How Asphalt Rejuvenation Works
Asphalt does not simply wear out — it chemically ages. Understanding that process is the key to treating the cause of road deterioration, not just the symptom.
Why asphalt ages
Asphalt ages through oxidation. Over time the maltene fractions in the bitumen binder — the light oil compounds responsible for flexibility, ductility and adhesion — are progressively depleted. The binder stiffens, the surface oxidises and turns grey, and microcracking begins.
Left untreated, microcracks let water in, accelerating ravelling and, eventually, pothole formation. The most cost-effective moment to intervene is while the pavement is still structurally sound — before that failure point.
- 1New surfaceFlexible, sealed bitumen binder
- 2Oxidation & greyingMaltenes deplete; surface lightens
- 3Surface microcrackingBest intervention window
- 4RavellingAggregate loss begins
- 5Pothole formationRehabilitation now required
What rejuvenation does
A spray-applied, solvent-based rejuvenator works in three stages. This is binder chemistry restoration — not a surface coating.
Penetrates
Seeps through microcracks and into the surface layer of the existing bitumen.
Reconditions
Helps rebalance asphaltenes, maltenes and paraffins — restoring flexibility and ductility.
Protects
Seals the surface, restores hydrophobic properties and retards further oxidation.
Ideal for
- Structurally sound surfaces showing oxidation and greying
- Early surface microcracking
- Network-level preventative maintenance programmes
- Sites where downtime must be minimised
Not suitable for
- Roads with base or deep structural failure
- Surfaces already ravelling or potholing
- Structural cracking (a repair, not a preservation case)
A pavement condition assessment confirms whether a surface is a candidate.
Application & disruption
Application uses spray technology and does not require hot-mix equipment, milling machines or heavy plant — a key advantage for busy roads, commercial properties, logistics hubs and airports.
Trafficable after application*
Spray-applied; no milling or HMA plant
Most surfaces treated in one session
*Conditions-dependent. Performance subject to surface and site assessment.
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- Tennant Road trial — in service since Oct 2024
- B-BBEE Level 2
- Agrément SA framework aligned
- Trafficable in ≈ 2.5 hours
Century Way, Century City
Cape Town 7441, South Africa