News

SealMaster/Denver Wins Bids with La Plata County
SealMaster/Denver was recently awarded bids for Pothole Patch as a winter mix and won the bid for hot pour crack sealant for La Plata street maintenance program.

La Plata County put out the patch bid as High Performance Winter Mix requirement. SealMaster/Denver won the 600 bag procurement by outbidding the other numerous patch producing suppliers.

The county also put out bids for crackfiller material to meet ASTM D6690 Type I or II requirements. SealMaster/Denver proposed CrackMaster P.L. and won out over other leading crack sealant manufacturers for the project. The amount is 15,000 pounds.

Introducing the CP260
The new CP 260 offers an impressive list of changes from previous models, and looks to fill needs in both the contractor and DOT markets. Designed with Safety, Ergonomics and Performance in mind, a few of the changes and innovations included on the CP 260 include a longer-lasting, screw-type air compressor capable of 85 CFM; a lower profile and wider footprint for ease of load, better field of vision and easier maneuverability; a new heated hose and wand systems allowing for greater mobility and ergonomically-friendly usage; and a 6 inch channel frame for overall strength and stability.

The Government Sector...
SealMaster National Equipment Sales Manager Craig Walter continues to impress the government sector; most recently with sale of two (2) CP 260 Twin Electric Hose units. Recently, a large municipality in Montana announced SealMaster as the winner of the bid for the two units, with the potential for 25 additional units. The ability of each hose to be operated independently, in conjunction with a well-designed information package, contributed to the successful bid.

Also on the government front, Walter has found that state budgets are experiencing continuing cuts in nearly all regions of the country. Working the 3 major trade shows, and 13 territories over the past 90 days, Walter has found that states are looking for help to maximize their efforts with less money and increased project work. Walter states that new paving in 2010 will cost approximately $120,000 per lane mile – as opposed to $1,200 per lane mile when using SealMaster’s Crack Sealing Rental Program.

“A new CrackPro with an air compressor and enough crack sealant to repair 20 miles of road (both lanes) can be budgeted at the cost of a melter and a truck load of material,” says Walter, “The sale price is lower than ½ the cost of one lane mile of new asphalt paved road surface. Now’s the time to strike.”

Some Things to Think About as the 2010 Season Comes to an End
It’s that time of year again when many of us find ourselves balancing time between squeezing every last dollar we can out of our season; closing things out and shifting gears for the offseason; and planning our business trip to Vegas for NPE West or ConExpo. However you look at it, the 2010 sealcoat season has either ended, or is quickly coming to a close and most of you reading this will soon be experiencing environmental conditions that range from rapidly deteriorating to “Closed for Season.” There are a few important things for all contractors to consider as they head into the offseason.

Many contractors will push the limits of their material by working as deep into the fall season as possible, to a time when nice weather is in full retreat, and the opportunities to book work are coming with less and less frequency. It makes sense to continue making sales calls until the snow falls, knowing that you can start building your books for spring. The successful contractor also knows how to best manage the changes in conditions beginning in, for most of the sealcoating world, early October. Below is a small sampling of comments, tips and recommendations made to SealMaster’s people from across the country, by the contractors who work in these ever changing-conditions year in and year out:

• Resist the temptation to do jobs that you, as a professional, believe have low chances of success. Cash-in-hand must be weighed against the possibility of having to redo the work at no cost, and the almost certain hit your reputation will take. It’s better to not do a job, than it is to re-do a job.
• Be mindful of the weather – if temperatures at application are not 50° and rising for 24 hours; or if there’s a chance of rain in that timeframe, you’re better off holding off on the job rather than risking failure.
• Try to work in direct sunlight – the effects of cloud cover and shade at this time of year are amplified over the effects during the heat of the summer. Start projects later in the day and be sure to conclude the day’s work earlier, giving the water ample time to evaporate before the cooler temperatures of the night set in. If possible, keep your tank inside at night or put a belt heater on it to keep the temperature up.
• Always try to be aware of the pavement’s temperature. Sealcoaters should be equipped with a digital thermometer for surface temperature monitoring. Most large contractors will not sealcoat unless the surface temperature is 55° and rising.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s mix design. SealMaster locations can assist you with recommendations on the proper amounts of water and sand to add; as well as which specific additives are best for the job you’re doing. Use of less water and more sand, based within the manufacturer’s specified ranges, often help with dry time.
• Be aware that two coat jobs are difficult to do later in the season. The first coat must be dry before the second can be shot, so it’s often best to plan on 2 or 3 thin coats. The thicker the coat, the longer it takes to cure and bond – the opposite holds true for thinner coats.
• Encourage your commercial accounts to at least do the crack sealing portion of the job in the fall – this will help protect the asphalt through the freeze/thaw cycle, and will allow for quick work to be booked for spring.

