When it comes to protecting your driveway, not all sealants are created equal. There are two primary types of driveway sealer available — water-based and oil-based — and understanding the difference can save you thousands of dollars in premature driveway repairs.
The Two Types of Driveway Sealer
There are primarily two types of sealants used on asphalt driveways: water-based and oil-based.
Water-based products are commonly sold at hardware stores like Home Depot for homeowners to purchase and apply themselves. Oil-based products are typically used by professional asphalt sealing companies and are purchased through specialized asphalt sealer distributors.
With both products, applying thicker coats or multiple coats is unnecessary — more product does not mean better results.
Water-Based Driveway Sealer
Water-based sealers are widely available at hardware stores and are a popular DIY option for homeowners. Here’s what you need to know before choosing this product.
Pros
– Creates a tough, durable surface coat when applied
– Dries to a flat black finish
– Only wears off in areas with regular vehicle traffic or parking
Cons
– Sits on top of the asphalt without penetrating — making it non-flexible and prone to cracking over time
– Gas leaks and chemical solvents can penetrate the sealer and damage the asphalt beneath
– After multiple applications, areas without vehicle wear build up significantly thicker than worn areas, creating an uneven surface
– In Ontario’s freeze-thaw winter conditions, water-based sealer has no flexibility — leading to spider cracks or the original application loosening, creating a “puzzle with pieces missing” effect that typically has no fix
Oil-Based Driveway Sealer
Oil-based sealer is the product of choice for professional asphalt maintenance companies across Ontario. Here’s why it outperforms water-based products for long-term driveway protection.
Pros
– The preferred product of most professional asphalt maintenance companies
– Contains the same chemical properties found in asphalt itself — making it flexible year-round and less likely to crack
– Penetrates and is absorbed into the top layer of asphalt, acting as a binder for the sand and stone components — prolonging the life of your driveway from the inside out
– Wears evenly in colour across the entire surface
Cons
– Gas and other chemical solvents can penetrate the sealer
– Goes on shiny and dulls to flat black over time — typically within 3 to 4 weeks
Choosing a Door Knocker vs. a Reputable Sealing Company
One of the biggest decisions homeowners face isn’t just what type of sealer to use — it’s who to trust with the job.
Door Knockers
Door knocking is a common sales tactic in the driveway sealing industry, often geared toward impulsive purchases. Here’s what you should know:
– Training focuses more on sales strategy and daily volume than quality workmanship
– High employee turnover due to low wages and aggressive sales pressure means workers rarely develop true job competency
– Pop-up businesses have little accountability if there are problems — such as overspray on your siding, stones, vehicles, or landscaping
– Many door-knocking operations lack proper insurance, licensing, Transport Dangerous Goods certification, or WSIB coverage — leaving you exposed if something goes wrong on your property
A Reputable Sealing Company
Here’s what to expect when you hire an established, professional company:
– Carries all required insurance, licensing, WSIB, and safety certifications
– Long-term employees who are professional, skilled, and consistent
– Years of repeat customers built on trust and quality results
– Guarantees work and returns to address any issues at no charge
– Provides quotes through Google Earth or in-person for larger jobs — no pressure, no surprises
– Easy to reach by phone or text, with replies within 24 hours
– All jobs are scheduled in advance — not spontaneous and rushed
Andy's Approach to Commercial Work
At Andy’s, no job is too small or too big. After years of sealing and line marking for commercial properties — including plazas, small industrial facilities, hospitals, and indoor warehousing — we understand that logistics matter.
Our approach is to minimize disruption to your operating business. We work closely with each commercial client to meet their specific needs, whether that means sectioning off portions of a parking lot at a time, completing work during off-hours, or scheduling overnight projects in compliance with local bylaws.
Commercial Clients We've Served
– Milton District Hospital — line marking, stencilling, directional arrows, helipad, and catch basins
– Play It Again Sports — sealing and line painting
– Achilles Mazda Dealership — sealing, line painting, and crack repair
– U-Haul — parking lines and indoor storage lines
Ready to Protect Your Driveway?
Whether you’re sealing a residential driveway or maintaining a commercial parking lot, the right product and the right company make all the difference. Andy’s Asphalt Sealing has been serving Milton and the Halton Region for over 15 years with oil-based sealer, professional equipment, and a reputation built on repeat customers.
Call 905-464-3583 for a free quote.
Serving Milton, Burlington, Oakville, Georgetown, Halton Hills, and surrounding areas.