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When it comes to maintaining an asphalt driveway, periodic sealcoating is absolutely vital, and so is choosing the right sealer. Basically, there are two types of driveway sealers on
the market, although there may be countless brands. An asphalt and sealcoating contractor can help you choose the best product for your driveway.
Types of Driveway Sealers: Coal Tar Based Products
One of the major types of driveway sealers is coal tar sealers. As the name suggests, this type of sealer is a byproduct of distilled and refined coal. In general, coal tar sealers are more expensive than asphalt-based sealers. Because of the numerous advantages of using these types of driveway sealers, they are the most popular type. When applied to driveways, they resist water very well. Due to the stable chemical structure of these products, they are also able to resist petroleum products like gas and motor oil, as well as the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which allows the driveway to maintain its jet black color. In general, they are substantially more durable than asphalt-based driveway sealers.
There are also a few downsides associated with the use of these sealers. Firstly, they tend to release strong odors that can be irritating to those with respiratory problems or chemical sensitivities. Secondly, they can irritate the skin and can also cause photosensitivity. However, if you plan to hire an asphalt and sealcoatingprofessional, these potential problems need not be of great concern.
Asphalt Driveway Sealers
These types of driveway sealers are composed mainly of asphalt, which is a petroleum-based product. Due to recent improvements in asphalt-based driveway sealers, they have become more popular in recent years. Like coal tar sealers, they repel water quite well. Applying them results in only mild odors, and 
they do not cause photosensitivity. Water-based asphalt driveway sealers are also an environmentally-conscious choice, as they do not result in the release of harmful chemicals.
The weaknesses of asphalt driveways sealers can be attributed to their chemical composition, which is quite unstable. For this reason, they cannot repel ultraviolet rays or petroleum products extremely well. This means that driveways treated with these products will begin to fade in color relatively soon after sealcoating. In addition, the absorption of gasoline and motor oil can result in unsightly stains and damage.
Sealcoating Products: Choose Quality Over Price
Regardless of whether you choose a coal tar or asphalt driveway sealer, it’s important to use a high quality product. Most types of driveway sealers are made up of four major components:
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1.the binder (either asphalt or coal tar) 2.water sand, 3.clay, Additives & Hardners other fillers other special chemicalshttps://www.enhancescape.com/articles_resources/asphalt_sealcoating/asphalt_driveway_sealers.htm