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/

What causes asphalt to break down?

Standard asphalt is very susceptible to natural land man made elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow, frost and ice. These elements cause oxidation to the pavement, drying out the asphalt. Man made elements such as fuel, oil, antifreeze, and salts break down the oils and cohesive properties in the asphalt.

As new asphalt age’s small open cracks are formed between the asphalt, from oxidation and rain. These small cracks permit water, salt, fuel, oil, and ultraviolet rays to penetrate into the base leading to greater damage, unless repaired properly. Water is said to be the most damaging agent to asphalt. When water enters the base of the pavement the base material moves and settles leading to further cracking and an “alligator appearance”. This leads to larger cracks, eventually collapsing into the eroded voids, causing potholes. When the pavement reaches this stage the only option is removal and replacement of the old asphalt.

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