Brush Vs. Spray Asphalt Sealer

Typically, a driveway is paved with asphalt. Subsequently, the surface is then secured with a top coat, or sealer. There are various application techniques for the sealer, including brushing and spraying.

Function

Asphalt is a sticky substance made of various sands and gravels to form a flat, solid roadway. The sealer acts as the protector of the surface from cracks and the weather elements.

Considerations

Contractors can seal asphalt by brushing or spraying the sealer on. By brushing it on, the thickness achieved may be uneven, resulting in a difficult cure over time and an overall slicker surface. On the other hand, spraying allows the sealer to be spread out in a uniform fashion, making it cure faster.

Significance

Inevitably, brushing the sealer on leaves brush marks and an unwanted appearance that is permanent. The only recommended time to use sealers with a brush is to fill in any tiny, spider cracks the asphalt exhibits.

Choose An Asphalt Driveway Sealer

With multiple brands and grades available, choosing an asphalt driveway sealer can be overwhelming. The best tactics are to slow down, take a deep breath and educate yourself on the various types of driveway sealers. Identifying your sealant needs based on information rather than brand will help in choosing the right product for the job. Coal tar driveway sealers resist water, oil and gasoline and provide protection from ultraviolet rays, which can cause driveways to crack and deteriorate over time. Made from refined coal and other additives, coal tar sealants provide longer-lasting protection than asphalt-based sealers. Asphalt-based driveway sealers resist water but offer reduced protection against oil, gasoline and ultraviolet rays. On the upside, they produce less odor during application due to lower VOCs as compared to coal tar driveway sealers. Since grades are assigned by individual manufacturers, one company's "professional grade" may be another's "commercial grade."