Tietan Tietan is the premier engineered, weather-resistant asphalt coating designed to protect and extend the life cycle of wood rail ties.

Checking in from the most recent Tietan application on a Class I double main bridge deck in New Orleans. With just 1.5 h...
05/19/2026

Checking in from the most recent Tietan application on a Class I double main bridge deck in New Orleans. With just 1.5 hours of track time, the team installed Tietan (a flexible asphalt coating) to protect all 108 ties of this double-track bridge. đź’Ş

Why are railroads using asphalt to extend the life of wood ties? Because it blocks water and sun exposure — drivers of internal stress that cause ties to split and check.

Think of this like an impermeable roof for the ties. Reduce moisture fluctuation and deterioration. Gain 40-50% more service from bridge ties.

05/11/2026

We all have seen wood ties with checks and splits, but WHY does this happen? Hint: We can’t just blame mechanical loads.

Wood splits due to stress. But that stress comes from within the wood fibers when they quickly expand and shrink from environmental moisture. Tietan helps to slow down and stabilize the variance in the moisture content of the tie, decreasing the stress that leads to checking and splitting.

How? Tietan’s engineered coating protects the top of the tie from additional water and seals any openings to protect the wood from excess strain.

In order to keep up with wood tie replacements, Railroads are facing increasing costs and downtime like never before. If...
05/06/2026

In order to keep up with wood tie replacements, Railroads are facing increasing costs and downtime like never before. If you’re curious about a solution that can decrease the risks of the wood tie lifecycle and extend tie life, find us at the North American Maintenance Railway Club BNSF Night on May 7th in Fort Worth, TX.

When we adze ties, we get a stable and uniform surface to reattach the tie plate. But adzing can also expose vulnerable,...
04/29/2026

When we adze ties, we get a stable and uniform surface to reattach the tie plate. But adzing can also expose vulnerable, untreated wood.

Researchers have worked with Railroads to develop the AdzeTec™ asphalt emulsion that strengthens the under-tie-plate area. It soaks into the freshly adzed surface, sealing the wood to provide a stronger, longer-lasting connection point to the tie plate.

Curious? The team behind Tietan (the full-tie asphalt coating) has answers. [email protected]

These two ends were once connected before the original tie was cut in half, and one half was covered with an engineered ...
04/22/2026

These two ends were once connected before the original tie was cut in half, and one half was covered with an engineered asphalt coating (Tietan) in 2023. Do you see the difference in crack size and crack growth in the uncoated tie in just one more year?

Get a closer look at the results > https://tietan.com/rail-tie-weathering-experiment-results/

By covering the top of wood ties with a durable and flexible asphalt membrane, we can seal existing and pending cracks, ...
04/14/2026

By covering the top of wood ties with a durable and flexible asphalt membrane, we can seal existing and pending cracks, checks and splits. → Shield the top of the tie from UV and water damage. → Extend tie replacement cycles.

Start the conversation with Buddy Clark and Erin Meehan at the NAMRC NS Night this week.

This tie was cut in half. One half was left uncoated; the other got a Tietan asphalt coating.  In just 2.5 years, Tietan...
04/09/2026

This tie was cut in half. One half was left uncoated; the other got a Tietan asphalt coating. In just 2.5 years, Tietan’s ability to protect and seal the top of this tie is evident.

Hear about the ongoing research and field projects from Buddy Clark and Erin Meehan at ASLRRA April 12-14. [Booth #1120]

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

Wood ties represent a HUGE investment for railroads. What are you curious about when it comes to extending tie life? Sho...
04/02/2026

Wood ties represent a HUGE investment for railroads. What are you curious about when it comes to extending tie life? Should there be more research on this?

Railroads invest a great deal in crossties and bridge timbers, so protecting these assets is a priority—much like homeow...
03/26/2026

Railroads invest a great deal in crossties and bridge timbers, so protecting these assets is a priority—much like homeowners safeguarding their property. Tietan provides the same kind of protection for wood ties that a roof provides for a house. It keeps moisture out and shields the surface from UV exposure.

This is why Railroads are applying an asphalt coating, Tietan, to the top of ties. This durable layer helps the wood resist weathering and extend its service life.

Learn more at Tietan.com

Wouldn’t it be great if you could combat wood tie weathering? We’ll be at the North American Maintenance Railway Club's ...
03/18/2026

Wouldn’t it be great if you could combat wood tie weathering? We’ll be at the North American Maintenance Railway Club's CN Night this Thursday. Let’s talk.

02/25/2026

What’s protecting your most vulnerable assets?

Roofs universally add protection. Over time, humans have leveraged all types of roofs to protect their belongings from the weather. From humble habitats to more durable stone, tile, plastic, and shingles. One thing is certain: people never stop innovating.

Now, the next generation is finding an additional way to shield a valuable and vulnerable asset, wood rail ties.

Railroads are applying an asphalt coating to the top of treated ties. A basic principle; refined protection for ties. Tietan.com

Address

6640 Intech Boulevard, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN
46278

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tietan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Tietan:

Share