The two common products behave differently, and the difference matters more than the price.
Updated 2026-07-16
Refined coal tar sealers are traditionally valued for resistance to oil and fuel spills. Asphalt emulsion (or asphalt-based) sealers are water-based, lower-odour and lower-VOC. Both are widely used in Ontario driveway work.
Coal tar sealers contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and their use has been restricted or banned in a number of North American jurisdictions on that basis. Rules vary by municipality and change over time — if it matters to you, ask what product is being used and look up the current status where you live rather than taking anyone's word for it.
Ask which product they're applying and why, and ask for the product name so you can read the data sheet yourself. A contractor who won't tell you what's going on your property is telling you something.
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