What is the price difference between coal tar and asphalt emulsion sealer in Ottawa?

Coal tar sealer typically costs $0.05 to $0.10 more per square foot than asphalt emulsion sealer in Ottawa, but availability and environmental concerns make asphalt emulsion the more practical choice for most homeowners.

For DIY application, asphalt emulsion sealer runs $0.15 to $0.35 per square foot in Ottawa, while coal tar sealer costs $0.20 to $0.45 per square foot. The price difference reflects coal tar's superior durability and chemical resistance, but several factors make this comparison less straightforward than it appears.

Availability is becoming the bigger issue than price. Many Ottawa retailers have reduced or eliminated coal tar sealer inventory due to environmental regulations and liability concerns. Coal tar contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are restricted in some jurisdictions and raise environmental concerns about runoff into storm drains and waterways. You'll find asphalt emulsion sealer at every Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and hardware store in Ottawa, but coal tar sealer requires searching specialty paving supply stores or ordering online.

Performance differences justify the price gap. Coal tar sealer provides superior resistance to gasoline, oil, and salt damage — significant advantages for Ottawa driveways that endure heavy salt exposure from November through April. It also offers better UV protection and typically lasts 3 to 4 years between applications compared to 2 to 3 years for asphalt emulsion. However, coal tar sealer is more difficult to apply properly — it requires warmer temperatures (minimum 18°C versus 15°C for asphalt emulsion), takes longer to cure, and can become brittle in Ottawa's extreme cold if applied too thickly.

Professional application costs are similar regardless of sealer type — $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot — because labour represents the majority of the expense. Most Ottawa paving contractors have switched to high-quality asphalt emulsion sealers that perform nearly as well as coal tar without the environmental concerns and application challenges.

For most Ottawa homeowners, premium asphalt emulsion sealer offers the best value — easier to find, easier to apply, environmentally safer, and adequate protection when reapplied every 2 to 3 years. The small price savings aren't worth the hassle of sourcing coal tar sealer unless your driveway has specific chemical exposure issues.

Need help finding a driveway contractor for professional sealing? Ottawa Driveways can match you with experienced paving professionals who can recommend the best sealer for your specific driveway conditions.

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