The Story Behind CoolSeal

It is a water-based asphalt treatment that is applied on top of the existing asphalt pavement. It's made with asphalt, water, an emulsifying agent (soap), mineral fillers, polymers, and recycled materials. It contains no harmful chemicals and is compatible with traditional asphalt.

Cool pavement can be sprayed or applied with a squeegee, just like traditional surface treatments applied to city streets.

CoolSeal is a high-performance, water-based, asphalt emulsion sealcoat designed to achieve lower surface temperatures through its lighter color and reflectivity. CoolSeal meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and LEED requirements of 33 percent reflectivity and can last longer than conventional sealcoats.

With this pilot program, Phoenix now has the most cool pavement in North America. Los Angeles, California is following in its footsteps, with Mayor Eric Garcetti recently kicking off the next phase of his ‘Cool Streets L.A.’ program, which will bring 200 blocks of cool pavement and nearly 2,000 new trees to eight neighborhoods across Los Angeles. CoolSeal also has a large presence in Australia, with a total of roughly two million square feet of cool pavement applied. Australia has benefited from reduced ambient temperatures and has led global efforts in going green with cool pavement.

CoolSeal reflects 30% more sunlight and lowers surface temperatures by 10-16℉, compared to uncoated asphalt. It can lower surface temperatures by up to 20℉ as compared to black-coat asphalt. It also lowers subsurface temperatures by nearly 5℉, resulting in long-lasting surfaces that reduce maintenance needs and save on costs.

While CoolSeal is especially designed to achieve lower surface temperatures through its lighter color and reflectivity, our water-based formula (as opposed to the more common polymer-based surface sealants on the market) makes it durable in all climates. Once applied and fully cured, CoolSeal is effective in all environments and weather conditions. In Salt Lake City, for example, CoolSeal maintained its physical integrity, solar reflectivity, and coloring even after multiple freeze-thaw cycles and the punishments of snowplows, salt, and snow melt. This makes CoolSeal an excellent choice for regions that experience both extreme summers and winters.

An asphalt sealcoat is a protective barrier that shields asphalt from oil and gas, UV damage, water, and road salt — unavoidable elements and substances that break asphalt down, causing damage like cracks, potholes, and fading. Asphalt sealcoat prolongs the quality and life of your asphalt by blocking damaging elements and substances. It can also fill small gaps and cracks.

CoolSeal is applied to asphalt, the same way conventional black sealcoats are applied. It can be used to coat parking lots, roadways, residential areas, schools, playgrounds, bike paths, and other community areas.

Our special blend is designed to be resistant to cracking and wear and tear. Properly applied, a two-coat application of CoolSeal can last twice as long as conventional sealcoat and require less maintenance.

CoolSeal by GuardTop® is a fully green alternative to conventional sealcoats, which contain polymers and contribute to urban heat islands. CoolSeal is water-based and formulated with recycled materials, free of harmful chemicals.

Conventional polymer-based asphalt sealcoats are created from a blend of coal tar or bitumen, sand, and other fine particles. These dark surfaces absorb heat and energy, causing high surface temperatures and urban heat island effects.

At this time, CoolSeal is not available for direct application to individual community residences. However, if you are interested in using CoolSeal for your residence or community, there are options to consider: Minimum Purchase Requirement: For individual applications, a minimum purchase of 100 gallons ($195 per bucket, 20 buckets), which covers at least 3,000 square feet, is required. Collaborate with Neighbors: Pool resources with nearby residents who may also be interested in using CoolSeal. This can help you meet the minimum purchase requirement and make the application process more feasible. Advocate for Neighborhood Use: Consider reaching out to your local city officials. You can write a letter or petition, requesting that CoolSeal be made available for neighborhood use. Increased interest from the community may encourage support for smaller residential projects.