Choosing the right Southfield pavement sealing professionals is crucial for extending the lifespan and enhancing the appearance of your asphalt or concrete surfaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Understand Pavement Sealing: It’s a protective measure to extend the life of your pavement by preventing damage from weather, chemicals, and wear.
- Check Credentials: Look for licensing, insurance, and industry certifications such as NPCA, ASCA, and NPEC.
- Signs of Quality Workmanship: Consider experience, portfolio, and detailed process practices.
- Customer Feedback: Research reviews, social media, testimonials, and directly ask for references.
- Cost Considerations: Costs vary based on the size and condition of the pavement, with typical residential and commercial pricing provided.
- Comparing Service Offerings: Evaluate companies based on their services like crack sealing, sealcoating, and line striping.
Motor City Sealcoating is highlighted as a reputable provider with over 20 years of experience, emphasizing their knowledge, material quality, and customer satisfaction. When making your decision, weigh cost against value, verify credentials, review past work, read reviews critically, and compare services side-by-side for a well-rounded choice.
Checking Credentials
When you’re looking to hire someone to seal your pavement, it’s important to make sure they’re the real deal. Here’s what to look out for:
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure the company has:
- A real business license
- Insurance to cover accidents
- Insurance in case someone gets hurt on the job
This keeps you safe if something goes wrong. Don’t go with a company that doesn’t have insurance.
Industry Certifications
It’s good if the company’s workers have special training. Look for:
- NPCA (National Pavement Contractors Association): Shows they know a lot about taking care of asphalt, including how to do it safely and well.
- ASCA (American Society for Concrete Contractors): Means they’re really good with concrete, too.
- NPEC (National Pavement Expo and Conference): Tells you they keep learning about the best new ways to do their job.
Companies that keep learning and getting these certifications are usually better at their jobs.
Customer Reviews
See what other people have said about their work:
- Are most people happy with them?
- Do they say the work was done well?
- Any complaints?
Go with companies that have a lot of happy customers. It means you can probably trust them to do a good job, too.
By checking for licenses, insurance, special training, and happy customers, you can pick a company that will do a great job sealing your pavement. It’s worth taking the time to make sure.
Signs of Quality Workmanship
When picking a company to seal your pavement, you want to make sure they do a good job. Here are three main things to look for:
Experience
It’s a good sign if a company has been around for a while. You should ask:
- How long have they been working?
- How much experience do the people doing the work have?
- Do they focus just on sealing or do they do other things too?
Companies that have been doing this for over five years usually know what they’re doing. They’re familiar with the best ways to seal and the best materials to use.
Portfolio
Ask to see some of the work they’ve done. A good portfolio shows:
- Different types of projects: Have they worked on both small driveways and big parking lots?
- Before and after pictures: Can you see the difference their work makes?
- Recent projects: Are the photos from lately? Older photos might not show their current skill level.
Looking at their work can help you see if they’re good at what they do.
Process and Practices
Find out how they seal pavement:
- Products used: Are they using high-quality sealants and the right tools?
- Crack repair: How do they fix cracks before sealing?
- Safety: Do they make sure everything is safe for people, property, and the environment while they work?
Good companies will clearly explain how they do their work. They should prepare the surface well before sealing. Knowing their process helps you understand what to expect.
Taking the time to check these things can help you feel sure you’re choosing a company that will do a great job.
Customer Feedback
It’s really helpful to see what other people say about a pavement sealing company before you choose one. Here’s how to find honest opinions:
Review Sites
Websites like Yelp and Google Reviews are great for seeing what customers think. Look for:
- Star ratings – A score of 4 or more usually means they’re doing a good job.
- Number of reviews – Lots of reviews mean they’ve been around.
- Recent reviews – Comments from the last year tell you how they’re doing now.
Read the good and bad reviews to get the full picture. Even the best companies make mistakes, but they should be willing to fix them.
Social Media
Companies often post their happy customers’ comments on Facebook or Instagram. This lets you:
- Read compliments from people who’ve used their services.
- Look at pictures of the work they’ve done.
- See how the company talks to their customers.
Remember, companies choose what to post on their pages, so it’s a bit like seeing their best side. Still, it’s useful to see what they’re proud of.
Testimonials
On the company’s website, you might find videos or written praise from customers. Check if:
- They talk about specific jobs they did. General compliments might not mean much.