One option that many contractors are choosing is to avoid the changes by continuing their season working in one of the warmer states. Mid-western and east coast dialects can be heard well into January from Southern California through Phoenix, Albuquerque and Texas, and deep into Florida in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. If you’re considering year-round operation in multiple locations, be sure to check with each state you plan on working for their specific requirements with regards to taxes, permits and out-of-state worker status. You will want to check with your material suppliers to determine if they are present in your chosen market, and if they are, you will want to let them know in advance that you are coming so they can do their best to ensure material availability. Also, it is common for manufacturers to have agreements with national franchises, chains, and property management companies that can provide consistent, year-round work, to contractors who are willing to travel, and who enjoy a change in scenery.

With the arrival of the offseason comes the task of winterizing your equipment. This key piece of preventative maintenance needs to occur immediately after your last load of the season in order to better your chances of avoiding damage to your pumps. The process of winterization involves flushing and cleaning out material from pumping systems, tanks and hoses, and the protection of the equipment and its components during winter storage. You can greatly extend the life of your equipment and the systems that make it work by following a regular program of maintenance that includes winterizing. Attached is a more detailed pdf explaining some basics of winterizing; to which I would encourage you to also check with the manufacturer of your equipment or your local SealMaster® for advice on how and where to best winterize your equipment.

As we head into the offseason, I encourage you to research your industry and your market, and to invest some time in an effort to be as knowledgeable as you can about your profession. A little knowledge combined with the experience gained from coming to work each day, will help you become better at what you do, and will give you the best chance at success.

Winterizing SealMaster® Bulk Storage Tanks
Winterizing the Tank

• Grease the packing glands and bearings.
• Flush the inside of the tank completely with water. A pressure washer is recommended for this.
• Pump the wash down water and sealer residue out through the pump and hose into a container.
• Remove plug from the bottom of storage tank and allow any remaining water to drain out into a container. Grease the threads on the plug and replace plug immediately.
• Remove and clean the basket strainer.
• Turn pump on, with basket strainer lid opened, and flush basket strainer with clean water. Mix up to 2 gallons of antifreeze solution and flush that through basket strainer and pump.
• Remove battery and store inside
• Close manhole on top of tank to prevent rain and snow from entering tank.

Winterizing the Pump

• Remove the rear housing of the material pump.
• Pull out the lower pump gear and thoroughly wash with water.
• Rinse out the pump housing.
• Brush oil on all interior parts of the material pump including gears, housing, back plate and bolts.
• Slide rear housing plate back onto material pump. Replace bolts but do not tighten. Be sure to leave a gap between the housing plate and pump housing. This must be done to prevent pump from cracking during the winter.

Winterizing the Engine

• Remove spark plug and spray W-D 40 (or similar penetrating oil) into the cylinder and replace spark plug.
• Cover and wrap the engine with plastic or canvas to protect from weather.

Winterizing the Hydraulic Valves

• Shift forward/reverse agitator valve into position to protect the spool valve from the weather.
• Close the agitator speed control valve to protect the valve shaft from the weather.

Chipping and Cleaning the Inside of Bulk Tank
NOTE – Temperature should be below 32° F when chipping sealer on inside of tank. Colder temperatures will cause the dried sealer to be more brittle, making the job much easier. Please be sure to follow Lock Out/Tag Out and Confined Space Entry procedures when entering tank.

• Remove clean-out cover from the rear of the tank.
• Use an air-opened chisel with a 2-inch spade bit to remove dried sealer. Wear proper hearing protection.
• Start chipping at the top of the tank and work your way down the sides of the tank. Use a shovel to remove accumulated sealer chunks out through the clean out hole. Be sure to chip and remove the sealer from the agitator shaft and blades.

