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After a lot of deliberation and many sleepless nights, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and start your own asphalt maintenance business. You’ve been looking for sealcoating and crack filling equipment all over the internet, but you still haven’t settled for one yet.

If this is the case, then check out Asphalt Kingdom. It offers the best equipment and business packages for new asphalt maintenance business owners like you. Choose from a wide selection of equipment and supplies carefully handpicked and put together to meet your needs.

Asphalt Kingdom’s Equipment Packages for New Business

Weekend Warrior Package for Asphalt Maintenance

Weekend Warrior Package for Asphalt Maintenance

Asphalt Kingdom’s put together the Weekend Warrior Package for those who want to dip their toes in asphalt maintenance part-time or over the weekend. 

Meanwhile, the All-In and Enterprise Packages are perfect for new contractors who want to crush the asphalt maintenance world right off the bat.

All-In Package for Asphalt Maintenance

All-In Package for Asphalt Maintenance

 

Enterprise Package For Asphalt Maintenance

Enterprise Package For Asphalt Maintenance

Starting your business in the winter or adding pothole repair to your existing sealcoating business? Then the Asphalt Kingdom Pothole Hunting Package was put together especially for you.

Pothole Hunting Package

Pothole Hunting Package

A Special Bonus for New Business Owners

For Asphalt Kingdom, running a business is more than just having the right sealcoat sprayer machine or choosing the best line striper that fits your needs. You also have to know how to sell your services properly to make money and catapult your business to success in as short as possible. 

When you purchase any of Asphalt Kingdom’s startup equipment and packages, you’ll also receive the Make It A Biz Success Pack. This valuable resource will help you jumpstart your asphalt maintenance business on the right track and make money right off the bat.

Make It A Biz Success Pack

Make It A Biz Success Pack

Here are some of the resources you’ll receive when you purchase any of the qualifying startup equipment or business package from Asphalt Kingdom.

Role-Playing Pitch Video

Role-Playing Pitch Video

Do you often get tongue-tied when you approach a prospective customer? Don’t quite know what to say to sell your service? 

Then this role-playing pitch video is for you. Watch Asphalt Kingdom’s president, Judd Burdon, as he demonstrates how to approach your prospect and pitch your services the right way to get the results you want. He’ll also share some tips on addressing and overcoming common customer objections.

Business generator phone script

Business generator phone script

Planning to pitch your sealcoating and crack filling services via phone? Impress a prospective customer and get that lucrative deal with the business generator phone script. 

Customizable proposal template

Customizable proposal template

Creating a winning proposal can be a challenge for some business owners. If you’re one of them, you’ll definitely love the customizable proposal template included in the Make It A Biz Success Pack. Just fill it in, print it out, and impress your prospects with your proposal.

Customizable social media templates

Customizable social media templates

The best channel to reach potential customers right now is social media. Whether you want to focus on Facebook or find Google Business Profile (aka Google My Business) more helpful for your business, Asphalt Kingdom’s customizable social media templates make your job easier.

Personalize the template, post on your social media page, and you now have the power to reach thousands of people right in your hands.

Exclusive access to the AK Roundtable

Fellow asphalt maintenance business owners and industry experts are sources of valuable insights and tips on running an asphalt maintenance business. 

Exclusive access to the AK Roundtable

Having a network not only helps boost your chances for success, but also lets you in on unique perspectives and allows you to overcome challenges you meet along the way.

When you order a business startup package, you’ll get an exclusive invite to the Asphalt Kingdom Roundtable discussion via the Make It A Biz Success Pack. 

Add AK Make it a Biz Success Pack - Free With Purchase

So what are you waiting for? Order your first business package now and receive the Make It A Biz Success Pack today!

Premier asphalt maintenance equipment provider Asphalt Kingdom announces that the RynoWorx AirBoss 300 Air-Operated Spray System base and loaded systems are now available for asphalt maintenance professionals to preorder. Delivery is slated for May 2022.

March 2022 — Asphalt Kingdom is pleased to announce the launch of the RynoWorx AirBoss 300 Air-Operated Spray System. This machine is the first-ever air-operated sealcoating spray system under $10,000 available on the market, allowing sealcoaters to invest in an affordable and vital piece of equipment. Take a look at the features below.

  • The tank can accommodate up to 300 gallons, allowing contractors to seal up to 30,000 sq ft per load
  • Equipped with a powerful and reliable 6.5 HP, 196 CC Kohler SH265 gas engine
  • Comes with 2 pistons, a single-stage compressor pump, and a 9-gallon compressor tank

The RynoWorx AirBoss 300 Air-Operated Spray System features a twin-cylinder high-output Kohler compressor made of durable cast iron.

Mixing sealer with sand and additives is easier with its full-sweep paddle agitation system, and it is equipped with a pump recirculation system to ensure that everything is thoroughly mixed during operation. It comes with a high-volume basket strainer with quick-release latches, a 2-gallon surge tank, and a larger manway for easy access to the tank before and during operation, as well as for cleaning.

From half-ton to long box, the whole unit is designed to fit on the bed of any full-size pick-up truck so contractors don’t need to purchase a new vehicle to transport it. For contractors who have smaller trucks, rest assured that the frame and the tank assembly can be installed and secured onto any kind of truck or trailer.

The entire body is made from heavy-duty stainless steel, and it is powder-coated for better protection against the elements and corrosion.

The RynoWorx AirBoss 300 Air-Operated Spray System is available for preorder in base and loaded models exclusively through Asphalt Kingdom.

To learn more about the RynoWorx AirBoss 300 Air-Operated Spray System, simply visit www.asphaltkingdom.com or reach out to Asphalt Kingdom at 1-866-399-5562.

Dwight, Ontario — July 8, 2021 — From semiconductors to shipping containers, the pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions on the supply chains all over the world. In particular, the production and distribution of rubberized crack fillers — the material used to repair fissures on asphalt pavements — have been affected.

Many of Canada’s producers of rubberized crack fillers have run out of stock, and they are not expected to stabilize until September 2021.

