Bituminous Tack Coat Calculator
Calculate tack coat quantities for proper asphalt layer bonding.
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Tack Coat Calculator
Calculate emulsion quantities for your project
Tack Coat Requirements
Total Emulsion Needed
0 gallons
Application Rate
0 gal/sq yd
Residual Rate
0 gal/sq yd
In Metric
0 liters (0 L/m²)
Coverage Summary
- Area: 0 sq yd (0 sq ft)
- Emulsion: SS-1
- Residue Content: 60%
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Tack Coat Application Guide
Recommended Residual Rates
| Surface Type | gal/sq yd | L/m² |
|---|---|---|
| New Asphalt (smooth) | 0.02 – 0.04 | 0.09 – 0.18 |
| Existing Asphalt (aged) | 0.04 – 0.06 | 0.18 – 0.27 |
| Milled Surface | 0.06 – 0.08 | 0.27 – 0.36 |
| Concrete/Portland | 0.03 – 0.05 | 0.14 – 0.23 |
Residual vs Applied Rate
Emulsions contain water that evaporates:
Applied Rate = Residual Rate ÷ Residue Content Example: 0.05 gal/sy residual with 60% SS-1 = 0.083 gal/sy applied
Application Tips
- • Surface must be clean and dry
- • Apply uniformly with distributor
- • Wait for "break" (brown to black)
- • Don't over-apply - causes slippage
- • Avoid application below 50°F
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How Bituminous Tack Coat Calculator Works
Visual calculation flow
Residual Rate gal/sq yd target
→ ÷ Residue % 60-65%
→ Applied Rate gal/sq yd
→ × Area gallons
Applied Rate = Residual Rate ÷ Residue Content Step 1: Enter area in sq yd and select surface type (new, aged, milled, concrete).
Step 2: Choose emulsion type (SS-1, CSS-1, RS-1, Trackless). Each has ~60% residue content.
Step 3: Set target residual rate based on surface porosity. Milled surfaces need higher rates.
Step 4: Calculator accounts for water evaporation to show what to actually apply.
Tack Coat Calculator FAQs
What is tack coat and why is it needed?
Tack coat is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion applied between pavement layers to create a bond. Without it, layers can slip apart (delamination), causing shoving, cracking, and premature failure. It's critical for overlays on existing pavement and between all HMA lifts in new construction.
What is the proper tack coat application rate?
Target residual rate: 0.02-0.05 gal/sq yd for new HMA surfaces, 0.04-0.08 gal/sq yd for milled surfaces (more porous). Since emulsions are ~60% residue, divide by 0.60 for applied rate. Example: 0.05 residual ÷ 0.60 = 0.08 gal/sq yd applied rate.
What type of tack coat emulsion should I use?
SS-1 or SS-1h (slow-set): Most common, economical, good for warm weather. CSS-1 (cationic slow-set): Works with more aggregate types. RS-1 (rapid-set): Faster break time for cold weather. Trackless tack: Premium option that doesn't track on vehicles—preferred for urban projects.
How long does tack coat take to cure?
Tack must "break" (turn from brown to black as water evaporates) before paving—typically 15-60 minutes depending on weather. Warm, dry, sunny conditions speed breaking. Cold, humid, cloudy weather slows it. Never pave on unbroken (wet/brown) or over-cured (dried to dust) tack.
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