Uncover The Key Differences Between Asphalt Emulsion and Coal Tar Sealers

The Basics: Coal Tar vs. Asphalt Emulsion Sealers 

Coal Tar Sealers:

• Made from coal processing byproduct
• Known for durability and UV resistance
• Toxic PAHs lead to environmental bans

Asphalt Emulsions:

• Natural asphalt and additives blended with water
• Greener alternative to coal tar
• Equal performance without the toxicity

Coal Tar Bans Rising Due to Health and Environmental Risks

Coal tar sealers contain concerning levels of PAHs that can pollute water and pose human health hazards. As a result, coal tar bans are on the rise across the U.S. in favor of safer asphalt emulsion products.

The Perks of Choosing Asphalt Emulsion Sealer Asphalt emulsion offers key advantages:

• More eco-friendly and better safety
• Non-toxic for people and aquatic life
• Comparable longevity and durability
• Easier application and clean-up

Our Green Asphalt Sealing Process in Northern Michigan

At Grand Traverse Sealcoating & Striping, we use SafeSeal - a Michigan-made asphalt emulsion sealer that's odorless, fast-drying, and easy to apply. Invest in safer, longer-lasting pavement sealcoating for your Traverse City property. Contact us today!

Benefits of Asphalt Emulsion Sealer Over Coal Tar

There are several reasons why asphalt emulsion sealer is becoming the preferred choice for homeowners and businesses in Traverse City and throughout Michigan:

1. Environmental Friendliness: Asphalt emulsion sealer has significantly lower PAH levels than coal tar, making it a more eco-friendly option.
2. Improved Safety: Due to its reduced PAH content, asphalt emulsion sealer is safer for applicators, property owners, and the surrounding environment.
3. Performance: Technological advancements have allowed asphalt emulsion sealer to rival coal tar in terms of durability, UV resistance, and longevity.
4. Easier Application: Asphalt emulsion sealer has a lower viscosity than coal tar, making it easier to apply and clean up.

PAHs: A Brief Overview

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are complex chemical substances found in many different materials, including coal, tar, and some types of asphalt sealers. They are created when things burn, so they're also in things like car exhaust and cigarette smoke. These chemicals can be harmful to people and the environment. That's one of the reasons it's essential to work with a sealcoating company that uses eco-friendly, PAH-free products to safeguard both you and the environment.

The Health and Environmental Risks of Coal Tar Sealers

Coal tar sealers contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which pose serious health and environmental risks. As coal tar sealers degrade over time, small particles can be blown or tracked into homes, contaminating household dust. This increases the risk of exposure to PAHs, which the EPA classifies as probable human carcinogens. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to the amount of time they spend on the floor and their tendency to put objects and dirty fingers into their mouths. PAHs are also harmful to aquatic life, causing mutations and birth defects. In response to these concerns, the Coal Tar Sealants

Reduction Act has been introduced as common-sense legislation to protect our ecosystem and the health of Americans and why Grand Traverse Sealcoating & Striping chooses a Michigan made non-coal tar sealer, SafeSeal.