What you need to know to decide how to dilute the bituminous mastic. How to cook bitumen for pouring the roof of the garage and what proportions are needed? How to melt bitumen for roofing
When restoring a roof or basement insulation, the question often arises: how to dilute the bitumen? Roofing on new buildings is rarely poured on them, since now there are many more attractive options for insulating and covering it. But over the decades of their existence, such a layer of roofing material has accumulated on old houses that, apart from bitumen, there are practically no restoration options left (after all, sometimes it is not even possible to peel off multiple layers).
The dismantling of ruberoid "pies" is so laborious that people try to push it as far into the future as possible, especially if the building is not residential - a garage, a barn, a summer kitchen, an extension. And for coating waterproofing of the foundation, bitumen still remains one of the most popular materials - cheap, fairly reliable, available for independent use, even if the work is associated with hard physical labor and some danger in carrying out. True, if the goal is to get the most reliable foundation waterproofing possible, it is better to glue a waterproofing barrier or the same roofing material over the bitumen. Alone, the bituminous coating cracks quite quickly and begins to let moisture through.
How to dilute bitumen in the conditions of private construction or repair? As you can see, this issue is still relevant both in the construction of foundation protection and in the repair of old roofs. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look here, which we tried to do in this article.
Features of bituminous processing
Gone are the days when bitumen existed in only one, hard, variety. Now there is a fairly large variety of waterproofing materials of this type:
- solid bitumen;
- liquefied bitumen;
- bitumen-rubber mastics;
- bitumen-polymer mastics.
The primer is made as follows:
- The bitumen breaks into small pieces. It is advisable to carry out this operation in the shade - when heated in the sun, it becomes sluggish and reluctantly splits.
- The fragments are immersed in diesel fuel or waste oil. By volume - so that the solvent covers the pieces completely, but does not form a large layer above it.
- When the liquid takes on the color of bitumen, it is ready for use as a primer.
How to melt lumpy bitumen
If we consider solid bitumen as a waterproofing agent, then it is required to melt it for use. And this step cannot be avoided. Moreover, in its pure form, bitumen for application (and further existence with functioning) is not very suitable.
First, it freezes too quickly.
Secondly, it does not fill the pores too tightly - it is too viscous and dense.
Thirdly, very soon the layer begins to crack. Therefore, when working with bitumen, the following algorithm is usually observed:
- Bitumen, broken into pieces, is melted in a metal barrel over a quiet fire. Moreover, the fire should be as slow as possible: during rapid burning in some places, the material already begins to coke from overheating, while in others it still remains solid.
- After melting, it is left on fire until foam stops appearing, that is, dehydration stops.
- A filler is poured into the container, for which loose asbestos is the best choice, but it is quite difficult to find it. So cement, chalk, gypsum (including alabaster), talc, ground clay, and so on are usually taken. Pursued goal: prevention of the formation of pores by the coating.
- When the filler is kneaded, a solvent is added - it will prevent the bitumen from solidifying too quickly.
The approximate ratio of components is as follows: half of the volume is bitumen, 30% is diesel fuel, the rest is fillers.
It remains to add a couple of clarifications. First, do not forget that bitumen is a combustible material and can flare up if overheated or heated too intensely. It is useless to extinguish it with water; you need to keep a tin cover on hand to stop the access of oxygen. You need to be especially careful after adding diesel fuel: in its pure form, bitumen ignites at 230 degrees, with a solvent, the flash point is significantly reduced.
Second: many people suggest using mining, gasoline or kerosene as a solvent.
If it is quite possible to agree with the first option, then the last 2 are no good: the substances are very volatile and combustible. Most of it will evaporate before it fulfills the task of a solvent, the rest will increase flammability at times.
