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why is mastic asphalt used on flat roofs

by Kelly Hickle Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Mastics allow the roof surface to expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. Due to their high viscosity (thickness) that acts as a barrier to moisture, mastics are used to seal and waterproof certain roofing components (seams, penetrations, fasteners, drains, etc.) that are more vulnerable to leaks.

Full Answer

What is mastic asphalt roofing?

Mastic asphalt is an effective material because when it dries, it becomes dense. Aside from this, since flat roofs are also famous for being transformed into gardens or green roofs, mastic asphalt roofing systems prevent any damages from having one.

Is asphalt flat roofing waterproof?

Mastic asphalt has a proven track record as a capable waterproofer. This has led to this phenomenal flat roofing material earning the name 'The King of Waterproofing' (this makes it the go to system for many specifiers above newer systems such as EPDM rubber roofing). Below we will look at the stages of installing an asphalt flat roof.

What are the faults with mastic asphalt coverings?

Some of the more common faults with mastic asphalt coverings are summarized in Table 13.2. The asphalt layer rarely leaks in domestic properties, but where such defects occur they are associated with discontinuity in the decking caused by movement, or inadequate attention to changes in the direction of the covering.

What is the best material for a flat roof?

Asphalt is a tough, hardwearing and versatile material, which can be used on top of a variety of surfaces such as concrete, metal and timber - making it a popular choice for flat roofs. Further to this, it has the desirable carbon rating of zero and is one of the strongest waterproof materials around.

Why is analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs a process involving detailed identification?

Can stone chippings reduce solar reflectance?

Does asphalt leak?

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Why is mastic asphalt used?

Mastic asphalt is used for covering terasses, carparks and pavements, urban roads, public facilities, waterproofing engineering structures and sound insulation.

What roofing material is best for a flat roof?

The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof (& How Much They Cost)EPDM membrane roofing. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. ... TPO membrane roofing. ... PVC membrane roofing. ... Standing seam metal roof.

What covering is used on a flat roof?

PVC or Vinyl PVC flat roof coverings are applied in rolls and heat-welded at the seams. These flat roof coverings are very pliable and durable, with excellent heat and puncture resistance.

What is used to waterproof flat roof?

There are three main methods to waterproof your flat roof, namely; liquid waterproofing, single-ply membrane, and using reinforced bitumen membranes.

What is an asphalt flat roof?

What is Asphalt? Asphalt is a tough, hardwearing and versatile material, which can be used on top of a variety of surfaces such as concrete, metal and timber - making it a popular choice for flat roofs. Further to this, it has the desirable carbon rating of zero and is one of the strongest waterproof materials around.

What flat roof lasts the longest?

EPDMIf you are looking for flat roof materials with long lasting ability, EPDM is your answer. EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, to give it its full name, is a flat roofing material designed to be able to stand up to the most extreme conditions that a flat roof will face.

What are three typical top applications on a flat roof?

Here are five flat roofing systems available:Single-ply membrane roofs. ... Bitumen roll roofs. ... Built-up roofs. ... Sprayed polyurethane roofs. ... Self-adhesive roofs.

What is a flat roof membrane?

Membrane Roofing is a roof system that creates a continuous watertight covering to protect the interior of a building. Membrane roofs are predominately used as a flat roofing system since they are watertight, which is critical where water is not shed immediately.

What are the different types of flat roof materials?

Here are the different types of flat roofing materials:Thermoplastic Membrane Flat Roof (PVC or TPO) ... Build Up Roofs (BUR) ... Rubber Membrane Flat Roof (EPDM) ... Modified Bitumen Flat Roof. ... Spray-On Flat Roof. ... Metal Flat Roof. ... Green Flat Roof System. ... Concrete Flat Roof.

What is the best way to protect a flat roof?

Tips for Maintaining and Protecting Your Flat RoofInspect and Clean Your Gutters Regularly. Your flat roof system should have at least one drain. ... Seal Your Roof with a Waterproof Coating. ... Don't Stand on the Roof. ... Schedule Regular Roof Inspections. ... Take Care of Cracks Immediately. ... Prune Surrounding Foliage.

How do you stop a flat roof from leaking?

Install flashing. Adding flashings to your flat roofing system will prevent the most common sources of roof leaks. Flashing seals the seams around chimneys, guttering, vents, and more to prevent water ingress.

What is the best roof waterproofing?

Bitumen is a good waterproofing material due to its nature. It is easy to apply and economical. Bitumen-based liquid membrane and bitumen-based roll membrane materials are the most well-known, most economical, and high-performance materials used for roof insulation.

