Sealcoating asphalt roads, driveways, and parking lots can help prolong the life expectancy of the surface as well as enhance its appearance. Cracking and crumbling can occur due to various weather conditions. Asphalt can oxidize in hot summer heat, while asphalt can be damaged by freezing water during cold winter months. Rainwater can also cause asphalt to crack or crumble.
Sealant helps prevent such damage from occurring. You can usually choose the asphalt sealer that is best suited for your surface. There is one question: What type of asphalt sealer should I use?
Two types of asphalt sealers that are most commonly used are oil-based and liquid-based. Each option has its pros and cons. You need to pick the best option based on your requirements.
Here are the facts about oil-based and water based sealers
Oil-based sealers
An oil-based asphalt sealer is a combination of asphaltic chemicals and asphalt rejuvenators. It also contains an oily suspension. These sealers are used to restore asphalt components that have been damaged by the elements. Asphalt is naturally a byproduct from oil.
These are the most common types of sealers that can be used to sealcoat asphalt surfaces, according to ABS Paving. They have many benefits, say the experts. Oil-based sealers contain additives that increase resistance to oil spills and gas leaks from cars, as these components can dissolve unsealed Asphalt. Additional additives such as polymers or coal tar are available to oil-based sealers.
Water-based sealers
Water-based sealers are made up of either asphalt or coal-tar oils. You might be wondering what an asphalt emulsion is. This is asphalt that has been suspended in water. Coal-tar emulsions are a bit more complicated because they come from the steel industry. Although they are suspended in water, their structure is quite different from that of the asphalt they protect.
Water-based sealers typically contain clay, polymers, and latex. They are less likely to be harmed by oil and gas spillages than oil-based sealers. These sealers are used to coat major highways and freeways. These roads are more susceptible to oil and gas spillages due to their high traffic volume. These roads can be protected by water-based sealers, which will prolong their life expectancy.
What is the difference between oil-based and water-based sealers
Functionality
What they do is the primary difference between oil-based sealers and water-based sealers. Water-based asphalt sealers typically create a protective layer on the asphalt surface. Oil-based sealers go one step further and penetrate the asphalt surface. This creates a flexible bond which reduces the chance of cracking due to contraction or expansion in cold weather.
However, this doesn’t make water-based sealers ineffective. They can protect asphalt surfaces even during cold weather. However, they are less elastic than oil-based sealers so you may need to seal coat asphalt more often.
Appearance
The appearance of oil-based and water based sealers is another major difference. Oil-based asphalt sealers are made with extra mixed polymers. They are more resistant to fluids and have a duller appearance that is easier to clean.
Water-based sealers won’t penetrate asphalt pavements, as we have already stated. These sealers are more durable than oil-based sealers because they will remain on the surface.
Environmental factors
Because of their high performance, oil-based sealers have a reputation for being very popular. These sealers do have some drawbacks. Different oil-based asphalt sealing products take longer to cure than water-based sealers. They also have a distinct order that is very strong and can remain in the air for many days after the sealing job is completed.
Oil-based sealers also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be major environmental pollutants. Because they can be very dangerous, some states have banned oil-based asphalt sealing products. Water-based asphalt sealers are, however, safer for the environment than oil-based sealers.
Disposal Methods
The condition of an oil-based asphalt sealer is critical to its safe and proper disposal. Because of the composition of oil-based asphalt sealer, you cannot throw it away with your household trash. You should dispose of it at a local or commercial waste facility that has the necessary safety precautions to safely dispose of oil-based asphalt sealers.
Water-based asphalt sealers can be disposed of with regular household garbage, but it must dry first. Oil-based asphalt sealers also need to be dried before being disposed with your regular household garbage.
The verdict
The surface you wish to seal will determine the type of asphalt sealer you use. For driveways and parking lots oil-based asphalt sealers work well, while water-based sealers are best for major roads and freeways. You should consider durability and the environment when choosing a sealer.
You should also be careful when sealing asphalt surfaces. Make sure to read the instructions about how to prepare the sealer for use. Some sealers need to be thinned before they can be applied, while others do not. If you don’t have the necessary experience in asphalt sealcoating, it is a good idea to get professional advice before you begin your project.
