Are you wondering about the different asphalt sealcoating finishes?
Well, imagine this: you have just had your driveway paved and now you want to protect it from the elements and make it look great.
There are a few options to choose from. One popular choice is asphalt emulsion, which is made from the same material as driveways and is water-resistant.
Another option is coal tar, which is affordable and durable.
If you need a quick solution, fast-dry sealcoating cures in less than an hour.
For those looking for a more premium option, acrylic sealcoating is durable, UV resistant, and available in different colors.
However, you might want to steer clear of oil-based sealcoating, as it offers no advantages and has a strong odor.
So, now that you know the options, you can make an informed decision to protect your asphalt and extend its lifespan.
Key Takeaways
- Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoating is an affordable and water-resistant option made from the same material as driveways. It is a popular choice for affordability and environmental friendliness, but it may fade quickly due to lack of UV resistance.
- Coal Tar Sealcoating provides a shiny finish and is weather resistant, but it has long-term detrimental impacts on health and the environment. It is restricted or banned in some areas, making asphalt emulsion a better choice.
- Fast-Dry Sealcoating has a quick curing time of less than an hour and is suitable for road crews and large parking lots. It is UV resistant and water resistant, but it is not recommended for homeowners due to its properties and costs.
- Acrylic Sealcoating is an expensive option that offers durability, UV resistance, and weather resistance. It is environmentally friendly and available in different colors. It lasts up to seven years before reapplication and is suitable for surfaces other than roads, such as tennis courts. It is considered the best overall sealer due to its numerous benefits.
- Oil-Based Sealcoating is a cost-effective and widely available option that is dark in color and suitable for large surface areas. It has long-term durability with the addition of sealer additives, but it has a longer cure time of at least seven days. It is not recommended for property owners who need to paint lines on their surfaces.
Asphalt Emulsion
If you’re looking for an affordable and water-resistant option for asphalt sealcoating, asphalt emulsion is a great choice. Asphalt emulsion sealers are a type of asphalt sealer that can be applied to the surface of your driveway or parking lot. They’re made from the same material as driveways and have a darker color compared to other sealers. They’re the best alternative when coal tar can’t be used due to its high cost or environmental concerns.
However, it’s important to note that asphalt emulsion sealers aren’t UV resistant, which means they may fade quickly and only last for a single season. Despite this, they’re still a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly option for asphalt sealers.
Coal Tar
The benefits of using coal tar sealers for asphalt sealcoating include their weather resistance and ability to provide a long-lasting shiny finish. However, it is important to note that coal tar sealers have long-term detrimental impacts on health and the environment. Several studies have proven that these sealers contain harmful compounds and contribute to water pollution. As a result, the sale of coal tar sealers has been banned in some states and companies like Home Depot and Lowes have halted their sale due to potential liability. The use of coal tar sealers is limited or restricted in certain areas, making asphalt emulsion sealers a better choice. The table below highlights the main differences between coal tar and asphalt emulsion sealers:
| Coal Tar Sealers | Asphalt Emulsion Sealers |
|---|---|
| Contains coal tar, polymers, and additives | Contains water, asphalt, and additives |
| Provides a long-lasting shiny finish | Provides a black matte or glossy finish |
| Weather resistant | Not as weather resistant as coal tar sealers |
| Long-term health and environmental impacts | More environmentally friendly option |
| Limited or restricted use in certain areas | Widely used and accepted type of sealer |
Considering the potential risks associated with coal tar sealers, it is recommended to choose asphalt emulsion sealers as a safer and more sustainable option for asphalt sealcoating. These sealers still provide protection against UV rays and can be further enhanced with the use of acrylic sealers.
Fast-Dry
To transition from the previous subtopic of coal tar sealers, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with coal tar sealers and instead opt for a safer and more sustainable option like Fast-Dry.
Fast-Dry sealers are a popular choice for large asphalt surfaces due to their quick curing time, which is less than an hour. These sealers are particularly suitable for road crews and large parking lots, where time is of the essence.
Although they come with a higher price tag and are challenging to obtain in small quantities, Fast-Dry sealers offer several advantages. They’re UV resistant and water resistant, providing long-lasting protection to asphalt surfaces. Additionally, Fast-Dry sealers are available in different colors, allowing for customization and aesthetic appeal.
However, it’s important to note that these sealers are generally not recommended for homeowners due to their properties and costs.
Acrylic
When transitioning from the previous subtopic of Fast-Dry sealers, it is important for you to explore the benefits of acrylic sealers for your asphalt surfaces. Acrylic sealers are the most expensive option, but they offer durability, UV resistance, and weather resistance. They are classified as environmentally friendly and are available in different colors, enhancing visual appeal. Acrylic sealers can last up to seven years before needing to be reapplied, depending on traffic. They are suitable for surfaces other than roads, such as tennis courts, making them versatile. Despite being costly, acrylic sealers are considered the best overall sealer due to their numerous benefits. To help you understand the advantages of acrylic sealers, the table below summarizes their key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Helps prevent color fading and damage from sunlight |
| Weather Resistance | Protects against water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles |
| Environmentally Friendly | Classified as eco-friendly and non-toxic |
| Color Options | Available in various colors to enhance aesthetics |
| Versatility | Suitable for surfaces like tennis courts and shopping mall parking lots |
It is important to note that these benefits have been supported by known research and studies. Whether you need to seal a fresh layer of asphalt or protect outdoor tennis and basketball courts, acrylic sealers are a reliable option that can ensure the longevity and appearance of your asphalt surface.
Oil-Based
For a cost-effective and widely available option, consider using an oil-based sealcoating for your asphalt surfaces. While it may not offer the same level of protection against UV rays and petroleum products as other sealcoating options, it’s still a popular choice due to its affordability and accessibility.
Oil-based sealcoating is typically dark in color and can be applied to large surface areas, making it suitable for property managers and owners with driveways. It also has a long-term durability, which is enhanced by the addition of sealer additives.
However, it’s important to note that oil-based sealcoating has a longer cure time compared to other types, taking at least seven days. Additionally, it isn’t recommended for property owners who need to paint lines on their asphalt surfaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the right asphalt sealcoating finish, there are several options available.
- Oil-based sealcoating may not offer many advantages and has a strong odor.
- Asphalt emulsion is a popular and water-resistant choice.
- Fast-dry sealcoating is suitable for large areas and road crews due to its quick curing time.
- Acrylic sealcoating, although more expensive, is durable, UV resistant, and comes in various colors.
- However, professionals often recommend coal tar emulsion for its affordability and durability.
The right sealcoating finish can protect against ice, water, oil, and other contaminants, improve curb appeal, and extend the lifespan of asphalt surfaces.
Choose wisely to ensure long-lasting and effective protection for your asphalt.
