Why the Lowest Sealcoating Bid Isn’t Always the Best

When contractors build asphalt pavements, they typically recommend that clients have sealcoating applied as soon as the asphalt has cured, followed by new applications every two or three years. Although asphalt sealing is not an expensive procedure, it is only natural that you prefer not to overpay. You probably intend to solicit bids from multiple contractors, and you may be tempted to just go with whatever bid is significantly less than the others. On a few occasions, this could work out for you, but it rarely does. More often than not, going with a lowball bid will end up being a waste of your money that also has the potential to cost you more in ways that you have not anticipated.

What Is Wrong With Automatically Accepting the Lowest Sealcoating Bid?

Asphalt sealcoating manufacturers provide instructions on how much water, sealant, and sand should be combined to create the liquid that your contractor will apply to your pavement. Unless all ingredients are included in the proper proportions, the liquid sealant will be inferior. For example, if a parking lot sealcoating contractor does not add the correct amount of sand, additional water can be added to produce a gallon of the liquid sealant. However, the resulting product will be too thin to provide lasting protection. Some unscrupulous sealcoating companies routinely prepare sealant mixes that contain excess water to increase their profit margins. It is important to note that all sealcoating companies pay approximately the same price for sealants and sand, so any contractor who claims to be able to purchase these products at a substantially lower price should be viewed with suspicion.

Do Lower Labor Costs Justify a Substantially Lower Bid on a Sealcoating Job?

It is true that not all contractors pay their employees an identical wage. Great employees can be difficult to find and retain, so savvy asphalt paving lot sealcoating contractors ensure that their best, most experienced employees are paid accordingly. Conversely, shady contractors often hire day laborers or unskilled employees who are incapable of handling the tasks assigned to them. They are typically not covered by any type of workers’ compensation insurance, potentially leaving you liable if they are injured on your property. Contractors may also reduce their labor costs by applying the sealant incorrectly. For example, when sealcoating parking lots, the industry standard is to apply two thin coats, but it takes less time to apply a single thick coat. The result can be a disaster that will require you to immediately sealcoat your pavement to eliminate tracking and ensure adequate protection. When comparing bids, it is better to compare the labor hours to see whether all contractors are in the same ballpark.

What Are Some Other Red Flags That Indicate the Sealcoating Contractor Submitting the Lowest Bid Might Not Be a Good Choice?

When selecting a sealcoating contractor, there are a few other clues that you can identify when you compare their itemized bids.

1. Do all bids include the cost of making any necessary asphalt repairs? Cracks and other pavement breaks should always be repaired prior to seal coating.
2. Do all bids reflect the same square footage? Discrepancies in the square footage of the pavement to be sealed typically indicate some confusion over the exact scope of the job.
3. Do the bids include repainting your pavement markings? When sealcoating parking lots, the stripes and markings will be obscured by the sealant.
4. Are the quality and quantity of the sealant the same on all bids? There are several quality levels for sealants, so you want to ensure that contractors tender bids for equivalent products. Although different products may have slightly different coverage rates, there should not be a major difference in the number of gallons required to seal the same square footage.

Whether you need asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt paving, concrete bumpers, asphalt repairs, speed bumps, traffic signs, or thermoplastic line striping, you can count on Asphalt Care Services for superior results in the Treasure Coast area at competitive rates. We serve clients all along the Treasure Coast, including those in Boca Raton, Hobe Sound, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Indian River, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, and Sebastian. Our highly experienced employees are true paving professionals, and our customer service is exemplary. To get a free quote, submit our online request form, email [email protected], or call 772-888-2840.