What is bitumen mastic for foundation waterproofing, how to choose and apply correctly?

Waterproofing is crucial for preserving the foundation of your house. Bitumen mastic is among the best materials for this task. This adaptable material contributes to the prevention of damage and extension of the life of your foundation by keeping water out.

With so many options, selecting the best bitumen mastic can be a little overwhelming. To make an informed choice, it’s critical to comprehend the various varieties and their unique applications. To optimize its protective effects, it is equally important to know how to apply it correctly.

We will walk you through the fundamentals of bitumen mastic for waterproofing foundations in this article. You’ll discover what it is, how to choose the best product, and how to use it efficiently. You’ll be well-prepared to guard against moisture damage to your foundation by the time this is through.

Composition, properties and application of the material

Bitumen and specific additives give liquid mastic for waterproofing foundations the required consistency and enhance the material’s performance characteristics. Water or strong chemical compounds, such as nefras or kerosene, can be used as solvents, depending on the kind of waterproofing material.

Various additives may be present in addition to the solvent and the primary ingredient (bitumen dust). Rubber increases the elasticity of the waterproofing layer, preventing it from deteriorating as the soil layers shift or the foundation shrinks.

Certain varieties of mastic have cement added, which greatly strengthens the product after it hardens. The same purpose is served by special polymers used as plasticizers, which also increase the material’s plasticity.

Bitumen-based waterproofing mastic for foundations is frequently utilized in the construction of both residential and non-residential structures. Because the material is resistant to severe frosts and abrupt temperature changes, it is best suited for use in areas with varying climates.

The following factors have also contributed to bitumen mastic’s popularity:

1. The waterproofing coating is easy to apply to the surfaces being treated and has high adhesion to concrete.
2. The bitumen layer is quite elastic, thereby reducing the risk of cracks in the protective coating.
3. Such materials are biologically inert and do not contribute to the growth of fungi and harmful microorganisms.
4. Bitumen-based waterproofing easily withstands exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Although bituminous mastic and primer share a similar composition, they are not the same thing. Surface preparation is done first with the former and final waterproofing with the latter.

Mastic’s higher tightness sets it apart from rolled waterproofing coatings. The protective layer is seamless and impermeable to moisture when applied properly.

On the other hand, rolled products offer less tightness and require more work to adhere. Such waterproofing sheets are installed in various ways, such as fused to concrete or fixed on a self-adhesive layer.

The cost of roll and liquid materials also varies. One square meter (with a single-layer application) of inexpensive roll waterproofing will cost 15–25 rubles if one kilogram of bitumen mastic in the middle price range costs 60–100 rubles. High-quality roll materials, like TechnoNIKOL, retail for 150–180 rubles per m2, which is about the same as bitumen mastic.

What is the difference from hot bitumen?

Bitumen mastic comes in two varieties:

• cold,
• hot applied.

The cold method applies liquid compositions to the surface to be treated without the need for preheating.

These materials can be offered for sale as partially ready-made (needs to be mixed with a solvent) or ready-made (can be used without prior dilution).

Conversely, hot bitumen must be heated in a bitumen cooking machine or by other accessible methods, such as over a fire in a metal container. The substance has a solid or powdery consistency when it is in its "raw" state.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the waterproofing layer’s continued operation and the particular requirements for its properties, more impurities may be added to the bitumen during the cooking process.

Main varieties

There are two primary kinds of bitumen mastic, depending on the type of solvent used:

1. With chemical solvents. Such materials are diluted with quickly evaporating solvents: gasoline, white spirit, etc.
2. Water-based. In such compositions, the solvent is ordinary water. Due to the absence of toxic chemical additives, these materials are more environmentally friendly and safe. Water-based waterproofing does not cause serious harm to the environment and human health.

Additionally, mastics are categorized based on the chemical makeup of the base:

• mineral – products may contain cement, ash, chalk and other powder additives;
• bitumen-emulsion – such materials are aqueous solutions of bitumen dust;
• bitumen-polymer – the composition includes rubber crumbs and polymer binder additives.

Popular brands

There is a wide range of waterproofing bitumen coatings available on the market today for treating foundations. Specially well-liked products are produced under the following brands:

1. Aquamast. Aquamast brand materials are distinguished by an affordable price and balanced characteristics, supplied in 18 kg buckets.
2. Aquaizol. Bitumen mastic for foundations, which is produced under this brand, is sold mainly in 10-kilogram containers. The main advantages are good adhesion and long service life.
3. TechnoNIKOL. One of the most popular manufacturers of bitumen mastic in Russia and the CIS countries. Offers high-quality bitumen mastic at reasonable prices.
4. Bitumast. Waterproofing materials of this brand have a wide range of applications, suitable for treating foundations, roofing structures, floors, etc.

Criterias of choice

There are a lot of different things to consider when buying bitumen mastic.

Investing in cheap waterproofing carries the risk that the sealant will break down too soon and stop shielding the foundation from moisture.

If you save a thousand rubles on high-quality material, you’ll have a lot more money when significant repairs or foundation restoration are required in a few years.

