How Much Does Sealcoating a Driveway Cost?
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Sealcoating a driveway is the process of applying a sealant to an asphalt driveway as a way to maintain it. It is recommended that you get your driveway sealcoated every one to two years. Asphalt can crack and crumble over time, especially if it is not level, and most of the deterioration of a driveway is caused by water. If there is an area in the driveway that holds water, or if water somehow seeps underneath the driveway, cracks can appear. In extreme cases, the asphalt can even crumble altogether.
Sealcoating can help protect your driveway from this type of water damage. Sealcoating is usually done in the summer months, but it can be done as early as May or as late as October. Most sealcoating companies are small and privately-owned, so there are generally many companies to choose from in each area. This allows you to shop around until you find a company you like. Some things to consider when checking prices are the type of sealcoat, how the sealcoat is applied, how many cracks there are in the driveway, the square footage, and if any repairs are needed.
How much does sealcoating a driveway cost?
Sealcoat that is sprayed on will usually cost $0.04 – $0.05 per square foot, depending on the company. While this is the cheapest option, the sealcoat does not last as long because water must be added to the sealer in order for it to spray through a nozzle without getting clogged.
Sealcoat that is brushed on will usually cost anywhere from $0.07 – $0.10 per square foot, depending on the condition of the driveway, and it will last one to two years. Asphalt that has never been sealcoated or has not been done in many years will absorb much more sealer and will, therefore, cost a little more. Driveways with more cracks than average will coast a little more as well. Driveways that have few cracks and have been well-maintained over the years will be the cheapest ones to get done.
A water-based sealer will cost about $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot.
Companies that use hot rubber crack filler rather than liquid crack filler will generally be slightly more expensive since hot rubber crack filler is much better quality.
Since there are so many scenarios, consider getting multiple quotes for free from local reputable contractors at HomeAdvisor.com.
According to WilliesPaving.com, the average driveway should cost around $200.
Parkinglotstripingbusiness.com notes most jobs will be between $0.12 to $0.20 per square foot. The website notes the following factors affect the price: the local market, how clean the driveway is, the amount of sealcoat needed, and the size of the lot.
Factors that affect the cost
Phases
This usually applies to parking lot jobs since the entire parking lot can’t be done in a day. For residential owners, a driveway is usually done in one day and shouldn’t have to be done in phases.
Cleaning
How dirty is the area? Are there oil spots? The area has to be 100 percent clean so the sealcoat can apply to the surface properly.
Layout
Is this a typical driveway layout or are there curves, islands or chopped areas? Most residential driveways won’t have a complex setup and most of this applies to parking lots.
Size
This is the largest factor that affects the price. The larger the driveway is, the more it’s going to cost since a contractor will charge based on the square footage.
Coats
How many coats need to be applied to the site? The more coats that are needed, the higher the costs.
Method
The two common methods include spraying the sealcoat on or using a squeegee. Spraying it on will be cheaper than using a squeegee.
Sealcoating a driveway overview
The sealcoating company should first use a weed wacker along the edge of the driveway to remove any overhanging grass. The driveway will then be cleaned using a machine brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Cracks, if present, are generally filled with either liquid or hot rubber before the sealcoat is applied.
If there are any grease spills on the driveway, that area may not hold the seal. There may be special chemicals that can be applied to try to get rid of the spill.
The company should use a smaller application brush around sidewalks, brick pavers, etc. to prevent the sealcoat from getting into areas that it doesn’t belong.
The driveway should be taped off when finished so people are aware that it is wet and cannot be driven on for 24 hours. The company will usually put up a sign showing that the driveway is wet; this sign will also act as a form of advertising for the company.
What are the extra costs?
Most companies allow for a certain amount of crack filler (usually around 50 linear feet). If a driveway has more cracks than the allotted amount it will cost about $.20 per linear foot for hot rubber or about $.10 per linear foot for liquid.
If a driveway is excessively dirty, perhaps from overhanging trees or being off a dirt road, the cleaning of the driveway can cost $10-$50 more, depending on its size.
If a driveway is lined with brick pavers or has some sort of design with brick pavers, companies will usually charge $20-$50 extra since it will take them so much longer to do the detail around them.
Traveling outside of the company’s zone can lead to additional travel expenses.
How can I save money?
Having the driveway cleaned and weed whacked before the company comes can sometimes shave some money off your price.
Many companies offer a discount for repeat customers, so finding a company you like and sticking with them can save money.
Sealcoating can also be done yourself for about half the price; however, this is a lot of work, can be very messy, and usually does not turn out quite as nicely.
Tips to know:
If you have just had a new driveway put it, it is recommended that you wait a year before it is sealcoated. Once it is a year old, you should get it sealcoated two years in a row to create a good seal. After this, you should get it sealcoated every two years.
How can I compare prices?
Most companies do free estimates, so you can simply call around and get a few different companies to give you an estimate and choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
Many companies will give a discount to return customers. Find a company that you like and stick with it.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
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When it comes down to removing a tree, there are going to be some factors that you’re going to have to put into play. You will have to consider the tree’s location, its height, as well as how much it weighs. You will also need to scope out the area. Are there power lines? Is a house nearby?
There are many types of tree removal types that include rigging which involves the worker to start at the top and work their way to the bottom. As they go down, they will chop each tree branch one by one. Another option is via a crane. The crane is usually used for dead trees or trees that are unsafe to cut done. The crane will simply pull the tree back to a safer location, allowing the workers to cut it down piece by piece. Craning is going to require more than one worker on average.
Tree removal cost:
On average, professional tree removing is going to cost anywhere from $250 to as much as $15,000+ per tree. A typical job at a house is going to cost anywhere from $600 to $3,500.
