Bituminous mastic for waterproofing the roof with his own
The modern construction market has a wide variety of waterproofing materials for prices and characteristics, but bitumen mastic is still the most sought-after product in this segment. Liquid rubber bitumen is considered a high-quality, inexpensive, versatile tool that has an economical consumption, long service life. Due to the different forms of release and methods of application, it can be used both for the erection of roofs, and for their repair with their own hands. In this article we will describe how bitumen mastic is correctly used for roof waterproofing.
Composition
Bitumen mastic is a traditional tool used for coating or painting waterproofing, which is made on the basis of refractory oil bitumen. It is a viscous, viscous, thick black liquid with a strong odor. When applied and then hardened, the mastic solidifies, forming a monolithic film that does not let water through. This waterproofing material is valued for economical consumption and ease of use with your own hands. Rubber bitumen varies in composition, it is divided into the following categories:
- Bituminous. They are produced on the basis of natural light bitumen, which are by-products of oil refining. They are characterized by low price, less weather resistance and service life.
- Polymer. Synthetic rubber mastic is a modern waterproofing material, which has high elasticity, resistance to external factors, long-term use. Consumption of synthetic rubber bitumen is much higher than normal.
- Bitumen-polymer. Mixtures of natural bitumen, plasticizers that improve the quality of the material, and synthetic rubber combine the positive qualities of both materials and are distinguished by an affordable price.
Note! The consumption of bitumen mastic depends on the nature of the work performed and the adhesion of the treated surface. However, the low price of the material makes the coating and painting waterproofing one of the most cost-effective ways to protect the roof from the penetration of atmospheric moisture with your own hands.


Kinds
Mastic on the basis of petroleum bitumen is a multifunctional tool used in many branches of construction. To make the use of this material possible in different conditions, manufacturers produce it in several forms. Most often on sale there are the following types of rubber bitumen:
- Hot rubber mastic. Hot mastic is a hard waterproofing agent, which is applied by means of fusion. Rubber-bitumen of this type is melted on fire at a temperature of 170 degrees, so that it turns into a liquid state, after which it is applied to the surface to be treated. This type of mastic characterizes economical consumption, reasonable price. However, it is problematic to use it when working with your own hands, as it is used only at temperatures from +5 degrees, so it requires the use of special equipment.
- Cold mastic. Гидроизоляционный материал на основе битума этого вида выпускается и продается в пластиковых или металлических ведрах в жидкой форме. Сразу после вскрытия емкости он готов к использованию, поэтому пользоваться им удобнее. Расход и цена холодной мастики выше, чем горячей, поэтому она используется только для точечного ремонта и при маленьком объеме работ.
Important! The use of hot mastic is possible only at a temperature of +5 degrees, that is, in the warm season, or under the condition of the equipment "greenhouse". Cold mastic can be used in all weather conditions, this quality is its weight advantage.
Spheres of use
Rubber mastic is a practical tool that is used at all stages of building a house with your own hands. Reasonable price, economical consumption, and wide possibilities of use make rubber bitumen a popular product in any hardware store. Bituminous mastics are suitable for the following works:
- Organization of waterproofing and vapor barrier. A monolithic, dense film formed after the application of a rubber-bitumen, reliably protects the surface from moisture, prolonging the life of the materials and structures.
- Gluing roll roofing materials. With the help of mastic, you can glue the ruberoid, roofing sheet or membrane roofing, as it has a high bonding ability, ensuring reliable fixation of the roofing material.
- Filling of flat roofs. Mastic is used for the manufacture of self-leveling flat roofs characteristic of high-rise residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
- Corrosion protection. With the help of bitumen waterproofing materials protect individual elements of the structure from rust by creating a dense film.
- Repair and restoration of old roofing coatings based on rolled materials, elimination of leaks.
Experienced craftsmen recommend when choosing mastic to pay attention to the average consumption of the mixture, service life, flexibility when exposed to low temperatures and the strength of adhesion. Optimal in terms of quality and price, bitumen-polymer compositions are considered, which have high adhesion, elasticity and last more than 10-15 years.
Application Methods
To form a monolithic waterproofing layer, bitumen mastic is applied to the roof surface. The method of application, the composition of the compound and the absorption capacity of the material greatly influence the consumption of the rubber mixture for waterproofing. Processing the base of the roof with mastic is performed using the following methods:
- Using a roller. This technique involves the application of mastic on the surface to be treated with a wide foam rubber roller, which reduces the consumption of waterproofing agent and forms a thin, uniform layer. This method performs the priming of the base of the roof and gluing the roll materials.
- With a brush. With your own hands, mastic based on bitumen or synthetic rubber is easiest to apply with a wide brush called a brush. The layer turns out to be thicker than when processing with a roller, respectively, the mixture consumption increases. This method is used for painting waterproofing.
- Using a spray bottle. Bitumen compounds with the addition of solvents can be applied with a spray to get a thin primer layer, which increases the adhesion between materials.
- By pouring method. Bulk flat roofs form, pouring liquid rubber bitumen on the base with a thick layer.

Consider that the waterproofing layer obtained by applying mastic on the basis of petroleum bitumen is considered the most stable and stable, since after the mixture hardens, its thickness does not decrease, therefore this method of protection against water is called non-shrinking.
Virtues
Mastic waterproofing is the most popular method of protecting the base of the roof from the penetration of precipitation, a means for sealing the joints between the roll material and repairing cracks or gaps on old surfaces. Its advantages are:
- Недорогая цена. Стоимость горячей битумной смеси для гидроизоляции составляет 600-700 рублей за 20 литров. Cold mastic стоит в 2,5-3 раза дороже, но и расход у нее меньше.
- Ease of application. For the organization of mastic waterproofing does not require special skills or special tools, so it is an approach for using her own hands.
- Weather resistance External environmental factors do not affect the rubber-bitumen, so it does not crack, does not crumble, maintaining its strength properties for many years.
- Good adhesion. Mastic insulation can be applied on vertical and horizontal surfaces, practically on all types of materials.
- High anti-corrosion and antiseptic properties. Liquid bitumen creates a film that prevents the material surface from contacting with oxygen, stopping corrosion. In addition, it is a strong natural antiseptic, therefore it blocks the spread of harmful microorganisms.
Please note that the self-leveling roof can be painted during the production process or after application to obtain the desired color of the roof.