Liquefied bitumen
It just does not need to be heated, it is already in a consistency suitable for application. However, it can thicken over time. In this case, to dilute it, use:
- low octane gasoline. On the one hand, a cheaper and more affordable solvent, but the fire hazard is high, as is volatility. The presence of open sources of fire (in particular, smoking) is unacceptable, and there is a risk of inhaling vapors to the point of poisoning;
white spirit is more expensive, but much safer. - The solvent must be added little by little, constantly stirring it. Remember that it is lighter than bitumen and will collect on the surface. If accidentally poured, you can wait for the bundle and just drain the excess
Bituminous mastics
Solvents remain the same regardless of whether the second component is rubber or polymers. Mastics are good because they can be used when it's already cold outside. In addition, they do not need heating. However, at low temperatures, mastics become too viscous. Solvents are added to overcome their reaction to frost. They can be used as:
- gasoline - works great, but the mentioned shortcomings do not go away;
- kerosene. It is desirable - aviation, with which problems may arise. The household one is not clean enough and can degrade the quality of the insulation. In addition, he, like the previous position, is combustible and volatile;
- White Spirit. The only downside is the cost. Despite its relative cheapness, it is needed in large volume, so it will cost a pretty penny;
- turpentine: liquefies the mastic well, inexpensive, less volatile and combustible than gasoline and kerosene, but the smell is very characteristic;
- nefras, he is gasoline - "galosh";
- acetone, solvent, 646. The most suitable solvent is recommended for a specific type of mastic by its manufacturer. So before deciding how to dilute bitumen or mastic from it, read the manufacturer's recommendations.
Bituminous mastic is a mixture of various substances that glue, cement or fill cracks and holes well, making them completely impervious to water. This putty quickly hardens due to the evaporation of the solvent in its composition, or due to chemicals mixed in the process of its preparation for work.
More often, this material is used to create seamless coatings during work related to the repair and installation of roofs. Mastic is relevant for paving, waterproofing or vapor barrier of floors in bathrooms, showers or rooms with pools.
Mastic indoors
In order for the mastic not to lose its properties, or vice versa, the useful capabilities of the mixture have improved, it should be properly diluted.
Depending on the type of coating, the proportions change, as does the density of the mastic, otherwise it will not stay on the surface until it dries completely if applied to the ceiling.
Depending on the type of mastic used, the substances that dissolve / dilute it also change.
These substances include:
- gasoline or kerosene;
- White Spirit;
- Gasoline galosh.
The proportions correspond to the volume of mastic used, their violation leads to slow drying or to increased fluidity of the resulting solution. And as a result - to reduce adhesion or useful properties of the applied solution. It will not become a reliable protection, passing moisture.
How to properly dilute and prepare the solution
Another important point that affects how the mastic should be diluted is the method of application to the surface. It:
- Manual application method;
- Mechanized method by means of special devices.
The first method is relevant if the volume and scope of work are small, and the second is better to use when a large area has to be processed.
The second method is also more convenient if hard-to-reach places are treated with mastic.
Automatic mastic application A mandatory procedure is the preparation of the surface where the bituminous mastic will be applied. If the surface peels off, it is cleaned, then dried, a primer layer is applied to interact with the mastic. Such a primer is sold under the name of a bituminous primer, which is purchased or prepared with one's own hands.
For its preparation, several pieces of pure bitumen are taken, diluted with gasoline or used engine oil.
To do this, gasoline / oil is first poured into a container, heated, and then crushed bitumen is added.
The mixture is heated to a temperature of 190-200 degrees, while it is constantly stirred. Take a quality container that can withstand a similar temperature. The volume of the container is determined by the volume of the mixture that is to be used. If the area is small, a bucket is enough, but if it is several squares, then the capacity should be appropriate, or the cooking process will have to be carried out several times.
Application nuances
The prepared mixture is applied with a brush or roller, depending on the complexity and volume of work. In more rare cases, for application, the mastic is scooped up with a wide spatula.
Work order:
- The material is applied overlapping so that the layers overlap each other by 5-10 cm.
Application with a spatula - A new layer is applied after the previous one has cooled slightly.
- For rooms where there is a swimming pool, or for roofing, 2-4 layers of such insulation are used, which are then reinforced with fiberglass and additionally insulated.
