MXP Asphalt Tampa, FL

Asphalt Sealcoating

Choosing a Good Asphalt Driveway Sealcoating is Essential

From www.enhancescape.com

When it comes to maintaining an asphalt driveway, periodic sealcoating is absolutely vital, and so is choosing the right sealcoating. Basically, there are two types of driveway sealcoating on the market, although there may be countless brands. An asphalt and sealcoating contractor can help you choose the best sealcoating for your driveway.

Types of Driveway Sealcoating: Coal Tar Based Products

One of the major types of driveway sealcoatings is coal tar sealcoating. As the name suggests, this type of sealcoating is a byproduct of distilled and refined coal. In general, coal tar sealcoatings are more expensive than asphalt-based sealcoatings. Because of the numerous advantages of using these types of driveway sealcoatings, they are the most popular type. When applied to driveways, they resist water very well. Due to the stable chemical structure of these products, they are also able to resist petroleum products like gas and motor oil, as well as the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which allows the driveway to maintain its jet black color. In general, they are substantially more durable than asphalt-based driveway sealcoatings.

There are also a few downsides associated with the use of these sealcoatings. Firstly, they tend to release strong odors that can be irritating to those with respiratory problems or chemical sensitivities. Secondly, they can irritate the skin and can also cause photosensitivity. However, if you plan to hire an asphalt and sealcoating professional, these potential problems need not be of great concern.

Asphalt Driveway Sealcoatings

These types of driveway sealcoatings are composed mainly of asphalt, which is a petroleum-based product. Due to recent improvements in asphalt-based driveway sealcoatings, they have become more popular in recent years. Like coal tar sealcoatings, they repel water quite well. Applying them results in only mild odors, and they do not cause photosensitivity. Water-based asphalt driveway sealcoatings are also an environmentally-conscious choice, as they do not result in the release of harmful chemicals.

The weaknesses of asphalt driveway sealcoatings can be attributed to their chemical composition, which is quite unstable. For this reason, they cannot repel ultraviolet rays or petroleum products extremely well. This means that driveways treated with these products will begin to fade in color relatively soon after sealcoating. In addition, the absorption of gasoline and motor oil can result in unsightly stains and damage.

Sealcoating Products: Choose Quality Over Price

Regardless of whether you choose a coal tar or asphalt driveway sealcoating, it’s important to use a high quality product. Most types of driveway sealcoatings are made up of four major components:

1. the binder (either asphalt or coal tar)
2. water
3. sand, clay, and other fillers
4. other special chemicals.