How to Choose the Best Sealcoating Company
A clean and attractive parking area is an important part of your business presentation. When investing in sealcoating and crack sealing, you want to be sure it’ll be done properly. If you’re looking into sealcoating companies near New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, trust the experienced team at American Asphalt. Here, we discuss the features to look for in a sealcoating company before signing a contract.
Licensing and Insurance
The very first thing you should look for in a sealcoating company is licensing. Most states don’t require a professional license for sealcoating. They do, however, require a general contractor’s license for all technicians on the paving team to guarantee their qualifications and your safety.
You should also prioritize companies with accreditation. While not required for business, recognition from a respected organization is proof of a company’s quality. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) are two top accreditors to look for, as well as any state or regional authority.
At American Asphalt, we have earned recognition from established organizations within the construction space, including certifications from the ABC, NAPA, and New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association (NJAPA).
Experience in Your Area
As with any occupation, experience is the name of the game. The longer a company has been in business, the more opportunities it’s had to make mistakes, learn, and improve its offerings. A seasoned business will deliver a higher-quality service with greater efficiency and fewer flaws than a novice who may not have learned how to avoid common mishaps.
In particular, look for experience within your area. Different climates introduce different challenges, such as high heat, freezing winters, rainfall, or dry weather. Pavers with local experience will know how best to build a driveway that stands up to your area’s weather.
American Asphalt has been in business since 1903, offering more than 100 years of experience in the NJ and eastern PA areas.
Quality Materials
High-quality paving is made possible with high-quality materials. Not all asphalt is made equal. Cheap or poorly-mixed asphalt may introduce a fatal flaw that impacts the quality or longevity of your pavement. Common consequences of low-quality materials in sealcoating include:
- Loose materials
- Shrinkage
- Cracking
- Rough or uneven surface
At American Asphalt, we use our own asphalt production to control quality and ensure that every job is completed using the best materials available.
Project Warranties
Even high-quality work can be susceptible to damage and breakdown. That is why it’s also important to find a business that provides a warranty for their work. This is a guarantee that the finished sealcoating will meet your expectations for functionality and durability. If it doesn’t, the company will repair or replace it without extra charge. The warranty demonstrates the company’s confidence in its handiwork, and it protects you against extra costs should anything happen.
American Asphalt is proud to offer an extended three-year warranty on pavements and parking lots, providing peace of mind.
Detailed Specifications
When drawing up a contract, make sure that project specifications are as detailed as possible. You have a vision for your business and a clear understanding of what it needs. You want to be sure that you receive the product that you paid for, including special features like ADA compliance.
Detailed specifications will guide your pavers to complete the project exactly as you want them to. If they fail to deliver, this also empowers you to seek legal action for breach of contract. Pavers are held accountable for the work they deliver, so they’re motivated to follow your design.
Clear Communication
Precise project specifications are backed up by clear communication. New developments may arise at any time. Especially as work begins, your pavers may discover problems or complications you weren’t aware of when the contract was written.
This is why clear, honest communication is essential at every stage of the process, from cost estimates and contracting up to the finishing touches. By keeping you in the loop, the paving company allows you to participate in any decision-making that needs to occur mid-project. They also give you peace of mind that, should anything unexpected occur, you’ll be alerted.
Positive Client References
While some of these features can be discovered and evaluated during the first meeting, you may only learn others after partnering with a company. This can make it difficult to determine how good a company will be at communication until you’ve already paid them.
If you don’t yet trust the company’s word, trust its clients. Past customers use reviews and references to share their experiences, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect. In the case of a bad company, negative reviews can warn you about potential complications. Similarly, if the company is good, positive remarks will give you extra confidence in your selection.
Find Sealcoating Companies Near NJ and Eastern PA
Once you know what features to look for, it’s possible to identify the best sealcoating companies near NJ and eastern PA before you invest. For outstanding professionalism and quality control, trust American Asphalt to provide your sealcoating services. Contact us by phone or with our ready-to-fill form to learn more.