Don’t Get Sealed Into a Bad Deal: Essential Questions Every Homeowner Must Ask Before Hiring a Paver Sealing Company
Your beautiful paver patio, driveway, or walkway represents a significant investment in your property’s value and curb appeal. Paver sealer is an important maintenance tool to keep patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks looking brand new, and sealing your pavers is a crucial step in enhancing their longevity, maintaining their aesthetic appeal, and ensuring they remain a valuable feature of your property. However, choosing the wrong contractor can turn this protective measure into a costly nightmare. The key to success lies in asking the right questions before you sign on the dotted line.
Why Professional Paver Sealing Matters
Sealing pavers offer several benefits, making it a valuable practice for maintaining and enhancing your outdoor spaces. A sealant acts as a barrier, protecting pavers from spills, oil, dirt, and other contaminants. This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas like driveways or patios where the likelihood of stains is higher. One primary advantage is the extended lifespan of the pavers. Sealing forms a protective layer that shields the pavers from weather-related damage, stains, and fading from sunlight. This layer also repels water, reducing the chances of mildew and moss growth, which can lead to slippery surfaces.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin. Given this investment cycle, choosing the right contractor becomes even more critical.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Ensure that the company you choose is licensed, insured, and has experience in paver sealing. A professional company should be able to provide proof of their credentials and certifications if requested. Insurance also protects your property. If anything goes wrong, such as accidental damage or an injury on site, you want to be sure you’re not liable. Asking for proof of insurance, such as liability and worker’s compensation, is a smart step before any work begins.
2. What Is Your Experience with My Type of Pavers?
When evaluating a paver sealing contractor, it is essential to ask about their experience with various paver types, such as clay and brick. Homeowners should also seek local project references to ensure quality and check the specific sealing techniques utilized, as different methods can mitigate potential issues. Different paver materials require different approaches, and you want a contractor who understands the nuances of your specific installation.
3. Can You Provide Local References?
Ask the company for references or examples of their previous work. Seeing their completed projects firsthand or speaking with past clients can give you a better understanding of their workmanship and customer satisfaction. In addition to interviewing paver contractors directly, ask each for a list of past customers who can tell you about their experiences with the company. Any quality paving stone contractor should be happy to provide a list of five to 10 recent customers whom you can contact.
4. What Cleaning and Preparation Methods Do You Use?
Cleaning and preparation are crucial steps before sealing pavers. Homeowners should ask their contractor about the cleaning methods used, including the possible application of a stripper for tough stains. Understanding repair procedures for existing pavers is essential, as well as inquiring about the replenishment of joint sand, which helps prevent efflorescence and ensures optimal accessibility in the final result.
The cleaning and preparation processes are essential steps before applying a sealant to pavers. Contractors typically start by removing dirt and mildew, along with any existing stains, using high-pressure washing and effective detergents. This thorough treatment not only eliminates petroleum residues and ensures a clean surface but also allows for proper adhesion of the coating, helping to enhance the durability and appearance of the seal once it is applied.
5. What Type of Sealant Will You Use and Why?
Before hiring a contractor, ask your candidates what type of sealcoating, crack filling, or pothole patching products they use. Take note of the brand names they mention and conduct your own research to see if they are, indeed, high quality. There are basically two types of paver sealants: film-forming (gloss or semi-gloss finish) and non-film-forming (matte finish). Film-forming sealants, such as Wet Look and Clear Look, offer the ultimate protection because they create a physical barrier on the paver surface. However non-film-forming sealants, Natural Look and Color Boost, still offer excellent protection and last a bit longer.
6. Do You Offer Any Warranties or Guarantees?
Inquire about any warranties or guarantees provided by the company for their sealing services. A reputable company should stand behind their work and offer some form of warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. This protection gives you recourse if the work doesn’t meet expectations or fails prematurely.
7. What Does Your Quote Include?
When discussing pricing with the paver company, ask for a detailed estimate that includes all expenses, such as materials, labor, equipment, and potential extras or unforeseen costs. Additionally, inquire about their payment structure. Do they require a deposit upfront, and if so, how much? Are there milestone payments during the project, or is payment due upon completion? Clear communication about pricing and payment terms will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth working relationship.
8. How Do You Handle Communication During the Project?
Pay attention to how the company communicates with you during the quoting and consultation process. Prompt responses, clear explanations, and professionalism are indicative of a reliable and customer-focused company. Communication is key to a smooth, successful project. Ask about their approach to keeping clients updated. Will they provide regular progress reports? Who should you contact if you have questions during the process? The best contractors value client communication and ensure you’re informed at every stage. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures the project stays aligned with your expectations.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be wary of contractors who cannot provide proper licensing and insurance documentation, refuse to give references, or pressure you to sign immediately. Keep in mind that references provided by paving stone contractors can be cherry-picked or even fake, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when researching them. To get greater assurance, consider hiring a Diamond Certified paver contractor. All Diamond Certified companies have passed an in-depth rating process that most other companies can’t pass.
Finding the Right paver sealing companies near me
When searching for qualified contractors in your area, look for companies with strong local reputations and extensive experience. For Long Island homeowners, companies like Paver Savers have built their reputation on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Paver Savers was started to answer the needs of Nassau and Suffolk County property owners and preserve the aesthetics and durability of their hardscapes. Not long after they launched their company, they established themselves as one of the most trusted paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration contractors on Long Island.
Paver Savers is a fully licensed and insured, locally owned and operated company that specializes in paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration. They’re passionate about providing their clients with the highest quality results at the fairest and most affordable prices. Their professionally trained and highly experienced technicians are ready to serve all of your hardscape cleaning, maintenance, and renovation needs.
Making Your Final Decision
Hiring a paver company for your outdoor hardscape project can significantly impact the final result. By asking these essential questions, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you choose a reputable and capable company. Remember to consider their experience, licensing, insurance, and various materials and designs they offer. Additionally, transparent pricing, payment structure, and a clear project timeline will help set expectations and lead to a successful partnership.
Don’t rush this important decision. When selecting the right paver installation company be sure to ask as many questions as you can! The more information you have, the more comfortable you will be! Take time to interview multiple contractors, check references thoroughly, and ensure you feel confident in your choice. Your pavers are a long-term investment that deserves protection from a qualified, reputable professional who will stand behind their work for years to come.
Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Focus on finding a contractor who demonstrates expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to quality results. By asking these essential questions and carefully evaluating the responses, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a paver sealing company that will protect and enhance your investment for years to come.