In modern construction, new and high-tech products are increasingly being used, a striking example is bitumen mastic. The technical characteristics of this roofing material make it possible to equip the roof with higher quality and attractiveness. With the advent of bituminous mastic, the need for using roll-up products has disappeared. Repairing flat roofs has become much easier. More information about the types, properties, characteristics and price can be found in this article.
What is bitumen mastic?
Bitumen mastic is a kind of mixture of fillers, organic binders and mineral additives. This is an artificially bred material that is used for roofing. The composition of the mastic may vary depending on the purpose of the work. Outwardly, this roofing material resembles a viscous mass, which is easily poured into forms due to its uniformity. After the mastic hardens and hardens, it becomes like rubber. The resulting monolithic material is used for repair and construction work. Most often, bitumen mastic, the technical characteristics of which determine its homogeneous material, is used for flat roofs.
Types of Mastic
Bitumen mastic, the technical characteristics of which largely depend on its composition, are of two types: single-component and multi-component.
The first mixtures are prepared based on solvents. This is a finished product that can be used in construction without kneading anything. As soon as the solution evaporates from the mastic, it hardens and becomes usable. In shops, mastic cold bitumen is found in sealed containers, which is very convenient. However, such material is not stored for long - only 3 months from the date of manufacture. There is an exception in this group of materials - this is bitumen-polymer mastic, which can be stored for up to a year due to its unique composition. There are no solvents in polyurethane, so the solidification process does not require water vapor in the air. This means that no shrinkage occurs during polymerization.
As for two-component mastics, they contain two substances that can be purchased and stored separately from each other. This is very convenient, since the terms of construction work are often delayed, and you can store mastic for more than 12 months without worrying about its condition.
Properties of mastic coatings
Polymer cold or bituminous hot mastic - both have a number of advantageous features that distinguish them from the usual roll coatings. The difference lies in the absence of seams when working with these roofing mixtures. A certain membrane or film appears on the surface, which has the following properties:
- it is resistant to weathering;
- mastic coating is very elastic;
- she has a small weight;
- does not corrode
- mastic has a high level of strength and impact resistance;
- bends well at subzero temperatures;
- does not crack when solidified;
- The material does not oxidize or fade.
Bitumen mastic: technical specifications
Technical characteristics of mastic are determined by state standards. This roofing material must be:
- waterproof and bioresistant;
- environmentally friendly and safe for humans and the environment;
- fluid;
- not shrink;
- the heat capacity of bitumen mastic should be at least 70 degrees;
- roofing material should be easy to stick together in rolls.
Rubber, or bitumen-polymer, mastic must be tested. Usually they check the quality of the mixture like this: two parts of the glassine are glued together and covered with mastic. After rupture, the bitumen material should remain intact.
The composition of bitumen mastic
At the heart of any type of mastic is artificial bitumen. It is produced by processing petroleum products and tar residues. Therefore, bitumen mastic, the technical characteristics of which determine its viscosity and color, has a dark gray or black shade.
The roofing material contains a solvent, filler and additives. Mineral wool, asbestos, ash, lime, quartz or crushed brick are usually used as filler. Some types of mastic are made with the addition of dyes. But this is not necessary, since this can be done after applying the mixture to the roof.
Classification of roofing mastic
Roofing mastic has many classifications. Typically, certain types of this material are combined into groups according to certain criteria:
- according to the method of application, mastics are divided into cold and hot;
- by type of binder - on butyl rubber, bitumen-latex, polymer, etc .;
- for its intended purpose, adhesive, anticorrosive, waterproofing, roofing and insulating, asphalt types of mastic are distinguished;
- by type of solvent;
- according to the method of curing.
Mastic Filler
As mentioned above, mastic differs in the type of binder. Tar and polymer mixtures are isolated. Bitumen-rubber mastic is the most popular of all.
