Brewer Cote® is a 100% coal tar emulsion pavement sealer.  Unlike the asphalt it is designed to protect or pavement sealer made from asphalt, coal tar emulsion pavement sealer resists oxidation from the sun and spills from gasoline and oil. 

What is coal tar?

Coal tar is derived from crude coke oven tar that is a by-product of the combustion of coal in steel manufacturing.    The crude coke oven tar is then refined, through distillation, into a number of products, including various grades of road tar (RT). RT-12 grade refined coal tar, which conforms to the requirements of ASTM D490, is used to produce coal tar emulsion pavement sealers.

 

 

 

 

Why use coal tar emulsion pavement sealer?

Asphalt pavements, left unprotected, will be damaged and eventually destroyed by the effects of thermal and UV induced oxidation, erosion caused by moisture, gasoline and oil drippings, salt and chemicals. Coal tar emulsion pavement sealers, due to the refined tar’s unique chemical and molecular structure, are inherently resistant to these elements and provide protection superior to asphalt based pavement sealers. Regular application of coal tar emulsion pavement sealers will extend the life of the pavement and protect the investment it represents.

 

 

 

What is solids content?

Solids content is a measure of the non-volatile components present in a pavement sealer and generally indicates the combined amount of tar (resin) and clay (filler) present in the sealer. Typically, the higher the solids content of the concentrated pavement sealer, the more water that can be added to achieve the recommended solids content on the pavement. For maximum protection, The Brewer Company recommends that the solids content of the diluted pavement sealer, as applied, should be 35-40%. Brewer Cote® is produced at a consistent solids content of 51-52%, which is the highest level in the industry.

 

What is ash content?

Ash content is a measure of the non-binding, inorganic components present in a pavement sealer and generally indicates the amount of clay (filler) present in the sealer. Coal tar emulsion pavement sealer produced with a low ash content (less than 35%) usually has a high coal tar content and is softer and more susceptible to tracking after application. Whereas, coal tar emulsion pavement sealer produced with a high ash content (greater than 38%) usually has a low coal tar content and is harder and more likely to wear prematurely or flake off the surface. The Brewer Company, as an industry leader, produces both Brewer Cote® at a consistent ash content of 36-37% to maximize performance and wear resistance, while diminishing the risk of tracking.

 

A thicker, concentrated coal tar emulsion pavement sealer does not necessarily imply a better performing pavement sealer. Concentrated coal tar emulsion pavement sealer produced at 51-52% solids content and 36-37% ash content will appear thick. However, pavement sealer produced with a high ash content (greater than 38%) or produced with high water swelling clays or other thickening agents, will generally appear thicker, even though its solids content may be less. Often, contractors mistakenly determine how much water to add to the concentrated coal tar emulsion pavement sealer based upon how thick the concentrated sealer appears and not based upon the solids content of the diluted sealer. As a result, too much water can be added to an already low solids concentrated pavement sealer, reducing the solids content below the level necessary for acceptable performance on the pavement.