All Seal Coating Is Not Made Equal

The science of proper seal coating

Pavement consists of asphalt binder (the “glue”) and aggregate (the stone). Without the binder, only brittle stone remains with nothing to hold it together. Unfortunately, asphalt pavement is not like concrete, which “gets stronger over time”… asphalt in fact gets weaker over time because the binder oxidizes out due to exposure to air, UV rays and water. The solution is to “seal” the surface to trap the asphalt binder inside.

While most contractors use asphalt emulsion sealers, which are proven to be less-durable, M&M uses only polymer-modified refined coal tar sealer. These two product types are intrinsically different from one another, with refined coal tar exhibiting advantages above and beyond its competitor with regard to molecular self-cohesion, plasticity, and durability. Asphalt emulsions are suitable for residential driveways or lower traffic areas, but for superior longevity refined coal tar has proven to be the winner, which is why we use it on every job.

Advantages of Refined-Tar Seal Coating

Reduce oxidation of asphalt binder; keep pavement strong
Prevent water from infiltrating the surface pores
Protect against harmful UV rays, gasoline and oil spills
Enhance aesthetics and create contrast for parking lines
Double the service life of the pavement structure

Common Seal Coating Myths

All sealer is the same (wrong)

The two main types of sealer, asphalt emulsion and refined coal-tar, differ drastically from one another in terms of performance and durability. Furthermore, each contractor mixes his sealer with some water to enable the product to flow. Note, it should be mostly sealer and some water. Some contractors intentionally get that backwards, and you end up with “black water” and a job that wears out in the first year of service.

The more often I seal it, the better (wrong)

A quality sealer lasts 3-5 years, and it is actually detrimental to seal more often than this because the sealer builds up in thickness and can become brittle resulting in flaking and peeling

Sealer will fix the cracks (wrong)

While quality sealers can reduce water infiltration of hairline cracks (usually 1/8″ or less), it is not intended to fill significant pavement cracks. If anyone tries to sell you this concept, they are trying to avoid the arduous process of proper hot-rubber crack filling.

I should seal it right after it was paved (wrong)

Unfortunately, we have some misguided and dishonest contractors going around town trying to pave your driveway and then seal it the same (or following) day.

This goes completely against the industry’s best practice, which advises waiting at least 1 year after installation to seal pavement

Sealing is for appearance only; it offers no preservation value (wrong)

Organizations, departments and property owners around the country have done testing which confirms that seal coating is cost-effective in extending the life of asphalt because of its ability to reduce oxidation and protect the surface

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Perplexed Silence. I'm used to it on the other end of the phone when I tell pavement owners "Nope, yours does not need sealed again just yet--wait another year or two". We live in a world where honesty catches people off guard, I suppose. We're here to do what's best for you, not our wallet.

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