EXPERT ADVICE
Crack Sealing
Customer Expectations
Gain confidence when outlining the project
S can the titles at any comic book store and there are plenty of superheroes -- Superman , Spiderman , Captain America , Wolverine , but none named “ Crack Mender ” -- the asphalt construction contractor called in to save the day to fix and repair pavement cracking ! Far fetched ? Not to any crack sealer contractor called in to evaluate the condition of an asphalt surface with the expectation it can be restored to like-new condition , as any superhero Crack Mender contractor should do !
Setting customer expectations needs to occur prior to day one of the project . There has to be agreement on the work to be performed and the expected outcome .
“ Each job should be reviewed prior to start date by the estimator team and the sealing crew leader to make sure the appropriate equipment and manpower are prepared for the job on day one ,” stated Ben Thielbar , director of sales , Cimline , Inc ., Plymouth , Minnesota . “ Supply a construction project map to the customer that clearly outlines the requirements for each area of the project .”
By Jeff Winke
When a contractor arrives at a job site they need to meet with the customer and note the type of cracking and the recommendations they give for correction .” With the customer , we explain there are different types of cracking in asphalt surfaces ,” stated Mark McLeod , president / CEO , Maintenance Inc ., Wooster , Ohio . “ For example , block cracking is when cracks have surrounded an entire slab of asphalt . These type of cracks typically are removed and the pavement is replaced . Crack sealant really is wasted on this type of cracking . Longitudinal and transverse cracking are always sealed and are the most common cracking a contractor will encounter .”
Thielbar noted that the contractor must first educate the customer . “ Crack sealing is the best bang for the buck in pavement preservation , but with that said it needs to start early . Alligator cracking areas are not good candidates for crack sealing . If your lot or road looks like a spider ’ s web , it is not a good candidate for crack seal in those areas . That is when it is time to educate your customers on mastic repairs , cut and patch , chip seal , slurry seal , and overlay . In any case
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