Consumption of mastic and its effect on cooking
The consumption of mastic, which uses crumb rubber or rubber, depends on how many layers are planned to be applied. The consumption is also affected by the type of work, the surface on which the mastic will be applied, and the thickness of each layer.
If bituminous mastic is used as the main insulation layer on the roof, then the thickness of this layer is 10 mm, and the consumption is 16 kg per 1 sq. meter. In this case, 3-4 layers are used for the roof.
If it is necessary to process and protect ordinary water and other pipes from corrosion, moisture or other negative environmental influences, then use bituminous mastic applied in 2 layers. For dilution in this case, oil is used.
To dilute the mastic, not only gasoline / oil is used, but also turpentine. Any organic solvent will do. Do not use ordinary acetone or its types. Some dilute mastic with diesel fuel, but in this case the composition is heterogeneous, plus the cooking process is delayed. But in this case, it is guaranteed that the resulting solution will qualitatively seal all the pores and roughness, since the best adhesion and insulation is achieved in the liquid state. Mastic diluted with diesel fuel dries faster, as diesel fuel evaporates quickly.
liquid mastic Consider that diesel fuel is harmful to the paintwork, it will subsequently peel off. If it is planned to use further coloring, diesel fuel is not used.
There are several subtleties in the cooking process using gasoline, diesel fuel. The fact is that small lumps appear in the mixture from them. But if the type of work allows such a small defect, then it's okay. If you plan to use bituminous mastic for application to the car body, then it is better to prefer white spirit.
Correct proportions and cooking rules
As for the rationing of proportions, which the builder should be guided by when preparing the mixture, they are different.
It is taken into account that the boiler used for cooking the composition is not loaded with more than 70 percent, otherwise the mixture will splash out during the cooking process and it is inconvenient to interfere with it.
The boiler for cooking is not installed above the fire, but nearby, best of all on a special stand It is not worth exceeding the cooking temperature, otherwise the bitumen will decompose. It is not recommended to allow large temperature drops, otherwise the mixture will turn out to be heterogeneous in composition.
To understand that overheating is strong, just look into the boiler - the appearance of characteristic yellow or green bubbles will indicate this.
First, gasoline or another liquid is added to the boiler, which is used to dilute the bitumen mixture, bitumen is placed in small portions, then the mixture is thoroughly mixed until completely dissolved.
Builders in the preparation of the mixture are guided by their own experience. They determine the readiness of the mixture by its density. Strong dilution leads to the fact that the mastic will become a primer, and this is not welcomed by customers, since the consumption of materials for the primer is higher than for the mastic. The problem will be exacerbated if the expense and the need to use mastic were specified in advance.
Homogeneity is considered the main criterion for the prepared solution.
For storage, bituminous mastic is poured without filler into ordinary plastic bottles, closed. So it is stored indefinitely. If necessary, it is squeezed out of the bottle.
In contact with
Today, there are many types of work that require such material as bitumen. Each bitumen-related work performed is specific in its own way and requires certain knowledge and experience related to the use of bitumen itself.
Depending on the application, bitumen is divided into:
- solid;
- liquid;
- bituminous mastics;
- polymeric;
- rubber.
Without the addition of other components to the bitumen itself, it does not have a high degree of suitability both in use and in further use. This is due to the fact that in its usual form it quickly hardens, becomes viscous, which prevents it from being applied evenly. And also after application, cracks may form on the layer.
What and how to dilute bitumen?
When preservative wood used more liquid bitumen. When waterproofing roofs, foundations and other things, they are thicker. In order to get the desired consistency, you need to perform the following steps.
Bitumen must be crushed. It can be chopped into pieces with an axe. And it is advisable to do this in the shade or indoors in order to avoid direct sunlight on it, otherwise it becomes soft and more difficult to break.
