Professional Remodelers, Inc.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ***Please add your rejection comments below.
Today is exactly months after Asphalt Engineering laid our driveway. We are parking our car in our grass, to the side of the driveway, because, as we have discovered, parking even a medium size car on the driveway for even a short period of time leaves depressions in the asphalt. Earlier this week we parked the car to the side as usual but accidentally left one of the front tires resting on edge of the driveway. I noticed the tire as I was walking away, and came back minutes later to move repark the car. The one tire in a minute span left a depression in the driveway. I took a photo. It's a great feeling having to stand out in the middle of my driveway, with my neighbors watching, while I take photos of the asphalt. This summer has been a surreal and stressed out experience. When I say stress I mean my wife and I have got into arguments over the driveway. Our driveway is black marshmallow. It is mostly unusable even though the cure period as represented by Asphalt Engineering is almost complete. Despite my statements in my complaint that I would not sign the release proposed by Asphalt Engineering, they have replied and stated that they will not take any action to remedy our situation unless I sign the release. Despite the president of their company agreeing in person to fix the damage and reroll the entire driveway, they now characterize rolling the driveway as unorthodox and risky and suggesting that they are only open to doing it to make me happy. Asphalt Engineering has no interest in resolving our dispute. What Asphalt Engineering doesn't get or doesn't want to get is that I am (I should now say was) trying to find a resolution other than replacing the entire driveway. It is obvious to me that Asphalt Engineering'[s business model is to attempt to avoid taking responsibility for any problems with their product by unilaterally sending customers numerous documents--AFTER THE DEPOSIT HAS BEEN PAID--containing vague statements about what might happen to the driveway if you use it (Q: Who pays for a new driveway and doesn't use it?). They also try to make out asphalt driveways to be some mysterious phenomenon, like black holes in space, that no one can really understand or control. Ridiculous. They aren't going to help us. So now I, *** Homeowner, have some tough decisions to make. Do I wait until the end of months and then pay thousands to a lawyer and sue for the replacement cost of the driveway? Do I get divorced and sell the house? Not the way I wanted to spend this summer
Regards,
*** ***

As we have said time and time again This driveway has a warranty If indeed you have problems that are outside the relm of what to be expected with new asphalt we will be there to address it We have even said come this fall we will address the tire marks by heating and shoeing the asphalt if any still remain (many times they go away on their own) If you had an issue with the very clear and specific (not vague) information that was sent to you after providing the deposit we would have certainly refunded your money Please note that this information is also on our website stating :How soon can I drive on my driveway?You must stay off your driveway with vehicles and equipment for one weekAfter the first week you may use your new driveway to go in and out of the garage, but you should refrain from parking on your new driveway for 14-days Parking in different areas of the driveway for the first 6-months will help prevent depressions in your driveway.We are not trying to hide anything - this is a common known fact about asphalt Please also see many statements online confirming everything we are telling you Even if you look at asphaltisbest.com they state everything we shared with you and more: BELOW FROM THEIR SITE:Many factors can contribute to the cause of scuffing and tire marking: ?The switch to Performance Graded (PG) asphalt cement (the binder that holds the mix together) has improved the durability of the mix by reducing the incidence of cold weather crackingHowever, in most cases, this has also resulted in the use of a ‘softer’ asphalt cement, which has resulted in asphalt pavement mixtures that are more prone to tire scuffing, especially during periods of hot weather during the first season of useThe use of softer asphalts is further aggravated by other factors such as: ? Excluding the use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) or recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt pavement; ? High asphalt cement content/asphalt film thickness; ? Hot-humid conditions can delay curing of a newly placed surfaced mixture; ? The use of power steering while the vehicle is stationaryFront wheel drive cars tend to have higher loading on the front wheels which can cause higher contact pressures; ? Lower profile tires frequently have higher tire pressures resulting in increased stress; ? Imposed restrictions such as dead-loads, no vibration allowed for compaction of the asphalt pavement, and just in time construction often results in opening parking lots to traffic within hours of final paving; and ? Tires fresh from periods of summertime highway driving are hot and can mark an already tender hot pavement. ?Workmanship must also be considered but with today’s advances in equipment, technology and Quality Control programs used in the industry, this issue is not normally the primary factor causing the scuffingHowever, some issues related to construction could influence the issue, such as: ? Equipment allowed on a newly constructed asphalt pavement may leave indentations and scuff marks; and ? Lower compaction of the asphalt pavement as a result of light compaction equipment (or no vibration allowed) on thin pavement structures may also be a contributor(END OF WEBSITE INFO)Mr_____ as you know we used a ton