Is Coal Tar On Its Way Out?

February 29, 2016

Is Coal Tar On Its Way Out?

With spring around the corner, the annual calls to ban coal tar sealer are right on cue. State Rep. Laura Fine has reintroduced House Bill HB5588, calling for a ban on the use and sale of coal tar sealer in Illinois. In a hearing in October with the Sierra Club and the USGS, Rep. Fine indicated that she was going to push for a ban on coal tar this year. If successful, the ban would start in 2017. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee and will likely be assigned to a formal committee in the next few weeks.
 

Talk of coal tar bans has urged some sealcoaters to switch to a more environmentally friendly product. Our sales of eco friendly sealer jumped last year from 4% in 2014 to 13% of our total sealer sales. The addition of Black Diamond (GemSeal's High Performance Alternative to Asphalt Emulsion and Coal Tar Sealers), has made the switch less painful. Black Diamond is eco friendly, has similar durability as coal tar and can be used early and late in the season, unlike asphalt emulsion. 
 

Although we believe the calls to ban coal tar are baseless, we're excited to have an alternative that will please everyone. 
 

For more information on Black Diamond sealer, visit nacsupply.com or call 877-767-4622.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

A long asphalt driveway stretches out in front of a wide white farmhouse surrounded by grass and trees.
Tips for Making an Asphalt Driveway Last

March 25, 2025

Your driveway is susceptible to wear and tear just like any other part of your property. Keep the asphalt in good condition with these tips.

Continue Reading

A man walks across asphalt pavement, dripping black crack sealing product from a piece of metal to repair a crack.
Why It’s Important To Repair Asphalt Cracks

March 13, 2025

Maintaining asphalt pavement is more important than you might realize. Learn all of the serious reasons why you need to promptly address any cracks.

Continue Reading

A worker in an orange safety vest pushes an asphalt lute front of him to level the application of fresh asphalt.
Differences Between Commercial-Grade Asphalt and Residential

March 13, 2025

Commercial-grade asphalt is designed for heavy traffic and durability, while residential is intended for lighter use. Learn these and other key differences.

Continue Reading