When shopping for driveway sealers, selecting the ideal shield for your tarmac driveway can often become a daunting endeavour. The array of choices seems inexhaustible, but take a breath, dear homeowner; there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. With a comprehensive knowledge of the diverse sealers on the market, you’ll undoubtedly be able to make an informed choice when the time comes to purchase.
When shopping for driveway sealers, selecting the ideal shield for your tarmac driveway can often become a daunting endeavour. The array of choices seems inexhaustible, but take a breath, dear homeowner; there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. With a comprehensive knowledge of the diverse sealers on the market, you’ll undoubtedly be able to make an informed choice when the time comes to purchase.
This article aims to unravel the mystery, acquainting you with the distinct types of driveway sealers and assisting you in pinpointing the one that caters to your specific driveway demands.
- Coal Tar Sealer
One formidable option for safeguarding your driveway against the relentless onslaught of organic and inorganic materials is coal tar sealer. With its innate resistance to water, oil, and gasoline, this sealer serves as a potent shield against the destructive rays of the sun, which can render tarmac vulnerable to cracking.
Refined coal tar, blended with select additives, births these resolute sealers, renowned as the toughest on the market. They create an impenetrable fortification against the elements, but, as is often the case, even they come with drawbacks.
The major shortcoming of coal tar sealers is the release of large quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application. The more VOCs that enter the atmosphere, the more intense the odour and the more marked the environmental impact.
- Asphalt Sealer
A second alternative available in the market is asphalt-based sealers. While they also exhibit water resistance, they don’t quite have the same level of resilience against oil, gasoline, and UV rays from the sun.
These sealers, made from crude oil and infused additives, demand more frequent reapplication compared to their coal tar counterparts – a major letdown. However, their redeeming quality lies in their relatively low emission of VOCs, which translates to lesser odour and a diminished environmental footprint.
- Acrylic Polymer Sealer
Among driveway sealers, acrylic polymer distinguishes itself as a synthetic solution. Possessing several characteristics similar to that of coal tar sealers, it boldly resists gasoline, oil, water, and the effects of direct sunlight.
The main distinction of acrylic polymer sealers is that they emit far fewer VOCs than their coal tar or asphalt counterparts. Furthermore, while coal tar may promise prolonged driveway protection, acrylic polymer sealers offer even more extended fortification. The caveat, however, is that such high performance comes at a cost, placing acrylic polymer sealers at the high end of the price spectrum.
Driveway Sealer Grades: The Ultimate Decider
Identification of driveway sealer grades presents the ultimate problem when deciding on driveway sealers. These grades are manufacturer-specific, and a grade labelled “professional” by one company might translate to the commercial variant for another. To understand the difference and save yourself from wasting money, you should check the sealer’s lifespan and the accompanying warranty.
Suppose you’re looking to reseal your driveway in London; Kane Construction are venerable tarmac contractors London homeowners can reach out to when it comes to driveway resealing, resurfacing, or construction. Do give them a call today.