The following factors should be taken into account when selecting a waterproofing coating:

1. Material composition. Water-based, bitumen-polymer, mineral and other types of bitumen mastics are designed for different operating conditions. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the local climate and, based on this criterion, select a composition with an optimal temperature regime, which is indicated on the label of the material.
2. Average consumption. As a rule, liquid mastics based on chemical and aqueous solvents are applied to surfaces in two layers at a rate of 1-1.5 kg per square meter (for one layer). The consumption of hot applied waterproofing is almost 2 times higher.
3. Layer drying time. This parameter depends on the chemical composition of the material and must be indicated on the product packaging. Depending on the type of mastic, the duration of drying can vary from 5-7 hours to 1 day.

The product should only be purchased from reputable sources, such as big-box stores, the manufacturer, or authorized distributors. Purchasing mastic from a well-known online retailer or a typical market may result in subpar or diluted artisanal production material.

How to distinguish poor quality?

You should be especially aware of the material’s weight to avoid coming across a fake. This parameter allows you to identify low-quality products without even having to open a bucket of mastic.

The truth is that water has a higher density than liquid bitumen waterproofing. A kilogram of mastic typically fills 1.1–1.15 liters in volume. Thus, 20-liter buckets, for instance, can be used for packs weighing eighteen kilograms.

You should ask the seller to weigh the material before making a purchase. It’s possible that the liquid mastic has been diluted with water if the weight comes out to be higher than what was stated on the package. It is also important to consider the weight of the bucket and to distinguish between the gross and net weights.

Bitumen mastic is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and adaptable method for waterproofing foundations and guarding against moisture damage. Selecting the appropriate kind requires taking into account elements like the application technique, drying duration, and surrounding circumstances. To ensure a long-lasting waterproof barrier, bitumen mastic application requires careful surface preparation, even application, and enough drying time. This post will walk you through the steps of choosing and using bitumen mastic to maintain the protection and dryness of your foundation.

Application technology

There are several things that need to be done in order to get ready for the waterproofing treatment of the foundation. Prior to applying any treatment, the treated surfaces must be completely free of any dirt, dust, or other contaminants.

Additionally, you should carefully level the foundation’s horizontal and vertical surfaces and eliminate any minor irregularities. It is advised to apply a primer layer to the concrete structure prior to mastic application.

The chosen material will determine how mastic is applied. Using the cold method, liquid bitumen waterproofing is applied. With assistance: The foundation is uniformly covered in a layer of mastic.

• paint brushes,
• spatulas,
• rollers and similar tools.

Another method of applying the coating is mechanically, with the use of specialized pressure-operated sprayers. Apply the second layer once the first has fully dried.

Bitumen that is solid needs to be melted before applying hot. It is applied to the foundation’s surface in a viscous, fluid state that results from heating it to a specific temperature. In this instance, it’s imperative to closely adhere to safety measures to prevent thermal burns when handling hot mastic.

Price

The price of waterproofing material is influenced by numerous variables. The composition of the bitumen mastic, the kind of base, and the solvent used are the primary factors that determine pricing.

Water-based waterproofing is more expensive than coating waterproofing that is blended with synthetic solvents.

Compared to cold applied materials, hot applied bitumen waterproofing is less expensive. These kinds of products can range in price by three to five times.

If hot-applied solid bitumen costs 25–30 rubles per kilogram, then premium water-based mastic of superior quality can cost up to 150–200 rubles per kilogram.

We recommend examining the following table, which compares the costs of various well-known brands of liquid coating mastic in the home building materials market:

Brand	Average price per 1 kg	Packing
TechnoNIKOL	80 rub	18 kg
Aquaizol	120 rub	10 kg
Aquamast	70 rub	18 kg
Bitumast	100 rub	18 kg

This section contains all the information you require regarding foundation waterproofing.

Aspect	Details
What is Bitumen Mastic?	Bitumen mastic is a sticky, black substance used to waterproof foundations. It creates a protective barrier that prevents water from seeping into the foundation.
Choosing the Right Bitumen Mastic	Look for high-quality products that offer durability and flexibility. Consider the type of surface and climate conditions when selecting the mastic.
Application Process	Clean and dry the surface before applying. Use a brush or roller to apply an even coat. Allow it to dry completely before adding additional layers or backfilling.
Benefits	Provides excellent waterproofing, prevents foundation damage, and is easy to apply. It"s also resistant to chemicals and UV rays.

One practical and adaptable method for waterproofing a foundation is bitumen mastic. By applying it, foundations are shielded from water intrusion, which over time can result in major structural problems.

When selecting bitumen mastic, take your project’s particular requirements into account. Your choice should be influenced by elements such as the kind of foundation, the local climate, and the amount of water exposure. Select a product that is both easy to use and long-lasting.

Getting the best results requires applying bitumen mastic correctly. Before applying, make sure the surface is completely clean and ready. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, taking note of the suggested number of coats and drying durations.

You can prevent water damage to your foundation and preserve the stability and longevity of your building by following these simple steps. When applied correctly, bitumen mastic is a dependable option that offers strong waterproofing protection.

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