Why the Lowest Sealcoating Bid Isn’t Always The Best  

Why the Lowest Sealcoating Bid Isn’t Always The Best

In the world of asphalt maintenance, the old saying, “You get what you pay for,” rings true! Maintenance tasks like sealcoating play a massive role in your paving’s long-term maintenance, safeguarding your surface against UV damage, water penetration and more. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest sealcoating bid given to you by contractors in your area, it’s important to do your due diligence.

Contractors like High Country Asphalt operate honestly and transparently, but the same doesn’t always apply to others offering asphalt sealcoating services. Low-bidding companies may promise cheap services, but you may also get cheap results!

Why Should I Question A Low Sealcoating Bid?

Getting a low estimate for asphalt sealing might initially be a welcome surprise. But it’s always important to question low bids, especially if they’re significantly lower than others you receive.

Ultimately, total asphalt sealcoating costs should be similar across the board among contractors you consider. The driveway sealing costs covering materials won’t change much. It’s the labor costs and additional services that vary.

While one contractor might offer a significantly lower price than the others, there’s a huge risk that they will do a shoddy job. Unfortunately, the more unscrupulous companies in this profession will take advantage of a potential client’s unfamiliarity with sealcoating. A lower bid might reflect cheaper application methods, watered-down sealing products and other potentially unethical practices.

How Can I Tell That a Sealcoating Company is Inexperienced?

Another reason a low bid might mean shoddy work is inexperience. Asphalt driveways require experience and technical knowledge to maintain. Seasoned contractors study their craft, invest in high-quality tools and use innovative techniques to deliver great results. That expertise often reflects in the total asphalt sealcoating cost.

Inexperienced contractors may do things that lower driveway sealing cost but impact the protection your pavement receives. For example, those low-bidding contractors might work on overcast or rainy days, risking the curing process. Or, they might use a sprayer throughout instead of cutting in with hand tools to prevent overspray. Some will apply one thick coat instead of multiple thin ones, resulting in many issues in the future.

What Are Some Red Flags to Look for Before Hiring a Driveway Sealcoating Company?

Bids to understand the total asphalt sealcoating costs you’ll need to cover can be overwhelming. You’ll communicate with several contractors. During those conversations, pay attention to what’s said.

Steer clear of contractors unwilling to answer your questions or discuss the asphalt sealing process. That could indicate inexperience. Also, avoid contractors who don’t provide written documentation and an itemized bid covering all driveway sealing costs. You want to see all costs involved, including brands and quantities of materials, labor expenses, etc.

Finally, contractors who get vague or dismissive when discussing crew experience, insurance coverage, and other important details should be avoided.

What Should I Expect When Getting A Sealcoating Bid from Contractors?

Getting quotes for asphalt sealcoating should be straightforward. When communicating with contractors, ask for documentation, itemized bids for asphalt sealcoating and more. It would help if you also inquired about their experience with asphalt sealing. Reliable contractors will have no problem answering your questions and providing all the necessary information.

But don’t stop there. Do your due diligence!

Dig deep to research a contractor’s experience. Read reviews and past client testimonials. You can also ask to see examples of past work. Some companies say they can seal an asphalt driveway, but the best way to validate the information you’re told is to do your research.

From there, you can find the contractor who best meets your parking lot or driveway sealcoating needs. Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. While you might pay more to go with a company offering a slightly higher bid, you may get better results.

If you need help with parking lot or driveway sealcoating, turn to High Country Asphalt. We proudly serve property owners and managers throughout Eagle County, Colorado. Our services include sealing and crack repairs for asphalt driveways, parking lot maintenance, striping and more.

At High Country Asphalt, we’re committed to providing excellent results that exceed your expectations. Your satisfaction is our ultimate priority, and we work hard to ensure fairness, reliability and top-quality workmanship.

Call High Country Asphalt today at (970)376-4039 or email us at 970highcountryasphalt@gmail.com for a free quote. For convenience, you can also submit your information through our online contact form.