- Lots of people say the same good things. This could mean the company is consistently good.
Companies pick the best testimonials to show off, but these comments can still tell you a lot.
References
Good companies will let you talk to past customers if you ask. This is a chance to:
- Ask about things that matter to you.
- Make sure the company keeps its promises.
- Find out if they finish work on time and within the budget.
What these past customers say should match up with online reviews. If someone says everything was perfect, but online reviews disagree, think twice.
Looking at reviews, social media, testimonials, and talking to references gives you a full view of what a company is like. Pick one that shows they know what they’re doing, have a good track record, and really listen to their customers.
Cost Considerations
When you’re planning to get your driveway or parking lot sealed in Southfield, the price can change a lot depending on what you need. But, there are some common prices you might see.
Typical Price Ranges
For a normal driveway for two cars (that’s about 400-600 square feet), you might pay:
- Crack sealing only: $200 – $400
- Sealcoating only: $300 – $700
- Crack sealing + sealcoating: $500 – $1,000
For businesses, the cost is usually by the square foot:
- Crack sealing: $0.25 – $0.75 per square foot
- Sealcoating: $0.35 – $1.00 per square foot
So, if you have a 5,000 square foot parking lot, it could cost between $2,500 and $7,500 to seal cracks and put on a new coat.
Key Variables Impacting Cost
Some things can make the job cost more or less:
- Size of area: Bigger places need more stuff and time.
- Surface condition: If it’s really cracked or damaged, it’s more work to fix.
- Type of pavement: Concrete usually costs more to seal than asphalt.
- Special features: Things like lines for parking spots or designs add to the cost.
- Accessibility: If it’s hard to get to, it takes more work.
Make sure you get a detailed estimate so you know what you’re paying for. Ask if there are extra fees for things like getting permits or renting equipment.
Importance of Clear Specifications
To get a good estimate, contractors need to know exactly what they’re working with. You should tell them:
- How big the area is
- How many cracks there are and how bad they are
- What kind of pavement you have
- Pictures of what it looks like now
- Where they can get in with their equipment
With all this info, contractors can give you a more accurate price and plan the job right. Including details like parking spot lines helps them consider everything that affects the price.
The more you can tell them upfront, the better they can figure out what’s needed and give you a fair price.
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Comparing Service Offerings
When picking a company to seal your pavement in Southfield, it’s smart to look at what each company offers. Here are some key services to think about:
Crack Sealing
This is when companies fill in cracks to keep water out and stop them from getting worse. Here’s what to compare:
- What kind of stuff they use to fill the cracks
- If they promise to fix it again for free if it doesn’t last
- If they clean the cracks well before filling them
Sealcoating
This is putting a protective layer over your pavement. Questions to ask include:
- What kind of protective layer they use
- How thick they put it on
- How long they promise it will last
Line Striping
This is about adding lines for parking spots or other markings. Look for:
- What kind of paint they use
- What colors and patterns they offer
- If they can do special designs
Additional Services
Some companies might also offer extra things like cleaning with pressure washers or sealing concrete.
Here’s a simple table to compare what three different companies might offer:
| Service | ABC Sealcoating | Acme Asphalt Care | Driveway Doctors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crack Sealing | Clean with router, tar-based filler, 3-year promise | Clean with router, silicone filler, no promise | No router, asphalt filler, 1-year promise |
| Sealcoating | Tar-based layer, 16 mil thick, 5-year promise | Asphalt-based layer, 22 mil thick, 3-year promise | Tar-based layer, 12 mil thick, 2-year promise |
| Line Striping | Traffic paint, basic colors, no special designs | Traffic paint, many colors, custom designs | Basic paint, white/yellow, simple lines |
| Other Services | Pressure washing | Concrete sealing | N/A |
By looking at a table like this, you can easily see the differences in what each company offers, like the quality of their products, how long their work is supposed to last, and if they can do any special designs. This helps you choose the best company for what you need.
Motor City Sealcoating
Motor City Sealcoating is a great pick if you need someone to seal your driveway or parking lot in Southfield. They’ve been doing this for over 20 years, so they really know their stuff. They’re always learning new ways to do things better and use the best materials out there.
Here’s what you get with them:
- They start by cleaning the surface well and fixing any cracks. This makes sure the sealing sticks and lasts longer.
