The decision whether to use sealcoat versus slurry sealer depends on a couple of different factors such as the amount of traffic the area will experience, the speed vehicles will travel in the area and how damaged the asphalt pavement is. Slurry is a thicker consistency and contains larger aggregates than sealcoat which can contain much smaller aggregate or none at all. This thicker consistency makes it ideal for certain applications and less ideal for others. Let’s dive into when you would use each and why.
When to Use Slurry Sealer
The biggest questions when determining when to use slurry sealer are how heavily trafficked the pavement is and what the condition of the asphalt pavement is. Slurry sealer can be as much as two times more expensive than sealcoat so it’s important to only use slurry sealer when you need it and not as a standard across all types of applications. The larger aggregates in slurry sealer are tougher and more durable in the following use cases.
1. Use a slurry sealer if you’re sealing a heavily trafficked street or roadway.
2. Use a slurry sealer if the area you’re sealing is generally driven on by heavy vehicles or vehicles traveling at a higher rate of speed.
3. Use a slurry sealer if the asphalt pavement you’re sealing is damaged, has voids or has rough areas that need to be smoothed out.
When to Use Sealcoat
When determining whether it’s appropriate to use sealcoat for a particular job or application, again, you want to look at the traffic flow for the asphalt pavement and also what kind of condition it’s in. The smaller or lack of aggregates in sealcoat provide a smoother surface for the following use cases.
1. Use sealcoat if you’re sealing a lower traffic area such as a parking lot, less traveled neighborhood road or driveway.
2. Use sealcoat if the vehicles that travel that area of asphalt are typically driven at a lower/slower rate of speed.
3. Use sealcoat if the asphalt pavement you’re sealing has minimal damage. The smooth finish of sealcoat is preferred in most cases versus the rougher finish of slurry sealer.
Why Pitch Black?
Pitch Black can be used for sealcoat applications and has additives available for use as a slurry sealer as well. Depending on the application and your needs, you can get Pitch Black in a sealcoat formulation or in a slurry sealer formulation. Pitch Black is versatile and adaptable for use in any of the use cases outlined above.
Whether sealcoat or slurry sealer, EcoShield and their network of distributors across the southeast have your needs covered! Call today to learn more or to discuss options and applications available to you from Pitch Black!