Rubberized crack fillersDespite the persistent supply shortage, Action Seal has managed to secure several truckloads of Deery Superstretch Crack Filler from the United States. Asphalt maintenance contractors can now order this crack filler from Action Seal just in time for the peak season this summer. The supply is housed in a warehouse in Ontario, but Action Seal is ready to ship any time, anywhere all over Canada.

Deery Super Stretch is one of the best-selling professional-grade crack fillers sold by Action Seal. Each pallet contains 75 30-lb boxes, and they can be used for residential or commercial purposes. Apart from Deery Superstretch Crack Sealer, Action Seal also offers asphalt sealers and crack fillers manufactured by other brands.

Originally published: Action Seal Crack Fillers Available Despite Countrywide Supply Shortage

Line striping is a profitable side hustle or additional service for you. It’s also easy to learn and requires only a few supplies. The trick is pricing line striping correctly to win bids while still making a profit on every job.

Line Striping Business Options

If you work in sealcoating, you already have a client base eager for this service. If you’re new, you know businesses in your town that need the service. However, each approach requires a slightly different business plan.

When you add line striping as an additional service, you can add it to existing job bids. This option makes the service easy to launch. It also tends to be an efficient use of your crew since they will already be at the site.

New line striping business owners may need to navigate more carefully and complete a line striping course. Pricing line striping could make an enormous difference in winning bids. Understanding all the tricks can also help you grow your new business quickly.

Standalone and as part of sealcoating businesses are not the only options. Some people line stripe in warehouses, for example. The different environments also affect line striping pricing, so your specialties do determine how you bid.

Understanding Line Striping Pricing

The first step when pricing line striping is understanding your costs. For example, the paint and the labor for each line cost something, even if it seems small. Other costs might be transportation to the site, insurance, preparation time, and training time.

You will also need to consider your acceptable profit margin. These numbers may fluctuate depending on job size, company growth, and more. It’s vital to settle on a minimum profit margin, though, or your line striping pricing will always be off.

The second involves your local market, for which there are many factors. One of those factors is what customers expect to pay. In the U.S., service websites often say that clients should expect to pay $4 to $5 per line. It’s reasonable to work with those expectations.

The Nuances of Pricing

Winning a bid is not necessarily about offering the lowest price to potential clients. In fact, this strategy often backfires when clients believe low bidders will not do their job well. Pricing line striping so it sells is more complex than that.

Other factors, like demand and scale, also play into getting line striping pricing right. These require an intuitive understanding of the clients and jobs. Otherwise, your bids will not be more appealing than competitors.

Typically, people learn about line striping pricing through trial and error. This process costs them money, and in some cases, kills businesses. However, that does not need to be how it is for you since you’re reading this article.

Instead, line striping pricing expert Billy Davidson is offering to share his experience of over 25 years with you in his How to Price a Linestriping Job video. It’s the best option that will help you nail the perfect line striping price for every type of job.

How to Price a Linestriping Job Profitably

In addition to executing your asphalt maintenance jobs, you need to keep a pulse on dozens of other areas of your business. The top pro’s have spent years of valuable time, money, and manpower standing up a bulletproof process. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Paveman Proposals is ready to up the stakes.

 

Bid Winning Strategies in Asphalt Maintenance

Winning a bid goes beyond offering the lowest price for the service. You need to leave your customers feeling confident that they’ve found the right contractor, something that the right price doesn’t always guarantee. Following these tips ensures you create a lasting impression, develop trust with your customers, and leads to a higher conversion rate.

 

Know Your Cost of Operation

Before you start seeing customers, you need to have a ballpark figure in mind for how much you’ll spend on each job. Let’s face the facts: if you don’t truly know your operating cost, you’ll never truly know your net profit. Getting crystal clear on your numbers is an absolute must.

 

Offer A High-Quality Product

All the software in the world can’t help your asphalt maintenance company if you don’t offer a quality product. The single most critical piece of your product is actually your people. Train them carefully, and make sure everyone in your business is delivering killer results at all times. Oh, DO NOT cut corners on materials either. Ever.

 

Appearance Matters

Believe it or not, shorts and mismatched socks doesn’t inspire confidence in your potential customers. Keep a fresh, branded polo in your truck just in case. You never know when opportunity will knock.

 

Be The Expert Advisor

When you’re with customers, you must be able to answer their questions and break down multiple solutions to them. Having a proposal software that allows you to do calculations in the field and quote almost instantly is always a great look as well. Your expertise builds trust in you, your product, and your brand.

 

Local Web Presence

Having a web presence makes an enormous difference. This presence provides legitimacy and, if done correctly, useful information that drives visitors towards you and away from your competitors.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal. A website with a home page highlighting your services, a Contact Us page, and an About Us page with a a brief overview of why you started your business will do just fine.

 

What Paveman Pro Business Software Does for Your Business

 

Paveman Pro consolidates all of the most critical components of your business into one, easy-to-use tool. In other words, Paveman Pro takes on all of the calculating, pencil pushing, and forecasting, leaving you with a clear picture of where you are in relation to your goals and with more hours in your day to roll your sleeves up and get the job done. It’s a game changing solution for small and large asphalt maintenance businesses alike.

 

Designed for Asphalt Work

Paveman Pro is designed by asphalt pro’s, for asphalt pro’s. We’ve taken the long route to success in this industry, and we know what a tool like Paveman Pro can do to accelerate growth. We’ve factored in all of the features you need for a massively successful operation so you don’t have to cobble them together. The shortest path to your destination is a straight line.

 

Easy to Read Dashboards

Paveman Pro is unlike any other proposal tool in asphalt maintenance. Keeping you in front of your numbers via an easy to understand dashboard does wonders for meeting your deadline and revenue targets. With Paveman Pro, you can see the entirety of your business in just a few simple graphs.

 

Cost-Effective

Paveman Pro is a fraction of the cost of other players in the market. All of the out-of-the-box features are designed specifically to make you more money, so the your return is apparent within one or two jobs.

 

Built-In To-Do Lists

An underrated feature of this software is the built-in to-do list function. It covers everything from accounts receivable to customer follow-up for initial appointments. It’s a great way to keep track of the many items you’re juggling on a day to day basis.

