“Service By Professionals”

Call Today!  540-731-3000

Blog 6

Water-Based Sealcoating vs. Oil-Based Sealant

What You Need to Know About Sealcoating and Oil-Based Sealants

Knowing the pros and cons of water-based sealcoating vs. oil-based sealant could decide which you choose for your driveway. Oil-based sealants have advantages. They tend to last longer on your Southwestern Virginia surface. But water-based sealcoating is more beneficial for many customers that are interested in an environmentally friendly method. In our August blog, Paving Plus shines a light on water-based sealcoating vs. oil-based sealant.

 

Water-Based Sealcoating Cures on Concrete Quicker

Water-based sealcoating takes much less time to fully cure than an oil-based sealant. According to the American Concrete Pavement Association, curing treats or protects concrete during the hardening process. You decrease the time to protect your drying driveway from damage before being able to add final touchups or initial use. You’re also cutting the time that you’ll have to deal with the strong odor of the water-based sealcoating.

 

Oil-Based Sealants Can Be Harmful to the Environment

An oil-based sealant contains volatile organic compounds, which are very harmful to the environment. Some state and municipalities have banned oil-based sealants. When you decide on water-based sealcoating, you’ll find it is a more eco-friendly option. It allows you to resurface your driveway without releasing damaging pollutants into the atmosphere. That’s important as there’s an emphasis on the environment today.

 

What Emulsions Make Up Water-Based Sealcoating?

Water-based sealcoating has either coal-tar emulsions or asphalt emulsions. If you’re unfamiliar with emulsions, an asphalt emulsion is asphalt suspended in water. Not as simple, coal-tar emulsions are a byproduct of the steel industry. The structure of coal-tar sealers are different from the asphalt they protect. Oil-based sealants are products that combine asphaltic chemicals in an oily suspension.

 

An Oil-Based Sealant Actually Protects Your Surface More

While water-based sealcoating forms a protective layer on top of a driveway, oil-based sealants have added benefits. An oil-based sealant penetrates the surface and makes a flexible bond. That bond decreases the likelihood of contraction and expansion in the winter. This doesn’t mean water-based sealcoating is ineffective. But your driveway might need reapplication more often than an oil-based sealant.

 

Contact Paving Plus at (541) 731-3000 when you need water-based sealcoating on your driveway or parking lot. You can also learn more about us on Facebook. Talk to our team today to learn more about water-based sealcoating vs. oil-based sealants.