When it comes to choosing an asphalt sealer, you have many options. You can opt for coal tar, BioSealcoat, or an Acrylic sealer. Fortunately, most major retailers do not sell these types of products. However, you may want to ask your contractor about them if you're concerned about the environment.
Coal tar
The use of coal tar as a sealer is not widely used today, although it does have some advantages. Coal tar is a highly volatile substance and poses a serious threat to the environment and the health of people. It also contains high levels of PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are associated with certain types of cancer. Additionally, coal tar is highly caustic and can cause burns and skin irritation. It is also toxic to fish and wildlife, which is why it is prohibited in many states.
Despite this danger, the coal tar industry is fighting back. It says there is no conclusive proof that these products cause cancer or any other health problems. Its lobbying group, the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, has lobbied against the ban and has funded its own studies.
Although coal tar is not as forgiving as asphalt, it is still a useful option for sealing pavement. In fact, the mixture of asphalt and coal tar can produce a highly durable film on a pavement, but it takes more time to cure than a pure asphalt layer. Furthermore, the individual particles of tar and asphalt do not coalesce in coal tar sealers.
Although the coal tar sealant can be removed safely through shot blasting, it is important to note that it is more likely to cause a health issue than to prevent accidents. In some cases, a coal tar coating can cause an odor that's unbearable. If you're concerned about the impact of the fumes and vapors, you can choose to use an asphalt-based product instead.
If you're looking for a coal tar-free asphalt sealer, consider using Safe Seal Asphalt Sealer NON-COAL TAR. This product is ready-to-use and provides a superior finish. It also has fewer harmful chemicals than coal tar-based sealers.
Coal tar is a black, syrupy liquid made as a by-product of the steel-making process. It is an inexpensive and widely available product. It is easy to dilute and can be mixed with other mineral ingredients. In contrast, Asphalt Emulsion is more eco-friendly and pet-friendly.
Coal tar-based sealants release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment, causing air and waterborne pollution. The chemical compounds are toxic, and even a small amount may have cancer-causing effects. As a result, coal tar-based sealants should be avoided wherever possible.
Acrylic sealer
An acrylic asphalt sealer is a coating that protects asphalt driveways from weather, chemicals and UV rays. The top brands of this type of sealer are designed for asphalt and concrete surfaces, though some are compatible with other surfaces. These sealers are primarily applied on asphalt driveways but can also be used indoors. These top coats are available in various quantities, from one gallon to five gallons, and most have a five to 10-year lifespan.
There are many reasons to choose acrylic asphalt sealer, including its durability, non-toxicity, and scalability. Acrylic sealers are less toxic than coal tar and are water-based, meaning they are less messy and can be applied in a variety of colors. Additionally, acrylic sealers can last up to seven years, depending on the amount of traffic.
In addition to applying acrylic asphalt sealer to the driveway, you can also fill potholes and cracks. You can apply this type of asphalt filler to cracks as small as 1/8 inch in width and leave a non-skid surface behind. If the cracks are larger than an eighth-inch in width, you'll need to use a high-quality asphalt patching product. These types of asphalt patching products are often DIY-friendly and are available in low-VOC formulas.
Some types of asphalt sealer are fast-drying and require only one hour for the surface to be sealed. They're popular with road crews and business owners with large parking lots. However, these types of asphalt sealers are expensive and difficult to obtain in small batches. For this reason, you should consider purchasing them in bulk to save money and get the job done quickly.
When choosing a sealer, make sure that you follow manufacturer directions on applying it. Many companies recommend using a wide rubber squeegee, which can be found at most hardware stores. This will help prevent water from seeping into cracks and expansion joints. It's also helpful to seal expansion joints to prevent erosion of the paving base.
Adding a sealcoat to your asphalt driveway will improve the overall look of the driveway and extend its useful life. It will prevent oxidation and damage caused by exposure to rain and water and will prevent fading and discoloration from the sun. Another benefit of asphalt sealers is that they can improve the curb appeal of your driveway. If applied regularly, sealcoating will double the life of your driveway.
There are several types of acrylic asphalt sealer available for driveways. Some form a film on the surface of the concrete and protect it from dirt, water and wear. You can choose a water-based or solvent-based type. Water-based types are more environmentally friendly and waterproof, but solvent-based products contain more volatile compounds.
BioSealcoat
BioSealcoat asphalt sealer is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional asphalt sealants. The bio-based formula is made from soy and contains no petroleum. It is a low-cost, carbon-negative, and environmentally safe sealant that has a cure time of 60 to 90 minutes. The product also reduces moisture penetration and skid resistance, and doesn't require restriping.
The coating is applied by mixing the mixture thoroughly, and then poured onto the surface. It is best applied starting from the farthest point away from the street and working outward. Then, you must cover any cracks or potholes with the proper amount of aggregate to maintain the integrity of the asphalt. After applying the sealer, allow it to dry completely before allowing vehicles to drive on it.
In addition to offering superior chemical resistance, BioSealcoat asphalt sealer is low-odor, and is suitable for commercial and residential paving applications. It also has an exceptional curing mechanism that allows contractors to extend their sealcoating season, starting earlier in the Spring. It is also ideal for parking lots, driveways, and trails.
BioSealcoat is a sustainable asphalt sealer that uses soybean oil as the primary raw material. Its fast-curing properties allow it to be applied to parking lots sooner than coal tar or other conventional asphalt sealers. It can be applied up to one-fourth the thickness of conventional seal coatings. Moreover, it is guaranteed not to fade over time. Although it costs a little more per gallon, BioSealcoat asphalt sealer is more efficient and lasts longer than conventional products.
BioSealcoat asphalt sealer is moderately priced and better for the environment than coal tar. It is also durable and can last up to four years with the proper maintenance. However, the downside of this type of asphalt sealant is that it is highly susceptible to stains. Because of this, it is recommended to use a sealant that is stain-resistant.
A parking lot is an investment, and the time and money spent to build it is an important factor in its maintenance. Investing in seal coating will protect your investment while giving it a more beautiful appearance. The seal coat will prevent water from penetrating your parking lot and reducing the chances of cracks.
Asphalt sealers also help protect against petroleum spills. Without a sealer, petroleum seeps deep beneath the pavement and softens it. This causes cracks, and the resulting water seeping into the pavement's foundation can cause expensive repairs. Luckily, sealcoating slows the oxidation process and provides extra protection from harmful UV rays.