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"Asphalt sealer sprays differently because it kind of rains down in drops on the pavement. It doesn't create as fine a mist because it's heavier than coal tar sealer so you have to move a little slower and keep the equipment clean because it clogs up more," Maul says. He adds that contractors need to agitate asphalt-based sealer daily because it separates more easily.

"You have to agitate the material, you have to adjust the spray tips, and you have to clean the strainer on the sprayer more often. Basically you just have to keep your equipment clean," he says. "It trims great but you have to watch the sand content very closely."

Maul adds that using additives and proper sand loading is key to asphalt sealers holding up long term.

"The material issue came into play on this job just because of the timing but it worked out well," Maul says. "We're pleased with the results and so is the client. After that we stayed with asphalt the rest of the season because we didn't want to be going back and forth."

"From an application standpoint the guys liked it and that will be a factor we consider when deciding what to use this year. But the main factor is can we get it and what is the price differential."