vibratory roller on your driveway and our equipment is new Again we want to work with you and are willing to come re-roll the driveway, despite not seeing the purpose since we will be unable to vibrate the asphalt (see line above where they indicate a reason for tire marks can be imposed restrictions like no vibration allowed for compaction of asphalt) we understand this is what you are looking for We are not trying to make driveways a foreign or "black hole" thing like you describe We are however experts in the industry which I am sure played a large part in your hiring our company Sometimes we have to chose to trust the opinion of the expert.I think it is more than fair to meet in the middle with the language of your release If you would like to add the lines regarding:-Asphalt Engineering feels that the concerns Mr_____ has are tire marks and they will go away over time (as described in all pre- pave and post pave material provided to Mr ____). Mr ____ feels that the driveway should be rolled again with a ton roller to increase the compaction of the asphalt. -By entering into this agreement, the parties hereto admit no liability.I think that this is more than understandable to want this language included As we stated in the initial release none of this changes the warranty you have for your driveway We have all interest in coming to do exactly what you are asking for, but do not feel comfortable without acknowledging these items in writing We certainly do not want you to be stressing about your driveway.Please note you should never park your car directly on the edge of the driveway The edge of your driveway is the weakest point and is susceptible to cracking if it does not have a strong supported edge This is also stated in your care packets so I do not understand why you would park your car this way when you are already experiencing concerns? The edges are the weakest point of your driveway due to the limited side supportAvoid driving on the direct edge as this can cause crackingIt is important to build up edges of your driveway with topsoil/seed to create maximum support and esthetic appeal. None the less if you would like to resend the document you put together with the above line items added and send this over to us via email I assure you we can be out within business days to roll this for you As discussed this would be done without vibration to help prevent marking up the topcoat We feel you can be using your driveway as normal These are esthetic issues and there is no reason for you to be parking in the lawn If fall approaches and you are still concerned (even after rolling the driveway again) we can even send our quality control rep from Aggregate Industries out to test the mixWe are going to stand behind the driveway so use it as normal This is just a very hot time of year and unfortunately, as we have shared, tire marks are normal This is also shared online by numerous companies and competitors, Aggregate can confirm this as well if you would like me to have them give you a call We can have them meet you on site, whatever you feel you need to re-affirm that we are telling you the truth There is no benefit in us not standing behind this driveway as we have done for our clients for years and our reputation reflects.Let me know how all this sounds so that we can come take care of this for you and you will not have the stress you currently have That is not good for anyone, but remember, this is a driveway, you hired a reputable company and in the end it will be ok.Thank you ~*** *** : Director of Operations

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ***Please add your rejection comments below.
"As we have said time and time again." Are these people unbelievable or what? But, you know, I shouldn't be surprised by the you-know-what attitude dripping from Asphalt Engineering's messages in this complaint. One thing I purposely didn't mention up to now--because I was honestly trying to get these people to help us--was the attitude of the president, *** ***, when he came to our house to discuss the driveway. From the moment I answered the door, it was obvious to me that the guy was really angry about having to be there and discuss our concerns. He literally stomped back to his truck when we ended the conversation. I remember commenting to my wife afterwards that it would be interesting to see if they followed through. They didn't. I also didn't mention in my initial complaint that Asphalt Engineering failed to accurately follow the diagram for the new driveway, the outline of which extended beyond original driveway. The driveway tapers down by one foot on one side when the diagram shows that it should be straight. Anyone who bothers to read through this complaint will easily see that the messages from Asphalt Engineering are all about how they look to potential customers who look them up on the Revdex.com web site. They don't care about us or the mess they left us with. I'm now looking for an engineer to do an analysis of the driveway. I want to end by recognizing the several other asphalt companies in the Massachusetts MetroWest area who came to our house to look at the driveway and give me advice. They could have easily exploited the situation, but instead they kept telling me to go back and get Asphalt Engineering to take responsibility for their work. The cared about us, even though we never gave them a dollar
Regards,
*** ***

We have been trying to work with you on this since you first showed concern with your drivewayI truly am sorry it has come to this point as it is our goal for you to be happy with your finished product After seeing the photos on June 24, ***, our President, came out to personally address