 

Client Portals

We believe that a true professional experience is end-to-end. Allowing clients to access a custom portal (with your branding) to access all of the necessities is a key differentiator when starting the bidding process. Customers can view their proposals, make payments, and communicate with your people with just a few clicks.

 

Get clarity on what you need to blow your targets out of the water

Start your free trial and talk to Customer Success for a
personalized roadmap today.

Start your 14 day free trial

Need more information? Let’s talk:

 

Sealcoating Equipment Cost Calculator and a Guide on Sealcoating Cost Per Square Foot

How much does sealcoating an asphalt parking lot or driveway cost? What sealcoating equipment do you need? What factors affect the total cost of asphalt sealcoating? And why is regular sealcoating so important for your property?

If you’re a property manager, contractor, or homeowner looking to budget for your next sealcoating project, then this page is for you.

Protecting your asphalt investments doesn’t need to be complicated. From the cost of equipment, supplies, labor, and factors that affect sealcoating cost, we’re taking out all the guesswork for you. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about…

  • Sealcoating cost
  • Why sealcoating is crucial for maintaining your property
  • The profitability of sealcoating
  • Average sealcoating cost per square foot
  • Different sealcoating equipment and their costs
  • What factors affect total sealcoating cost
  • When to hire professional sealcoaters versus doing everything yourself

And if you’re worried about how much raw materials will cost you, you don’t need to. You’ll get a sealcoating calculator that’ll give you the exact costs based on the size of the area you’re planning to cover.

So, let’s get to it.

Why is sealcoating important?

Can you really save 10X money when you sealcoat your property? More homeowners and property managers in America are sealcoating their pavement. That’s because sealcoating is an absolute must, and it goes beyond adding curb appeal to your property.

It’s a protective coat that can damage-proof your asphalt, so it can last for up to 36 years.

Like how we wear sunscreen to prevent our skin from getting dark spots, applying a sealant to your pavement protects it from damage caused by UV rays, gasoline, weathering, and other contaminants. It keeps water out of those porous areas so they don’t crack or deteriorate quickly.

Without it, your asphalt pavement can develop cracks, chips, and potholes. And if further left to the elements, this deterioration can lead to more repairs later on.

If potholes and cracks reach a state that not even seal coating can repair, this could require a complete repaving – which is by no means cheap. A total repaving costs at least $10,000 on average.

Compared to an average cost of $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot, sealcoating is a more inexpensive way to extend the life of your pavement. Seal it with a quality sealer, and give yourself peace of mind knowing that you’ve done all you can to extend the life of your pavement. Done regularly, sealcoating can maintain the appearance and durability of any asphalt surface for more than 30 years if there are no structural issues.

The cost of sealcoating

If you’re going to get professional sealcoaters to do the job, the typical sealcoating cost would range between $0.08 to $0.30 a square foot.

This means that, on average, you can expect to pay between $48 to $180 to sealcoat a 600 square foot parking space.

If you prefer to DIY, the cost could range between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot. However, you also have to factor in the time and effort you’ll need to spend to do all the sealcoating yourself.

For the average homeowner, seal coating is an easy task. You can simply buy a sealant and squeegee to coat your driveway yourself. But if you have a large area, such as a commercial parking lot, DIYing is not the most practical or cost-effective use of your time.

How much would it cost to seal coat different parts of your property?

Depending on the type of property you’re planning to seal coat, they’ll vary in size. Often, the larger the surface area, the higher the cost of sealant and labor.

In the table below, discover how much you can expect to spend depending on the type of area you’re sealcoating.

Type Average size Estimated cost per square foot Estimated total cost per type
Residential Driveway 640 square feet $0.15 – $0.25 $96 – $160
Commercial Parking Lot 246 square feet per car $0.15 – $0.25 $36.9 – $61.5
Patios 288 square feet $0.15 – $0.25 $43.2 – $72
Walkways 200 square feet $0.15 – $0.25 $30 – $50
Basketball & Sport Courts 4,700 square feet $0.15 – $0.25 $705 – $1175

What equipment do you need for asphalt sealcoating?

Do you want to DIY or offer sealcoating as a service? Below you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of what equipment and materials you will need for sealcoating and how much they’ll cost you on average.

Getting a quick look can help you eyeball how much you need to spend and how much profit you can realistically make.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CLEANING BEFORE SEALCOATING 

Cleaning the surface of debris is imperative before sealcoating your blacktop. If you don’t, the asphalt sealer won’t stick and protect it from wear and tear. After all your hard work, the sealer will start to flake or peel off over time. The table below helps prevent this from happening.

Discover the different cleaning materials used to prepare your surface for sealcoating.

Material Definition Cost
Gas Blower Cleans all dirt, debris, and sand from the surface. $1000 – $1900
Degreaser Cleaner for Asphalt Effective in removing grease, oil, gas drips, and leaks on your asphalt surface.  This eco-friendly degreaser penetrates the asphalt and protects the surface from further damage caused by these drips. $90
Scrub Brush Clears the surface of flaking paint to ensure the asphalt sealing adheres to the surface. $40.00
Water and Hose A water hose helps clear the surface of debris before sealcoating. $30

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR SEALCOATING

When the surface is clear of debris, you’re ready to apply your sealant. Make sealcoating effective and convenient through the materials listed below.

Material Definition Cost
Asphalt Sealer Filling in small fissures, an asphalt sealer prevents water and ice from causing damage to your asphalt. It protects it from the elements and usually has a black matte finish that adds curb appeal. $464 – $533 for a 55 gallon drum
Crack Pour Pot Most people are tempted to apply a sealant to cover cracks. However, cracks will soon turn into potholes forcing you to shed money for repairs. A crack pour pot helps fill cracks at walking speed and helps pour crack sealer even in hard-to-get areas, helping you save time and reduce waste. $180
Liquid Crackfiller Easily seal small cracks with a liquid crack sealer and your pour pot to prevent water from penetrating the gaps in your asphalt. $120 for four gallons
Sealcoating Machine: Asphalt Sprayer A sealcoating machine helps apply the sealer in the fastest way. $899- $17,500 depending on size and complexity
Sealcoating Broom or squeegee
[For small driveways]
For small areas like a residential driveway, you can use a squeegee or a broom to apply the sealant. Sometimes, it’s specified on the sealant’s label which tool is best to use. $40
Pylons, Saw Horses, Caution Tape Prioritize work safety by blocking off the area with pylons and caution tapes. These tools help keep traffic out while you work. Pylons = $30
Saw Horse = $40
Caution Tape =  $30
Cardboard and Tape Block off and protect curbs, lawns, sidewalks, and anything else you don’t want to be stained by the sealer. Cardboard = $17
Tape = $10
Mixing paddle Use a mixing paddle to mix the sealer. $20

 

Alternatively, you can get a DIY Patch & Seal Driveway Package.

