Alright, Toms River, NJ neighbors, let us talk about driveways. You have that asphalt looking a little faded, and maybe some small cracks are showing. You know it is time to protect your investment. The question always comes up: what kind of sealcoat should you use for your Toms River, NJ driveway? It is not as simple as just grabbing a bucket of sealcoat; there are two main types of sealcoat that Classic Asphalt Co works with, and they are pretty different: coal tar emulsion and asphalt emulsion.
Classic Asphalt Co has been working with Asphalt Sealcoating in Toms River, NJ for many years. We have seen both of these Asphalt Sealcoating products perform, and sometimes underperform, in our New Jersey weather. So, let us look at these two Asphalt Sealcoating options honestly, focusing on what matters to you for your Toms River, NJ property: cost, how long the Asphalt Sealcoating lasts, how much fuss the Asphalt Sealcoating will be, and how it will look.
Coal Tar Emulsion: The Old Guard for Asphalt Sealcoating
Coal tar has been around for Asphalt Sealcoating for a long time, and for good reason. It is a byproduct of coal processing. When it is made into an Asphalt Sealcoat, it creates a very solid, hard barrier over your asphalt driveway in Toms River, NJ.
- Durability and Longevity of Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: This Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating is known for its strong resistance to things like oil, gasoline, and other chemicals. These chemicals can really eat away at your driveway in Toms River, NJ. It forms a dense, protective shell that can last a good 3 to 5 years, and sometimes even longer in ideal conditions. Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating is also very good at standing up to UV rays.
- Appearance of Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating gives you that deep, rich, jet-black finish that many homeowners in Toms River, NJ really like. It looks sharp and professional.
- Cost of Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Generally, the material cost for Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating can be a bit lower upfront.
- Maintenance of Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating holds up well to spills. If you have a leaky old car, this might seem like a good option for chemical resistance for your Asphalt Sealcoating.
Now, for the downsides of Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating. The biggest one is environmental. Coal tar contains high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens. These PAHs can leach into the soil and water in Toms River, NJ. There are concerns about health risks during the application of the Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating and afterward. Because of this, many towns and cities across the country have restricted or even banned its use for Asphalt Sealcoating.
Another thing Classic Asphalt Co has seen with Coal Tar Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating, especially with our freeze-thaw cycles here in Toms River, NJ, is that while it is hard, it can get brittle over time. This means it might not flex with your asphalt driveway as temperatures change. This can lead to more cracking down the road for your Asphalt Sealcoating in Toms River, NJ.
Asphalt Emulsion: The Modern Choice for Asphalt Sealcoating
Asphalt Emulsion for Asphalt Sealcoating is made from the same base material as your driveway – asphalt. It is mixed with water and other emulsifying agents. It is a newer approach to Asphalt Sealcoating that has been gaining a lot of traction in Toms River, NJ.
- Durability and Longevity of Asphalt Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Modern Asphalt Emulsions have come a long way. They offer good protection against water, sun, and wear for your driveway in Toms River, NJ. Quality Asphalt Emulsion products can last 2 to 4 years, and sometimes even 4 to 6 years with performance additives. The key here for Asphalt Emulsion is flexibility. Since it is made from asphalt, it expands and contracts with your driveway as temperatures fluctuate. This means less cracking over time for your Asphalt Sealcoating.
- Appearance of Asphalt Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Asphalt Emulsion dries to a deep, rich black, similar to Coal Tar Emulsion. This gives your driveway in Toms River, NJ a fresh, new look.
- Cost of Asphalt Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: The initial material cost for Asphalt Emulsion might be slightly higher than Coal Tar Emulsion in some markets. However, it is still very competitive and often considered more cost-effective in the long run. This is due to its environmental benefits and improved durability for your Asphalt Sealcoating. You are typically looking at around $0.08 to $0.10 per square foot for the material for Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoating.
- Maintenance of Asphalt Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: Asphalt Emulsion is generally easier to apply and has minimal odor compared to Coal Tar Emulsion. Cleanup is also easier for Asphalt Emulsion.
- Environmental and Safety of Asphalt Emulsion Asphalt Sealcoating: This is where Asphalt Emulsion really shines. It has virtually no PAHs, making it much safer for your family, pets, and the environment in Toms River, NJ. There are no dangerous fumes or skin irritation during the application of Asphalt Emulsion, and it is compliant with regulations in most areas.
The main drawback of Asphalt Emulsion is that while it resists most things well, it might not be quite as resistant to heavy oil and gasoline spills as Coal Tar Emulsion. However, modern formulations of Asphalt Emulsion are significantly better. For a typical residential driveway in Toms River, NJ, this usually is not a major concern for your Asphalt Sealcoating.
Classic Asphalt Co's Recommendation for Toms River, NJ Homeowners for Asphalt Sealcoating
Given our climate here in New Jersey – those hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters with plenty of freeze-thaw cycles – flexibility in your Asphalt Sealcoat is a huge advantage. That is why Classic Asphalt Co leans towards Asphalt Emulsion for most residential driveways in Toms River, NJ.
The environmental and health benefits alone make Asphalt Emulsion a strong contender for Asphalt Sealcoating in Toms River, NJ. You do not want those nasty chemicals potentially affecting your kids, pets, or the plants in your front yard. Plus, its ability to flex with the pavement helps prevent premature cracking. This is a big deal when your driveway is constantly expanding and contracting in Toms River, NJ. While Coal Tar Emulsion might have been the go-to for Asphalt Sealcoating for decades, Asphalt Emulsion has really improved. It offers a better balance of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility for homeowners in Toms River, NJ.
At Classic Asphalt Co, we have made the switch to prioritizing Asphalt Emulsion for residential Asphalt Sealcoating jobs. We believe it is the smarter, safer, and ultimately more durable choice for our customers in Toms River, NJ. You get a beautiful, long-lasting finish without the worries. Classic Asphalt Co is about protecting your investment and your family in Toms River, NJ, plain and simple. Classic Asphalt Co provides Asphalt Sealcoating services to all areas in and around Toms River, NJ.