ForConstructionPros.com

The Asphalt Sealcoat Manufacturers Association (ASMA) continues its efforts to develop the sealcoating industry through a variety of accomplishments in 2005 and plans for 2006.

President Cliff Clowers, VSS Emultech, a division of Valley Slurry Seal, said the 13-year-old ASMA is making a concerted effort to educate the industry, primarily the property manager end users of the material, of how and why to maintain asphalt pavements.

Three years ago ASMA completed its "Why Sealcoat" brochure. This year the association completed a troubleshooting brochure, titled "10 Common Problems Found on Sealcoating Jobs," directed at contractors and property managers. The brochure, which Clowers said will be available on the association's website (www.sealcoatmfg.org) November 1, contains example photos and explanations of a number of sealcoating-related concerns.

"We considered the common complaints we get as sealer producers and the problems contractors encounter," Clowers said. "Then we took photos of the problems, described the problem, explained what might have caused it to occur, and the best ways to treat or avoid it in the future."

One example is why sealer can turn white in certain areas after it dries. ASMA's troubleshooting guide offers three possible explanations for the whiteness: 1) high mineral content of the water used in the sealcoat, 2) Too much salt in the sealer's clay additive, 3) If a heavy fog rolls in shortly after the sealer is applied, the fog can bring out the mineral content of the sealer. The paper explains that in many cases the whiteness easily can be washed away.