Sealcoating Equipment Cost Calculator

What sealcoating supplies will I need? How much do I have to budget for sealcoating my driveway? How many buckets or drums will I need for a commercial parking lot?

These are just some of the questions that can make sealcoating quite a challenge. Thankfully, we’ve made things simpler for you.

To get the right amount of asphalt sealcoat that you’ll need for your project, simply follow the instructions below:

  1. Select whether you’ll be using a squeegee, a roller, brush, or sprayer to apply your sealcoat
  2. Enter the total number of square feet you will be sealing
  3. Click Calculate.

Use the Sealcoat Calculator

Note:

If you like the results, you have the option to click “Add To Cart”. This will take you to the Asphalt Kingdom checkout so you can get your sealcoating equipment delivered right to your doorstep.

What factors affect total sealcoating cost?

There are a few factors that can affect how much a sealcoating project will cost, and this includes:

1. Labor costs in your area

Some regions in the US prove to be more convenient than others when it comes to weather conditions and material cost. Some regions have harsh weather that can make labor costs higher compared with other areas, so there’s no single price for a professional sealcoating job.

 2. The type of asphalt sealer you’ll use

Below, you’ll learn about the different types of sealers. Weigh the differences in prices and the pros and cons of each, and decide which sealant is the best fit for your sealcoating project.

Type Pros & Cons Estimated Cost Drying time
Coal Tar Emulsion

Pros:
With coal tar sealer, you’ll get an extra layer of protection against gasoline spills, motor oil pollutants, waters, and UV light from the sun. These factors can cause your asphalt to crack prematurely or even crumble away completely if they’re not protected by a high-quality sealer like this one.
Cons:
Coal tar poses environmental and health concerns. That’s why it’s banned in some municipalities.  It doesn’t have the dark black color of fresh asphalt because it’s naturally dark gray.

Around $465 per 55-gallon drum for 5,500 square feet coverage, or 100 square feet per gallon. Between 3 to 4 hours.
Asphalt Emulsion

Pros:
Asphalt emulsion is water-resistant. Unlike coal tar, asphalt emulsion results in a more satisfying dark black color.
Cons:
Asphalt emulsion sealant is not UV resistant. It doesn’t provide much protection. It only lasts for a single season and fades relatively quickly.

Around $533 per 55-gallon drum for 5,500 square feet coverage, or 100 square feet per gallon. Approximately 8 hours.
Acrylic

Pros:
Acrylic is popular for tennis courts and shopping mall parking lots because it’s available in different colors. It’s environmentally friendly, durable, and water-resistant. Depending on the traffic, it can last for seven years before needing to be reapplied.
Cons:
It’s the most expensive choice.

Upwards of $900 for a 55-gallon drum. Approximately between 4 to 12 hours.
Fast Dry

Pros:
It cures in less than an hour so it’s often used by road crews and owners of large parking lots.
Cons:
It’s difficult to buy in small quantities resulting in a higher price tag.

Fast dry additives start at $120 per 5-gallon pail. Can dry in less than an hour.
Oil-Based

Pros:
An Oil-based sealant does not have many advantages.
Cons:
It often takes seven days to cure, the longest of all common sealer options. Hence, it’s a bad choice for those who need to paint lines. It also has a distinct odor that lasts for days. Unlike coal tar sealants, it doesn’t protect against UV rays or petroleum products.

Around $825 to $1,100 for 5,500 square feet of coverage. Up to several days.

3. How many coats of sealer do you need to apply?

What type of project are you working on? The more traffic, the more coats!

If you’re looking for a coat or two to keep your asphalt safe from weathering, it all depends on how much traffic you expect.

For low-traffic jobs like driveways and backyards, one layer should suffice. If you’ve got a high-traffic area like a parking lot or construction site that needs protection against everything from rain to snow and ice, then two to three layers will do the trick!

  • One Coat
    • Best used for areas with low-traffic and areas that do not endure vehicle weight.
    • The labor cost is approximately $0.08 to $0.30 per square foot
  • Two Coats
    • Best used for areas with a lot of traffic such as a commercial parking lot.
    • The labor cost is approximately $0.12 – $0.45 per square foot.
  • Three Coats
    • Best used for areas that endure heavy vehicle traffic including trucks and buses.
    • The labor cost is approximately $0.16 – $0.9 per square foot.

Remember to wait at least eight hours before applying another coat. Giving it enough drying time helps the water to evaporate, resulting in a more quality finish for your sealcoat. You should also read our comprehensive Guide To Sealcoating Asphalt On Your Property.

Type Description How Many Layers of Sealcoat Needed
Residential Driveway Endures less traffic. Does not handle heavy vehicles. 1 coat
Commercial Parking Lot Has more traffic than a residential driveway. 2 – 3 coats
Patios Does not endure vehicular traffic. 1 coat
Walkways Only endure bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 1 coat
Basketball & Sport Courts Does not endure vehicular traffic. 1 coat

4. Sealing Preparations

Take note that sealing preparations are often more tedious than the coating itself. If you include the drying time, sealing preparation such as cleaning and doing repairs can take a full day. Meanwhile, applying the sealer itself can take only a few hours per coat.

Cleaning

It’s important to clean any oil, dirt, or debris in order for the sealant to bond. If you fail to clean the surface before sealcoating, it can result in flakes and shedding of the sealcoat.

Using a gas blower, degreaser, scrub brush, and water hose, you can clean the surface on your own.

However, if it’s too oily and filled with too much debris, it should be handled by professionals. They’ll scrub and/or power wash it until it’s clean enough to take the sealant.

On average, power washing costs $280.

