The pavement maintenance industry has faced increasing scrutiny over refined tar-based pavement sealers (RTS), particularly regarding claims about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their impact on urban waterways. Understanding the science behind these concerns is essential for contractors, specifiers, and municipal decision-makers. The debate centers on whether RTS contributes significantly to PAH pollution in urban […]

The intersection of pavement science and regulatory policy has grown increasingly complex as debates over refined tar-based (RTS) sealers intensify. At the heart of this controversy is the concept of White Hat Bias, a term describing how scientists, motivated by righteous intentions, may unintentionally distort data and conclusions. The Pavement Coatings Technology Council (PCTC) has

The Pavement Coatings Technology Council (PCTC) has been at the forefront of defending refined tar-based sealers (RTS) against regulatory challenges driven by disputed scientific claims. Understanding the science behind polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the limitations of detection methods, and the real-world impact of bans on contractors and communities is essential for anyone in the pavement

The pavement maintenance industry has faced increasing regulatory pressure in recent years over the use of refined tar-based sealers, with some jurisdictions implementing outright bans based on concerns about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, new studies sponsored by the Pavement Coatings Technology Council (PCTC) present compelling evidence that challenges the prevailing assumptions about these sealers.

As pavement maintenance contractors prepare for the sealcoating season, many who have relied on refined coal tar sealer face growing uncertainty about supply and pricing. Producers report significant price increases, and availability of coal tar sealer remains a concern. In response, manufacturers have expanded their offerings of asphalt bitumen tar emulsion-based sealers as the primary

Asphalt pavement represents a significant investment for homeowners, commercial property managers, and municipal authorities alike. Protecting that investment requires a proactive approach to maintenance, and few strategies deliver as much value as the regular application of pavement sealers. These protective coatings have been used successfully for over 60 years, yet misconceptions persist about their purpose

Asphalt parking lots and driveways are significant capital investments that increase both the value and functionality of a property. Like any infrastructure investment, the asphalt surface must be maintained to preserve value and performance over time. Maintenance options include resurfacing or replacing the asphalt periodically, or extending the service life of the pavement through sealcoating,

Working on road construction and maintenance projects after dark introduces a distinct set of hazards that day crews rarely face. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and the constant presence of moving vehicles make night-time road work one of the most demanding environments in the construction industry. A well-planned safety strategy built on accurate risk assessment, proper

Integrating GPS or GNSS technology into construction equipment after purchase is more achievable than many contractors realize, and the benefits extend well beyond simple location tracking. As construction sites grow more complex and technology-driven, the ability to retrofit existing machinery with satellite navigation systems has become a practical pathway for fleet modernization. Whether you are

The construction industry enters another year facing the same persistent workforce challenges that have dogged the sector for half a decade. Demand for skilled labor continues to far outstrip supply, leaving contractors with full backlogs but empty crew rosters. While the temptation is to blame external factors or lament that workers have changed, the most