The Prestige Difference

       We understand that these are tough economic times, and money is tight in every household. Today's consumer is always shopping around for the best deal and the most "bang for your buck." Decisions are made every day whether to maintain or replace, and which would be the most cost effective route. As local contractors who live and work in this area we understand this economy we all share, and how far a dollar truly goes. When you hire Prestige Sealcoating LLC we go above and beyond to give you more then what you paid for.
       First and foremost let me start by saying we are never going to be the cheapest estimate you receive for many different reasons. We are a business, and as a business we need to make a profit to stay afloat. We started in this business with nothing and the beginning years were a struggle and a learning/humbling experience. We know exactly what it cost us every step of the way to make your driveway look beautiful; from the material to the labor, and the miscellaneous in between. That being said we will never work for free or and we will not willingly take a loss. We want the best for you and your driveway, but it will come at a cost. You might ask: "Why should we pay more to hire Prestige Sealcoating llc?"
       Experience, experience, experience. As a small business there is no one there to hold your hand to help get the job done for you. Between my brother and I we share 26 years real world experience. This is not a summer gig for us. We have worked 7 days a week, 10-12 hour days for the past eight years. We know asphalt and we understand its setbacks and frailties. We know what your driveway needs and what it does not. We will be the first to tell you if your driveway is not worth sealing, is in need of paving, or if it would be okay if you skipped sealing it this year. We will never waste your time or your money with services you don't need or services that will not help prolong the life of your asphalt. You helped get us to where we are today. We will never forget that, and for that we are grateful for it. Along with that experience comes the understanding of the materials and the proper methods and tools to yield the best possible outcome.
       We have tried and tested every major brand of sealer on the market and we now stand by Copeland Coatings refined coal tar emulsion with latex additives for strength, resilience, and adhesion. Not only is Copeland a local business in the area most of the ingredients that go into making their sealer come from right here in the USA. It truly is a great American product from the clay to the sand to the final product which we bring straight to you. We receive our sealer straight from Copeland pure and uncut the only thing we have to do is dilute the material which allows us to be able to spread the sealer evenly onto the asphalt. Now I know what you're thinking; "Why am I paying for watered down product?" We only add thirty gallons of water to every hundred gallons of sealer as instructed by Copeland. This allows the sealer to form a workable consistency and keeps the ingredients in the sealer mixed and uniform. Sealer that is too thick will not penetrate past the surface of the asphalt and will flake/chip off. Sealer that is too thin will wear prematurely, and have no resistance to chemicals. Be assured our sealer is just right and ready for action.
       Second, we have the equipment to get the job done right. All of our sealer tanks are five hundred and fifty gallon stainless steel tanks commercially designed with one purpose; to transport sealer safely. Our tanks have inner splash lids to keep the material in the tank and a outer lid that fastens securely so there is no risk of sealer escaping. They also come with agitation systems which allow us to stir the material throughout the day and keep our sealer mixed to perfection for a flawless job every time. We have a fleet of wheeled blowers to handle the smallest driveway to the largest parking lot. We have never meet a driveway we couldn't clean, and believe me we have seen them all. We use special brooms designed for sealcoating asphalt that help us get as much sealer into your driveway as humanly possible, while maintaining a picturesque end result. When it comes to hot crack filling we have that too! We possess a thirty gallon melting pot which allows us to safely melt rubber to four hundred and fifty degrees. From there, the material goes into a pour pot and is spread with a hot crack fill squeegee. We would never cheap out on our end when it comes to materials and tools, and then expect you to pay a fortune for less. We have invested in this company, and like with any investment we expect a healthy return.
       In closing, the main reason we cost more is because we do more, we know more, and we have over 2,000 photos on the internet through our web page, and links off of our web page that will back that up. When I say we cost more the difference is usually a few cents a square foot. Sometimes it’s more but that is because the other guy's estimate is so ridiculously low he can't even afford to do the job for that price unless he is cutting corners at every turn. All we ask is that before you decide on a contractor call us first. You will be happy you did.

There Is More To An Estimate Than Just Square Footage

      

