Properly designed and constructed asphalt pavements rarely wear out from the traffic.
    Surface deterioration is primarily caused by weather, oxidation and the destructive softening effects of gasoline, oils, and de-icers.

The Asphalt Institute confirms that air, sunlight and moisture are a major cause of surface deterioration. Unprotected surfaces oxidize and allow the aggregate in the asphalt mix to be washed away.

Unprotected pavements lose flexibility; aggregate ravels from the surface and the pavement becomes rough. The surface becomes brittle and cracks develop.

Cracks allow water to penetrate to the subsurface and rupture the pavement; causing small surface cracks to enlarge until the pavement actually separates.

Water penetrates the cracks and damage progresses. Hydraulic pressure (expansion and contraction) enlarge the cracks. Damage occurs faster under heavy traffic and/or during freeze/thaw cycles.

    The unprotected surface oxidizes (bleaches out) while gasoline and oil drippings soften the asphalt surface and cause localized pavement failure. These petroleum stained areas give the parking lot a dirty, uncared-for appearance.
    Tarconite is specifically formulated from a coal tar base to shiels against the drying

action of the sun, prevent water penetration, and resist damage caused by gasoline and oil. Tarconite bonds firmly to the surface to provide and even-textured durable coating. Tarconite will extend the life of your asphalt pavement and restore that slate black new look at minimum cost.

    Tarconite meets and exceeds the U.S. Air Force requirements. The F.A.A. and the Federal Government specification R.P. 355-e (GSA-FSS) which call for a coal tar sealer that is easily applied, has a fast drying rate, and cures to a continuous, uniform film. Tests require the product to resist jet fuel, gasoline and oils; resist water; resist heat, yet have a high bonding strength and be flexible over a wide temperature range.

    Tarconite meets and exceeds American Society For Testing And Materials Specification D 3320, where only coke-oven tars conforming to the requirements of specification D 490 are used (petroleum tars, oil and water-gas tars shall not be used). This specification covers mineral-colloid-stabilized, emulsified coal-tar pitch suitable for use as a weather-protective and aliphatic-solvent resistant coating over bituminous pavements of of airports, parking areas, and driveways.