Why is analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs a process involving detailed identification?

Any analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs becomes a process involving detailed identification, because the faults may interact with each other or mask other faults.

Can stone chippings reduce solar reflectance?

Stone chippings can trap surface water above the covering, but although this should increase the incidence of mould growth, the overall protective effect seems to remain high. This is due to the thermal mass of the chippings and mould growth being concentrated within them.

Does asphalt leak?

The asphalt layer rarely leaks in domestic properties, but where such defects occur they are associated with discontinuity in the decking caused by movement, or inadequate attention to changes in the direction of the covering. Skirtings and upstands are particularly vulnerable. In general, these are critical workmanship areas, and should be subject to thorough supervision and inspection.

What Is Mastic Asphalt?

Mastic asphalt is one of the pioneers in construction materials and waterproofing systems. This is probably why the roof specialists at https://asphaltroofinglondon.co.uk/ recommend asphalt as the best material to waterproof your roof. It is made from limestone aggregates and bitumen or asphaltic cement.

What Makes It A Good Material?

If you are wondering why it is praised so much over the years, it is because of its qualities. There are other reasons why it is a good product besides it being an excellent waterproofing material:

When Is It Used?

Mastic Asphalt is used for flat roofs. The disadvantage of having this kind of roof is that it naturally has weak insulation. Although it might be good during warm climates, it is terrible during the winter season. Thankfully, there are different roofing systems when applying mastic asphalt.

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a tough, hardwearing and versatile material, which can be used on top of a variety of surfaces such as concrete, metal and timber - making it a popular choice for flat roofs. Further to this, it has the desirable carbon rating of zero and is one of the strongest waterproof materials around.

Getting Off To A Good Start

Preparation is a key part of the asphalt roofing installation process. It is vital that you take these steps to ensure the best possible flat roof is achieved:

Preparing The Mastic Asphalt

Asphalt is packaged in blocks and following the delivery of the asphalt, the operatives will unload these blocks and positioning them as close the mixer as they can. Then, they work by hand to break up the mastic asphalt blocks into quarters using their sledgehammers.

What Is A Float?

Roofers will have their own handmade floats that they use to not only spread the mastic asphalt, but also to regulate the consistency and thickness of the asphalt as its laid; they will be aiming for a 10mm height across their roofed area as well as ensuring that there is a smooth, polished look.

Why use UV Solar Protective Paint?

Lots of people choose to complete their asphalt roofs by adding a final layer of UV solar protective paint. This paint reflects the unwanted side effects of the sun’s heat such as the sun’s warmth heating the roof and drawing the bitumen to the surface.

Need Some Help Regarding An Asphalt Flat Roof?

If you would like a quotation or any information regarding the repair, maintenance or installation of an asphalt flat roof please get in touch with us via our contact page or call us now on 0207 781 8150. One of our friendly team will be happy to assist you.

For Listed Buildings

Mastic asphalt roofing has an excellent reputation for reliability and durability compared to other waterproofing products, and this is one reason why it is often used in listed buildings. You will find it on the porches and box gutters of Georgian terraces, and on the roofs of stately homes, churches and cathedrals.

For Council buildings, Access Decks and Bridges

Local authorities have a long-standing relationship with mastic asphalt. You’ll find it on civic centres and guildhalls, but also on the access decks of flats in housing estates. Local Authorities in London use it extensively to waterproof their buildings. You’ll also see mastic asphalt used for car park decks.

Tanking, Lift Pits and Basements

Mastic asphalt is also commonly used for tanking in basements, lift pits and other underground areas. The membrane is resistant to water penetration and will not degrade. For such applications one would use a tanking grade asphalt product.

Warm Roof

A warm roof has the principle thermal insulation placed above the structural deck, but beneath the waterproofing layer. With this configuration:

Inverted Roof in Mastic Asphalt

In the inverted roof configuration the insulation is located above the roofing membrane, acting as a protective layer. With this configuration:

Full Bond Roof System

Permaphalt Fullbond is a fully bonded polymer modified mastic asphalt roof waterproofing system for concrete decks. With this configuration alongside the inverted roof benefits:

Why is analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs a process involving detailed identification?

Any analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs becomes a process involving detailed identification, because the faults may interact with each other or mask other faults.

Can stone chippings reduce solar reflectance?

Stone chippings can trap surface water above the covering, but although this should increase the incidence of mould growth, the overall protective effect seems to remain high. This is due to the thermal mass of the chippings and mould growth being concentrated within them.

Does asphalt leak?

