Bituminous mastic for waterproofing concrete: choice, methods of application, consumption

Bituminous mastic is a multipurpose and efficient way to waterproof concrete buildings. Working on roofs, basements, or foundations, this material offers a strong defense against water intrusion. Because of its flexibility and adherence, it is perfect for a range of applications and will keep your concrete safe from moisture damage over time.

With so many options available, selecting the best bituminous mastic can be a little overwhelming. It is important to take into account variables such as the nature of the project, the surrounding environment, and any particular performance standards. We’ll walk you through the various varieties of bituminous mastic and assist you in making the best choice for your individual requirements.

For optimal results, bituminous mastic application must be done correctly. Whether applying the mastic by troweling, spraying, or brushing, there are different techniques to fit different projects. Knowing the right methods will enable you to apply a waterproof layer that is seamless and efficient.

The bituminous mastic consumption rate is one crucial factor to take into account. By ensuring you buy the correct amount of material from the beginning, knowing how much you’ll need can save you time and money. To assist you in estimating the necessary quantity based on the surface area and particular application method, we’ll offer helpful hints and guidelines.

Everything you need to know about bituminous mastic for waterproofing concrete will be covered in this article, from how to choose the best product to how to apply it properly and how much material to use. Together, we will explore the realm of bituminous mastic and find ways to keep your concrete structures safe and dry.

Pros and cons

Water protection is the primary purpose of mastic used to waterproof concrete, among its many other beneficial properties. Since there are many different kinds of material, selecting the best one for a given task is simple.

The primary benefits of mastic are:

• Absence of joints when applying the material, which makes the protection virtually invulnerable
• Ease of use, high speed of processing of concrete structures
• No need for special tools – can be applied with a roller or brush, only special equipment is needed for spraying
• Possibility of using as glue when laying roll waterproofing
• Creation of a high-quality hydrophobic film on the surface of concrete
• Protection of building concrete structures from microorganisms: fungi, mold, lichens, mosses
• Reliable processing – clogging of pores, sealing of small cracks
• Provided that the material is correctly selected in accordance with the operating conditions, the mastic layer will not crack in the future, will not peel off with sudden temperature changes, serving for decades
• Excellent adhesion to the base
• High level of resistance to impact loads

This kind of waterproofing has the drawback that bitumen mastic cannot shield the building from prolonged exposure to moisture. In other words, capillary action occurs on relatively low-humidity soils, where the foundation will be protected. But you need to use additional materials to protect against groundwater in large quantities.

Types of waterproofing and methods of its application

Insulation typically comes in two varieties: vertical and horizontal. While horizontal insulation safeguards the base and is planned during the project creation phase, vertical insulation is applied to walls and other surfaces. When installed correctly, horizontal insulation shields the building base’s foundation and other structures from groundwater and can be finished in 12 to 15 days on average.

Concrete structures are kept safe from moisture exposure by the protective layer, which acts as a sort of cushion between the soil and the foundation. A drainage system must be set up, which is also planned during the project design phase, if the soil is extremely moist and water starts to show up in greater amounts than the waterproofing can handle.

Materials for waterproofing

A wide range of waterproofing materials are available on the market today, including bitumen coating compositions that form a film on the surface of concrete, rigid materials like waterproof plaster, and liquids for application to the surface and penetration into porous materials.

Bitumen, a by-product of oil refinement, is typically combined with different polymer additives to create bituminous mastic for concrete. Mastic can shield the building’s foundation in addition to its other important concrete components. Bitumen strengthens the insulation and produces an extremely elastic and durable layer from the mastic. Occasionally, solvents are also added to the mixture.

The primary varieties of concrete waterproofing mastic are:

1) Hot use: Mastic is made right before covering the base, is reasonably priced, and offers a high degree of dependability and protection; however, material preparation is required beforehand. In order for the layer to deeply penetrate the foundation, a unique solvent is included in the composition (it is preferable to avoid diluting the white spirit).

2) Cold mastic for concrete is more expensive because it is pre-assembled and ready to use (all components are added in the factory). Mastic e fears the effects of steam; it does not swell and gradually maintains the layer’s density. All that is needed for application is a spatula made for handling viscous materials.

