What Is the Best Driveway Sealer for Canadian Weather?
In many parts of Canada, as the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes.” Canadian weather can vary a lot, and that could impact your driveway. It copes with baking sun, snow and ice buildup, and all forms of rain. The best protection for your driveway is to coat it with a driveway sealer. But what is the best driveway sealer for your driveway to protect it during the weather of Canada?
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Driveway Sealer
Essentially, there are several types and brands of driveway sealers, but they fall into two broad categories: oil-based vs. water-based.
Oil-based driveway sealers come in different types that each have their own pros and cons. An oil-based sealer is absorbed more readily with an attractive finish that helps prevent degradation; however, it is quite unfriendly to the environment and requires expensive equipment for application. There is a possibility that oil-based driveway sealers may become regulated or banned in the future.
Acrylic water-based driveway sealers utilize water as a carrier, and contain acrylic resins as the sealing agent.Both have a minimal environmental impact and leave an appealing finish. They can contain additives such as colour to match exterior elements as well as other elements to resist UV damage, resistance to chemical and water damage, or to provide a greater elasticity. Water-based driveway sealers dry quickly into a durable surface; however, they may show stains more easily, may be more expensive, and need to be re-applied more frequently.
Pros and Cons of Oil-Based Driveway Sealers
Just the same as most everything in life, there are definite pros and cons to applying an oil-based driveway sealer.
Pros: Oil-based sealers:
Cons: Oil-based sealers:
When to Use a Water-Based Driveway Sealer
As noted above, other than the possibility of water-based driveway sealers being slightly more expensive, they have other shortcomings. They may need to be re-applied more often than oil-based sealers, and they may become slick in wet weather if improperly applied. However, there are several benefits to covering with a water-based driveway sealer.
Some Advantages to Using Water-based driveway sealers
- Are much more environmentally friendly.
- Usually have a much shorter drying time without any strong, unpleasant aroma.
- Are less hazardous during application and use and are easier to clean in case of spills.
- Can resist UV damage and be made colourful due to additives that can be included.
Best Driveway Sealer Options Available in Canada
As outlined in this blog in several instances, there are pros and cons to all options to driveway sealing. However, one of the main considerations for driveway sealers in Canada is how well they stand up to cold weather. On the whole, oil based driveway sealers, despite their impact on the environment, are considered the best match to our Canadian winters due to how they adapt to changes in temperature.
Other Types of Sealers to Consider
Coal tar sealers are durable, less expensive and easy to apply; however, surface cracks can occur if it is over-applied, and they are not environmentally friendly.
Asphalt emulsion water-based sealers contain asphalt and an emulsifying agent that lets asphalt and water mix and bind to the driveway. Regardless of the type of sealer you decide to use, all driveway sealing should be done during a time of consistent temperatures of at least 10°C and above for a minimum of 2 days after sealing to be beneficial. In any case during the winter, it is best to make sure that any freeze-thaw damage, such as cracks and divots, are filled, and that your asphalt driveway is cleared of ice and snow to prevent degrading. Ideally, clearing the snow completely followed up with a properly used de-icer will greatly assist in maintaining the longevity of your driveway.
How to Choose the Best Driveway Sealer for Your Needs
Before choosing a driveway sealer, you may need to consider what is most important to you and the reason for sealing your driveway.
- Is your home new to you, and you are investing in it for the future?
- Are you hoping to rejuvenate your driveway after leaving it for a few years?
- Are you concerned about the surrounding environment and the impact a driveway sealer may have?
- These questions should be asked before making your decision. With that in mind, here are some points that may help with that decision.
How to Get Longer Results
Before going through the process of sealing your driveway, take into account that brand-new asphalt driveways shouldn’t have a sealer applied for the first 12 months. This lets the asphalt cure throughout into a solid mass. If it is sealed too soon, there is a possibility that the oils trapped within the asphalt may cause the asphalt to become pliable and lead to degradation.
Final Thoughts
Making the decision to choose the right driveway sealer can be daunting. Oil-based driveway sealers are durable and cost-effective, but have environmental impacts. Water-based driveway sealers are durable, but may not be the best option for Canadian winters. Contact the professionals today at Driveway Sealing to have them walk you through which sealant would best fit your needs and provide a free estimate to seal your driveway.