And second, the coverage area, though stated on the packaging, might vary depending on when your driveway was last sealed, as well as what medium your driveway is. But this one might need a little more muscle to get it started. It does require a quick mix before you get to work, as most options do. However, there are things you should know. It’s really a Swiss Army knife and it’s the best option available. Not only that, but the reason why Gardner’s takes our top spot is that it’s also fast-drying, can work as a sealer or crack filler, and isn’t all that expensive when you consider other options in the space. According to the company, this driveway sealer will last up to 10 years, if properly maintained, and will keep your driveway looking great. And Gardner’s driveway sealer is designed to do just that: last. Things shouldn’t break down in a week or two. “Coal tar products protect much better and last much longer than asphalt emulsion products,” said Ted Lovell, president of the Columbus asphalt company Jet-Seal.When you’re dealing with anything house-related, you want it to last. Other companies arrived at the same conclusion. “It didn’t last as long, it wasn’t as good as a product and we had to get into multiple coats,” Hein said. Spires switched to asphalt emulsion sealants five or six years ago but went back to coal tar after concluding the sealants didn’t work as well. “But asphalt emulsion, if it’s applied properly, can last a long time, too.” “Coal tar is more effective,” said Bruce Hein, the owner of Spires Paving in Lancaster. In addition, the council argues that PAHs come from dozens of other common sources such as vehicle exhaust, charcoal grills and cigarettes.ĭriveway companies that have used alternatives say coal tar works better than asphalt emulsion-based products, although it is also costlier. The Pavement Coatings Technology Council, an industry trade group, argues that PAH levels from coal tar sealants are insignificant. “I do my driveway with it as well, and I never feel that it’s ever a hazard to me,” said Bob Longo of Asphalt Services of Ohio in Gahanna. Other driveway companies, along with industry representatives, are also skeptical of claims that coal tar is a cancer risk. “We stopped using coal tar last year because of the concerns,” said Tony Christo, company foreman.Īlthough Christo said Extreme Seal thinks coal tar remains safe, the company decided to switch to a sealant called Go Green because of media reports. Most central Ohio driveway sealing companies continue to apply coal tar, which has been used for decades to seal and extend the life of asphalt driveways.īut some firms are offering alternatives, and at least one, Extreme Seal Coating in Columbus, has switched completely. In addition, Minnesota has banned state agencies from using coal tar, and a bill making its way through the Oregon legislature would ban coal tar throughout the state. Some studies have concluded that coal-tar sealants can create PAH dust in dangerous concentrations.Ī few communities - notably Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas - have banned coal tar. Home Depot and Lowe’s stopped carrying coal tar-based sealants altogether, after health concerns were raised about the material.Ĭoal tar contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly called PAHs, which have been linked to cancer. Most major retailers now sell driveway sealants based on asphalt emulsions instead of coal tar. Homeowners sealing their asphalt driveways this spring will find more choices, as sealing companies and retailers offer alternatives to coal tar, which has come under environmental scrutiny.
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