Sealcoating is an economical way to help you obtain a long, attractive life for your asphalt pavement. However, although asphalt sealcoating is economical, you still want to get the most for your money. One way of achieving this goal is to ensure that you deal with a reputable contractor, and one way that you will know whether you have made a wise decision is to ask about the aggregates that will be used in the sealant mix. A credible contractor will incorporate aggregates, but a disreputable one will likely tell you that they are unnecessary. Here are the reasons that aggregates are essential — and why shady operators avoid them.
Asphalt Sealcoating: Is Adding An Aggregate Important? Why Aggregates Are Essential
Aggregates can be defined as particulate materials that are added to a variety of mixes. You may have seen gravel or rocks in walls, pillars or pavements constructed with concrete. The aggregates used in sealcoating are similar, but instead of rocks or gravel, a sealcoating mix requires silica sand or crushed slag. The aggregates are essential for the following reasons.
• Aggregates increase traction on sealed pavements. Sealcoating that does not contain aggregates will be somewhat slick when dry and noticeably slick when wet. This places pedestrians, cyclists and motorists at risk.
• Aggregates improve the appearance of the pavement. The tiny particles will settle in minor imperfections, including hairline cracks. The pavement will have a smoother, more even appearance.
• The durability of the sealcoating will be enhanced by the addition of aggregates. The bond between the sealcoating and the pavement will be strengthened, and the sealcoating itself will be stronger.
• Sealants contain water that must evaporate for curing to occur. Aggregates help with the evaporation process.
Why Disreputable Contractors Shun Aggregates
The first thing that you should understand is those shady asphalt companies are not prone to caring about their reputations or securing repeat customers. They tend to be interested only in obtaining the greatest profit in the shortest time. Most of these shady characters are gypsy asphalt contractors who are constantly moving from town to town. They swoop in, perform as many jobs as possible, and then move on quickly before their shoddy work fails.
A top-notch sealcoating mix costs money. The sealant, additives and quality aggregates are not cheap. Gypsy contractors want to create the cheapest mix possible, so eliminating aggregates is one way of keeping costs down and profits high. It is not just the cost of the aggregates; by leaving out the aggregates, they can add more water to the mix to make it cover a larger area.
In addition, most gypsy sealcoating contractors balk at investing in quality equipment. A good sealcoating machine would set them back about $20,000. These machines agitate the mix to keep aggregates distributed evenly throughout the mix so that the sealant will have a uniform distribution of aggregates.
Contact MH Greeson to Learn More
MH Greeson Paving specializes in sealcoating and other types of asphalt maintenance for customers in Marietta and North Georgia. Our services include crack repair, parking lot striping, asphalt repair, traffic signs, asphalt paving, bollard installation, pavement marking and the installation of car stops. Whether your job is large or small, we can provide you with superior workmanship at affordable rates. If you would like a free quote, use the online form or call (770) 335-2983.