The number one question we get asked is: "Why is my estimate so high?" It is often followed by "But my neighbor's driveway is the same size and their driveway cost less." The final cost to sealcoat a driveway can vary even though the overall square footage is the same. Some factors that can affect the price to sealcoat your driveway are the age/condition of the driveway, shape, clean/dirty, obstacles (retaining walls, planters, etc.), long paved sidewalks, and the amount of prep work (long grass/crab grass, oil spots).
       At the top of the list is probably the most overlooked reason for a price jump is the sealed driveway vs. an unsealed driveway. Whether the driveway is ten years old or was paved last year an unsealed driveway always takes more sealer. The asphalt is porous like a dish sponge just waiting to soak up sealer. Unsealed driveways take almost twice as much sealer in comparison to a sealed driveway. The other characteristics of unsealed driveways that can affect the price are the material used (binder type 5, 6, or 7), how it was laid (by hand or with a paver), and compaction (plate compacter vs. a 1 ton roller). The worst case scenario for a home owner receiving an estimate would be a driveway that was paved by hand using binder or type 5, and compacted with a plate compacter or 1/2 ton roller. Larger material raked by hand that is poorly compacted leaves the driveway loose and porous. Driveways done in this manner are usually performed by lack lust contractors, and the end results are usually failed driveways.
Large stone aggregate, under compaction, and hand laid driveways will always cost more to seal.
       The second contributing factor is the overall shape and condition of the driveway. A driveway that has been neglected for years is always going to cost you more money in the long run. Every detail matters for example; if your lawn is manicured vs. a foot long and full of crab grass. This is the difference between edging taking five minutes or twenty five minutes and as they say time is money. If your driveway has mud, dirt, lawn clippings, and or weeds growing from cracks this will also add to the price. The more sweeping we have to do the more it is going to cost you. If your driveway has lots of large cracks and deteriorated areas it is going to take more sealer. If your driveway has large grease stains or is saturated with oil we will have to prime it first which takes time and materials. Most likely we will have to come back for a second coat in those areas which wastes time and gas. Basically the more time we have to spend making your driveway look good the more it is going to cost you.
       In an ideal world every driveway would be paved perfect, and sealed every other year. Then you could simple say twelve cents a square foot it is, but we now know this is not the case. So you might ask: "what could we do to receive the best possible estimate and save some money?"

-Seal your driveway every other year
-Keep your driveway clean
-Use cat litter or speedy dry to absorb oil/grease
-Use degreaser on stains then rinse with water (Purple Power, Simple Green, etc.)
-Keep your lawn manicured especially near your driveway
-Spray weed killer on any growth coming out of your driveway
-Use bleach on moss then scrub and rinse
-Crackfill cracks if capable

      I Hope this article was helpful in clarifying some of the other things we look at when coming up with the cost of your driveway. Do yourself a favor and take some pride in your driveway, and we promise it will pay off in the end.
      

The Benefits Of Sealcoating Asphalt Part II

      

Another great benefit of sealcoating your asphalt is it acts as a protective barrier. Just like staining a deck or clear coating a paint job; it prevents water and other abrasives from damaging the surface leading to costly repairs. Sealer not only protects the surface it also rejuvenates the pavement within. Sealer is to asphalt as sunscreen with aloe is to your skin.
       It often goes unspoken or overlooked how sealer can replenish the asphalt binder or glue in your pavement. You might notice that your driveway was a rich black color when it was first laid or installed. Over time the harsh ultra violet rays from the sun can dry out your asphalt causing it to ravel and become brittle. Asphalt is a simple makeup of stone and sand held together by asphalt glue or binder. Once the binder is dried up your asphalt begins to come apart from within. The stones will start to separate from the sand leaving your driveway more susceptible to chemicals and cracking. Raveling is evident in oxidized driveways by the formation of dirt and gravel piles at the bottom of the driveway or near the edges. Don't panic if this is your driveway, although it would have been better if you sealed your driveway sooner this damage is not irreversible. Sealing your asphalt with a refined coal tar emulsion sealer containing sand (slurry mix) will not only restore the rich black color of the asphalt. The sand will also help fill in the voids and imperfections making your surface a lock tight unit again.
       Amongst it's sun blocking/adhesion improving capabilities there is also it's chemical resistance which will benefit your driveway. A driveway sealed with a refined coal tar sealer can withstand any chemical you can throw at it (Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, bleach, ect.). A sealed driveway will repel any of these chemicals. They will merely sit on the surface until they are cleaned, evaporated, or washed away from the rain. An unsealed driveway will absorb these fluids, and they will penetrate your asphalt and begin to break down the glue from within. This will lead to soft asphalt that can no longer handle surface friction like car tires or more abrasives like oil. This will eventually lead to potholes, sunken spots (bird baths) or cracks.
       Are you impressed yet? There is still more. Sealer will not only make your driveway resistant to chemicals it will make it impervious to water as well. Think of a sealed driveway as windshield with a nice coat of Rain X. The water will merely bead up and runoff your driveway instead of running down into the sub base. A driveway left untreated will fall victim to water. Runoff from your roof is enough enough force to make a trench the entire width of your driveway in front of your garage doors. We have seen this many times, and it is never an easy fix. It can also be quiet costly to repair. Rain continually pounding down on your driveway will to begin to erode the surface of your asphalt. Small stones and sand will begin break away from the surface. Now add this to your already oxidized grey driveway and you have yourself a problem
       So what have we learned today from another great article about the benefits of sealcoating? Sealer protects the surface from the sun, water, and harsh chemicals. It also reinvigorates the asphalt binder within making a stronger, live longer driveway. The key benefits of a refined coal tar sealer emulsion are:

-Restores asphalt binder (glue that holds stone and sand together)
-Resists harsh chemicals
-Resists harsh UV rays
-Resists water penetration
-Prevents raveling (disintegration of asphalt)

What Are PAHs?

