April 3, 2010

While conducting due diligence and competitive research for our Ohio and Kentucky Franchise prospects, we discovered many sealcoat operators in these markets fail to add sand to their sealer mix. Each of the local manufacturers and distributors we spoke with in Ohio acknowledge that many of their customers refuse to add sand per manufacturer specifications because of the hassle factor of physically loading the sand into the top of the tank and because sealer without sand is easier to apply.

Sealcoat operators who apply sealer only by hand dislike sand loads because the sand mix can leave streak marks and look unsightly. By eliminating sand, they make their job easier, but place the customer at risk with increased slip and fall hazards and with diminished durability of the application. Sealcoat operators who spray apply with inferior equipment also avoid sand loads as their pumps can't handle this mix design.

Manufacturers and distributors are part of the problem, too. By catering to this bad practice they are contributing to the problem. When called on their own culpability they simply claim they are serving their customers' desires.

As a homeowner or property manager what can you do to protect yourself? First, you should ask the contractor if the sealer contains sand. If there's a hesitation, be careful. Ask what method of application will be used and, even if hand application is desired, be certain they have the capability to spray as this is often an indicator of the level of sophistication of the contractor. If you really want proof, ask to see their latest receipts from their distributor showing sand purchases along with their sealer purchase.

For more information, please visit http://www.BlackDawgSealcoat.com or call 1-800-998-DAWG (3294).