One of the latest advancements in moisture insulation is the utilization of bituminous materials. Bituminous waterproofing is a contemporary and highly esteemed approach to insulating various structures, including roof surfaces, due to its exceptional resistance and durability. The primary component utilized in these moisture insulators is bitumen.
Bituminous Waterproofing
Waterproofing materials are referred to as substances that are highly resistant and durable against moisture and are specifically installed in certain areas of structures. The primary function of moisture insulation is to prevent water and moisture from penetrating into the structure. For instance, on residential rooftops, moisture insulators like Waterproofing or bituminous insulators are employed to prevent water penetration from rain and snow, effectively covering the entire roof surface.
Bitumen, a dark substance, is the final product obtained from oil distillation at a temperature of 380 degrees Celsius. It consists of a mixture of complex organic hydrocarbons derived from crude oil. Bituminous waterproofing is categorized into two types based on the ingredients, and we will explore each of these categories and discuss all the relevant aspects of bituminous waterproofing.
What is Bituminous Waterproofing?
Bituminous waterproofing is an advanced method and technology widely utilized in the construction industry. These nano moisture insulators are water-based and highly environmentally compatible. Among their notable characteristics are their lightweight nature, high flexibility, rapid drying time, and ease of application.
Bituminous moisture insulators can be employed to insulate various types of surfaces, including horizontal, vertical, and inclined surfaces, which is why they have garnered significant attention from architects and builders. They are employed for insulating bathrooms, areas surrounding chimneys, roof surfaces, kitchen floors, and more. This technology offers complete waterproofing capabilities, and once it dries on the surface of the structure, it forms a fully watertight polymer.
Bituminous waterproofing is a technique used to provide effective moisture insulation in various construction applications. Two commonly used types of bitumen in this context are bitumen 60/70 and bitumen 80/100.
Bitumen 60 70 refers to a specific grade of bitumen that has been classified based on its penetration value. The numbers 60 and 70 represent the penetration depth in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle would achieve when applied to the bitumen under specific conditions. This grade of bitumen is commonly used in road construction and is known for its medium hardness and durability.
Bitumen 80/100, on the other hand, is another grade of bitumen characterized by a higher penetration value compared to bitumen 60 70. This means that the standard needle would penetrate the bitumen to a greater depth under the same conditions. Bitumen 80/100 is often used in applications that require a softer and more flexible material, such as waterproofing membranes and asphalt mixes for certain construction projects.
Both bitumen 60/70 and bitumen 80 100 offer excellent waterproofing properties, making them suitable for use in bituminous waterproofing systems. These materials form a protective barrier against moisture and prevent water penetration into the underlying structures. They are commonly applied to surfaces such as roofs, foundations, basements, and other areas prone to water exposure.
In summary, bituminous waterproofing involves the use of bitumen, with grades such as bitumen 60/70 and bitumen 80/100 being commonly employed. These materials play a crucial role in providing effective moisture insulation and protecting structures from water damage.
Types of Bituminous Moisture Insulation
Bituminous waterproofing can be categorized into two types: oxidized bituminous waterproofing and polymer waterproofing, based on the ingredients used.
Oxidized Bituminous Waterproofing
This type of moisture insulation is produced from blown bitumen and generally has lower quality compared to polymer moisture insulation. Oxidized moisture insulations also have more limited flow characteristics compared to polymer moisture insulations, which contributes to their lower price.
Polymer-Modified Bituminous Moisture Insulators
Polymer waterproofing, marketed under the brand name Verz Flux, consists of a 4 mm layer of bitumen that is modified with SBS polymer. This type of waterproofing includes a reinforcing layer made of polyester, with its outer surface coated with mineral powders. To prevent the tapes from sticking during storage and handling, the inner surface is covered with polyethylene or polypropylene films. Bituminous polymer moisture insulators are commonly used for insulating retaining walls, toilets, concrete tanks, roofs, and water sources.
