What Kind Of Sealer To Use On Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt sealcoating is a process that helps to protect your asphalt driveway or parking lot from damage. Sealing coat your asphalt creates a barrier preventing water, salt, and other materials from causing wear and tear.
Asphalt seal coating can also help prevent cracks and potholes from forming, and it can even extend the life of your asphalt by several years. If you want to protect your investment and keep your asphalt looking its best, then asphalt seal coating is the way to go.
Now, there are different driveway sealers used to seal asphalt driveways. And it is essential to reapply the sealer every few years to maintain its effectiveness. However, most people have a big challenge when choosing the right driveway sealer for their asphalt driveways because they don’t know how to do it. Also, you can check the benefits of a concrete driveway to see why it is a common choice for homeowners. When picking the driveway sealer types, you need to know how they differ in terms of appearance, durability, and costs.
Two factors will determine the kind of driveway sealer you need—the materials used to make your driveway and its current condition. Let’s look at the types of driveway sealers and what they are made of.
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Coal tar sealers
Coal tar sealers are the most commonly used type of driveway sealer. They are made from a byproduct of coal production and are mixed with various chemicals to create a thick, viscous liquid. Coal tar sealers penetrate deep into the asphalt and form a protective barrier against water, UV rays, and vehicle traffic.
However, coal tar sealers can be difficult to apply evenly, and they have a strong odor that can take several days to dissipate. In addition, coal tar sealers can harm plants and animals if they come into contact with them. As a result, it is important to use caution when applying coal tar sealers and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Asphalt emulsion
Asphalt emulsion driveway sealers are the most popular type of sealer used by homeowners. They are easy to apply, relatively inexpensive, and protect very well against the elements. Asphalt emulsion driveway sealers are made from a blend of asphalt and water emulsified with an agent that prevents the two from separating.
The result is a thick, black liquid that can be applied with a brush or roller. Despite its heavy-duty appearance, asphalt emulsion sealers do not last as long as other sealers, so they will need to be reapplied more frequently. However, they provide excellent protection against the sun, rain, and snow.
Plain surface sealers
As the name implies, this type of sealer simply coats the driveway’s surface, providing a barrier against the elements. However, plain surface sealers are not durable and must be reapplied regularly. In addition, they are not effective at filling in cracks or repairing damaged asphalt.
Acrylic-resin based sealers
According to the expert sealcoating contractors at ABC Paving, acrylic sealers are the most popular type of driveway sealer. They provide excellent protection against the elements and can extend the life of your driveway by many years. Acrylics are available in both water-based and solvent-based formulations.
Water-based acrylics are easier to apply and clean up, but they don’t last as long as solvent-based acrylics. Solvent-based acrylics provide better protection against the elements, but they can be more difficult to work with. When applying acrylic sealers, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you don’t, you may end up with a sticky mess that’s difficult to clean up.
Oil-based sealers
Oil-based driveway sealers are some of the most popular types of sealers on the market. These sealers penetrate deep into the pavement to form a durable, protective barrier against weather and wear. They are easy to apply and provide a long-lasting barrier against the elements. However, oil-based sealers can be messy to work with and can be difficult to remove if you ever need to make repairs.
In addition, they are not as environmentally friendly as other types of sealers. An oil-based sealer is a good option if you are looking for a durable and long-lasting sealer. However, be sure to take the time to prepare your surface properly and use caution when applying the sealer.
Water-based sealers
Water-based sealers are made of acrylic polymers that are suspended in water. They penetrate the pores of the concrete to form a protective layer on the surface. Water-based sealers are easy to apply and clean up with soap and water. They provide good protection against water and UV damage but may not last as long as oil-based sealers.