As a filler, asbestos dust, short-fiber mineral wool, combined ash, which was formed by burning coal, and pulverized powders made of quartz, limestone or brick, are usually used.
A filler is necessary as part of cold mastic, the amount of additional impurities improves the characteristics of the roofing substance. Thanks to them, fragility and specific consumption of binders are reduced. In addition, with the filler, the mastic becomes more dense and solid. Fibrous fillers allow roofing building materials to be more flexible and stable.
Depending on the type of diluent, mastic is divided into:
- water-containing;
- mastic with organic solvents;
- liquid organic.
Methods for applying mastic
Polyurethane or bitumen-rubber mastic is applied approximately the same. To do this, you do not need to remove the old coating layer. Of course, if the roofing material is laid out in several layers, and applying the material evenly and uniformly does not work, then you need to get rid of the original layers.
For work, you need a spatula, brush, spray or roller. The selection of a suitable tool depends on the fluidity of the material.
Before applying the mastic, a work surface should be prepared. If you plan to use concrete as a base, then first you need to apply several layers of bitumen primer. In other cases, a liquefied emulsion paste, which serves as a primer, is suitable.
Roofing mastic can be laid on the roof of any slope. If roughness has appeared during the finishing work, then a second coat can be applied. Coarse sand or gravel is used as the final layer. Sometimes bituminous mastic, the consumption of which depends on the type of surface and method of application, is sprinkled with stone chips at the end of the work. After this, let the material harden and harden.
The use of bitumen mastic
This material is widely used in construction, namely in the construction of roofs of new buildings and in the repair of old roofing structures. Using mastic, you can provide the roof with a protective layer that will protect the building from precipitation and atmospheric influences. Bituminous mixtures will be an excellent assistant in partial repair. With the help of mastic, you can make a vapor barrier and carry out anticorrosion protection of the roof.
Mastic cost
Bitumen sealant is available in various containers. This is very convenient, since it is not always necessary to cover large areas with mastic. This roofing material can be purchased in buckets, cans and small tubes.
In the domestic market, the leader in the sale of hermetic products is the Technonikol company. Bitumen mastic of this manufacturer is found on store shelves in 600 ml tubes, metal buckets of 3, 10, 15 and 20 liters.
The cost of mastic directly depends on the manufacturer, the volume of the container and the purpose of the roofing material. The most reasonable prices can be found at the Technonikol company. Bitumen mastic is sold at 400-600 rubles per bucket. Ready-made primer is more expensive, its cost ranges from 700-900 rubles per package.
You can also find other brands on the Russian market that are no less popular than Technonikol - Gidroizol, RASTRO, Remmers Elastoplast and others.
Reviews
The statistics of reviews on bituminous sealants suggests that most buyers are satisfied with their choice in favor of mastic. Many people use this roofing material constantly, repairing the roof in the country, garage and their own home. Bitumen mastic is especially popular among builders. Modern flat roofs are covered with this sealant, which is not only a protective layer, but also provides high-quality waterproofing. For experienced builders, bitumen mastic, the consumption of which during roofing is not very large, has become an indispensable roofing material. It is easy to install, easy to apply. In addition, most buyers note the low cost of the product, the use of such a sealant significantly reduces the cost of the construction process, which is very pleasing to our compatriots. Bituminous mastic, the price of which is optimal for the Russians, is an excellent option for budget installation works.
Tips & Tricks
- If the angle of the roof is more than 25 degrees, then using bitumen mastic is not recommended.
- The number of layers of material you can determine yourself, based on your own desires and capabilities.
- The optimum thickness for applying bitumen mastic is a 10 mm layer.
- Some types of mastic in their composition have antiseptics and herbicides.
- A second coat of mastic can be applied only after the formation of the film.
- Bitumen hardens in 5-7 hours after applying the last layer.
The use of bitumen mastic during construction works increases the life of buildings, protects them from moisture. Working with roofing materials and mixtures, you will provide buildings with high-quality coating and a quiet life for homeowners.