effective protection bituminous waterproofing protects against the destructive action of moisture in concrete, metal, wood and reinforced concrete structures. It is used for coating foundations, concrete floors, walls and ceilings of basements, interfloor ceilings, processing bathrooms, showers, etc. This prevents moisture from penetrating inside the house through small pores and cracks, and ensures the durability of the structure.
Features of using bituminous waterproofing
For processing the main elements of the house, solid and liquefied bitumens, bitumen-rubber and bitumen-polymer waterproofing mastics are used. When working with hard materials their melting is mandatory. In this case, the question "how to dilute the bituminous mastic?" does not occur. During the melting process, the bitumen is dehydrated. In addition, the concrete base itself is thoroughly dried before applying the waterproofing. Otherwise, there is a risk that when hot resin hits the surface of the concrete, boiling occurs and bubbles form under the insulating layer. This is a hello to the fact that waterproofing will not clog cracks and pores in concrete.
You can apply hot compounds with a wide brush or brush, overlapping strips of 10-15 cm. The only drawback of working with hot bituminous mastic is the high curing rate.
Liquefied waterproofing does not need constant heating. Before proceeding with the application, the bituminous mastic should be diluted with a solvent. Most often, low-octane motor gasoline acts as a solvent. The polymerization of the diluted composition occurs after 24 hours after application, provided that the work is carried out in the open air. When choosing how to dilute bituminous mastic, it should be remembered that gasoline is a combustible substance, and its vapors are explosive. During the waterproofing work, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of open fire, it is strictly forbidden to smoke.
How to dilute bitumen-polymer mastic?
Bitumen-polymer waterproofing can be used at low temperatures. In addition, solvents can be added to them. When deciding how to dilute bituminous mastic, choose one of the options below:
- petrol
- White Spirit
- kerosene
You can also use galosh gasoline, carefully monitoring the consistency of the mixture. Waterproofing is applied with a brush. Each subsequent layer is laid 24 hours after the previous one.
How to dilute the bituminous primer?
The use of this composition makes it possible to guarantee reliable adhesion of waterproofing materials to rough and porous surfaces. The primer is used for priming concrete, cement-sand screeds immediately before laying self-adhesive, built-up roofing and waterproofing materials.
Bituminous primer is a solution of petroleum bitumen with a softening point of over +80°C in special organic solvents. This composition is characterized by fast drying and high penetrating power.
Before applying the bituminous primer, it is necessary to dilute it with a solvent (kerosene, nefras, gasoline) in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:1.5 by weight.
The composition should be applied without preheating with a nylon brush or brush. If necessary, it is allowed to create several layers of waterproofing.
Mastics can have different properties and characteristics - this is due to different additives in the mixture. Initially, bitumen and rubber-bitumen mastics are thick. And for effective use, they should be diluted. How to do it right? Let's see how to dilute bituminous mastic and how to prepare it.
Each material is classified according to its composition according to different criteria. So, the compositions are divided according to the conditions of use, as well as additives. Mastics also differ in technological features. They differ in the possibility of operation at a certain temperature and conditions that ensure the process of hardening, softening. For example, hot formulations should first be heated to temperatures of 160 degrees and above. After that, you can use the finished product for insulation work. Cold mixtures are used differently. In this case, you will have to make a solution. How to dilute the rubber-bitumen mastic depends on the method of application and other factors. Cold types of mastics should not be heated. Solvents are highly volatile and will evaporate from the surface during curing.
According to the method of preparation, all formulations are divided into one- and two-component. Materials from the first group are prepared as simply as possible. The mass can be used immediately without the need to add any ingredients.
Two-component materials must be prepared, after which they are ready for use. What can be used to dilute the bituminous mastic depends on where and how the insulation work will be performed.
What is used for breeding?
Depending on where the material will be applied, the proportions and density change. Otherwise, the composition simply will not be able to stay on the surface before it dries completely. Mastics are different, which means that the products for breeding will also be different.
Most often, materials are used to dilute:
- Motor gasoline or kerosene.
- White Spirit.
- Gasoline "Galosha".
In most cases, low-octane gasolines are used as thinners. The polymerization process of the dissolved composition takes 24 hours after application. This is provided that the work is done outdoors. 
When choosing how to dilute bituminous mastic, you should definitely remember that even low-octane gasolines are flammable liquids. Vapors of any fuel are flammable. In the process of waterproofing work, do not use open fire.
As for the proportions, they must correspond to the volume of the base used. If you break them, then the mixture will dry out more slowly or the fluidity of the solution will increase. As a result, adhesion will decrease or beneficial features. In this case, the material will not carry protective functions.
