Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why should I use modifiers?
- A: Modifiers allow the user to match the appropriate mix design to the specific project and weather conditions. Higher traffic areas require different mix designs than lower traffic areas and residential applications. Modifiers will also allow the user to vary their mix designs to match the weather conditions.
- Q: Which modifier is better: Rapid Set, AQS or Ultra?
- A: Each serves a different purpose and can be used in various conditions. All three increase the durability, adhesion and deeper black color of the pavement sealer. AQS and Rapid-Set increase the viscosity minimally while Ultra increases the viscosity dramatically. Increased viscosity is needed for higher sand loadings. AQS and Rapid-Set will significantly decrease the drying time.
- Q: How much modifier should I add per gallon?
- A: We generally recommend 1-3% added per gallon of concentrate. Traffic conditions, choice of modifier and weather conditions dictate the amount added.
- Q: How much sand should I add?
- A: We generally recommend 1-3 pounds of sand added per gallon of concentrate.
- Q: What role do sealer additives play in viscosity?
- A: There is a wide range of sealer additives available, some designed specifically for either asphalt or refined tar based sealer concentrates, and each with different benefits for the cured seal coat membrane.
Many of these additives function to increase sealer viscosity. Sealer and sealer additive manufacturers provide recommendations for use of their products, and include mix design tables which may depict higher ranges of water dilution with increased additive dosage. This is often to compensate for the additive’s anticipated thickening effect by prescribing increased dilution water to readjust viscosity of the mix back to an optimum range for application.
The effect a given additive may have on viscosity properties of different sealers, however, is not universal, even among the same type of sealer from different manufacturers. Regardless of the additive type, dosage used, or prescribed mix design, extremes in viscosity of the applied mix should be avoided. The potential benefits of any additive cannot overcome defects from poor mechanical bond or non-uniform thickness of the cured film caused by excessively thick or thin consistency of the applied material. The contractor should rely on his or her own experience and consult both the sealer manufacturer and additive manufacturer for guidance with untried additive/sealer combinations and mix designs to avoid problems.