Asphalt Repairs

Sealcoating is meant to protect the surface of your asphalt. However, it’s useless when fixing chips or cracks. When you see these damages, it’s too late to apply a sealant. If you just cover them up, they’ll soon turn into potholes that’ll result in more expensive repairs in the future.

Repair these damages first before sealcoating. You can expect to pay around $1 to $4 per square foot to smooth out or fill in any cracks, chips, or fissures. The wider the cracks you have on your surface, the more you can expect to pay for crack filling and patching.

5. Surface size

The surface size depends on the type of project you’re working on. For example, a small residential driveway would be smaller in size compared to a commercial parking lot. Hence, you’ll need less sealant and labor. This means a residential driveway is cheaper to sealcoat in comparison.

However, sometimes the smaller the area, the higher the labor cost per square foot. This is because you’ll need to cover the contractor’s transportation cost and the preparation time.

6. Mobilization Costs

They say time is money and that seems to be the case for contractors. If it takes longer to finish a project because of shorter days or multiple coats required then there will be higher mobilization costs. Another factor affecting this fee is the distance between the project site and the contractor’s base.

7. The Complexity of the Project

Using a machine like an asphalt sprayer makes sealcoating faster and easier to do. You can also cover more ground in less time.

However, areas that are close to buildings, landscaping, and other sensitive areas may require manual application. The added labor and time consumed increases the cost of the project.

8. Cost of Materials

The ingredients in the asphalt sealer, such as oil, can change in price depending on the time of the year. If the sealer is made during a time when these ingredients are expensive, it can increase in price.

Warning for New Asphalt Surfaces

Before applying sealant, the asphalt surface should be at least 6 months to 1 year old. You see, as the oils evaporate, the fresh asphalt remains soft and flexible.

If you want a stronger pavement, it’s important to let those chemicals cure and harden before covering it with a sealcoat.

The Profitability of Sealcoating

For homeowners and property managers, sealcoating can save you 10X more money than doing asphalt repairs and repavement. It can also add curb appeal that attracts more tenants or potential buyers to your property.

For sealcoating contractors, your profit is entirely up to you. You could either sealcoat on the weekends and earn a couple of hundred dollars, or you could make thousands every day.

Asphalt sealcoaters can make $125 per hour on average. That means, 20 hours of work is all you need to make back your investment. However, keep an eye on some of the factors below that could affect your profitability.

Factors That Could Affect Your Profitability:

  • Number of leads: The number of leads you attract is critical to growing your sealcoating business. Grow and nurture your leads into customers by optimizing your website, networking, and staying active on social media.
  • Weather Conditions and Season: You can expect summer to be the peak season for sealcoating projects. Meanwhile, rainy days can certainly affect how much you earn for the week.
  • Size of the Project: The larger the surface you need to sealcoat, the more you can charge for it. You must also consider the number of coats you need to do. Usually, an additional coat is an added 50% on your total charge. For example, if you charge $0.15 per square foot, then an additional coat would mean charging a total of $0.23.

Read our Asphalt Sealing Business Strategy guide.

When is it Too Late to Sealcoat Your Driveway?

When’s the best time of year to sealcoat my driveway? It may be too late to sealcoat when it’s been years since the last time you’ve paved your driveway and you notice that the asphalt has faded significantly.

Fading usually means the asphalt is becoming brittle as the bitumen from the asphalt mix evaporates, which is a sign that it’s time for you to sealcoat your driveway.

Here are more factors you’ll need to reconsider before sealcoating your pavement.

Weather

To cure the sealcoat, you need air temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why summer is usually the peak season for sealcoating. When it’s winter, it’s usually too late. If you try to sealcoat your pavement in poor weather conditions, you can expect your $500 sealant to freeze and peel off, or get washed away by rain.

Are you planning to seal off your commercial parking lot? If you can’t afford to have the lot off-limits for too long, you must have it sealed in June, July or August. The warm weather will allow the sealant to dry faster.

Repairs Needed

Often, we sealcoat our property to protect the pavement from weathering. However, when you can already observe wide cracks and potholes, it’s too late.

First, you must fill and patch these holes, or repave them. If you attempt to cover the cracks with a sealcoat, they will continue to get bigger. The damages will soon demand larger repair fees, costing around $1-$4 per square foot for asphalt repaving. Fill the cracks and fix the damages soon before adding a sealcoat.

When to Hire Professional Sealcoaters vs Doing Everything Yourself

DIY Sealcoating

Pros

Saving money on labor fees is the biggest benefit of doing sealcoating by yourself. Because you’re completely in charge of the task, you can ensure the work meets your standards, and that you use quality materials. It can also be a fun bonding opportunity with your family.

Cons

If you’ve never done sealcoating before, you could buy poor-quality tools and supplies. The cost savings can be minimal and not worth the hassle of trial and error.

If you don’t like ruining your clothes in the process and suffering from skin irritation, then DIYing is not for you.

The worst risk about doing it yourself is needing to spend and redo the project again when you’ve made a mistake during the sealing preparation.

In summary, DIYing is best for people who have experience sealcoating asphalt. If you’re considering it, assess if the cost savings is worth the risk of re-doing the project as a result of trial and error.

Hiring a Professional Sealcoater

Pros

Hiring a professional removes the hassle and guesswork that goes with sealcoating your asphalt for the first time. A professional can quickly repair wide cracks and damages that can be a challenge for DIYers.

Cleaning, repairing, and sealcoating your asphalt is more likely to be higher in quality compared to DIY. It’s often the best option when you can’t afford any trial and error and need a quick turnaround.

Cons

Picking the right sealcoating contractor can be a hassle. The cost estimates can vary, and with so few contractors per area, you may need to wait some time before getting on their schedules.

Hiring a professional is best for people who need assurance of quality work and quick turnaround time.

Try to look for a contractor that’s near you to save on mobility costs. Most importantly, look for their customer reviews so you can assess if they’re the best fit for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How often should you seal asphalt?

On average, an unsealed surface can last approximately 12 years. But with factors like extreme climates, traffic, and enduring heavy vehicles, an unsealed pavement most of the time lasts for only three years. Studies show that sealcoating extends the life of a pavement by 3 times.