Installation Tips for Bituminous Insulation
Prior to applying this type of insulation to surfaces, it is advisable to remove any contamination, dirt, rust, grease, or other impurities from the desired surface. Thoroughly clean the environment and ensure the surface is completely dry.
For metal surfaces, it is recommended to scrub them with wire brushes and coarse sandpaper to achieve a clean and impurity-free surface. After completing these preparation steps, one of the important stages is the application of a primer to the surfaces.
If you are planning to apply bitumen waterproofing in an environment with high humidity, such as marine environments, it is recommended to use paint primers before the application. Once these preparation steps are completed, you can proceed with painting and insulating the entire surface.
Features of Bituminous Moisture Insulation
Bituminous moisture insulators are suitable for insulating surfaces like iron and steel structures, as well as concrete floors.
These waterproofing materials come in pre-made form, eliminating the need for diluents or thinners, which helps maintain the desired concentration.
Bituminous waterproofing exhibits excellent adhesion strength and, once dried, forms a completely waterproof layer with high stability. Additionally, these insulators have a long lifespan and are available at an affordable price point.
Due to their reasonable cost, these products are suitable for insulating large-scale projects. Bituminous waterproofing is a high-quality solution for preventing moisture leakage and the intrusion of vapors into structures.
Bituminous waterproofing materials have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the production process aims to minimize their presence. However, to mitigate the volatile components, a small amount of resinous polymers is used in the materials.
The coverage capacity of bituminous moisture insulation is extensive, allowing for maximum coverage with minimal product usage. For instance, when applied to metal surfaces or flat and smooth concrete surfaces, the consumption rate is approximately 10 square meters per liter of bituminous solution.
Bituminous moisture insulators are manufactured in various volumes in factories to meet the diverse needs of the construction industry. These insulators are available in volumes of 1 liter, 2.5 liters, 5 liters, 10 liters, 15 liters, and 20 liters, and are prepared for sale in the market.
In addition to their water-repellent properties, bituminous waterproofing materials exhibit high chemical resistance to UV rays, ensuring their integrity and preserving their original shape.
When combined with other colored polymers, these insulators become versatile moisture barriers that can be used not only on surfaces but also for insulating underground areas prone to corrosion and erosion caused by moisture.
Advantages of Bituminous Moisture Insulation
Bituminous waterproofing offers several advantages when used as a moisture insulation solution. Some of these advantages include:
- Cold Application: Bituminous waterproofing can be applied without the need for heating or energy consumption. It can be easily painted on various structures, saving time and resources.
- Non-Flammability: Bituminous insulation is non-flammable, providing an added safety benefit in construction applications.
- Protection Against Sulfate: These insulators are effective in protecting concrete against sulfate attack, particularly in salty soil conditions.
- High Adhesion: Bituminous waterproofing exhibits excellent adhesion to different surfaces, ensuring a strong and durable bond.
- Flexibility: Bituminous insulators have high flexibility, allowing them to accommodate structural movements and temperature fluctuations without cracking or compromising their effectiveness.
- Easy Installation: The application of bituminous waterproofing is convenient and straightforward. It can be implemented using tools such as brushes, brooms, or rollers, making it accessible for various installation scenarios.
- Environmentally Friendly: Bituminous waterproofing does not emit strong odors caused by petroleum solvents, and it is not associated with pollution. It is compatible with the environment and can be used in eco-conscious construction projects.
The ideal lifespan of bituminous waterproofing can range from 10 to 15 years, with proper maintenance and correct installation methods. In less favorable conditions, the lifespan may be around 5 to 7 years. It's important to follow recommended maintenance practices to maximize the longevity of the waterproofing system.
The price of bituminous waterproofing insulation varies depending on factors such as insulation quality, manufacturing company, weight, and thickness. It is not possible to provide a specific and accurate cost estimation without considering these variables.
ATDM CO is a manufacturer and exporter of Bitumen 60/70, offering three different quality grades available in drums, bags, and bulk quantities. Our products are classified into premium, second, and third types, each with varying production costs and facilities. We provide a wide range of options to accommodate different customer needs and volume requirements.