Sealcoating works because of what’s in the sealer. A driveway sealed with over-diluted, under-spec’d material fails in a year and ends up costing more than a driveway that was never sealed at all. So the question to ask any sealcoating contractor isn’t “how much,” it’s “what are you applying, and how do you know?”
This page answers both for Beckage. We use refined coal-tar sealer that meets or exceeds Federal Specification R-P-355e. It’s the same material used on federal airfields and military installations. It’s brush-applied by hand. And it carries a two-year written warranty.
Two sealers exist. We use one.
| Coal-tar sealer (what we use) | Asphalt-emulsion sealer | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan on a driveway | 2–3 years | ~1 year |
| Resists oil and gas | Yes | No |
| Resists UV degradation | Yes | Partial |
| Spec we apply | R-P-355e, >50% solids | Varies, often ~40% solids |
| Cost per job | Slightly more | Slightly less |
| Cost over 10 years | Lower (fewer applications) | Higher |
We use coal-tar because it lasts two to three times longer and resists oil and UV. The upfront price on materials is exactly the same. The ten-year price is meaningfully lower. That’s the whole case.
The honest answer on coal-tar.
Coal-tar sealer has been scrutinized for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Some jurisdictions — mostly in the upper Midwest and parts of Washington state — have banned coal-tar sealants. New Jersey has not, and the federal EPA has not classified coal-tar sealer as banned or restricted for residential use.
What the research actually says: elevated PAHs in dust near freshly sealed pavement are real, and they decline over time. PAHs also exist in engine exhaust, cigarette smoke, grilled food, and many everyday materials. The risk is contextual, and the cure time matters — this is one of the reasons we insist on a full 24–48-hour cure window before you drive, walk, or let pets on a freshly sealed surface.
Why we brush-apply, too.
Application method matters almost as much as the sealer. A lot of contractors spray sealer because it’s faster. Spraying lays sealer on top of the surface. Brushing pushes it into the pores, so the bond is tighter and the coat lasts longer.
We brush-apply one liberal coat of R-P-355e coal-tar sealer with rubberized epoxy latex and silica sand. The sand is what gives the finished surface its traction and durability. The epoxy latex is what lets the sealer flex with temperature swings through a New Jersey winter.
Materials questions, answered.
What does R-P-355e actually mean?
It’s the federal specification for coal-tar emulsion sealers — issued June 19, 1987. It sets minimums for solids content, drying time, adhesion, flexibility, and impact resistance. Our exclusive sealer exceeds the spec at >50% solids.
Is coal-tar banned in New Jersey?
No. It’s legal in New Jersey and across most of the United States. A handful of states and municipalities have restricted it; NJ is not one of them.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry general liability and workers’ comp, and we’re BBB accredited. License and insurance certificates are available on request.
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