5 Big Mistakes Made By Aspen Asphalt Sealcoating Companies

Reputable, experienced Aspen asphalt sealcoating companies can properly service your pavement, providing years of lasting protection and beauty. However, newer companies and amateurs often make mistakes that end up costing you more in the long run. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most common mistakes that rookie contractors often make when applying parking lot and driveway sealer.

Is It Wise for Sealcoating Companies to Treat Sealer as a Crack Filler?

Here’s a mistake we see many sealcoating companies in Aspen make. Contrary to what many believe, parking lot and driveway sealer isn’t a fix-all solution to asphalt damage. While a top-quality sealer can certainly fill tiny, hairline cracks, it’s not a crack filler.

To ensure great results, you must invest in comprehensive repairs first. That means filling and sealing all cracks, patching potholes, correcting surface defects, and more. The best asphalt sealcoating companies will inspect your pavement and help you understand what issues need addressing. Many also offer crack-filling and repair services, making the entire process much easier for you.

What Happens When Asphalt Companies Skip Surface Prep?

Asphalt sealcoating products need a clean, dry surface to bond to. Unfortunately, blacktop surfaces do a stellar job of masking dirt and grime. Chances are, your pavement is much filthier than it looks. The best asphalt sealcoating companies know that, so they go the extra mile to ensure your paving is ready for application.

Contractors may clean up surrounding vegetation, pick up trash and yard debris, sweep away dirt, and wash the pavement with a mild detergent. It’s only after those tasks are complete, and your asphalt is dry, that contractors should apply the driveway sealer. Otherwise, the results will be short-lived.

Do Contractors Need to Keep an Eye on the Weather Forecast Before Sealcoating in Aspen CO?

Sealcoating in Aspen CO should occur during the spring and summer seasons when conditions are warm. Parking lot and driveway sealers don’t perform well when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempting to seal your pavement during the winter will lead to lengthy cure times, freezing sealer, and other frustrating issues.

All that said, sealcoating companies in Aspen still need to be mindful of the forecast during the warmer months. Here’s what the best asphalt sealcoating companies look for when scheduling service appointments:

• Temperatures: Air and ground temperatures should be above 50 degrees but below 95 degrees. The perfect conditions are around 70 degrees.
• Humidity Levels: Experts prefer humidity levels below 60% for the best results.
• Wind Speeds: Slow and steady wind speeds of 3 to 5 MPH help to facilitate proper curing.
• Sun Exposure: Surfaces should have at least 4 hours of direct sun exposure for curing.
• Precipitation: There should be zero chance of rain or snow on the forecast.

Is It a Mistake for Aspen Asphalt Sealcoating Companies to Apply One Thick Coat?

Asphalt sealcoating isn’t as simple as slathering on a layer of thick sealer. That approach will create a huge mess. Inexperienced sealcoating companies may try to save time by doing a single thicker coat. However, the correct approach is to apply two or more layers, allowing each one to dry before moving on to the next to build up coverage.

Thicker coats take ages to cure and often dry unevenly. The top may harden first, trapping moisture below. Driving on the pavement will then lead to messy rutting and peeling.

Experienced asphalt sealcoating companies will identify high-traffic areas on your pavement. Then, they’ll build up coverage in those more vulnerable spots to ensure protection and longevity.

Should Asphalt Sealcoating Companies Keep the Serviced Area Blocked Off After They Complete the Job?

Don’t trust any sealcoating companies in Aspen that claim your pavement is ready for immediate use after application. Driveway sealers take 24 to 48 hours to cure fully. It may be dry to the touch after only a few hours, but you must wait those 24 to 48 hours before you drive or walk on your pavement.

Sealers cure slowly via evaporation. The moisture evaporates, leaving the protective asphalt behind to bond to your asphalt. Using the pavement before that can happen will ruin the finish and deprive your asphalt of the protection it needs.

When you hire High Country Asphalt, you don’t have to worry about these mistakes. We’re an asphalt sealcoating company with years of experience. Our team is well-trained and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. We don’t cut corners or make silly mistakes that compromise quality. Instead, we work diligently to provide the reliable service you deserve.

That applies to not only sealcoating in Aspen CO, but all our services. You can turn to us for asphalt repair, asphalt crack sealing, hot-applied mastic sealant, parking lot striping, maintenance, and more. We’re also proud to offer free quotes. Give High Country Asphalt a call at (970) 376-4039 to get yours today. You can also email the team at 970highcountryasphalt@gmail.com or use our online form.