Spring Start-up

• Tighten the bolts on the pump housing plate.
• Uncover the engine and replace battery.
• Put 50 gallons of water in sealer tank and check for leaks.
• Start engine and pump water out.

Winterizing SealMaster® Equipment
Pump-Out Option for Winterizing Pump Equipment

• Fill material tank with approximately 50 gallons of water and agitate well. Pump the water out through the spray wand and spray bar.
• Disconnect the spray hose and lay it on the ground in a fully extended position allowing it to drain completely.
• Find the lowest point on the material pump plumbing system and open drain valve or remove plug.
• If you have a Roper, Bowie, or similar type gear pump: Loosen all of the bolts on the backplate. Separate the endplate from the center case so that the water drains out. Leave end plates separated over the winter.
• If you have an air diaphragm pump: Disassemble the pump and allow water to drain out. Leave pump disassembled over the winter.

Antifreeze Option for Winterizing Pump Equipment

• Rather than disassembling pumps for the winter, you may elect to pour a couple of gallons of propylene glycol into the basket strainer. Turn on the pump to distribute the antifreeze throughout the system. In the spring time you will need to flush the system thoroughly with water and dispose of the waste water properly.
• To winterize water tank system, remove the drain plug on the water tank and water pump and allow to drain completely. Or you can run antifreeze through the system, making certain to flush thoroughly in the springtime.
• Drain all gasoline from engine.
• Disconnect the battery and take it inside your building. Wash battery with a solution of baking soda and water.
• Cover the engine with a plastic trash bag.
• Cover any locking caps with small plastic bag.
• Put a thin layer of grease on any exposed hydraulic cylinders.
• Scrape any sealer residue from inside the tank and on the outside of the machine.
• Now is the time to do any necessary maintenance and repairs.
• Sandblast and repaint.

Crack Sealing Equipment

• Remove gasoline and oil; replace filters.
• Cover the engine with a plastic trash bag.
• Remove and replace the old Heating Transfer Oil with new, and replace the burner nozzle if necessary.
• Flush the tank with the old transfer oil to melt and clean the system (DO NOT ALLOW MELTER TO HEAT OVER 300°F). Let it run most of the day to remove build up.

The SealMaster system continues to grow as new owners have taken over two facilities in Texas and plan to open two others in Missouri and in Oklahoma.

In August, 2010, Dale and Quinn Cutler became the new owners of SealMaster Dallas. The Cutlers were originally slated to open SealMaster Las Vegas, but shifted to Texas rather than continue to pursue the Nevada opportunity.

In September, 2010, John and Marilyn Peterson purchased SealMaster Houston. The Petersons re-opened the facility that had been closed for more than three years.

Also in September, Mike and Irene Bashir purchased SealMaster St. Louis. The Bashirs, who also own SealMaster Chicago, are scheduled to open their St. Louis facility in spring, 2011.

Finally, in December, Kevin and Cathy Gullick finalized plans for the newest SealMaster in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

SealMaster/Baltimore

SealMaster/Baltimore was recently awarded a bid to supply a total of 12 custom made logos to the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Please follow the link below for the story as found in the local Fredericksburg Newspaper. http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/112010/11302010/591262

This is the second such project SealMaster/Baltimore was involved in this year. Earlier this summer, The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. completed multiple projects with the assistance of SealMaster/Baltimore; to include safety warnings, as well as nearly 300 custom-made elephant foot prints leading to the elephant exhibit.
12/2/2010-from an email from Tom Decker.

SealMaster®/Houston Re-Opens

SealMaster® is back in Houston! SealMaster®/Houston is open for business under the ownership of John and Marilyn Peterson.

SealMaster®/Houston is located at 14435 I-10 East Freeway on Houston's east side. The telephone number is 713-453-7325.

Like all SealMaster® locations, SealMaster®/Houston offers a full-line of pavement maintenance products, including sealcoat, crack filler, traffic paint, sports surface material, equipment and tools.

There are more than 60 SealMaster locations nationwide. For the SealMaster® nearest you, call 800-395-7325.