The asphalt layer rarely leaks in domestic properties, but where such defects occur they are associated with discontinuity in the decking caused by movement, or inadequate attention to changes in the direction of the covering. Skirtings and upstands are particularly vulnerable. In general, these are critical workmanship areas, and should be subject to thorough supervision and inspection.

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Mastic Asphalt Failures

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Any analysis of the complex mix of defects associated with flat roofs becomes a process involving detailed identification, because the faults may interact with each other or mask other faults. Some of the more common faults with mastic asphalt coverings are summarized in Table 13.2.
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Waterproof Layer

  • The asphalt layer rarely leaks in domestic properties, but where such defects occur they are associated with discontinuity in the decking caused by movement, or inadequate attention to changes in the direction of the covering. Skirtings and upstands are particularly vulnerable. In general, these are critical workmanship areas, and should be subject to thorough supervision an…
See more on northernarchitecture.us

Surface Defects

  • The moulds and other growths that thrive around the fringes of water ponding areas can drastically reduce the surface reflectance of solar coatings. Stone chippings can trap surface water above the covering, but although this should increase the incidence of mould growth, the overall protective effect seems to remain high. This is due to the thermal mass of the chippings …
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Decking and Structure-Related Defects

  • Any unevenness or movement in the substructure can manifest itself in the covering, as shear stresses build up and cracking results. Although this generally takes longer than for felt finishes, the effects are similar. Ridges in the covering material are rare because of the reliance on solid deckings and a range of dimensionally stable structural forms, but where the asphalt is not allo…
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Surrounding-Structure-Related Defects

  • It is essential to isolate the lightweight decked asphalt roof from a surrounding heavyweight structure if failures at the junctions are to be avoided.
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Edge Treatments

  • The stress-related defects caused by movement at the edges of asphalt roofs stem from the thermal and moisture problems in the main. However, an important area of the roof is where the water is concentrated prior to discharge.
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Revision Notes

  • ■ A number of possible faults originating within the mastic asphalt, the underlying insulation or decking may appear in the covering, for example; - deterioration of the covering due to exposure to temperature extremes, ultraviolet radiation, oxidation of the mastic asphalt, ponding of rainwater and associated growths and differential focused movement stresses (surface defects…
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1.What Is Mastic Asphalt Used For? - RJ Evans Flat Roofing …

Url:https://www.rjevansroofing.com/blog/what-is-mastic-asphalt-used-for/

30 hours ago Mastic asphalt is used on flat roofs because it is a tried and tested waterproofing membrane. It has been successfully used to waterproof flat roofs for more than 100 years. The success of this material as a waterproofing membrane has lead to it often been referred to as 'The King of Waterproofing' in the construction industry.

2.Mastic asphalt flat roofs - Building Research - Northern …

Url:https://www.northernarchitecture.us/building-research/mastic-asphalt-flat-roofs.html

12 hours ago The first coat of the asphalt is laid on to sheathing felt to allow movement between the substrate and the membrane. The final coat of mastic asphalt is normally painted in two coats of solar reflective paint to maximise the longevity of the roof. Mastic asphalt is a great choice for flat roofs as it provides a seamless finish, a long lifespan, a carbon zero rating and the ability to …

3.Roof Repairing Mastic Asphalt: What Is It and When It’s …

Url:https://handymantips.org/roof-repairing-mastic-asphalt/

16 hours ago Why is mastic asphalt used on flat roofs In more recent years, mastic asphalt manufacturers have rejuvenated the material with the incorporation of advanced polymer modified formulations to ensure all the performance characteristics of traditional asphalt systems, with the added benefits of increased flexibility, enhanced handling and sustainability.

4.Mastic Asphalt Flat Roof: How To Install | Heritage Asphalt

Url:https://masticasphaltcontractor.co.uk/blog/asphalt-flat-roof-how-install/

1 hours ago Mastic asphalt comprises specially-graded aggregate and asphaltic cement. It’s a reliable, rapid-apply solution, which can form a continuous waterproofing covering for flat roof applications, as well as sloped or curved roofs. It can be worked around pipes, rooflights and other details to form a seamless finish. Patented in 1837, it is a traditional waterproofing method which ensures …

5.SIG Design & Technology When to use Mastic Asphalt …

Url:https://www.singleply.co.uk/when-to-use-mastic-asphalt-roofing/

3 hours ago Asphalt is a great material to use to waterproof any flat roof. Mastic asphalt has a proven track record as a capable waterproofer. This has led to this phenomenal flat roofing material earning the name 'The King of Waterproofing' (this makes it the go to system for many specifiers above newer systems such as EPDM rubber roofing).

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