EXPERT ADVICE “ “ The first thing a contractor should do when they get to a jobsite is check their oil on everything they have , a simple preventive caution ,”
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full gas cans . Make sure to oil and check everything they are going to use before they get to the job site . Bring small tools , crack sealer , flagging tape , stakes , and enough quantity of pavement sealer with additive already mixed for the entire job . And , make sure you have enough employees to get the project done orderly and fast !”
When arriving at the jobsite , there are a set of tasks to complete .
“ The first thing a contractor should do when they get to a jobsite is check their oil on everything they have , a simple preventive caution ,” Loutzenhiser said . “ Next , if you are doing any crack filling you ’ ll need to start your melter . After these two steps are done , barricade the lot where work will be done and begin prepping .
“ Then , have two workers blow off the lot , using a power blower . Use a spud hoe and wire-bristle broom to clean off the really dirty areas . After the cleaning is finished , your asphalt crack-filler melter should be ready and you can start crack filling . Once crack filling is completed , you can do the cutting in , getting yourself two feet away from the edges of your job area . After all these preparation steps , you should be able to put down your first coat of sealer .”
There are definite advantages to being the early bird .
McLeod said : “ Get to the jobsite before the crew to make sure cars are off the lot and deliveries are stopped and sprinklers are off . Block off the lot to be sealed , so when the crew arrives the job is ready to be cleaned .”
Communication is crucial in any successful project . In addition to explaining to the project owner all the steps and procedures that will be followed to complete the job , McLeod recommends taking before , during , and after photographs . When shared with the owner , the pics provide a visual documentation of the production steps and results . In this day and age , with nearly everyone having a smart phone , taking photos should not be an issue .
Once the sealcoating job is completed , what steps should the contractor take to ensure the equipment is ready for the next project ?
“ That is a variable ,” stated Loutzenhiser . “ It depends on how far apart jobs are . If there will be less than three days between your jobs a sealcoating machine like ours will just require you to take your spray tip out to soak in water , put a plug in the end of your spray wand , drain moisture out of your compressor , and make sure your brooms are in water . With all these steps you should be good to go for your next job . If there will be more than three days until your next job , you will need to leave water in your plumbing .”
When sealcoating equipment is properly maintained , a contractor ’ s life can run smoothly and the beautiful end results can leave customers happy and returning with new projects .
1.800.210.5923 [ 17 ]
July 2021