Then the chopped pieces are placed in a bucket and then, depending on the degree of fire hazard of the object on which these works are carried out. Or we make a small fire, just a small one because of a strong flame, bitumen can both flare up and coke. Or with the help of an electric extension cord, we install the electric stove at a safe distance, observing safety precautions.
Heating the bitumen to a boil, you must wait until the foam leaves it, this is moisture when it boils, it dehydrates. After that, remove the bucket from heating and add to it to the existing 50% - bitumen, 30% - solvent, 10% - oil, 10% mining. It is this composition that will help increase the flash point and obtain a homogeneous mass with which it is easier to work later. And also due to the absence of pores in it, it will be applied to the surface with better quality.
After adding the components, put the bucket on heat again and stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Upon receipt of which the bitumen is ready to work.
Why can't bitumen be diluted with diesel fuel?
There are several reasons why you should not dilute bitumen with diesel fuel.
The first of which is a noticeable decrease in the ignition temperature.
The second reason is the high degree of combustibility and volatility, most of it will quickly evaporate before it has time to dissolve anything.
Also, one of the disadvantages of this dilution method is that when diesel fuel is poured into bitumen, it cannot be drained back, as it can be done with a solvent. After all, for the sake of the fact that it is lighter than bitumen, it settles on the surface and after mixing and settling, it floats up and can be drained.
Summing up, it can be noted that the method of diluting bitumen with diesel fuel is both dangerous and not very effective. Therefore, it is worth working with recommended solvents for certain bitumens.
The base of the house is exposed to constant destructive effects from various environmental factors. Particularly active is the water that is contained in the soil and penetrates into it after precipitation. During the construction of the foundation, it is necessary to provide additional protection against this influence. The most commonly used bituminous mastic.
Why is coating waterproofing with bitumen necessary?
In its classical form, bituminous mastic is a mixture of several components that securely and tightly cement cracks in the base surface and prevent moisture from penetrating into the foundation structure.
Mastic quickly hardens due to the use of various solvents and other elements that ensure the effectiveness of the solution. With the help of mastic it is possible to create highly effective seamless surfaces. This is true for the roof and for the walls, and definitely for the foundation.
Before using the mastic, it is important to know how and with what to dissolve the resin to paint the foundation. The effectiveness of the subsequent operation of the protective layer depends on the correct combination of elements.
How to dilute bituminous mastic
To know exactly how to dilute the resin for painting the foundation, you need to understand what indicators you want to get. The proportions in which the constituent components in the mastic are combined determines not only the density, but also the performance characteristics of the solution. Among the substances used to dissolve the mastic, the following are used:
- Gasoline (kerosene).
- White Spirit.
- Gasoline-galosh (Gasoline-solvent for the rubber industry).
Correctly choosing the substance and amount of material that needs to be diluted with bitumen for the foundation means preparing the optimal material for processing the foundation.
What additives are used to dilute the mastic
It is possible to add various types of fillers to the created solution. Therefore, the builder should decide what parameters he wants to get in the end.
Now the most popular types of mastic are the following:
- bituminous rubber mastic,
- polyurethane,
- latex,
- oil, rubber.
If we take bitumen-rubber mastic, then at the heart of its composition are directly bitumen and polymer.
Polyurethane and rubber form in the solution additional plasticity of the solution, in which the formed film is not only strong, but can be stretched by about 20 times.
The use of rubber for the preparation of cold mix allows you to create a material that does not require preparation before use. The mastic is applied evenly and is homogeneous and durable.
The addition of oil components helps to prevent hardening of the material. Such compounds are necessary for waterproofing pipes and which will be placed underground.
Cooking features
The process of making bituminous mastic is not difficult, you just need to choose the right ingredients and follow the basic cooking rules.
The following elements are required to complete the work:
- pieces of bitumen, cleaned of contaminants;
- specially selected fillers,
- various plasticizers.
For example, to create waterproofing, you need to have about 10 kilograms of mastic. This will require approximately 8 kg of bitumen, 1 kg of filler and 500 grams of plasticizer.