your concerns On his site visit he established that what you were experiencing are tire marks, common to fresh asphalt All pre and post documentation provided about your project state that these will happen in warmer months due to the asphalt needing time to fully cure Some examples of this information are:1)Sent prior to the start of your project: States "Please Read Through Carefully Prior to our Arrival" AFTER THE PAVE Due to new EPA regulations asphalt is a much softer product than it used to beThe change in material was made to allow the asphalt to remain flexible in the harsh New England weather which helps prevent cracking over the long termIn the short term(first year), tire marks may occurThese are more common in the warm summer monthsTire marks are not a reflection of an issue with the integrity of the asphalt, but simply occurs when the asphalt absorbs heat from the sunTire marks will go away over timeHosing down the driveway on hot days will cool the asphalt to help prevent tire marks. For the first month (after the initial days), if you will be parking on the new asphalt, avoid parking in exactly the same spot, shift slightly to the side or forward/backwardsTo help avoid tire marks in the initial year do not turn the tires of a vehicle without being in motionDo not put anything on the driveway that will have weight on one spot, for example kickstands, chair legs, ladders, trailer jacks etcas they will create divots in the asphalt.We have not been provided with any documentation from this third party contractor supporting the statements made by our client.2)Left onsite after project is complete : States "A few things to note in addition to the care instructions provided"-Your driveway will remain soft and pliable for the first 6-months as the liquid asphalt in blacktop needs to harden and cureTire marks during the first year or so can be expected if tires are turned on the asphalt without the vehicle in motionThese will often go away on their own.-Parking in different areas of the driveway for the first 6-months will help prevent depressions in your driveway.-To aid in curing, during warmer months, water down your driveway in the eveningsAsphalt is black and absorbs the sunThis can delay the curing process leaving asphalt pliable for 6-monthsEven after the asphalt has fully cured it will not be as hard as concreteThe asphalt will continue to soften and harden as temperatures rise and fallOn warmer days, particularly in July and August, tire marks will appearAvoid turning your car tires in one spot without moving the vehicle as this will create deeper tire marksDo not be alarmed as they will disappear again from the compaction by your tiresThey can also be smoothed out with a torchYour driveway is under warranty and we have no reason not to address issues with your driveway As professionals with a proven reputation in the industry and as the company you trusted to hire, we are telling you to give the asphalt some time to cure We even told you that we are happy to come out and heat and shoe any tire marks still present in the fall (often they completely go away on their own as the temperature begins to cool) Despite our reassurance you have requested that we return to roll the asphalt again on a hot day We have been in the industry over years and have never heard of doing something like thisThe sub-base and the asphalt (both layers) were properly compacted with a ton vibratory roller Rolling the driveway again not only serves no purpose, but also creates the risk of damaging the surface of the driveway with many little scratches and potential indentations as we have had very high temperatures and the still curing asphalt is absorbing the heat from the sun This is certainly not the time to bring a ton piece of equipment onto the driveway You also have stated on two separate occasions that you 1) feel the driveway is failing due to lack of compaction and 2) that you feel the driveway is failing due to the amount of liquid asphalt in the asphalt mix These are two very different reasons and neither of which something we feel is happening with your driveway.None the less you persisted to push the point of re-rolling the driveway You mentioned having a third party opinion which we asked to review and were never provided You were very open that the driveway issues were causing you emotional stress, causing relationship issues with you and your family, that you were planning to go to public forums etc At this time we agreed we would appease you by coming to re-roll the driveway, but would not do so without the signing of a releaseThis release is important as it protects both you as the consumer and ourselves as a company You did not reply to the release other than to send another release you created in its place and stating that if we did not mutually agree by 5pm on July 8, on a date and time for us to perform the above described work, or we failed to perform the work before July 30, that the waiver would expire I replied to this email stating that we would need more items from our release included and I was happy to discuss with you how we could meet in the middle You did not reply to my email The next message I had was the formal complaint through the Revdex.com OUR PROPOSED RELEASE: (the ____ to protect identity) "Asphalt Engineering paved the driveway for Mr_______ at _____ *** *** on September 28, There has been a dispute regarding the condition of the asphalt used to pave the driveway Asphalt Engineering, specifically *** *** (owner), has been out to review the driveway and feels the driveway condition is as it should be and that there are no concerns regarding the asphalt Asphalt Engineering feels that the concerns Mr___has are tire marks and they will go away over time (as described in all pre- pave and post pave material provided to Mr___) Mr___ feels that the driveway should be rolled again with a ton roller to increase the compaction of the asphalt Asphalt Engineering does not recommend doing this as they feel this will potentially leaves scratches and roller marks on the surface of the driveway Asphalt Engineering