Asphalt sealcoating is critical for a variety of reasons. With it, asphalt is protected from weather elements, UV rays, and gas/oil stains – all of which can lead to cracks and discoloration. 

While you can sometimes do small sealcoating projects yourself, large-scale ones are best done by an expert. But, it can be difficult to figure out who the best one for the task is. 

If you need an asphalt sealcoating contractor but are unsure where to start, check out this article. Below you’ll discover essential tips to use so you find the right one. 

6 Tips for Finding the Best Asphalt Sealcoating Contractor

Consider the Job

The first thing you’ll want to do is contemplate the task. Is it a large or small one? Does it involve a steep incline? You’ll want to review the area to see how big the job is and if there might be some challenges that could bump the price up. It will also help you identify concerns to ask the contractor about. 

Do Adequate Research

It’s vital to thoroughly investigate any sealcoating contractor before hiring them. While a certain sealcoating business and its features might sound tempting, that doesn’t mean it’s the right one. 

When researching a contractor check for a website. If they don’t have one, that’s a huge warning sign. As you browse their site, visit the various pages and read more about their history. This will give you an idea of how long they’ve been in business and the services they offer. Most of the time, they’ll also have photos so you see their previous jobs. 

Also, check review sites and search around for references. With them, you can understand what previous customers thought of the service. Keep in mind though that some might leave behind petty reviews. It’s a good idea to read multiple ones to get a general sense of things. 

Ensure the Contractor is Licensed, Insured, and Bonded

After narrowing down the contractors you’d like to use, double-check that they’re licensed, insured, and bonded. While these might seem like the same thing, they are starkly different.

  • Licensed – a certification indicating a sealcoating contractor is knowledgeable in this field. 
  • Insured – this protects both you and the contractor in case there are injuries or damages during the job.
  • Bonded – this guarantees that the job will get done right. If not, bonding will pay for another round or for a different contractor to complete the task. 

It’s key that a contractor provides you with this information. It’s also important that you verify that any details they give you are authentic. Often, you can research the license number to confirm that it’s genuine and up-to-date. 

Their Pricing 

Another good thing to look at is the contractor’s pricing. If it’s a low price for a major job, it could sound like a good deal but this often indicates a lack of experience or poor quality. On the other hand, a pricey quote might not always mean that the job will be great and the contractor is instead trying to get an extra profit. This is why it’s crucial to get an estimate before signing any contract. 

While the pricing will vary, most of the time, it will range anywhere from $1,000-$1,500 depending on the job’s scope and complexity. If you’re worried about spending this much, consider having the contractor seal a small portion of the area. This way, you can evaluate their quality and see if you’d like them to do the rest of the job. 

Ask Questions

You might be hesitant to question a contractor as it could come across as being rude. You might also not know what should be asked. 

Asking questions is critical. Not only does it show the contractor that you’re serious, but it lets you see how well they know their job. If they’re unable to answer certain questions, that’s a concern. 

Some things to inquire about are:

  • What materials do you use? Who are your suppliers?
  • What is your mix design? 
  • How will you manage the project?
  • How long do you think it will take to complete?

You can visit the contractor in person or contact them with the information on their website. They should provide a prompt response. If they don’t respond or take a while to, it’s best to look elsewhere. 

If There’s a Warranty

A warranty is another detail to consider. This makes certain that the job will last for a certain period of time. If it doesn’t, the warranty will cover a new sealcoating. 

This might seem like a minor issue but it’s important. If you don’t have a warranty in writing, you risk the job being done poorly. 

Make sure to confirm the details (such as how long it lasts) and that these are on the contract before signing. If not, you might find that the contractor denies it which will leave you with a mess. 

If a contractor doesn’t provide a warranty use caution. You might want to see if they can add one for your job, especially if it’s a large one. If not, you probably want to search for a different service. 

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Besides these aspects you also need to do a few things. One is preparing the site. While the contractor will do most of this work, it’s ideal that you spend some time cleaning the area from debris. You might also want to block off the section so vehicles don’t drive over it – something which could transport more dirt and debris to the area. 

You also want to watch the weather. If there will be extreme temperatures or rain, asphalt sealcoating can’t be done because the material will warp or wash away. If this is the case, you’ll need to reschedule. 

In the end, the sealcoating contractor will assist with these aspects but it’s still good to monitor them yourself. 

Searching for an asphalt sealcoating contractor can be difficult, especially since so many exist. But, with these tips, you can easily determine which one is right for your project.