What is Mastic Asphalt?
Where is Mastic Asphalt applied?
Mastic Asphalt is a building material used for roofing and flooring material. It is said to be similar to concrete asphalt in that it forms a very dense and solid surface layer below average temperature values. At high temperatures, mastic asphalt forms a dense, liquid layer that can run off or spread over a floor.
The most significant difference between mastic asphalt and asphalt concrete is permeability. Asphalt concrete is, in general, a very permeable product whereas mastic asphalts are almost waterproof and therefore can be applied where dehumidification is needed.
The high bitumen ratio is related to the good quality of impermeable mastic asphalt. Bitumen is a by-product from the production of petroleum and in asphalt products serves as a binder. Bitumen ratio, which helps the aggregates be bonded closer in order to stay away from moisture, is two times higher in mastic asphalt than in concrete asphalt.
Aggregate can be made up of sand, gravel or many different types of stone products. Additives of polymers and coloring agents are mixed in to color the product or to give added strength and wear resistance. Many manufacturers will add a type of material in mastic products known as lake asphalt. This lake asphalt is a naturally occurring mineral in nature similar in type to bitumen. By adding this material aggregate particles adhere better to each other.
1. Aggregates:
Aggregates are major mastic asphalt ingredients and include, but are not limited to, mineral fillers like limestone, quartz, and granite. These usually provide structural support and help in determining the overall durability and strength of the mastic asphalt mixture. Selection of aggregates becomes vital in realizing the desired performances of the final asphalt product.
2. Bitumen:
In mastic asphalt, bitumen is the viscous binder product of crude oil. It serves to bind the aggregates together and to give cohesiveness to the aggregate mass. Bitumen provides flexibility and waterproof properties to mastic asphalt to resist changes in weather and heavy traffic loads. The quality and grade of bitumen used will significantly affect the performance and durability of mastic asphalt.
3. Fillers:
Fillers, such as limestone dust or fine silica, are added to the mastic asphalt mixture for improvement in workability, stability, and resistance to deformation. Fillers basically act as a bulking agent that improves the viscosity and consistency of asphalt mix, hence making the application and compaction processes easier. They help in optimizing the rheological properties of the mastic asphalt-ensuring adequate adhesion between the aggregates and bitumen.
4. Additives:
Mastic asphalt formulations incorporate additives that help in changing certain properties or upgrading performance characteristics. Common additives could include polymers, fibers, and anti-stripping agents, which enhance strength, flexibility, and adhesion in mastic asphalt. It may provide anti-aging characteristics, enhancing the resistance to rutting and cracking, giving more toughness to the asphalt mix. Proper selection and incorporation of additives are quite crucial to achieve the desired specifications and performance requirements for such mastic asphalts when these are used for different types of paving applications.
Mastic asphalt is used for paving sidewalks, highways, garage entry and exit roads, and parking areas. It also could be applied to roofs due to its successful waterproofing feature. Besides, it may be used as a coating material in factories and other industrial production facilities, especially to prevent deformation of the areas exposed to frequent spills or high rates of chemical use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mastic Asphalt
This material, for contractors and also for homeowners, has a number of very strong advantages. In particular, it insulates against water and many fluid or non-fluid chemicals. It keeps harmful vermin away and is resistant to deterioration by such vermin. It is very robust and durable. Gum mixes also are virtually non-flammable and fairly easy to recycle to avoid harming the environment.
Now, let's talk about the product's disadvantages. Because it contains petroleum-based products in the form of bitumen, it has a hazardous smell and may produce hazardous gases for a very long period since the construction of the facility. Furthermore, similar to other asphalt products, this product requires high temperatures when it involves paving.