The bitumen is the binder for asphalt, adhering the asphalt aggregates together and making it resistant to damage from water and oil spills. Once you’ve noticed that your asphalt’s color has started to fade, it means the bitumen has evaporated and the asphalt has turned brittle. It’s a clear sign that it’s time for you to apply sealant on it.

In areas with extreme heat or cold, you should seal your driveway every other year to protect it from the UV rays of the sun, or the extreme winter weather. In less extreme areas, you can seal the surface every three years.

  1. What are the complications of unsealed pavement?

Failing to sealcoat asphalt often results in potholes and uneven cracks. People can trip and fall, which could result in legal cases. It can also result in damaged vehicles and so on.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals could trip or fall and result in legal cases. It can also be a hazard to drivers.

Because they are forced to slow down to avoid the hazard on the road, it creates traffic jams that sometimes result in frustrations and accidents. The potholes and cracks resulting from the lack of sealcoat often damage vehicles, affecting the tires, wheel alignment, and suspension. This results in money spent on vehicular repairs.

  1. What is an asphalt crack filler and which product is best?

It’s important to seal the cracks on your pavement no matter how small to prevent them from turning into potholes. That’s what an asphalt crack filler is for.

You can buy the best quality asphalt crack filler here.

  1. What are the benefits of sealcoated asphalt?

A sealcoated asphalt surface adds curb appeal to your property. This attracts tenants and customers if you own a rental property or a business. It also helps you save money from long-term repair costs.

You see, sealcoating can preserve the life of your pavement by three times. That means you can get 36 years out of asphalt pavement assets.

Lastly, because it protects your pavement from fuel spillages and cracking under pressure, sealcoating promotes safety for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicle drivers, and passengers.

What on earth is Google My Business? You’ve seen it before every time you’ve Googled “gas station near me” or “XYZ Grocery Store Hours” – it’s the listing that shows up in the right hand column on Google Search results, and also the map listing directory.

How do companies get that listing and show up there? Great news: it’s easy, and free! Now there’s something you don’t hear every day. Simply sign up and start using it to:

    • add your business name
    • add your location
    • share your business hours
    • get customer reviews
    • post pictures of your jobs
      and more!

How to Get Started With Your Google My Business Listing

Step 1: Log into the Google Account you want associated with your business (or create a Google Account if you don’t already have one).
Step 2: Navigate to the Google My Business page and select “Start now” in the top right-hand corner.
Step 3: Type your business name.
Step 4: Type your business address.
Step 5: Since you perform a service, check the box “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” And if you work out of your house or another address you don’t want publicly shown, Check “Hide my address (it’s not a store) Only show region.” Finally, select your Delivery area.
Step 6: Choose your business category.
Step 7: Add your business phone number or website.
Step 8: Choose a verification option.

Google My Business Postcard VerificationIt’s important to get verified as soon as possible, so don’t put that step off for another day. Once you are verified, you can post pictures, videos, services and more.

Google sends you a postcard in the mail, so take the verification step today because you’re stuck until the USPS arrives.

Once you are verified, it’s time to optimize your listing.

Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing

Start with the basics. At a minimum, you’ll want to include a profile photo, your logo, your service area, the hours you are open to receive calls, your phone number, and your website if you have one.

Google My Business in search resultsTo make these edits, log into your Google My Business dashboard, click on Info, and then click the pencil next to the property you’d like to update. There are nearly 4,000 of them so it takes a little filtering, but you want to be very accurate so you maximize the amount of traffic your listing receives. Some sample categories:

  • Asphalt Contractor
  • Asphalt Mixing Plant
  • Concrete Contractor
  • Concrete Factory
  • Concrete Product Supplier
  • General Contractor
  • Paving Contractor
  • Paving Materials Supplier

Be sure you are choosing the most relevant category for your listing.

 

Great photos increase the likelihood that you will get a click to your business, so take some time to sort through the photos of jobs you’ve done and find some that you are really proud of.

Businesses with photos receive 42% more clicks than businesses without them. Team shots work really well here too, especially if you have a branded truck or staff shirts to really show off your logo and your brand.

Make sure you’re using a high resolution photo, at least 720px wide by 720px high.

The most important photo is the Cover Photo. It’s the first impression customers will see.  It should crop well to a 16:9 ratio.

Next, Team Photos: Google recommends you add three shots, showing your team at work.

Finally, a Video: it can be up to 30 seconds long, 100MB maximum size, and a minimum of 720p.

Reviews: The Key To Rocking Your Listing

The number one thing that will make your listing stand out amidst a sea of others on Google Maps? The number of reviews you have. Getting reviews is the only way you’re going to grow your business.

How can you make it easy for your customers to review you? Once you have completed the job and you know they are satisfied with your work, send them a text and an email requesting a moment of their time. We’ve found great success using this template:

“Thank you for trusting me with your job! If you are satisfied we did a good job for you, would you consider taking a moment to leave us a Google review? It helps us get more work and would mean a lot to us. Just click here – it takes less than a minute: {link to your GMB listing}”

If the customer does not leave a review right away, follow up one week later:

“Just wanted to check in on how our work was holding up. If everything still looks great, would you consider leaving us a review here: {link to your GMB listing}. It was a pleasure to work with you and we hope to help you again in the future!”

Now, that works for all new jobs coming up, but what about past jobs? One way we’ve found success was by approaching past clients during their slow season (for many people, the start of the new year) and giving them a friendly check-in call. Find out if you will be part of their budget in the new year, and ask if they were satisfied with the work you did in the past. If so, kindly request that they leave you a review and offer to do the same for them to help them grow their business. It’s a win-win.

A word to the wise: negative reviews happen.  Be sure to respond fairly and evenly – thank them for the review and the opportunity to learn what you could do better.

Positive reviews happen too!  Thank customers in your reply to encourage other customers to leave reviews as well.

Maintaining Good GMB Ranking

Google rewards fresh content. Download the Google My Business app to your phone and use it to take pictures of jobs you are proud of, post status updates and short video updates too.

Google My Business App

When you post a status update, be sure to include relevant keywords in your text.  If you do crack repair, title your post Crack Repair Project, for example.  It sends a signal to Google to let it know what your business is about.

