ComplaintsforMerit Asphalt, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  04/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In September of 2021 I had my driveway repaired and seal coated. The repair was to raise the base of the driveway around the front step. I paid $2260.00. However, it looked very "ragged" with gaps between the new repair and the rest of the driveway. I called and they said wait until Spring. O called again about May of 2022 to say weeds were growing in the "cracks where the new and old met" and it still didn't look good. The man (don't know his name) asked me what I wanted him to do - bring our weed killer? I said I just wanted the driveway smooth and looking good - that the black sealer was already showing whiteish. On 4/26/23 I sent pictures of the looks of the driveway and said this isn't right....how do I get this fixed? I haven't heard anything back from the company...I'm not looking for a refund - I just want the driveway to look right....I hope you can help me.

  

  Business response

  04/28/2023

  We had a conversation with the customer and are scheduling to fill the crack.

  Customer response

  04/28/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  I will verify that this resolution is acceptable after I see the results of the repair.  Thank you!!!
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My husband (****) and I contracted with Merit Asphalt to fill two large dips in our driveway in front of the two entrances on 9/16/2021 for $550 prior to having them reseal the driveway due to icing concerns in winter as I have two knee replacements and was undergoing rotator cuff surgery at the time of the driveway repair. We are satisfied with and paid for the sealing; however, during the first rain afterward on 9/21, we discovered the pitch of the two areas filled created new areas where significant water pools up rather than resolving the issue. I immediately emailed ***************** to inform him of the issue with photos of the new water pooling. He came over a few weeks later and he informed me that due to the pitch of the driveway, there is no way they can fix it. I informed him that had we been told that the repair would only move the pooled water that will continue causing ice rather than resolve it, we would not have gone ahead. I told him we would be open to paying a reduced price for the asphalt filling. He told me he would speak to the owner about discounting the price and never got back to me. Merit has continued to **** me monthly showing the full balance as past due. Every month, I write a note on the invoice explaining the situation and that we will pay a discounted amount with no response. The next month, we receive a past due invoice for the full amount.

  

  Business response

  12/22/2021

  Customer received 3 quotes from ******************** ranging from small scale skin/tack patching, sawcut patching, and complete replacement of the entire driveway to include grading for proper drainage. ***** review, customer selected the least expensive option of small scale skin/tack patching.  As per the contract, this would include approx. 35 sq. ft. of work to fill in existing low spots within the driveway.  Upon arrival, the production ******* made the decision to enlarge the patch 2-3x that of the original contract.  This was done at no additional cost to the customer.  The scope of work selected by the customer (skin/tack patching) was the least expensive option because it entails only adding material to the existing asphalt to simply fill in existing deflections within the pavement.  When performing this type of work, existing match points and grades cannot be manipulated.  The patching resulted in a small puddle on the perimeter of the patch.  ***** communications with the customer on 12/22/2021 and in the spirit of good customer service, ******************** agreed to a $150 reduction in total invoice do to frustration and dissatisfaction from the customer

  Customer response

  12/22/2021

  We accept Merit Asphalt's response and revised invoice. We would not have proceeded with this option had we known it would cause additional water puddles. We have mailed a check as final payment in accordance with the attached invoice.
  
  Thank you, ******** and ****

• Initial Complaint

  08/26/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contracted with Merit Asphalt to have my drive way replaced. The removal of the old and install of new took place in May of 2020. Within 2 months a large crack developed(3' long by a half to 1" wide). They examined it and said it was not their fault, but they filled it with tar and said that would take care of it. So my new driveway looked like a 20 year old patched up drive. This year it has developed additional cracks and they refuse to get back to me. I started calling them in April of this year and my "representative" will not return my calls. They obviously did not prepare the base properly.

  

  Business response

  10/12/2021

  **SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT**

  Customer response

  10/13/2021

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I acknowledge that cracks will develop in any asphalt driveway, parking lot or roadway, but that happens OVER TIME AND USE. When a crack as long and wide and deep as the one that appeared in my driveway within two months of the driveway being laid, it means that proper measures were not followed in preparing the roadbed. The crew rushed through the installation phase, completing it in a few hours. They originally estimated ten tons of crushed gravel to prepare the bed but only 3 - 4 tons was used. That right there shows that proper technique was not used in putting in the foundation. I understand that Merit is going to stand behind the legalese they put in their contracts instead of standing behind the work/product they provide and so glowingly describe in their literature and before signing the contract, but I think it is important that their poor workmanship and lack of backing of their product is brought to the attention of other consumers so that they are aware of Merit's practices before they agree to work with them. Also, I did call in April 2021 and again in August 2021, but I was not requesting a quote for sealing. I called each time and asked for a representative to contact me to see what could be done about the additional cracking.  I never received a callback, but did receive a quote to have my driveway sealed.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

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