Critical Questions To Ask Before Hiring A St. Louis Asphalt Sealcoating Company

Sealcoating is an important maintenance task that keeps asphalt paving looking its best. It shields pavement from the elements, maintains curb appeal and helps prevent costly damage. Many St. Louis asphalt sealcoating companies offer service throughout the area. But as a property owner or manager, it’s your job to ask the right questions and ensure you choose a contractor fit to meet your needs. Here are several critical questions to ask before hiring an asphalt sealcoating company.

Does Your Asphalt Sealcoating Company Have Insurance?

Never work with an uninsured sealcoating contractor. While the job seems easy enough, accidents, injuries and property damage can still occur. Insurance protects your bottom line in the worst-case scenario. Ask for proof of insurance when speaking to asphalt sealcoating companies for peace of mind.

Contractors should have workers’ compensation to cover employees who service your pavement, vehicle liability insurance for the vehicles the company uses to complete the job and general liability insurance to cover accidents or property damage. Some sealcoating contractors may have additional policies, but you should ask for proof of the bare minimum before hiring any company to perform this service.

What Types of Products Does Your Company Use for St. Louis Asphalt Sealcoating?

The protection and longevity of asphalt sealcoating can hinge on the types of products used. Sealers are asphalt emulsions that contain asphalt, water and other additives. There are many different formulas on the market, and they can vary dramatically in quality. The last thing you want is to pay top dollar for service while getting an inferior sealer in return.

Inquire about sealcoating products used and how the contractor prepares them. Some asphalt sealcoating companies may offer different options to cater to varying budgets. Either way, request more information about them to understand what you’re getting. For sealcoating prep, ask how the contractor uses sand during the process. Sand additives improve longevity, increase traction and help reduce glare.

How Does Your Company Approach Sealcoating in St. Louis?

Next, ask contractors for more details about how they perform sealcoating in St. Louis. There are a few things to look for in their response.

The first is surface preparation. All asphalt sealcoating jobs require prep work to ensure the pavement is clean and dry. Skilled asphalt sealcoating companies will remove any trash, clean up vegetation, wash the surface and pre-treat leaking vehicle stains. If an asphalt sealcoating company doesn’t mention surface preparation, it may be a sign that they cut corners.

You must also consider finer details like application thickness and curing. Successful sealcoating involves applying at least two thin coats of product. Companies that apply one thick coat and call it a day cut corners, resulting in lackluster protection for your pavement. Asphalt sealcoating also needs 24 to 48 hours to cure before surfaces are ready for use.

Having potential contractors discuss their processes provides more insight into their skill level. You can also gauge their dedication to communication. If contractors hesitate to divulge their techniques, they may be hiding behind inexperience.

Do You Have Any References or Examples of Your Work Doing St. Louis Asphalt Sealcoating?

Remember to ask for references and a portfolio of work. References are a great way to learn more about a sealcoating contractor directly from someone who’s worked with them. Meanwhile, photos and examples of previous work provide visual proof of a company’s skills. Both should provide valuable information you can use to make a confident hiring decision.

When you need sealcoating in St. Louis, there’s no better contractor to hire than Element Facility Solutions. We have several years of experience serving clients like you throughout St. Louis and surrounding Midwest states. We use the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art application equipment, all while investing in continual training to ensure our team does the best job possible. At Element Facility Solutions, we’re also committed to providing transparent pricing, clear communication and plenty of job updates to keep you in the loop.

We’re available for all your asphalt maintenance needs. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, repairs, parking lot striping, ongoing maintenance, traffic signage, concrete repairs and more. We’re eager to answer all your questions and provide great care you can count on. Call Element Facility Solutions today at (636)299-3419, email elementfacility@gmail.com or use our online contact form to learn more and get a free project quote.