BITUMINOUS ROADWAYS CORPORATE OFFICE
1520 COMMERCE DRIVE
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55120
Phone: (651)686-7001

• Extended life — Properly maintained asphalt should provide decades of serviceable life.
• Fewer repairs — Unmaintained asphalt will develop serious cracks, ruts, and potholes requiring earlier replacement than properly maintained pavements.
• Overall Savings — Maintenance saves money in the long run, increases “curb appeal,” and provides a welcoming approach for customers.

Air, Sun, and Water — Asphalt's "Natural" Enemies
The lifespan of asphalt paving depends on several factors: a good foundation (subbase), the asphalt mix itself, and the thickness of the installation.

No matter how good the initial installation, water, oxidation (drying due to sun), and traffic overload can destroy your pavement investment. Proper maintenance can prevent water penetration and oxidation from eroding the surface and pavement foundation.
 
 Protect Your Asphalt Against the Elements
 Seal coating, cracksealing, and overlays prevent water and oxidation damage. These techniques help extend the life of asphalt pavement, prevent costly repairs/early replacement, and significantly reduce the overall cost of the pavement.
 
 Maintenance and Repair Techniques
 Seal Coating — Sealing asphalt every 3 to 7 years reduces overall repair costs, improves appearance, and extends asphalt life by preventing oxidation and water penetration.
 
 The three most common seal coats in the Upper Midwest are coal tar, rejuvenators, and hot oil/chip-rock seals.
 
 Coal Tar seal coats (black paint) are generally recommended only for residential applications. Coal Tar generally costs less than hot oil/chip-rock seal coats, but is less durable and requires frequent applications. Once applied, it is difficult to switch to another maintenance method.
 
 Rejuvenating seal coats resemble coal tar sealers in appearance and claim to soften the pavement by adding oil back into the surface. There are many different kinds of rejuvenators; some are not ecologically friendly or cost-effective.
 
 Hot Oil/Chip-Rock seal coats are often chosen for commercial/industrial and roadway asphalt maintenance. It is the only method approved for use on public streets. This method spreads a cover aggregate over a uniform layer of hot asphalt emulsion, creating a new wearing surface. It is critical the application is performed properly for proper adhesion of the cover rock.
 
 Cracksealing helps seal pavement to keep water on the surface and from not rapidly entering the base layer where it begins its damage. Thermal cracks develop because the asphalt expands and contracts from temperature fluctuations as the seasons change. Cracks should be sealed with a rubberized cracksealer after the edges have been cut to maximize adhesion.
 
 Patching becomes necessary when the pavement’s surface or base has deteriorated in localized areas. Stress cracking or potholes may develop. A surface patch may be an adequate quick, inexpensive fix. But if the base has failed or there is severe damage, the deteriorated area will need to be removed and corrected.
 
 An Overlay adds a layer of new asphalt 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick over the roadway or parking lot. Overlays take seal coating a step further, adding both strength and improving curb appeal as a new smooth surface is applied to your existing parking area or roadway. Before the overlay is installed, damaged areas must be repaired, otherwise existing cracks, holes, or weak areas may deflect up into the new surface.


Classic pavement preservation curve indicates how maintenance dollars spent at the right time, on the right pavement, will save many more dollars later.in the pavement’s life.