Selecting the right sealant for your driveway is more than just grabbing whatever is on the shelf. There are a couple of different types, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
Oil-based sealants offer long-lasting protection, especially for driveways in good condition, while water-based ones are more affordable but less durable. Rubberized sealants are great for cracked or heavily used driveways, offering flexibility and protection, while coal tar sealants are perfect for high-traffic or chemical-exposed areas but you definitely need professional help. It's always recommended that you get experts to seal your driveway
Let's run over them so you can decide which one is the right sealant for your driveway.
1. Oil-Based Sealants
Composition:
Oil-based sealants include bitumen and naphtha, which aren't much different from the stuff in asphalt to begin with.
Durability:
These are tough! They're weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and even chemically resistant. So if your driveway gets a lot of sunlight or extreme weather, oil-based sealants are great.
They weather beautifully and keep your driveway looking nice.
Application:
You usually apply this kind of sealant with a sprayer, so it’s a bit easier to get a smooth, even coat.
Best For:
If your driveway is in good shape and you want something that will last and look great, oil-based is the way to go. They’ll keep your driveway looking like new for years.
2. Water-Based Sealants
Composition:
Water-based sealants are made with latex or acrylic, so they’re a little lighter than oil-based ones, but that also means they aren't as strong or effective.
Durability:
They're not as durable as oil-based sealants. They'll crack eventually, especially if your driveway gets a lot of exposure to the elements.
They're okay for a temporary fix but aren't your best bet if you want something that will last. Choosing oil-based sealants vs water-based sealants will depend on what you are looking for.
Application:
Water-based sealants are usually applied with a brush or a squeegee. The tricky part is making sure you get an even layer since they’re a little harder to spread out evenly compared to oil-based.
Best For:
Water-based is a decent choice if your driveway is older and has a lot of cracks, and you don’t want to spend too much. They’ll help cover things up, but this is definitely not a long-term solution, and more of a patch job.
3. Rubberized Sealants
Composition:
These sealants are mixed with rubber, which gives them a bit more stretch and flexibility.
Durability:
Rubberized sealants work fantastic for driveways that already have cracks or if they are being heavily used daily. The rubber helps fill in cracks and stops them from getting bigger, so it’s perfect if your driveway is already showing some signs of wear.
Application:
While rubberized sealants are effective, you need to make sure you apply them properly for them to actually work. The surface should be well prepared, and the sealant evenly applied so that there is complete coverage.
Best For:
If your driveway has noticeable cracks or minor structural issues, rubberized sealants can be a great solution. They’ll help repair those cracks and provide extra protection against future damage.
4. Better First Impressions
Composition:
Coal tar sealants are made with coal tar and a bunch of other additives to make them extra strong.
Durability:
They’re incredibly durable and stand up well against oil and gasoline, so they’re great for areas where you’re worried about chemical spills or heavy-duty use.
The downside is that they’re not as environmentally friendly, so some areas have restrictions on them.
Application:
When applying coal tar sealants, it's best to let the professionals handle it, since you need more skill to handle it properly. Because of their chemical composition, these sealants can be tricky to apply without the right equipment and expertise.
Best For:
Coal tar is best for commercial driveways or places that experience frequent oil and chemical spills. It’s tough and does the job, but you’ll want to call in a pro to handle the job.
How to Choose the Right Sealant For Your Driveway
When choosing the right sealant for your driveway, there are a few things to consider:
Condition of Your Driveway:
If your driveway is in great shape, oil-based is most likely your best choice for durable protection. While you still can use oil-based on older driveways with a bunch of cracks, a safer bet might be rubberized sealants.
Your Budget:
Water-based sealants are cheaper, but they will probably have to be reapplied sooner. Oil-based is a bit more costly upfront but will last a lot longer, which probably ends up being cheaper in the long run.
The Weather in Your Area:
If you live in a place where it can get scorching hot, freezing cold, or extreme downpours, oil-based sealants will likely be the most effective.
They're usually the best choice when it comes to dealing with weather. Water-based may be just fine in less extreme climates but won't last as long.
Why Professional Application Matters
While there are DIY sealant products on the market, it's not always so easy to put on sealant as it appears. Professionals can make sure that everything is well prepped and the sealant goes on evenly.
At AHS, we use top-notch oil-based sealants that will give you the best protection and lasts for years too. The difference between doing something yourself and professional service is like night and day, and in most cases, it's worth having someone who knows what they're doing.
If you’re not sure which is the right sealant for your driveway or if you just want to get the job done right, give us a call! We’re here to help with expert advice and professional sealcoating services.
