There are several types of asphalt sealcoating materials that contractors can apply to asphalt. These materials include Coal Tar Emulsion, Asphalt Emulsion, Petroleum Resin and Oil Based sealers. This article will cover the different types and the benefits of each.
Coal Tar Emulsion
The first asphalt sealcoating material that will be discussed is Coal Tar Emulsion. This material is created as a result from the “coking process” in steel manufacturing. It is comprised of a mixture of thousands of chemicals that are different in molecular structure than asphalt itself. This allows Coal Tar Emulsion to protect the asphalt from the harsh effects of UV rays, petroleum based products and water.
Recently Coal Tar sealer has come under scrutiny for it’s harmful environmental effects. While there is no substantial evidence to support these claims, some municipalities are banning this material. Will this ban continue to spread across the U.S.A? The verdict is still out on the future of this material being allowed to be used, stay tuned.
Coal Tar Emulsions’ main downside is its blackish gray color. Many contractors will mix the darker Asphalt Emulsion with the Coal Tar Emulsion sealer to create a darker sealer. Contractors tend to use their own mix rates. General mixing guidelines are 60-90% Coal Tar Emulsion to 10-40% Asphalt Emulsion.
Coal Tar Emulsion is a water based sealer. Water is used to enable the contractor to use it in a workable state. After the sealer has been applied, the water evaporates, which leaves a durable film. Many people have a tendency to ask if a Coal Tar sealer is latex or oil based. The answer is neither. Instead, its main composition is Coal Tar itself.
Asphalt Emulsion
The next sealcoating material is Asphalt Emulsion. This material is fairly new to the asphalt sealcoating world. It was created because the supplies of Coal Tar Emulsion have been diminishing in recent years.
Asphalt Emulsion is an asphalt sealer that is derived from asphalt itself. The main benefit of an Asphalt Emulsion based sealer is the dark black color. Asphalt Emulsion restores the original color to the asphalt. As previously mentioned, Asphalt Emulsion is blended with Coal Tar Emulsion to take advantage of the color and durability of both asphalt sealers. Contractors have the ability to determine the percentage of each sealer used in the mix design.
Asphalt Emulsion’s biggest downfall is the fact that it does not hold up well against the effects of UV rays and petroleum products such as gasoline and oil. Another potential problem with Asphalt Emulsion sealers is they do not retain sand as well as Coal Tar sealer. Although there are some decisive limitations in Asphalt Emulsion sealers, there have been great strides in correcting the composition and effectiveness of Asphalt Emulsion sealers in recent years. If Coal Tar Emulsion is not available, Asphalt Emulsion is the next choice for a quality asphalt sealing job.
Petroleum Resin Sealer
With the current outcry to ban the coal tar sealer from it’s perceived negative environmental impact and the poor quality Asphalt Emulsion sealers currently on the market, another sealer has come to the market to be a viable replacement to both. This sealer is called Force. It is manufactured by NEYRA. The Force sealer is a sealer that has a concentrated mineral colloid stabilized emulsion fortified with a proprietary blend of high molecular weight polymer and petroleum resins.
This sealer is great replacement for both Coal Tar and Asphalt Emulsions. NEYRA Force contains the durability of a coal tar sealer and the curb appeal of the jet black asphalt emulsion sealer. After extensive research and personal testing we have found that NEYRA Force is the best sealer currently on the market. We have found that the manufacturing process of NEYRA is second to none.
Oil Based Asphalt Sealer
The last asphalt sealcoat material that will be discussed is the oil based asphalt sealer. This sealer is primarily used by asphalt paving contractors because it is located at the asphalt plants. Not many professional sealcoating companies use this type of sealer due to the inherent limitations.
An oil based asphalt sealer, also known as “asphalt rejuvenator”, is comprised of asphaltic chemicals based with an oil composition. This asphalt sealing material has the same limitations as Asphalt Emulsion sealer. Because it is a petroleum based product, it does not protect against petroleum products. Also, this material has a distinct odor that last for days. Another limitation to oil based sealers is that it takes a week to cure properly before line painting can be accomplished. Commercial property owners considering oil based sealer must take this into account.
Conclusion
A property owner or manager must take into account the pro’s and con’s of each asphalt sealer when selecting a asphalt maintenance contractor. Every contractor uses different material and mix design. No matter what asphalt sealing material is used, always make sure that the contractor is using sand in the material. The sand helps to restore traction to the surface that is lost from the sealcoating process.
It is Just Seal It LLC’s belief that the best asphalt sealcoating material design is NEYRA Force petroleum resin infused with a proper amount of sand. We are very confident that our mix design is the best in the area, as our jobs tend to outlast our competitors by 2 years or more.
Just Seal It LLC is the recognized Asphalt Sealcoating and Pavement Marking leader in the York, PA. – Harrisburg, PA. – Lancaster, PA. – Baltimore, MD. to Washington D.C. areas. Our great attention to detail combined with our commitment to superior customer service assures that your asphalt will be sealed correctly.
For a free quote click here or give us a call @ 717-855-7775.