The choice of mastic

Numerous waterproofing materials based on mastic are used in concrete construction today. Each of them has unique qualities and attributes that are determined by the materials that go into making the composition. As a result, figuring out the ideal composition of the material is the first step in selecting waterproofing mastics for concrete.

The following ingredients make up the mastic for concrete:

• Bituminous masses – bitumen is deservedly popular, as it allows you to create a durable protective layer with a long service life, characterized by elasticity and sufficient thickness. Bitumen-based mixtures absorb moisture well, have sufficient adhesion, the layer is about 4 millimeters thick.
• Mineral mixtures with epoxies – toxic, make it possible to create an elastic and dense coating with a relatively small thickness.
• Polymer masses, cement and minerals – such solutions dry quickly, provided that optimal conditions are provided (low humidity, high temperature), after drying, they create a moisture-resistant casing that can also cope with pressure.

Functions of bitumen waterproofing

Mastic for waterproofing concrete serves a number of crucial purposes. Given the properties of concrete as a building material—namely, the potential for microcracks and pores to appear—protection is essential. The structure may sustain significant damage if groundwater seeps into the bases and foundation structures.

The foundation’s reinforcement and concrete, which must withstand significant loads, are primarily threatened by moisture. Moisture causes concrete to crumble, crack, deform, and collapse, all of which have an adverse effect on the building’s dependability and durability. Bitumen mastic is therefore used as a protective measure. The material can seal pores and fissures and cover the whole foundation structure. In addition, bitumen mastic is capable of performing several other tasks.

Other purposes for mastic

• High-quality waterproofing of pipelines, bases, tunnels, pools
• Protection of roll roofing
• Hydro- and vapor barrier of walls
• Protection against destruction and cracks of the base – concrete floor mastic or facade mixture can be used
• Anti-corrosion coating of concrete, reinforced concrete, metal and wooden structures

Types of bitumen mastic

• Roofing – used to protect the roof, can act as an independent roofing material (this is how self-leveling roofs are made). Also relevant for making floors – when laying parquet and fixing linoleum. Not afraid of temperature changes, provides strength and durability, reliable protection from negative environmental factors. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range – for example, TechnoNIKOL produces a lot of materials for roofing and insulation, made using the most advanced technologies and providing excellent performance characteristics.
• Rubber-bitumen – used in the repair of pipelines, bathrooms, to restore the tightness of the roof, to waterproof balconies, garages, swimming pools, to fix alkyd linoleum, roll-type coatings, flexible tiles, etc.d. The coating is chemically resistant, not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, durable, but hardens relatively slowly.
• Waterproofing mastic – usually chosen to protect foundations, concrete floors. Penetrating mastic for cracks, seams, joints. Demonstrates improved elasticity and strength.
• Bitumen-polymer – with its use, moisture protection is performed for walls, roofs, interfloor ceilings, foundations, sealing of seams and joints, various structures. Even tiles can be glued to such mastic. The layer is strong and durable, considered an environmentally friendly material.
• For the foundation – can be used as an independent material or in tandem with rolled waterproofing as an interlayer. The mastic is not afraid of temperature changes, suggests increased water-repellent properties, reliability and wear resistance.
• Bitumen-latex – protects structures that are constantly exposed to particularly harmful environmental influences. The material is often called liquid rubber, it is applied quickly and easily, the layer has a high level of protection, elasticity, and durability.
• Roofing bitumen-latex – used as protection or glue for fastening sheet and roll materials. It is distinguished by its versatility and high technology – it can be applied to surfaces with a wide variety of geometries and structures, providing durable protection.

Waterproofing by painting

Here, waterproofing is accomplished by using basic hand tools to apply a substance to the surface. applicable to tiny surfaces.