How can you dilute the rubber-bitumen mastic? There are other materials as well. This is turpentine, any kind of organic solvents. It is not recommended to use acetone or liquids based on it for these purposes. Some craftsmen dissolve mastic in diesel fuel. The result is an inhomogeneous mixture. However, this solution fills all cracks and irregularities with the highest quality. If the mastic is liquid, it has better adhesion and good insulating properties.
Elastic and special additives in mastics
Gasoline, kerosene, white spirit are universal solvents. But when choosing how to dilute the rubber-bitumen mastic, the first step is to decide what characteristics are needed from the solution. Depending on the additives used in the composition, the materials are divided into:
- Bituminous rubber.
- Bitumen-polyurethane.
- Bitumen-latex.
- Oil and rubber compounds.
As you can see, bitumen is present in the composition of each material. But additives are different everywhere - hence the different properties. So, with the addition of polyurethane or rubber, you can get additional elasticity. This is important for most insulation work. 
As a result, a strong film is formed, which is difficult to break. The film is easily stretched by 20 or more times, while it does not deform. One of the options for diluting rubber-bitumen mastic for roofing is motor gasoline.
Anti-corrosion mastic from bitumen with oil
If oil is added to the composition, the resulting mixture will not harden. This is important for processing pipes and other metal underground utilities. With the addition of oily materials, a sticky, but not rigid, film is obtained. It will not crack and will be able to maintain its integrity for a long time. This solution is not afraid of low and high temperatures. It is an ideal solution for treating heating systems. But it is not suitable for roofing work.
Additives for mastic for roofing
Experts, answering the question of how to dilute bituminous mastic for roofing, recommend adding solvents in addition to crumb rubber. Such a coating will be strong and durable. And it can be applied to any type of surface. The material prepared in this way withstands mechanical loads, shocks and vibrations. 
If you add rubber to the suction, you can prepare a cold mixture that does not require heating. In addition to high waterproofing properties, the material also acquires antiseptic characteristics along with high heat resistance.
Also for roofing, you can add to the mastic and liquid latex in the form of an emulsion. It is nothing but synthetic rubber. The product is extremely easy to prepare and apply, has excellent performance characteristics. The mixture is ideal for roofing.
How to prepare the right solution
An important point in the process of preparing mastic is the method of applying it to the surface to be treated. The protective solution can be applied both manually and with the help of special equipment. The manual application method is relevant when the amount of work is small. If it is required to apply the composition over a large area, then mechanized application methods are used. The method of mixing depends on how the mastic will be applied. How to dilute rubber-bitumen mastic? Before you start preparing the mixture, you need to prepare the surface on which the composition will be applied. 
If peeling is observed on the coating, it should be carefully cleaned and then dried. After that, it is recommended to apply a layer of primer, which can interact with mastics. These primers are called bituminous primers. The primer is sold ready-made. But you can cook it yourself. Next, we'll tell you exactly how.
How to prepare a primer
The use of a primer is a guarantee of reliable adhesion of waterproofing materials to porous and non-smooth surfaces. The composition is suitable for priming concrete bases, cement-sand screeds. 
The primer is a solution of petroleum bitumen. The softening temperature of the material is 80 degrees or more. For those who do not know how to dilute bituminous mastic, experts recommend using organic solvents. What could it be? These are kerosene, nefras, gasoline. They are added in a ratio of 1 to 1 or 1 to 5 by weight of the base.
To make a primer, you need pure bitumen - you need several pieces. Next, the bars are dissolved in gasoline or used motor oil. First, a solvent is poured into the prepared container - gasoline or mining. Next, the liquid is heated, and then crushed bitumen is added to the container. The solution is heated to temperatures from 190 to 200 degrees. In the process of heating, you need to constantly mix the mass. Next, prepare a container that can withstand high temperatures. Its volume is determined by the amount of solution. For small areas, a bucket is suitable. It is enough for several square meters.
Conclusion
So, we figured out how to dilute the bituminous mastic for the foundation. Construction specialists give different advice during the preparation of the insulating material. So, when using gasoline and diesel, lumps may appear. But it is necessary to dilute so that the mixture is not excessively liquid - this entails a large consumption of mastic.
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.
- solid bitumen;
- liquefied bitumen;
- bitumen-rubber mastics;
- bitumen-polymer mastics.
How to melt lumpy bitumen
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:
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.
Liquefied bitumen
Bituminous mastics
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 is still one of the most popular materials - cheap, fairly reliable, available for self 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.