The app also makes it easy to stay on top of changes to hours, COVID 19 restrictions and so on.

Common Questions About Google My Business

Is Google My Business Free?
Yes, completely free. You really need to do this!

If I have a GMB listing, do I still need a website?
You absolutely want to still have a website. You can send customers from your GMB listing to your website to learn more about your offerings, have them fill out contact forms for quotes, and show off big projects. The amount of data you can share on Google My Business is significantly less than on a website.

Is this the same as Google +?
No, Google + was Google’s answer to Facebook, and has been retired. Google My Business replaced it.

Do you have other questions?  Leave them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out!

Keep On Trucking

We hope these tips have helped! For more information on how you can build your business, check out “9 Things Entrepreneurs Wish They Had Known When They Were Starting Out.” For more tips, head on over to our Google My Business tips or get our Grow Your Business With This Marketing Package.

One of the age-old debates in the world of asphalt maintenance has got to be surrounding methods of sealcoat edging. But which truly is better – edging a sealcoat by hand or using a specialist piece of equipment?

The truth is, there really is no right answer, but each method does have its own unique benefits. The correct choice may totally depend on the nature of the job at hand.

Let’s take a look through the pros and cons of each sealcoat edging technique, so you can decide which is the best way to go for you and your company.

 

Edging by Hand

Pros:

  • Greater control. There’s no denying that simple tools like brushes offer better control than spraying equipment, and the type of brush fibre can easily be adjusted depending on the desired finish. For example, stiff brushes are a great option for enhanced control in tricky areas, but softer bristles leave fewer brush marks for a cleaner finish.
  • Relatively unaffected by wind. When using a sprayer, it may be necessary to have a backer board to control overspray and minimize the effects of wind. When using a brush or squeegee, however, wind does not pose any great threat to the final result.

Con:

  • Difficult to use precisely the correct amount of sealer. When carrying out edging by hand it’s very easy to use either too much or too little product. Both of these issues may lead to more product being used than necessary, or a more time-consuming process – both of which could be bad news for profits.

 

Edging using Specialist Equipment

Pros:

  • Time saving. Investing in a high-quality, specialist piece of equipment to help you with edging is certainly a wise investment. For example, this sealcoat edger attaches to a spray system and can make the process much more efficient, and greater efficiency = greater profit!
  • Can make it a one-person job. Granted, some sprayers may require an extra pair of hands to hold a backer board and prevent overspray, but the best sealcoat edgers will take care of this for you. This reduced need for manpower allows your colleagues to work on another job and gather profits from elsewhere in the meantime!

Con:

  • Be mindful of overspray. As we briefly mentioned, there are some pieces of equipment (particularly sprayers) that do not feature in-built wind protection. Although sprayers have an array of benefits, the potential effect of strong gusts on their performance is worth considering. Be sure to keep a spray bottle of sealer remover nearby at all times to clean up any overspray promptly.

 

To conclude, each method of sealcoat edging has its own benefits and potential problems. Which is best for you is simply down to the type of job you’re completing, as well as personal preference.

Using a sealcoat brush to cut in, followed by a spray and backer board is often favored for residential jobs. Conversely, sealcoat edgers are particularly useful for commercial projects where there is lots of area to cover, for increased efficiency.

We hope we have helped you weigh up the pros and cons of each of these great methods, and we’d love to hear what your personal preferences are when it comes to sealcoat edging. Learn more about asphalt sealcoating and How to Sealcoat Edges.

Starting a business is difficult, and asphalt sealcoating company entrepreneurs often wish someone gave them advice before they started. These tips are invaluable for first-time business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow their company quickly.

Charge Enough to Make Money

Pricing is a tricky subject. New asphalt sealcoating companies should not aim to be the lowest bidder on any job. The job prices should reflect the quality a company can deliver. Then the money can help businesses grow and take care of the employees, all while providing outstanding service without cutting corners.

Define Quality Standards from the Beginning

To become the best company on the market, it’s essential to have internal quality standards in place from the beginning. These quality standards help companies deliver value on every job. Quality standards become quality systems, which in turn become company culture.

Learn Some Marketing and Branding

One of the significant ways for asphalt sealcoating companies to draw in customers is by associating the company brand with quality. Before a company can do that, the company needs a professional brand. That means branding trucks, work uniforms, and even sealcoating equipment, along with less tangible items like social media and marketing. Check our Grow Your Business With This Marketing Package

Find a Mentor

While it may sound counterproductive, finding a mentor in the asphalt sealcoating industry helps companies move forward quickly. A good mentor helps entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars. Company entrepreneurs should find a mentor that wants to see them succeed and who is willing to answer questions honestly.

Connect to a Network

Connecting to networks of reputable asphalt contractors helps companies immensely. This action provides comparable companies with the same goal of raising the standards of the asphalt sealcoating industry. Plus, talking to someone in a similar position is beneficial for entrepreneurs and can help sort out problems before they get worse.

Go for Good Reviews

Companies should do an outstanding job every time, even when they are just beginning. A good review is worth its weight in gold for bringing in more clients. Meanwhile, it is difficult for companies to work off a bad review. This is another reason for companies to develop a quality standard and never cut corners.

Repeat Clients and Referrals are the Best

Repeat clients are a great sign in a business, especially since asphalt sealcoating only happens every few years. However, the other thing satisfied and repeat customers can do for a business is to provide referrals. Referral clients come already primed to trust a company since their associate does. Doing an excellent job for referral clients means those, in turn, will refer and help business.

Hire the Right People

The right people can drive a company forward through their work ethic and commitment to company standards. Correctly trained, a good employee is priceless. However, these people can be challenging to find. You should know How to Hire (And Retain) Talent For Your Asphalt Maintenance Business.

Be Prepared to Scale

Asphalt sealcoating is a goldmine business opportunity. When a company does well and delivers high-quality service, there is often more demand than the initial structure allows. By preparing to scale up and even franchise out, companies can create more revenue without losing the quality standards the brand adheres to. For more tips, join our Free Start Your Own Business Course.

