Which is the Best Coal Tar or Asphalt Emulsions?

To the Contractor, Property Manager, and Property Owner As a manufacturer of both coal tar emulsion and asphalt emulsion pavement sealers, we have no preference which sealer the consumer chooses to protect their asphalt surfaces. However, in the selection process, consumers such as yourself should have the facts and make an educated decision. Below is a tabulation of tests comparing coal tar emulsions and asphalt emulsions.

Test	Coal Tar Emulsion	Asphalt Emulsion
Gas Resistance	Pass	Failure
Motor Oil Resistance	Pass	Failure
Kerosene Resistance	Pass	Failure
Scrub Resistance  (Durability test)	4000 cycles	2400 cycles
Water re-absorption	1.00%	3.2%

(The Water re-absorption test is an indicator for durability since water attacks seal coatings causing re-emulsification, which can lead to tracking sealer into your place of business. Low numbers are better.)

Odor	Some	None
Skin Irritant	yes	yes
Photosensitive	yes	no

(This is what causes burning to some contractors but in no way affects the consumer)

OSHA Emission testing

pass

pass

(Both showed no detectable amounts or less than 2% of the permissible limits by OSHA of carcinogenic compounds including Benzene, CTPV’s, PNAH’s, or any other compounds of concern.)

Color retention	pass	fades
Flexibility	pass	pass
Drying time	pass	pass

Claims of environmental concerns of coal tar emulsions are unfounded with no factual data and are only a scare tactic. Both coal tar and asphalt are naturally occurring products: coal tar coming from plant matter, asphalt coming from animal matter. Coal tar will always be more resistant to water, gas, oil, and other chemicals by its chemical make-up. Asphalt will always be less odorous and cause far less burning to the contractor. Asphalt is an advantage to the contractor, but as of this report has less advantage to the consumer when considering protection against UV radiation, gas, oil, chemicals, color retention, and water absorption.

Need help with your Parking Lot give us a call 757.718.7283 or check us out on the web http://www.completesealcoatandstriping.com/

Pavement Cutout or Cold Patch

Cutout and Replace

Cutout and replace is the best method to repair asphalt. Because it is more labor intensive and requires more material and equipment, it is therefore the most expensive. You can also inspect the sub-surface for failure. Typical thickness is 3" - 4" installed in two layers.

Overlay Patching

Overlay patching is the least expensive of all repairs. Typically, larger areas are cleaned and tack (asphalt glue) is applied to bond the new asphalt to the old. Asphalt is usually applied in one layer at 1" - 2". Existing cracks will reflect back through new asphalt.

Mill Out and Replace

Mill out and replace is a cost effective way to replace the top layer of asphalt (usually 1'' - 2") and also does not raise the area repaired as our asphalt overlay would, allowing you to stretch your repair dollars

Infrared patching

Infrared patching is another way to maximize your asphalt repair budget. Infrared heaters warm up the damaged area, new asphalt is mixed in as needed, raked level and rolled to match the surrounding asphalt.

*Infrared is not intended to repair bad areas caused by week sub-surface or poor quality of material in and around bad areas.

Cold Patch

Cold patch is the only method of pot hole patching that is available to us during the cold winter months and the spring time when freezing and thawing occurs and your asphalt seems to explode.

Asphalt Paving

Asphalt paving of driveways, tennis courts and parking lots is another area our professionals can help you with. Whether its ground up new construction or additions to existing lots. Complete Sealcoat & Striping has the experience and know how to handle all of your asphalt needs.

Need help with your Parking Lot give us a call 757.718.7283 or check us out on the web http://www.completesealcoat.com/