All solid variations need to be melted. It is impossible to dissolve bricks in any solvent. To some extent, bitumen will pass into it, however, it will be quite insignificant. Often such a solution is used as a primer - a primer for bituminous waterproofing.
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, melts into metal barrel on 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, as which the best choice is dissolved asbestos, but it is quite difficult to find. 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.
Bitumen for foundation
The foundation of the house is exposed to constant destructive effects from various factors. environment. 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 from 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.
Appointment of bitumen
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:
Bitumen thinner
- Gasoline (kerosene).
- White Spirit.
- Gasoline-galosh (Gasoline-solvent for the rubber industry).
Choosing the right substance and the amount of material that needs to be diluted with bitumen for the foundation means preparing optimal material for foundation work.
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.
Varieties of bitumen
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 other structures that 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.
Bitumen is used in solving a number of construction tasks related to the construction of buildings, structures, laying roads and communications. Its high viscosity allows it to penetrate into pores and cracks on the surface of the material, while acting as a binder and providing strong adhesion.
The use of bitumen for various purposes differs in the way of preparing the mixture and applying the coating.
Bituminous roof equipment
Using pure bitumen without additives is considered an outdated method that is still popular today. Roof coverings are most widespread in old houses and garages, when the roof is simply filled with liquid bitumen. This is facilitated by the low cost of material and work, compared with more technologically advanced mastics.
The classic application is based on coating the roof surface with hot bitumen. To give greater fluidity, spent engine oils, diesel or heating oil, as well as heavy petroleum solvents.
The use of bituminous coatings for roof waterproofing should be preceded by an assessment of the surface features - the slope, the source of mechanical particles and the presence of hard-to-remove moisture.
In most types of roof waterproofing, bitumen is an intermediate layer between the wall and the outer impermeable sheet. To give more grip to the composition sheet materials bitumen is also included, often without any modifiers.
The use of pure material has the disadvantage of reduced strength and durability of the coating. Under the influence of precipitation, mechanical particles and temperature changes, the bitumen begins to crack, as a result of which the waterproofing has to be redone. To improve the performance properties, various polymerizing agents are introduced into the composition of the mixture.
Based on the price, the best choice for the roof there will be a complex of bitumen and roofing material. To eliminate the need to renew them every 2-3 years, you can use special bituminous mastics that are indifferent to the effects of residual moisture and the sun.
Waterproofing with bituminous paste of the roof of the garage:
Foundation waterproofing with bitumen
There is much more information on the net about using modified bituminous mastics than regular bitumen. This is more of a publicity stunt, since pure bitumen for coating the outer walls of the foundation is used quite often in practice. On top of the bitumen layer, a rubber-bitumen sheet of the brizol or isol type can traditionally be applied.
If there is no significant pressure in the construction area ground water or soil movement, you can limit yourself to bituminous coating. Although the material itself is not as durable as modern mastics, defects in the foundation filled with it will be protected from moisture for a long time.
Creation of protective coatings on communication lines
Complex bituminous coatings are a universal means of protecting pipes and other buried metal structures. The main waterproofing layer are modifications of bitumen sheets. Their fastening is carried out on bitumen or mastic, which is applied to a metal surface coated with a primer.
Before applying the main bonding layer, the product is additionally coated with a bituminous primer - a low-viscosity diluted bitumen that improves adhesion by filling micropores.
Preparation of asphalt pavements
Road construction requires the use of high-quality bitumen with high strength and temperature operating limits. The disadvantage of bitumen is the loss of strength at high pressure.
That is why the movement of trucks is prohibited on a number of routes, especially during the day in the hot season. To improve the quality of the mixture for the preparation of asphalt, plasticizers with a wide range of properties are introduced into its composition.
At high temperatures melts, and in frost it becomes brittle. The selection of a particular brand of material is determined by the climatic conditions of use and the maximum allowable load. When laying main routes involving heavy cargo transportation, a harder bitumen is used, which is slightly subject to external pressure.
In addition to bitumen and modifiers, the asphalt mixture contains sand and gravel. The proportions of the components are determined by the tasks that are set before the coating. The more sand and less gravel, the more even and smooth the surface is. Asphalt with coarse gravel is used for laying the bottom layer highways, and with fine - for the upper highway layer.
Repair and rehabilitation of cracks in asphalt using liquid bitumen:
Basics of working with bitumen, preparation and application of the mixture
The technology of using the material for waterproofing and creating hard coatings consists in heating and melting it, adding the required components and applying it to the surface. The least problematic way would be to purchase ready-made mastics, which can only be warmed up. Consider the stages of a mixture based on bitumen.
