What Are The Types Of Sealers That Can Be Used On Asphalt?

May 24, 2022

Constructing an asphalt driveway is an excellent addition to your home, and it’s paramount that you take care of it well. The UV rays from the sun can make the asphalt binding composition of your paving break down. Additionally, frequent snow and rainfall can make the pavement brittle. You can prevent such damage to your driveway with asphalt sealers. We recommend applying a fresh layer of asphalt sealers to your driveway every three years to keep it looking newly paved. Here’s a breakdown of the types of asphalt sealers to help you in selecting the appropriate asphalt sealer for your driveway.

1. Asphalt Emulsion Sealers

As their name suggests, asphalt emulsion sealers are made from asphalt. They are regarded as an environmental-friendly option for protecting your driveway. The advantages of using asphalt emulsion sealers are that they don’t cause skin irritation, prevent oxidization, smell better, and preserve air quality better. The drawbacks of using asphalt-based sealers are that they can get stained by oil or gas spillage, and they can only be applied between May and September to cure correctly. Additionally, their prices are highly volatile.

2. Coal Tar Sealers

Coal tar sealers are the most popular asphalt sealers, and they are made from a mixture of coal tar, various polymers, and strengthening additives. These asphalt sealers are preferred because they are weather-resistant and give the driveway a long-lasting shiny finish. Additionally, they are resistant to staining by petroleum-based chemicals. The disadvantages of coal tar sealers are they can be hazardous to the local occupants’ health, water, and the environment in the long term. As a result, some jurisdictions and national retail chains have banned the sale of coal tar sealants.

3. Fast Dry Sealers

Fast dry sealers can cure very fast, typically in under an hour. Thus, they are commonly used to protect high-traffic asphalt roads and parking lots. Their fast curing time is enabled by adding geotextile fibers to the sealant. Fast dry sealers can also be used to repair cracked pavement areas. The downsides of fast-dry sealers are that they are much costlier, and purchasing them in small quantities can be challenging as most manufacturers package their products in large quantities.

4. Acrylic Sealers

Acrylic sealers are regarded as the perfect asphalt sealers. They are available in various color shades, including black, green, red, and transparent coloring. Acrylic sealers are resistant to UV rays and highly durable because they are impervious to severe environmental conditions. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly, and they require very little maintenance as they only have to be reapplied every seven years. They are commonly used in basketball and tennis courts and shopping mall parking lots. The only disadvantage of acrylic sealers is that they are quite costly.

Do You Need Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing Services in Nokesville, VA?

Welcome to Paveco Inc. We have more than five decades of experience designing and constructing residential and commercial asphalt paving. We are based in Nokesville, and our other services include asphalt driveway resurfacing, sectional repairs, complete removal and replacement, and asphalt milling. We use the highest quality paving and sealing materials to guarantee quality work. Call us today.