Sealcoating asphalt roads, driveways, and parking lots can help prolong the life expectancy of the surface as well as enhance its appearance. Cracking and crumbling can occur due to various weather conditions. Asphalt can oxidize in hot summer heat, while asphalt can be damaged by freezing water during cold winter months. Rainwater can also cause asphalt to crack or crumble.
Sealant helps prevent such damage from occurring. You can usually choose the asphalt sealer that is best suited for your surface. There is one question: What type of asphalt sealer should I use?
Two types of asphalt sealers that are most commonly used are oil-based and liquid-based. Each option has its pros and cons. You need to pick the best option based on your requirements.
Here are the facts about oil-based and water based sealers
Oil-based sealers
An oil-based asphalt sealer is a combination of asphaltic chemicals and asphalt rejuvenators. It also contains an oily suspension. These sealers are used to restore asphalt components that have been damaged by the elements. Asphalt is naturally a byproduct from oil.
These are the most common types of sealers that can be used to sealcoat asphalt surfaces, according to ABS Paving. They have many benefits, say the experts. Oil-based sealers contain additives that increase resistance to oil spills and gas leaks from cars, as these components can dissolve unsealed Asphalt. Additional additives such as polymers or coal tar are available to oil-based sealers.
Water-based sealers
Water-based sealers are made up of either asphalt or coal-tar oils. You might be wondering what an asphalt emulsion is. This is asphalt that has been suspended in water. Coal-tar emulsions are a bit more complicated because they come from the steel industry. Although they are suspended in water, their structure is quite different from that of the asphalt they protect.
Water-based sealers typically contain clay, polymers, and latex. They are less likely to be harmed by oil and gas spillages than oil-based sealers. These sealers are used to coat major highways and freeways. These roads are more susceptible to oil and gas spillages due to their high traffic volume. These roads can be protected by water-based sealers, which will prolong their life expectancy.
What is the difference between oil-based and water-based sealers
Functionality
What they do is the primary difference between oil-based sealers and water-based sealers. Water-based asphalt sealers typically create a protective layer on the asphalt surface. Oil-based sealers go one step further and penetrate the asphalt surface. This creates a flexible bond which reduces the chance of cracking due to contraction or expansion in cold weather.
However, this doesn’t make water-based sealers ineffective. They can protect asphalt surfaces even during cold weather. However, they are less elastic than oil-based sealers so you may need to seal coat asphalt more often.
Appearance
The appearance of oil-based and water based sealers is another major difference. Oil-based asphalt sealers are made with extra mixed polymers. They are more resistant to fluids and have a duller appearance that is easier to clean.
Water-based sealers won’t penetrate asphalt pavements, as we have already stated. These sealers are more durable than oil-based sealers because they will remain on the surface.
Environmental factors
Because of their high performance, oil-based sealers have a reputation for being very popular. These sealers do have some drawbacks. Different oil-based asphalt sealing products take longer to cure than water-based sealers. They also have a distinct order that is very strong and can remain in the air for many days after the sealing job is completed.
Oil-based sealers also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be major environmental pollutants. Because they can be very dangerous, some states have banned oil-based asphalt sealing products. Water-based asphalt sealers are, however, safer for the environment than oil-based sealers.
Disposal Methods
The condition of an oil-based asphalt sealer is critical to its safe and proper disposal. Because of the composition of oil-based asphalt sealer, you cannot throw it away with your household trash. You should dispose of it at a local or commercial waste facility that has the necessary safety precautions to safely dispose of oil-based asphalt sealers.
Water-based asphalt sealers can be disposed of with regular household garbage, but it must dry first. Oil-based asphalt sealers also need to be dried before being disposed with your regular household garbage.
The verdict
The surface you wish to seal will determine the type of asphalt sealer you use. For driveways and parking lots oil-based asphalt sealers work well, while water-based sealers are best for major roads and freeways. You should consider durability and the environment when choosing a sealer.
You should also be careful when sealing asphalt surfaces. Make sure to read the instructions about how to prepare the sealer for use. Some sealers need to be thinned before they can be applied, while others do not. If you don’t have the necessary experience in asphalt sealcoating, it is a good idea to get professional advice before you begin your project.