Heat
It can be carried out in special melting installations. In reality, improvised means are most often used: bitumen is heated in metal barrels, and an open fire acts as a heater. Care must be taken during the process, as even residual oils are flammable. When heated, bitumen hisses and foams - this is a normal process.
The mixture will be ready when its surface is smooth and glossy, with no signs of overheating. You can notice the decomposition of the material by the release of intense and acrid yellow-green smoke. To prepare high-quality bitumen for waterproofing, do not allow overheating - it will lead to embrittlement of the coating.
Keep a sheet of plywood handy while heating. If the bitumen ignites, cover the container from above, and it will immediately go out without air.
Dilution of hot bitumen with a solvent
The bituminous mixture can be used as a primer (see above) and as a classic coating providing a dense waterproof layer. Solvents based on gasoline or white spirit can be used, but they are not suitable for bitumen heated to 160-180 ° C. Kerosene is more resistant to heat, but evaporates slightly more slowly.
The most suitable solvents are diesel fuel and diesel oil (residual, viscous diesel residue). Solar oil is not always easy to find, so diesel fuel (even the lowest quality) is more often used. Additionally, you can use used engine oils, which are available in abundance at service stations.
Maintain proportions bitumen: solvent should be in the range from 30: 70 to 50: 50, depending on the ambient temperature and the desired consistency. It is advisable to heat the bitumen and the solvent separately to reduce the likelihood of fire. For large volumes of work, the solvent is poured into a container with bitumen, for small - vice versa.
How to melt bitumen for waterproofing the foundation with your own hands will tell the video:
Applying the mixture to the surface
Considering the high rate of solidification of the material, after transferring the bitumen from the container, there is only 1-2 minutes to level its layer. To improve the quality of waterproofing foundations, it is desirable to carry out the initial treatment of concrete with a low-viscosity bitumen primer.
For large areas (roof waterproofing or overall foundation), it is convenient to level the layer with a mop, on the lower part of which a rag is firmly attached. With smaller volumes of work (waterproofing of a small foundation or metal structures), it is convenient to work with a brush or roller for bitumen. With the help of a roller, a primer is applied especially effectively, which hardens longer than a viscous bituminous layer.
Different construction purposes require different consumption of bitumen:
- when applying waterproofing, 1.5-2 kg / m2 of bitumen is necessary. The layer thickness should be about 2 mm. A thin coating will lead to a deterioration in water-repellent properties due to damage, and a thicker one will contribute to accelerated cracking of the hardened layer;
- for impregnation of the road surface or sidewalk - 2-3 kg / m2. A larger flow rate will increase the outflow of the material when heated, and a smaller one will not provide sufficient strength properties;
- for the impregnation and laying of asphalt pavements - the consumption depends on the conditions of construction and the requirements of the designer. Standard costs are 0.8-1 kg/m2.
Applying bitumen to the pavement
Service life of bituminous coatings
The service life of bitumen rarely exceeds 10 years when coating and waterproofing the roof (from 2-3 to 3-5 years for pure bitumen). The use of coating and rubber-bitumen coating for the foundation in the complex will allow the protection to function for several decades. Reduces service life exposure to atmospheric oxygen and fever- it is for this reason that roofs have to be "tarred" every few years.
Since the material does not dissolve in water, sticks to any surface, has a high hardness and the ability to get dirty, you need to work with it with extreme care. It should be remembered that it is not possible to simply remove bitumen from clothes with washing powders.
If you are still unlucky enough to avoid bitumen stains in unwanted places, you can get rid of them as follows:
- treat with white spirit - suitable for removing bitumen from the surface of a machine or tool. The advantage of white spirit is its slow evaporation. Bitumen has time to dissolve, after which it is easily removed with a soft cloth. Before removing, check the action of the solvent on the paint on invisible parts of the body. Tip: do not use solvents containing acetone or ethyl acetate;
- diesel fuel - suitable for cleaning rubber products, such as car wheels. Diesel fractions are not so aggressive to synthetic rubber and do not cause it to swell. In the case of very dirty wheels, it is better not to do anything at all - after 300-400 km, adhering particles will bounce off without outside interference;
- light solvents (petrol-galosh or benzene) - suitable for cleaning bitumen stains from fabrics and clothes. Keep in mind that benzene is quite toxic and while it will help scrub off bitumen, it can also dissolve many paints just as easily.
To remove bitumen from a building surface (concrete, brick), you can use any hydrocarbon solvent - gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene or white spirit. You can wash off the remnants of oily diesel fuel with a rag moistened with a small amount of gasoline.
Bitumen removal with BIO solvent CYTOSOL, which will help to easily clean any surface, including the car body:
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.