      

 PAHs or polycylic aromatic hyrdocarbons are a group of more than one hundred different chemicals that form over a thousand different compounds. They are produced by the incomplete combustion of organic materials such as coal, oil, or wood. PAHs can also be formed naturally by the environment itself from forest fires and volcanoes. Urbanization, population, and industrial manufacturing are three of main contributing factors in high PAH levels.

      The most common ways these chemicals are formed, or found in nature are:

-Forest/grass fires 
-Volcanoes
-Oil seeps/fuel spills
-Plants, fungi, and bacteria
-Petroleum
-Electric power generation
-Waste incineration
-Home heating
-Diesel fuel engines
-Burning coal
-Asphalt roads/production
-Gas appliances
-Cigarette smoke
-Internal combustion engines (planes, trains, automobiles, and boats)
-Agriculture farming (insecticides/fertilizers)  
-Roofing materials
-Charred/grilled foods

       We are exposed to these chemicals on a everyday basis whether we live in Suffolk County or the Bronx. The three main ways these chemicals enter our bodies is through inhalation, ingestion, and absorption (skin contact). Breathing cigarette smoke or car exhaust, eating or drinking contaminated foods, and touching contaminated soil or bathing in contaminated water would be some examples of exposure.

       
Although the health effects of individual PAHs are not exactly alike; the following 18 PAHs are considered as a group in this profile issued by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR):

• acenaphthene
• acenaphthylene
• anthracene
• benz[a]anthracene
• benzo[a]pyrene
• benzo[e]pyrene
• benzo[b]fluoranthene
• benzo[ghi]perylene
• benzo[j]fluoranthene
• benzo[k]fluoranthene
• chrysene
• coronene
• dibenz(a,h)anthracene
• fluoranthene
• indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
• phenanthrene
• pyrene
• naphthalene                               

      
       Potential health risks from over exposure to PAHs can vary. They depend on factors like the person's health, age, strength and the length of exposure. Although short term effects in humans are not clear they may cause eye/skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and confusion. Long term effects have been linked to certain cancers such as lung, liver, skin, stomach, and bladder in lab animals. There have been no reported cases of cancer in humans from PAHs, because most of these chemicals are found in groups whether through environment or occupation. So it is difficult to single out which one is responsible for the health risks but they are still considered hazordous to your health. For example some tobacco blends used to make cigarettes can contain up to ten different PAHs.

       You might ask with all the different ways which we can be exposed is there any way we can limit our exposure?

-Avoid smoke (grills, wood stoves, cigarettes, etc.)
-Avoid high traffic areas
-Cook at lower temperatures
-Use a vent when cooking with gas stoves
-Seal joints in duct work for furnaces/water heaters
-Leave garage doors open after pulling a car in
-Have your chimney professionally cleaned 
-Use "green" insecticides around the house
-Avoid industrial combustion (garbage plants)
-Vacuum frequently and clean window sills (especially if residing near highways)  

       

The Benefits of Sealcoating Asphalt

          

The first thing that I want to address is that I am not going to reference any web pages, recite random statistics, or any science that may be hard to follow. That being said let's get started. All the benefits that I am about to state come from first hand experience.
 
            The number one benefit that comes to mind is a simple one to understand and quite possibly the most important. The first thing you notice after a driveway has been freshly sealed is its rich black color. There is more to it than just looks. The dark black color attracts the sun and in return yields higher surface temperatures which helps the asphalt stay flexible (think elderly in Florida). Why is this important you ask? I will explain... When you pull onto your driveway you are putting loads north of  2,000lbs with the average vehicle onto the surface. The driveway will flex underneath you to accept the weight of the car. Much like standing on the middle of a board supported by a bucket on either end; unsealed driveways become very brittle, ridged, and lose all flexibility. So when you pull your car on your driveway it is no longer able to accept the load and starts to crack under the pressure. Think of a sealed driveway as a water bed; the way it accepts your weight and adjusts time and time again. Now think of an unsealed driveway as the stiffest mattress you have ever slept on. Also that same black color will aide you in removing snow and ice off of your driveway a lot faster than an unsealed driveway. There are other factors that come into play here like sealer's ability to waterproof your asphalts surface; which in result sheds water faster and easier( I will address this later on). This is all I have in me for tonight, but let's go over the key items here (there will be more benefits to come).

-Rich black color attracts sun (higher surface temperatures melts snow/ice)
-Higher surface temperatures equals a more resilient driveway under load
-Flexible driveways have a greater resistance to cracking
-It does beautify your property (hate the term beautify, not sure who started it)
-A new canvas for your kids to draw on