For mastic cooking, durable boilers with a wall thickness of 3 mm or more are selected. There should also be a lid. Thanks to the heating of the walls, the bitumen heats up evenly.
The boiler must be loaded no more than 70% - otherwise the mastic may begin to splash out. For cooking, the following rules must be strictly observed:
- The cauldron is not placed above the fire, but is set to the side.
- The temperature should be at the level of 190 degrees, which does not lead to the decomposition of the material.
- Temperature fluctuations are unacceptable, which can lead to the formation of an inhomogeneous mastic mass.
- For the fastest preparation of the mixture, it is necessary to divide the bitumen into small pieces.
- Cooking mastic should be slow and even.
- Filler and additives should also be crushed.
- The addition of components is carried out gradually.
- The solution is regularly stirred and the resulting foam is periodically removed.
- After the disappearance of the foam, fillers can be added.
- After adding the resulting solution is thoroughly stirred - and the bituminous mastic is ready for use!
Now, after you have learned how to dilute the bituminous mastic for the foundation and how to prepare it, you should know how to properly apply it to the surface.
How to apply bituminous mastic
After preparing the mastic, it should be properly applied to the surface. For this, 2 methods are used:
- Application by hand.
- Mechanized method of application with the use of special tools.
The manual method of work is optimal when performing a small amount of work. For a large area of work, manual technology is impractical, so mechanisms are used. Also, tools are used to work with hard-to-reach places.
Before application, the surface to be treated should be prepared. The surface is cleaned and dried thoroughly. After that, a thin layer of primer is applied, which ensures interaction with the mastic.
After the mixture is ready and warm enough, you can proceed directly to the application. For this, an ordinary roller or brush is used - the choice of a specific tool depends on the nature of the surface, volume and complexity of the configuration of the foundation, wall or roof. Sometimes a wide spatula is used for application.
The layers of mastic are applied with an overlap, which should be approximately 10 centimeters. This prevents the formation of empty parts, which will be exposed to moisture penetration.
The application of the next layer of mastic begins after the previous one has completely hardened.
The use of bituminous mastic for waterproofing the base is an important factor in protecting the structure and preventing the formation of microcracks and damage.
In order to correctly understand how and with what to dilute bituminous mastic, one should understand in more detail the intricacies of its application, distinguish between types and correctly determine the scope. The product can be used in various branches of the construction industry. As a rule, it is relevant in the process of waterproofing roofs, foundations, bathrooms, swimming pools, individual parts of the plumbing system and other elements that need a protective coating.
Varieties of building material
Depending on the manufacturing method, the insulating coating is divided into two classifications:
- Hot bituminous mastic. In order for the material to acquire the consistency necessary for work, it must be heated to 160 ° C in a strong container. Only at this temperature regime, the building material softens and passes into a liquid state.
- Cold bitumen. In this case, heating of the product is not required, even if the material has a dense structure. Here you will need to be puzzled with how to dilute the bituminous mastic. The liquid that is added to the raw material contributes to its “cold” melting, after which the consistency is easily applied to the required surface. Over time, the solvents evaporate, due to which the coating acquires its original rigidity.
VIDEO: How to prepare the composition for work
What can be used as a solvent and additives?
In order to correctly determine how to dilute bitumen, one should take into account the characteristics of the surface on which it is planned to be applied. The density of the product depends on this factor, which can be fixed and held until the moment of final solidification. It is also worth determining what functions it should perform. There are 5 types of mastic:
- rubber-bitumen;
- polyurethane;
- oil;
- rubber-bitumen;
- latex.
The main component of these products is bitumen, the rest of the additives act as auxiliary components.
Designed for anti-corrosion protection and waterproofing of concrete, metal, wood and other structures, including pipelines, car underbody protection, etc.
Ingredients in the form of polyurethane and rubber give the building material more elasticity, so the finished product is able to stretch without cracking. The oil version does not have the ability to completely harden and is used for pipeline systems. In the case of adding rubber fractions, a durable coating is obtained, suitable for any type of coating.