- They use top-notch sealants that are meant to stand up to weather and wear. Plus, they’re careful to apply it evenly so every bit of your pavement is protected.
- They care about keeping things safe and clean, using products that won’t harm people, pets, or plants. They also make sure not to mess up anything around the work area.
- People really like working with them. They have loads of positive reviews praising their attention to detail, how well they stick to schedules, and the quality of their work.
Choosing Motor City Sealcoating means you’re going with pros who are committed to doing a great job on your property. They have a solid track record for both homes and businesses in Southfield.
Making Your Decision
When you’re picking a company to seal your driveway or parking lot, you want to make sure you’re making a smart choice. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Weighing Cost and Value
Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Sometimes, paying a bit more means your driveway will look good and last longer. Make sure the company knows what they’re doing, has good reviews, and offers the services you need.
Checking Credentials Carefully
Make sure the company has the right paperwork, like a license and insurance. They should also know the latest in sealing techniques and care about keeping everyone safe. Good reviews from other customers are a big plus.
Reviewing Experience and Past Work
A company that’s been around for a while is usually a good sign. Look at pictures of their past jobs to see if you like their work. Recent projects are especially important to check out.
Reading Reviews Critically
No company is perfect, but how they handle problems matters. Read reviews to get the whole picture and talk to past customers if you can. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Comparing Services Side-by-Side
Think about what each company offers, like how they fill cracks or what kind of sealant they use. If you need extra services, see who offers them. Pick the company that fits what you’re looking for.
Considering Convenience Factors
Good communication, sticking to a schedule, and cleaning up after are important. Also, if it’s easy for them to get to your place, that’s a plus. A hassle-free experience is always better.
By looking at these things—how much it costs, if the company is qualified, their past work, what people say about them, what services they provide, and how easy they make the process—you can choose the right company with confidence. It takes a bit of research, but it’s worth it for a job well done.
Conclusion
Picking the right company for sealing your pavement in Southfield means looking into their work and making sure they do a good job. Here’s what you should remember:
- Check their papers like licenses and insurance, plus any special training they have, to make sure they’re allowed to work and know what they’re doing.
- Look at their past work to see if they’ve done good sealing jobs before. This tells you they can handle your driveway or parking lot.
- See what services they offer to make sure they can do what you need, like filling cracks, putting on a protective coat, or painting lines.
- Read what people say about them on different websites to get a full picture of how well they work and treat their customers.
- Think about how easy they are to work with like if they’re good at talking to you, sticking to their schedule, and cleaning up when they’re done.
- Balance how much it costs with what you get. You want to spend wisely for a service that makes your pavement last longer and look better.
Doing your homework before you choose can save you from headaches later. Good sealing work keeps your pavement in top shape, cutting down on the need for expensive fixes. Picking the wrong folks could mean trouble and extra costs.
Motor City Sealcoating has been doing this for over 20 years. They know their stuff, use the best materials, and people really like their work. They’re a solid choice for your pavement needs in Southfield. Give them a call to talk about what you need.
Related Questions
What is the best time to seal an asphalt driveway?
The best time to seal an asphalt driveway is when it’s warm out, like in spring, summer, or early fall, and the temperature is above 55°F. Make sure it’s not going to rain right before or after you plan to seal it because water can mess up how well the sealant works. Try to pick a day that’s dry and warm.
What driveway sealer lasts the longest?
Liquid Rubber Driveway Restore is really good for lasting a long time. It’s made from a special rubber that’s 100% pure, and when you put on a few layers, it makes a strong cover that doesn’t crack easily and can handle really hot or cold weather. If you put on two layers, it can last between 5-8 years, and with three layers, it can last over 10 years.
What asphalt sealer do professionals use?
Professionals often use a type of sealer made from coal tar because it’s really good at protecting against the weather, lasts a long time, and sticks well to the asphalt. A popular choice is SealMaster Coal Tar Sealer. This kind of sealer can keep your driveway in good shape for 3-5 years before you need to apply it again. It’s made with special ingredients that help it stick better.
What type of driveway sealing is best?
For concrete driveways, sealers made from acrylic work really well. They go deep into the concrete to stop water damage and have special stuff in them to keep the sun from making them turn yellow. A good one to use is EnduraSeal Acrylic Sealer, which can last for more than 5 years each time you apply it.
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