Aircraft carriers have arresting cables that help prevent jets from taxiing over the deck and fall overboard. In parking facilities, wheel stops serve the same function: to keep a vehicle from going beyond its allotted parking space and cause damage or injuries.

Wheel stops are also called parking blocks, tire stoppers, wheel stoppers, and curb stops. They are usually found on parking lots, car parks, medical facilities, shopping areas, garages for rent, and other establishments that offer temporary and long-term parking. Regardless of what they are called, wheel stops act as barriers and prevent a vehicle from driving over or coasting beyond the designated parking slot onto sidewalks, accessible ramps, or adjacent stalls in case the driver fails to put on the hand or floor brakes on time. The main purpose of these barriers is to ensure safety for the vehicle, passing pedestrians, and the property itself (in cases where parking spots are located near walls, fences, or landscaping and foliage).

Parking wheel stops are made using four major materials: concrete, rubber, plastic and metal. However, the most popular are either concrete or rubber as they are the most economical and practical options in a long-term perspective. Although both options serve the same purpose, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to be considered before choosing the best wheel stop material to be installed in your parking facility, truck stop, garage, or impound lot.

 

Durability and Longevity

Concrete wheel stops can be installed both indoors and outdoors. One huge advantage of concrete wheel stops compared to other materials is they are very heavy. Due to this, concrete stops are very stable once secured into place and would do a very good job of barricading vehicles from going over their designated parking spots. In addition, concrete barriers can be very durable and long-lasting, especially when installed indoors, as they are protected from exposure to the elements. So long as the concrete stoppers are not water-logged, they can last for a long time. However, one of the major cons of concrete wheel stops is that, if they are installed outdoors and get constantly exposed to the sun, rain, snow and other natural elements, they grow weak over time. Once weakened, the concrete wheel stop can get chipped and cracked from repeated contact with vehicle wheels.

Rubber wheel stops are also ideal for indoor and outdoor parking installations. One major takeaway is that since the material is resistant to UV rays, moisture, oil and chemical spills, and extreme weather conditions, rubber stoppers are generally preferred for outdoor parking facilities as they are more durable compared to concrete and do not chip or crack even with repeated impacts.

 

Installation

Concrete wheel blocks are usually pre-cast and ready to install by the time they are delivered to the site. To install, the slab of concrete stopper is placed on its intended setting and marks are placed to correspond with the wheel stop’s fixings. Holes are then drilled into the pavement, and the concrete wheel stop is placed back on its intended setting. Depending on manufacturer’s specifications, the fixings are either metal rebar, galvanized pins, metal bolts or concrete epoxy. Once installed, concrete wheel stops do not budge easily, which is a major advantage.

However, weight also becomes a disadvantage with concrete wheel stops. Since these concrete slabs weigh at least 100 lbs., they are really heavy. It will need 2 to 3 people to install each wheel stop. In a parking lot with a minimum of 50 stalls, this can prove to be time-consuming. In a larger facility with hundreds of parking slots, heavy machinery might be required to ship, deliver, and install all wheel stops needed.

For rubber wheel stops, installation and fixings vary according to the manufacturer. However, these parking blocks are relatively easier to handle and install compared to its concrete counterpart – mainly due to the lighter weight. The average weight of a rubber wheel stop is only 30 lbs. To install a rubber wheel stop, you’ll need a power drill with a 14mm or 16mm drill bit (or depending on the actual size of the spikes or metal fasteners included in the kit), a large hammer, and a bristle broom or portable vacuum.

Just like with concrete wheel stops, the rubber stoppers also need to be installed on a flat surface. You will also need to drill a hole to mark where the fixings will be inserted. Once that is done, remove the wheel stop and continue drilling on the guide hole until the specified depth is reached. Place the rubber wheel stop back on the intended spot, making sure that the holes on the stopper are aligned with the ones you drilled on the pavement. Insert the spikes and hammer down until set. Continue brushing or vacuuming any accumulated dust. Since rubber wheel stops are more lightweight compared to concrete, they can be easily installed by 1 person.

 

Colors

Concrete wheel stops can be painted with appropriate colors – black and yellow diagonal stripes for regular parking, blue and white for handicap parking, red (or intersperse with white) for reserved parking (such as for ambulances, fire trucks, law enforcement, and other emergency vehicles in medical facilities, hospitals, police stations, and the like). This is one major advantage of a concrete wheel stop compared to its rubber counterpart. It can be easily repainted and customized as needed.

However, with extended exposure to outdoor elements, paint can peel and/or fade over time. This means that in order to maintain visibility, concrete wheel stops should be repainted on a regular basis.

Rubber wheel stops are usually pre-cast with reflective tape or paint before getting delivered to the site. This is an advantage, since you won’t have to spend extra money for paint, and the colors don’t fade through the years, even when continuously exposed to the elements.

One disadvantage of rubber wheel stops is that, most companies only offer the black and yellow option. Since the colors are specific when you purchase them, if you need to convert a regular parking spot into a handicap or reserved/emergency parking, you will need to remove the black and yellow stopper and replace it with one that has the appropriate color(s). Some companies sell blue and white rubber wheel stops for handicap parking, however, the red and white ones for emergency parking can be very rare, as not all manufacturers offer this option.

 

Environmental Impact

Concrete wheel stops do not really have an environmental impact, since they do not harm nor help the environment in any way. Since there are no toxic elements contained in concrete, when a wheel stop gets eroded and crumbles over time, the particles will just turn to dust.

Rubber wheel stops are made from 100% recycled tires, so they are also considerably environment-friendly.

 

Cost

Concrete wheel stops are very inexpensive compared to rubber. On the other hand, since rubber wheel stops are recycled tires, the processing and manufacturing makes it more expensive.

 


 

On a closing note, concrete wheel stops, although inexpensive, can be quite difficult to transport and install due to their weight. However, they are ideal for indoor parking facilities and can be painted and customized. Aside from the regulatory diagonal stripes, concrete wheel stops can also be painted with words using stencils.

Rubber wheel stops are highly recommended for outdoor parking due to the material’s resistance to most weather conditions. Since rubber is lightweight, the wheel stops can be easily installed by one person. On the other hand, they are more expensive and cannot be customized or repainted since they are already pre-cast with colored or reflective tape.