Principal phases of the job:

• Thorough cleaning of the base
• Treatment of the surface with bitumen emulsion, waiting for the solution to dry (about an hour)
• Applying a 2-3 mm thick waterproofing layer with a roller or brush
• Leveling the layer
• After some time, you can apply an additional layer of the substance
• Waiting for complete drying

Foundation waterproofing with bitumen mastic

Using mastic on concrete, you can apply a uniform and thorough layer of waterproofing that will dependable keep the foundation dry and prevent damage and cracks. Dumbbells are used to create smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical parts and to ensure a high-quality layer.

Prior to beginning work, the area is thoroughly inspected, sharp edges are rounded off, and any grooves, cracks, protrusions, ridges, or unevenness are filled in with concrete mixture. It is best to remove dirt in the form of dust, mortar residues, and construction waste. If this step is skipped, air pockets will show up beneath the waterproofing layer, weakening it over time.

The bitumen mastic simply will not fix and will not function on wet surfaces, so the surface is dried to a maximum humidity level of 4%. It is ideal to do the work in warm weather when there isn’t any precipitation. A high ambient temperature will improve the layer’s adhesion quality and enable it to lay down more quickly.

Using a brush or roller, apply a primer (or something similar) to the foundation first. You should become familiar with the qualities of the various primers available and choose one that best complements the concrete mastic that will be utilized.

One layer of primer is sufficient in normal areas; two layers are preferable in areas where flaws have been removed. It is advisable to refer to the material’s instructions for the precise drying time of the primer before applying the concrete waterproofing mastic.

Applying the mastic requires using a brush, roller, or spatula. It is possible to use specialized equipment. For instance, spraying is a common technique that requires the use of a compressor and a spraying device. When applying multiple waterproofing layers, the first layer must dry completely before the next is applied.

Method of creating waterproofing

The features of waterproofing are nearly the same whether concrete mastic is used for exterior work or bitumen is used for the foundation. Any surface must first be cleaned and prepared, with dirt and debris removed as well as any corners or other irregularities, cracks, and other issues.

It’s best to use a primer to increase the substance’s adhesive qualities. The ability of the material to absorb a layer usually dictates how many layers are needed; if the layer is deeply absorbed into the surface, more can be applied. A normal layer can be identified by its color; it should be uniformly black. Using a brush, roller, or brush, apply the material. The primer’s drying time should be specified in the instructions; it’s best to heed this advice and let the layer dry fully.

In particular, when applying facade bitumen mastic to concrete, the material needs to be heated in a metal container to a minimum of +40–50 C if the work is done on a frosty day. Next, apply the layer however it is most convenient. In certain situations, apply a second layer after the first one has dried.

Every mastic composition contains a bitumen binder and a filler; contemporary producers provide materials that contain herbicides and antiseptics. In this instance, you can purchase additional impregnations and save a great deal of money and time on their application.

Bituminous mastic is a multipurpose and efficient way to waterproof concrete buildings. It is the best option for a range of waterproofing projects due to its strong adhesion to concrete surfaces, ease of application, and durability. You can guarantee long-lasting protection against water damage by choosing the appropriate bituminous mastic type and adhering to recommended application procedures.

Bituminous mastic can be applied in a number of ways, such as troweling, spraying, and brushing. Every approach has benefits of its own and works best with particular kinds of projects. While troweling and brushing work well in smaller spaces and for finer details, spraying works well on larger surfaces. For optimal results, it’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s also essential to comprehend how quickly bituminous mastic is consumed. Usually, it is determined by the number of layers applied, application technique, and surface texture. For a single coat, you should use one to 1.5 kilograms of mastic per square meter on average. Achieving effective waterproofing requires making sure there is enough coverage.

Bituminous mastic can prolong the life of your structures and give you peace of mind when used in concrete waterproofing projects. Regardless of whether you’re working on concrete surfaces such as basements or foundations, this dependable material provides strong defense against moisture penetration. You can preserve the integrity and durability of your concrete installations by properly selecting the product and applying it.

Bituminous mastic provides excellent protection against moisture and water damage and is a versatile and efficient method of waterproofing concrete surfaces. This post will walk you through the process of selecting the best kind of bituminous mastic, investigating different application techniques to guarantee a long-lasting seal, and figuring out how much bituminous mastic is needed for your project to maximize effectiveness and economy.

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