Asphalt Emulsion Based Seal Coatings: What is it?

Fixing the potholes in your driveway is not enough, you need to seal coat them too. The process of seal coating your driveway is just like its name, it seals the deal. Imagine your driveway as a letter, your pothole repairs as the act of letter writing and seal coating as closing the envelope. You don’t want to write the letter and send it unsealed, you want it to be in its best and most secured status possible.

There are two kinds of materials used in seal coating. One is coal tar and the other is asphalt emulsions. The former has been tested and proven in its efficacy over the years, the latter is gaining popularity in the past few years due to its unbeatable efficacy in terms of protecting any asphalt surface thus eliminating the need for constant pothole repairs and the like.

Asphalt Emulsion Based seal coating are made out of clay stabilized emulsions or soap emulsion like SS-1-H. Any of these are good materials for making asphalt based seal coating though it must be noted that clay emulsions are better controlled long as the right ingredients are utilized as compared to the latter.

Coal Tar based Seal Coating and Asphalt Based Seal Coating almost has the same effects. This can be pointed out as to why it is now introduced by the very same Coal Tar Suppliers. They are strong and stable as Coal Tar. They are as effective as coal tar when it comes to their role of serving as barriers to the asphalt surface.

The only difference that can be pointed out between the effects of coal tar and asphalt is the discoloration of the former to elements like ultraviolet, harsh chemicals and salts. But these deficiencies when analyzed carefully are indeed inherent in the properties of the asphalt binder as well. Take note that asphalt is derived from petroleum making it easy to be dissolved by other petrochemicals.

The next time you see a crack in your driveway or if you are planning to work on some serious pothole repair project, think of the materials that you plan to use. Compare and contrast the main chemical used in this product and that product. Analyze what you think may will work for your situation best. You don’t have to be a chemist to understand the differences and advantages brought about by certain type of chemicals. By doing this, you do not only save money and time but effort too as for sure, the need to work on pothole repair may not occur anytime sooner.