feels Mr___currently has esthetic concerns with the driveway and this plan of action may make it worse The asphalt is already in the curing stage and will not benefit from additional compaction.Although the parties agree to disagree on some of these items and the approach to address the concerns, Asphalt Engineering wants to work with Mr____ to try and ensure satisfaction with his product.Mr____would like Asphalt Engineering to come and roll the driveway Mr____has been made fully aware of the risks associated with bringing heavy equipment back onto the driveway and wishes to proceed with this action based on information he has from other paving contractors This work will be done as a one time courtesy and by entering into this agreement, the parties hereto admit no liability The parties agree that the terms of this agreement, previous and future communication, and all services and opinions between the parties will remain strictly confidential, both written and verbally.Mr._____ has agreed, by signing this release, to accept this action plan and not to hold Asphalt Engineering liable for any marks this may cause on the driveway Mr____understands that his warranty still remains valid as stated in his estimate #until the date of 09/28/: “Year Warranty: covers cracking, sinking, & natural depressionsDoes not cover damage caused by tree roots, plow trucks, gas or oil spills, chipmunks, downspouts, dumpsters, divots & extreme acts of nature Does not cover damage (cracking or breakup of asphalt) along the driveway edges if proper backfilling by the homeowner was not completedWarranty not valid if paving area has a high water table.”As previously stated in my email we are open to coming and rolling the driveway, but feel it is important to note everything we stated in our release Despite not liking to have a complaint on the Revdex.com I do feel that this has provided a safe and documented environment for the conversation to continue in the right direction.We look forward to hearing from you.~*** *** : Director of Operations

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # [redacted]. Please add your rejection comments below. 
Dear Revdex.com,What they...

did not share with you was the threats they made to me via email and I am happy to forward these to you.The original contract is what they need to go buy and fix the driveway.I had very little interaction with this company when they came to my home and much of what they have said is just confabulation.Horrified when I received a letter to sign as there was no need to sign a new document because I had already signed an original contract.I crossed out items that were not appropriate and did write comments on the document and let them know how disappointed I am.From the very beginning this company has  spaced out work, and left my driveway a total mess.  I have gravel running down the driveway a sink hole and asphalt left from the last crew that came.  What is want is my money returned in full and I will hire another company to fix what this company would not.Thank you,[redacted]Regards,
[redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted], I am still working to get you pictures sent.The ball was dropped with the work for my driveway and I was left with a mess on my hands, due to not signing a paper that stated I would retract my complaint to Revdex.com, and I would not discuss the work with anyone else.This is against my civil rights. I have a right to my opinion.  If the company did what they said they were going to do then they would not have to worry about Revdex.com complaints or confidentiality.  Just do the work you were contracted to do.  As far as the cost goes, I would of gladly paid 600.00 more for a machine driveway job had I known that a hand job would lead to a water  pond that attracts bugs in my driveway, It is a mess. I was assured by [redacted] the Project Manager, [redacted] director of operations and [redacted] that the hand job would be just as good and they would do a great job.  Now the company is complaining about $600.00. that I would have been able to pay. The company made a big deal about having police at my home to direct traffic, right now there is an addition being added on to a home directly across the street from me, huge trucks in the road, and in my neighbors’ driveway.  There is no police patrol.  It was ridiculous claim by the company.  My position is the work was stopped due to the fact that I would not retract my complaint with Revdex.com and refused to sign a letter saying that the work had to be confidential and I was not to discuss it with anyone else.  Really?  Where was the first contract?  Why did they have to come out with a second contract for me to sign if the first contract had a warranty for their work. Also what about the tape recording of conversations reported by [redacted] who said she would go back through tape recordings regarding [redacted] the project manager threatening to take me to small claims court if I did not pay the balance of the job when the was not completed and a pond was in my driveway. I rest my case, I want my money refunded so I can have another company do it the right way.  I can’t afford to pay twice for the work on my driveway and should not have to.  My neighbor witnessed how little I was sitting on my deck and was not watching the workers and they only approached me 2 times.  1 time to give me the document as they proceeded to work, and then asked for the document when [redacted] called them to find out that I had not signed it and the crew was told to come back to the office with the letter.  There were no tears or drama as confabulated by the company workers, and my next door neighbor watched and witnessed the entire event.  So did my neighbor across the street.  I want to move on but can’t until I have a full refund or the work is corrected and completed as promised.  Very Respectfully,[redacted]