Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Edwards, MO

Though they may look similar, tar and bitumen come from different sources. Bitumen is a petroleum product—extracted during crude oil refining—and is mostly made up of hydrocarbons. Tar comes from burning down organic materials like coal or wood. Bitumen is strictly oil-based, while tar is a mix of compounds from natural sources. Both are used as binders in paving; however, bitumen is the standard for today’s asphalt. Tar use has mostly faded out of road construction.

While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.

Chip seal roads and driveways are slightly more expensive than gravel, but significantly more affordable than traditional asphalt. Chip seal works wonders when used as a top coat. Its lighter color is less heat-absorbant than black asphalt. It also renews your aging, deteriorating asphalt without having to spend on major repairs or redoing the entire driveway.

A properly applied asphalt driveway sealer, or sealcoat, should last between one and five years. The industry standard is to reseal every two to three years for optimal protection. If you live in a climate with extreme weather, such as heavy rainfall or freezing temperatures, you may need to reseal your driveway more frequently, around every two years. Signs that your driveway needs a new coat of sealant include the appearance of small cracks or uneven drying after rain.