New Facilities Opening In Florida, California

One new SealMaster® location has opened and another is on the way. The new facilities are in Pinellas County, Fla. and Orange County, Calif. The Pinellas County location, which opened Monday, Janaury 11, is at 9172 130th Avenue North in Largo, Fla. The telephone is (727) 772-3819. The Orange County facility will be opening soon at 719 West Collins Avenue in Orange, Calif. The telephone is (714) 771-7325. For the SealMaster® location nearest you, dial (800) 395-7325.

Changes In Traffic Control Regulation Looming In 2009

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) is set to begin enforcement of a new set of standards on traffic control markings in January, 2009, as set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD is incorporated by Federal Department of Transportation regulations approved by the FHA and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads and "roads open to public traffic", such as parking lots which are privately owned but where the public is allowed travel without access restrictions.

The new regulations standardize traffic signs, pavement markings and other control devices in an effort to expedite traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety and incorporate technology advances in traffic control device application.

It is important that contractors are aware of the changes, as compliance will not only help avoid fines but will also reduce possible liability resulting from accidents due to non-compliance.

To learn more, contact your local SealMaster® at (800) 395-7325.

Liquid Thermoplastic Introduced at National Pavement Expo West

The latest in traffic paint technology made its appearance at the National Pavement Expo in Las Vegas November 21-22, 2008. The 100 percent acrylic water based Liquid Thermoplastic is a sprayed-on cold-applied material that maintains the durability and performance normally associated with hot-melt thermoplastic applications.

To learn more about this product, contact your local SealMaster® at (800) 395-7325.

Videos Available For Select SealMaster® Equipment

Production is underway of videos detailing the proper operation of select SealMaster® equipment. The first five pieces of equipment supported by videos are the SP300 Dual, the MA-10, the TR300, the SK300 and the TR750. Individual DVDs wil lbe included with the operations manuals for these equipment pieces.

Walsh Brothers Purchase Franchise; SealMaster®/Long Island Opening Soon

Brothers John and Jim Walsh have purchased the SealMaster® franchise for Long Island and metro New York City. SealMaster®/Long Island will feature a full line of pavement maintenance products, equipment and supplies when it opens in the coming months.

The Walsh brothers are veterans of the pavement maintenance industry, having worked with their father in the operation of VelveTop Products.

While SealMaster®/Long Island won’t be fully operational for awhile, professional contractors on Long Island and in metro New York can already begin to purchase many SealMaster® products through the new business.

“It will be a while before we have the plant fully operational and are making SealMaster® sealer, but we are already able to bring many other SealMaster® products to our territory,” said John Walsh.

SealMaster®/Long Island will operate from a facility at 157 Grant Avenue; Islip, NY 11751. The telephone number is (631) 277-2043.

SealMaster®/Denver Wins Franchise Of The Year Award

Fifteen SealMaster® franchises received awards during the annual meeting of SealMaster franchisees held December 10-13, 2007 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Those receiving awards were SealMaster®/Allentown, SealMaster®/Atlanta, SealMaster®/Baltimore, SealMaster®/Buffalo, SealMaster®/Chicago, SealMaster®/Denver, SealMaster®/Hawaii, SealMaster®/Hillsville, SealMaster®/Louisville, SealMaster®/ Manville, SealMaster®/Milwaukee, SealMaster®/North Carolina, SealMaster®/Phoenix, SealMaster®/St. Paul and SealMaster®/Tampa.

SealMaster®/Denver won the prestigious Franchise of the Year Award for the first time. Six franchises have claimed the Franchise of the Year Award in the 10 years it has been presented, including five in the last five years.

SealMaster®/Hawaii claimed the Rising Star Award.

SealMaster®/Indianapolis Coming In 2008

INDIANAPOLIS-SealMaster®/Indianapolis, which has operated as a storefront since its founding, has been sold as a franchise and will begin as a full manufacturing facility in 2008. The franchisees are David, Caleb and Jacob Bernath.

The Bernath family comes to the SealMaster® business with a diverse background. David Bernath is a life-long farmer who has opted to leave that vocation to join his sons in purchasing SealMaster®/Indianapolis.

In addition to farming, Caleb Bernath has experience as a sealcoating contractor. Jacob Bernath, who also has farming and sealcoat contracting experience, is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.

The Bernaths are originally from Wauseon, Ohio. They are relocating to Indianapolis and will take over operation of the facility from ThorWorks in January, 2008.