5 Common Mistakes That Hold Surfacing

Teams Back And How to Get Ahead

In the surfacing game, doing the job right means more than just passing inspections. The best teams don’t just meet the standard. They raise it. Whether you’re working on local road repairs or large infrastructure projects, small mistakes can lead to wasted time, poor finishes and unnecessary costs.

At SouthTeq, we support hundreds of contractors across the UK with materials designed to keep projects compliant, consistent and competitive. Here are five common areas where good teams can go wrong and how to stay one step ahead.

1. Still Using Diesel as a Release Agent

Issue: Diesel is no longer approved as a release agent and is now considered unsafe, environmentally damaging and noncompliant.

Solution: T99 Asphalt Release Agent is a cleaner, safer alternative. It is biodegradable, safer to handle and fully in line with Highways England guidance.

It offers a professional finish and keeps your team protected from unnecessary risk.

2. Choosing Overbanding Tape That Cannot Handle UK Weather

Issue: Overbanding tapes that become brittle in cold weather or react poorly to damp surfaces lead to failures, wasted material and costly rework.

Solution: FlexBand is manufactured specifically for the UK climate. It stays flexible in freezing temperatures, applies cleanly, cures fast and provides a long lasting finish. There is no brittleness, which means zero wastage. Every roll gets used.

3. Skipping Cold Joint Sealing

Issue: Leaving vertical joints unsealed weakens the repair, risks long term damage and often fails to meet best practice standards.

Solution: Cold Joint Sealer Spray is ideal for quick, precise applications. For larger areas, use Cold Joint Paint (15kg Brush Grade) to ensure full depth protection. Both improve surface durability and prevent early deterioration.

4. Not Testing for Coal Tar Contamination

Issue: Failing to check for coal tar in excavated material can lead to major fines, unsafe disposal and long delays.

Solution: A PAK Tar Detector Spray provides clear results within 15 minutes. It is a simple way to protect your team, your project and your client from expensive environmental risks.

5. Cutting Corners with Tarmac Protection

Issue: When tarmac cools too quickly, it becomes harder to compact and more likely to fail. In colder months or during longer hauls, poor temperature control leads to expensive waste.

Solution: Use a Tarmac Jute Sheet for short term heat retention, or invest in an

Insulated Tarmac Sheet for long distance or overnight work. While insulated sheets cost more upfront, they last much longer and perform better, especially in harsher conditions.

Bonus Tip: Using the Wrong Cutting Blade for the Job

Issue: Blades not suited to the material waste time, wear out quickly and increase the chance of kickback, uneven cuts or segment failure. In serious cases, if a blade does not have undercutting protection, segments can detach at high speed, potentially causing severe injury including loss of sight.

Solution: SouthTeq is a trusted partner and one of the UK’s leading stockists of Mexco diamond cutting blades. We offer a full range of high performance blades suitable for asphalt, reinforced concrete, granite, natural stone, tiles and more.

Whether it is general purpose or highly specialised cutting, we have a blade for every surface and site condition. Mexco’s range includes advanced safety features such as TCT undercutting protection to maintain segment integrity, reduce heat stress and minimise dangerous breakage. Choosing the right blade protects your crew, your tools and your timeline while also delivering a cleaner, faster finish.

Conclusion

The best surfacing teams don’t just meet spec. They deliver consistent results, reduce waste and stay prepared for whatever the job throws at them.

SouthTeq stocks a full range of materials designed to help crews work smarter, safer and more effectively. Whether you’re improving your process or upgrading your kit, we’re here to support you.

SouthTeq Ltd Small enough to care. Big enough to compete.