Why Asphalt Sealcoating Success Is 95% Preparation

There are some things that really need a little preliminary work before you jump into them. For example, if a board needs to fit within a confined space, you measure carefully before you engage your saw. If the paint on your home’s trim is flaking off, you do not just slap some paint over it. If you are going to prepare a challenging new recipe, you make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients. In all of these scenarios, an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of disappointment. The same is true when it comes to asphalt sealcoating.

What Should Customers Do to Prepare for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Your sealcoating contractor will handle most of the prep work, but there are a couple of things you can do to help. Unless your parking lot sealcoating professional advises differently, here are the tasks you need to handle.

1. If you have a sprinkler system, turn it off at least 24 hours before your sealcoating job will start. Leave your sprinklers off for at least 24 hours after your asphalt parking lot sealcoating professional completes your work.
2. If your contractor will be applying parking lot sealcoating, you may need to communicate with your tenants or employees. They need to know the seal coating contractor’s work schedule as well as alternate parking locations. Most sealcoating companies will be happy to assist you in the preparation of these communications. However, you will likely be responsible for disseminating the information.
3. If your contractor will be seal coating areas that lie behind locked gates, make sure that you provide access. You could leave the keys with your security guard, deliver them to the contractor, or delegate an employee. Make sure that your contractor knows how to contact your keeper of the keys.
4. Ask your contractor whether you need to handle additional tasks. For example, some sealcoating companies want their customers to move empty pallets, but others will handle it themselves.

What Should Contractors Do to Prepare for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Your sealcoating contractor will need to perform most of the tasks to prepare for the job. Depending on your specific needs, your contractor will likely perform the following preparatory tasks.

1. When sealcoating parking lots, contractors often divide the pavements into sections to avoid closing the entire lot. The contractor can finish the work in one section before closing the next one. Typically, sealcoating companies prepare maps that show the different areas and the tentative schedule.
2. Your contractor may need to repair potholes or cracks before applying your sealcoating. Depending on the complexity of the repairs, your contractor may complete them a day or two earlier.
3. After erecting barricades to close the work area, your contractor will clean your pavement thoroughly. Sand, vegetation, gravel, and other debris will prevent the sealant from bonding to the pavement.
4. If necessary, your contractor will apply a primer to oil stains, areas with polished aggregate, or other trouble spots. Some older pavements with extreme oxidation may require a primer over their entire area.
5. Contractors should apply a thin coat of parking lot sealcoating, then let it dry before applying a second coat. This second coat should be dry before the contractor applies your line striping and pavement markings.

At Asphalt Care Services, we specialize in asphalt maintenance for commercial clients in the Treasure Coast region. In addition to sealcoating, we offer residential asphalt paving, parking lot striping, asphalt crack repairs, concrete work, thermoplastic line striping, pothole repairs, parking lot maintenance, speed bumps, traffic signs, and car stops. We have an exemplary reputation for workmanship, professionalism, and service. To request a free quote, call 772-888-2840, submit our online form, or email [email protected].