Asphalt Sealing System differences and options

If your in the process of purchasing an Asphalt Sealing System and your new to this business, your very likely confused about all of the different choices and options not to mention the different language. Depending on where you live and how much your researching on the internet, you can get several names for the same piece of asphalt sealing equipment and I this can be very confusing.

We will discuss all of your options here, outlining each system, how it works and what it's called. Keep in mind this is a very basic overview and not intended for the professional that's been in the business for awhile.

I do my share of research and reading and I'm amazed at the so called "professionals" that chat in "open forums" that will be glad to give you advise, but for the most part are very closed minded when discussing a new product or process, it seems it's their way or no way!

It's not that these guys don't know what there talking about, some of them think that if you don't have the biggest and the best, then you need to stay out of the business.

At Asphalt Sealcoating Direct, we specialize in supplying a product assortment that will fit nearly any budget, allowing the newest person to get into business, begin making money and giving them the opportunity to purchase an asphalt sealing system that offers more options.

Here are some easy-to-understand asphalt sealing equipment differences:

Agitation Process:

Agitation of the sealcoat liquid is necessary to keep it completely stirred so it is applied in a uniform coat. In addition some sealcoat manufactures will not sell or warranty their sealcoat if you do not have some form of "Manual Agitation"
(Check with your supplier)

"CIRCULATION AGITATION"

The most basic agitation process is the system utilizing "Bypass Circulation" normally using a transfer pump which pulls sealcoat from the bottom of the tank and discharges it to the top of the tank.

The pump impeller acts as a "Mixer" and breaks up clumps of sealcoat and sand (if you use sand) and actually blends the liquid. Strainer baskets are not normally used on these systems because the pump impeller does a good job of mixing.

Even though these systems are very basic and inexpensive,they are very effective but knowing your limits will be very important. This asphalt sealing system will allow sand to mixed in the sealer but it will shorten the overall life of the pump. It's also difficult to remove a "Sand Bar" from the bottom of the tank if you have sand and sealer remaining in the tank when your finished with the job.

These system do a great job and are easy to use, but you should remember that you need to keep your pump going all the time to achieve a good mix and the pump should have a cast iron impeller and use a mechanical seal. If the impeller is plastic, it will wear down very quickly and this will cause low pump pressure.

You will achieve approximately 65PSI if you run the pump on high, and this is plenty of pressure to properly apply sealcoat liquid assuming you keep your hose length to 50'. Your pump pressure will drop as you add hose and your pump will run hotter that normal as well. Plastic housing pump can actually melt they get so hot.

For the price, this is my favorite asphalt sealing system, I use our PolySkid-Pro which utilizes Circulation agitation along with "Hand Agitation" also known as "Manual Agitation"

"MANUAL AGITATION"

Manual "Hand Agitation" is a "Paddle Crank" system that stirs the sealcoat as you turn the crank. These are very effective if your using sand in the sealcoat liquid.

Depending on the manufacture, you can purchase an asphalt sealing system using two paddles up to four paddles, some of the systems use rubber wipers on their paddles as well, helping to clean the inside of the tank and some use a "Rake Paddle" to claw and rake the sand and break up the sealer clumps. Our PolySkid-Pro utilizes the "Rake System"

Hand agitation is very useful and practical and keeps your sealcoat supplier happy particularly if they require some sort of manual agitation on your asphalt sealing equipment.

Combining a manual agitation system with a circulation pump on your system makes a very good asphalt sealing system because you get excellent mixing of the sealcoat liquid. These are also very affordable systems to purchase as well, usually not coasting more that $3000.00 for the entire system. With a Circulation system using manual hand agitation, it is not necessary to continually turn the crank, usually before you begin and then every 10 to 15 minutes is normally enough to keep your sand in suspension.

You may also want to consider the use of a "Latex Additive" as this will also help keep the sand in suspension as well and minimize the frequency of cranking the paddle crank.

"Hydraulic Agitation"

Hydraulic Agitation works the same way that Manual agitation works but utilizes a Hydraulic motor that allows forward or reverse and allows the user to run the agitator constantly while spraying.

This asphalt sealing system uses a variety of components ranging from an air compressor, hydraulic pump control valves and hydraulic motors and will be used by sealcoating professional that have been in the business awhile.

They range in cost from $9000.00 to $18000.00 depending on the size of system, trailer system or slid-in skid unit.

Reputable manufactures of asphalt sealing equipment that offers these systems are:

"HIGH PRESSURE SPRAY SYSTEMS"

As you know by now, the "Circulation Agitation" asphalt sealing system is a "Medium Pressure" spray system. Several manufactures offer a "Pressurized" system, allowing you more volume at higher pressures and Asphalt Sealing Equipment that uses High Pressure pump systems mounted on trailers or skids allowing for optional applications.

Many commercial sealcoaters that apply sealcoat to highways and streets or large parking lots will use this system because it will allow for an optional "Spray Bar" attachment that is capable of spraying 6' to 18' at once.

Normally a diaphragm pump and air compressor are used to deliver up to 300PSI of pressure. Longer lengths of spray hose can be used because of the ability to to create higher spraying pressures.

These systems will range in cost from $10,000 to $18000.00 depending on the options you add to them.
These are normally used by professional that have been in business awhile, and perform sealcoating in large scale.

What it really comes down to is you need a way to spray sealcoat and regardless of the system, if it performs as YOU need at the PRICE you can afford, that's all that matters.

Sealcoat can be applied a variety of ways not to mention the "Squeegee" method. If the pavement is properly prepared before the sealcoating application, then the results you get will be the same as if you were spraying it with an $18000.00 machine.

The only difference is the amount of material you use will be different and your back will hurt ;-)

Regardless of the Asphalt Sealing System you decide on, just make sure your making decisions based on credible information and remember that the Biggest" is not always the "Best".