The building material is distributed over the surface at a temperature of -10 .. + 50 ° C, but first it is thoroughly mixed. To facilitate this process, the product should be diluted with a liquid of organic origin. In order to dilute bituminous mastic, use liquids:
- kerosene;
- gasoline-galoshes;
- kerosene;
- White Spirit.
These substances can be carefully diluted only if the consistency of the product is too thick and working with it becomes more difficult because of this. The proportions of one of the selected liquids should not exceed 20% of the total amount of bituminous mastic. Otherwise, there may be a problem with short-term or delayed drying of the coating.
Dilute with white spirit or solvent and mix very thoroughly
The consequence of non-compliance with the conditions may be excessive fluidity of the product. Such a coating loses adhesion and the ability to keep moisture out. So than to breed once again, it is better to carefully cover the jar.
Basic rules for preparing a mixture
There is another important nuance that affects how to dilute the bituminous mastic - how the application will be done. There are currently two methods:
- manual - with a brush or roller;
- mechanical - using specialized equipment.
The second option with a sprayer is great in cases where you want to cover hard-to-reach places with mastic. With its help, a uniform continuous layer is created. The first method is best used if you need to process a small area.
VIDEO: How to quickly dilute the resin into a primer for foundation treatment
Stages of work with waterproofing material
An obligatory stage of work is the preparation of the surface on which it is planned to apply rubber-bitumen mastic. If it crumbles, it should be carefully cleaned, then washed, dried and treated with a primer that improves adhesion to the material.
This tool is sold on the market under the name bituminous primer, but it can also be prepared independently. This will require only a few particles of bitumen, some gasoline and used motor oil. The mixture of fuel and oil is heated, after which crushed bitumen is added to it and the consistency is adjusted to a temperature regime of 195-200°C.
The treatment with diluted bitumen for waterproofing is carried out by spreading with a sprayer, brush or roller, depending on the area to be covered. The consistency is applied in small stripes. Moreover, each subsequent line should find a little on the previous one - up to 100 mm. When the complete hardening of the first layer comes, work begins with the second. The total thickness of the coating should not exceed 2 mm.
Remember, if you need to apply at least 4 layers of bituminous mastic, you will need to carry out additional reinforcement using fiberglass.
Mastic consumption
The volume of consumption of rubber or rubber type bituminous mastic depends entirely on how thick the coating will be and how many layers are planned to be applied. For example, to fix the roofing material for each m 2, approximately 0.8 kg of the mixture will be required. But if the building material is used as a waterproofing coating, then with a thickness of one layer of 10 mm it will take up to 19 kg / m 2. In the case of a latex product, the consumption will not exceed 7 kg/m 2 .
The cost of the product for insulating surfaces is not small. But since the coating is of high quality, in some cases, one layer will be enough to achieve good tightness. This method is suitable for processing the basement, foundation and other load-bearing structures, it will require only 6-8 kg / m 2. To create roofing waterproofing, you will need at least three times more composition. This is justified by the fact that the overlap area of the house requires increased protection against moisture.
The primer can be applied to the prepared surface by any available method.
Bituminous mastic is often used to strengthen floors, repair roofs, seal joints and seams. As a solvent for this component, ordinary kerosene or used motor oil is used. Before dilution, it is thoroughly heated and mixed with the main component. This coating will harden more slowly than diluted.
How to store the composition?
For storage, the building material is transferred to a plastic bucket with an airtight lid or into ordinary bottles. Under such conditions, it is capable of not losing its performance characteristics for a long time. It is important to understand that the product can only be stored if it is not mixed with fillers.
Seamless building materials have long occupied a leading niche in the market of finishing products, of which a huge number are produced today. Some are durable, others are practical. Bituminous mastic, in turn, is able to combine two qualities at the same time, in addition, it takes the brunt of the impact of external factors on itself, thereby increasing the service life of the materials it covers.
VIDEO: In which direction to lay the roof correctly