When it's time to invest in sealcoating to protect your asphalt pavement, the gut instinct for many is to go with the lowest bid they receive from contractors. While everyone wants to save money, choosing the lowest bid isn't always the smartest choice. Asphalt sealcoating in Fort Wayne is a vital maintenance service that impacts longevity, reliability and beauty. Unfortunately, not all contractors have your best interests in mind, cutting costs and skimping on quality to offer low bids. Here's what you need to know.
How Do Some Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Offer Suspiciously Low Bids?
When receiving low bids, the biggest concern is that contractors might try to "stiff" you when performing Fort Wayne sealcoating. Sad to say, but there are unscrupulous companies that may cut corners. Here are a few ways shady sealcoating companies offer low bids while delivering inferior service.
Low-Quality Seal Coat Mixes: You might hear asphalt sealcoating companies say they have special deals from seal coat product manufacturers. However, the truth is that contractors typically pay around the same price for materials. To keep costs low, these asphalt sealcoating companies may use low-quality sealers. Even worse, they might water down the mix or add more sand than recommended by the manufacturer to stretch the supply. The result is lackluster protection and a significantly shorter sealcoating lifespan.
Working Without Insurance: Some contractors reduce their overhead by operating without insurance. Insurance is a safeguard asphalt sealcoating contractors need. Without it, you may be liable for any accidents or injuries that occur during the job.
Zero Surface Prep: Asphalt sealer needs a clean, dry surface to bond correctly. Reputable asphalt sealcoating companies will take time to prepare the surface, perform repairs and fill cracks before applying the seal coat. Shady contractors may forgo that crucial preparation process entirely to cut costs and provide a low bid.
Hasty and Improper Application: Successful asphalt sealcoating requires several thin coats of sealer. Because time is money, some unreliable companies may apply a single thick coat and be on their way. The problem is that a thick coat doesn't cure properly, resulting in poor bonding, lackluster protection and quick peeling.
Can Inexperience Cause a Contractor to Provide Low Sealcoating Bids?
Not all sealcoating companies will cut corners intentionally. Inexperienced contractors may not realize the amount of work involved in properly applying sealcoating in Fort Wayne. The process looks simple, but sealcoating companies must fill cracks, perform repairs and prepare the surface. Preparation may include sweeping, washing and pre-treating stains.
A lack of experience may cause some contractors to think that sealcoating in Fort Wayne is quick and easy. Therefore, they provide a low bid. This scenario is common among companies that offer asphalt sealer applications or pavement maintenance as a "side" service.
How Many Sealcoating Bids Should I Request?
Ideally, property owners and managers should get at least three Fort Wayne sealcoating bids. Multiple bids give you a better idea of what this service costs for your property. Furthermore, you can easily spot suspiciously low asphalt sealcoating quotes and gather the information you need to make an educated decision.
Ensure that all bids are detailed and comprehensive. The quote should be fully itemized, breaking down the cost of labor, materials, etc.
How Do I Choose the Best Bid for Sealcoating in Fort Wayne?
It's natural to prioritize cost when budgeting for Fort Wayne sealcoating. However, it shouldn't be the only thing you consider.
Before choosing a contractor, ask for more information about the asphalt sealer used, the company's approach to projects like yours, their preparation techniques and more. You should also ask for proof of insurance and licensing. Request references you can call and do your due diligence to understand the quality of service provided and the results provided on previous projects.
Let Asphalt Authority handle all your Fort Wayne sealcoating needs. Since we started serving the community in 2022, we've earned several awards and accolades that commend our dedication to quality and stellar customer service. We're passionate about asphalt maintenance and work hard to do things right. We never cut corners to save a few bucks. Instead, we offer reliable service, fair pricing and an unwavering commitment to the highest sealcoating standards. We provide numerous services to keep your pavement in great shape, including crack repair, general repair, resurfacing, parking lot striping, traffic signage, ADA compliance and new paving.
Contact Asphalt Authority today to learn more and get a fair, no-obligation quote. You can call us at (260)450-4976, email info@asphalt-authority.com or use our online contact form to reach out.
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