcoating companies in Indianapolis must adapt. Contractors should never apply sealer to your pavement if it’s raining or there’s a chance of inclement weather in the 48 hours that follow your application day. If the forecast takes a turn, reputable companies will reschedule. It can be frustrating, but rain and sealer do not mix.

Attempting to complete the job in bad weather will cause more problems than you bargained for. Always reschedule around the forecast and only perform Indianapolis sealcoating when conditions are warm and dry.

Let Black Hawk Paving handle all your Indianapolis sealcoating needs. We never cut corners or take shortcuts that could sacrifice the quality of work we deliver. Your satisfaction comes first, and our team works diligently to do things right from start to finish. We specialize in commercial asphalt, so we have the expertise to meet your unique needs. We’ve been in business since 1975 and are proud to offer a range of services, including new asphalt paving, repairs, crack routing, concrete paving, warehouse striping, ADA compliance, and more.

Get your free quote today by calling Black Hawk Paving today at (463)225-0400. You can also email the team at info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online form for a callback.