A smaller tree that is no larger than 25 feet is going to generally range around $100 to $400. If there’s a chance that there are obstacles nearby, you will want to increase this price by 25 to 50%.
A tree that is around 30 to 60 feet tall will be around $500 to $1,200. Again, obstacles are going to increase the price.
Any tree that is larger than 100 feet tall with no obstacles in sight will be in the low $1,000 figures.
If a tree is fallen down on your property, this job won’t seem as complex as you would think it is. Most professionals will charge $100 to $225 to remove a fallen tree.
If you need a few branches moved away from a power line, this could cost $100 to $200, depending on the number of branches you need to have removed.
There are a lot of scenarios, and for that reason, we highly recommend using HomeAdvisor.com to gather multiple quotes in your area for free. With this service, you simply explain your job and contractors will contact you with quotes with no obligation.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, they note the conditions are based on the tree height, condition, diameter and location.
Pine tree removal cost
A pine tree is often priced differently than your basic trees such as an oak or maple. If the tree is smaller than 30 feet, plan on budgeting about $150 to $225; however, if the pine tree is larger than this, it could cost upwards of $1,500.
What are the extra costs?
To get rid of the tree stump itself, you will want to plan on paying around $100 to $500 depending on the size. They will usually grind it to the ground.
Some companies won’t chip the limbs after the tree is removed. If the tree service has a chipper and this charge is extra, it may be an extra $50 to $125 to have your limbs chipped.
If there are obstacles in the way, it can increase your quote by as much as 50%. If you are near a utility pole, you may want to have them consult with you first.
Clean up fees may be an additional cost, depending on the company. Some people would rather keep the branches since they can use it for firewood down the line.
An arborist may charge to come out to the location to evaluate the entire situation. He/she will be able to determine what needs to be done, as well as give you quote. While most companies don’t charge for a consultation, some do.
If you live outside of the company’s service zone, additional mileage fees may apply.
Tree removal overview
When you sign up for a tree removal service, the company should cut the tree down right to the stump. Depending on the package that you purchase, you will find that some companies will remove the entire stump for an additional fee.
When removing the tree, the company will haul away, as well as clean up any mess that is left behind. They will generally use a shredder machine that cuts everything down in a nice, clean way.
If there are obstacles in the way such as a utility pole, or even your home, the company will generally rope the branches and cut them down one, by one. This process will take a little longer.
Factors that influence the price:
The Size
As mentioned above, the size can greatly influence the price tag. A tiny tree won’t cost much, but a bigger one will. Even if the tree is tiny, always be prepared to pay a minimum charge.
Type of Tree
Oak and pine trees tend to be the higher end because the trunks tend to be much larger than the average tree.
Stability
Older trees will tend to be weaker and weaker as time goes on. This is especially the case if the tree has already died. Due to this pressure as the tree is cut down, the professionals may deem that the tree is unsafe. If they do deem that the tree is unsafe, they may charge additional fees to lessen the risk.
Location
If the tree is closer to other trees that don’t have to be cut down or they are close to the house or power lines, this can bring up a quote. A tree located on a side of a hill or even near a road can cause the price to go up as well. On the other hand, trees without any obstacles can be near the lower end of an estimate.
Stumps
The more stumps the tree has, the more it’s going to cost.
Tips to know:
If you have a fireplace in your home, ask the tree removal company if they can leave the firewood behind. This is a great way to have firewood for the next few winters. Of course, the amount of wood will depend on the size of the tree. Keep in mind that some companies will charge a log splitting fee if you choose this type of service.
Always get everything in writing. By getting this in writing, you will be able to know what’s going to be included. Some companies may charge extra for cleanup or mileage surcharge. Getting it in writing will make sure that you don’t overpay for anything.
If you’re purchasing a new home, make sure that the inspector looks at the trees around the lot. The last thing that you want to have happen is to find a tree coming through your roof.
Never wait on a tree. The longer you wait, the more it can cost!
It never hurts to check with your homeowner’s insurance. What you may find is that some may help cover the costs of your tree removal.
A tree may not have to be removed completely. Instead, a simple pruning could help save the tree.
If you’re going to remove the tree yourself, you may need a permit in order to do so.
How can I save money?
You may be able to do it yourself as long as the tree isn’t too big. You may want to get your hands on some tree removing tools that may ease the process.
Attempt to prune your trees on an annual basis. When you prune your tree, this is going to allow your tree to grow at a healthier pace. It will also allow tree removal services to have an easier job once the time does come to cut it down.
Don’t wait until the last minute to chop it down. This could cause the tree to topple onto items such as the house or even local power lines. These will have to be covered at your own expense.
Talk with your local homeowner’s insurance company. Some companies may cover this type of service. If they don’t, there’s a good chance that they may even chip in to help.
Homeowner’s that have their own fireplace may want to have the company leave the wood behind. Haul away for food can add up fairly fast. This is a great way to have your own bundle of wood.
Tree removal for free:
If the tree is near the power lines, call up the power company and complain. 99 percent of the time, they will come and take it down for nothing.
If the tree is in a public area, call up the government and voice your concern. Larger trees can often grow into the sewer.
Post an ad on Craigslist. Tell anyone that they can have all the firewood that they want. All they have to do is remove the tree for you.
In some areas, it’s common for loggers to remove Pine and Fir trees for free. If this is the type of tree that you need to be removed, some companies may pay you.
How can I compare prices?
You can use services such as HomeAdvisor.com. You can tell them what you want and contractors will contact you with a price. This is a great step to take, without having to worry about finding contractors yourself.
