Tar and asphalt have a similar appearance and similar characteristics, but they are quite different materials. While they are both black, soften when heated, and harden when cooled, their performance properties are very different. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between asphalt and tar.

Asphalt

Asphalt is either in a solid or semi-solid consistency, depending on its temperature. It is a mixture made up of sands, grits, and stones (bitumens and aggregates.) Asphalt is produced in two different ways: natural asphalt and residual asphalt. As its name suggests, natural asphalt is obtained from nature, especially from lakes and rocks. Lake asphalt contains 40 to 70 percent of pure bitumen, which is then boiled to evaporate the water content separate impurities. Rock asphalt only contains 10 to 15 percent of pure bitumen and calcareous matter. The process includes crushing and heating the rocks, then suddenly cooling them to create consolidated rock. Residual asphalt is obtained in the residue of petroleum refining.

Tar

Tar is either in a solid or high viscous liquid consistency and contains a high amount of carbon content. Three general forms of tar include coal tar, wood tar, and mineral tar. Coat tar is obtained during the production of coal gas and is used for things including preserving timber and laying macadam roads. Wood tar is obtained by the distillation of resinous timber, such as pine wood. This type of tar has a preservative property, so is suitable for preserving wood. The exploitation of kerogens produces mineral tar. 

Comparison Of Properties

While asphalt and tar look similar, tar often has a blacker color than asphalt, which is categorized as more of a black-brown color. Asphalt is either in a solid or semi-solid state, while tar is in a liquid state. Asphalt has a low carbon content and high water resistance, while tar is the exact opposite. Tar also has high adhesive power and a long setting time, and asphalt has a low adhesive power and shorter setting time. 

Asphalt Maintenance You Can Trust from PTG Enterprises

If you want to protect your asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.