Bitumen mastic is one of the most common building compounds that allows for high-quality hydro, heat and vapor insulation of both industrial and domestic facilities, and is also in high demand during various repairs.
The main component of the mastic composition is a bitumen binder, which is enriched with various fillers, additives and diluents.
Types of bitumen mastics
Interstate standard No. 30693-2000 divides the composition of mastic into several classifications:
1. according to the intended composition:
hydro- and vapor barrier, which are designed to create mastic layers of waterproofing and vapor barrier of objects, structures and structures (foundations, basements, piles, surfaces made of various materials.). One of the most popular brands of this type of composition is MBI mastic;
roofing, which defines the main purpose of their operation as work on the construction of mastic roofs and the laying of various types of roofing coverings. Among the compositions for roofing, MBK-G mastic is particularly in demand;
gluing, for example, KN mastic, which is used in the process of gluing rolled roofing and insulation materials, as well as floor coverings.
2. according to the main initial component of the composition:

• bitumen mastics, which are based on a bitumen binder (resin);
• bitumen-polymer, made on the basis of a binder, which is enriched with polymer additives;
• bitumen-rubber, which is a homogeneous composition of bitumen-binder and rubber filler;
• bitumen emulsions, which contain an aqueous emulsion of petroleum bitumen.;
• polymer, produced by adding special polymer fillers to bitumen.
• 3. according to the method of application:
• cold application, i.e. the composition does not require heating and other types of fire work, because there is a solvent in the composition.;
• hot installation, i.e. before starting work with the bitumen mastic composition, it should be heated to operating temperature.
• 4. By type of diluent:
• organic solvent;
• water.
• 5. by the nature of curing:
• curable compounds;
• non-cured formulations.

The necessary modification of bitumen mastic is selected in accordance with the type of work and the operational facility.

What are the operational advantages of bitumen-based mastic?
Earlier, we defined what mastics are and their purpose. However, it should be noted that the bitumen composition of mastic, which is produced in accordance with all the requirements of GOST 30693-2000, is characterized by certain working properties that allow the composition of mastic to be in demand and relevant in the market of waterproofing products. So, bitumen mastics are characterized by:

• high waterproofing properties;
• the ability to provide high-quality bonding of rolled materials for various purposes to work surfaces, as the composition has a high adhesion strength to the substrate;
• resistance to negative external influences, for example, UV radiation, sudden temperature changes and precipitation;
• corrosion and deformation resistance;
• wear resistance and durability of the created coating, which allows to provide heat, hydro, and vapor barrier of the treated areas;
• optimal elasticity of the composition;
• exceptional resistance to vibration;
• mechanical strength;
• easy installation (especially for "cold" application);
• no shrinkage after application (for "hot" formulations).

The technology of working with the composition
The qualitative use of bitumen mastics largely depends on such an indicator as the method of application of the composition. As mentioned earlier, bitumen mastics can be used for "cold" laying, as well as in the form of a "hot" waterproofing compound. In the first case, the composition of bitumen mastic does not need to be heated. Before applying it, you should only clean the work surface and carefully place the substance. Then, using brushes, a roller or a spray gun, lay the mastic on the prepared work area. As for the second modification, for hot styling, in this case, the composition is heated to operating temperature (from +160 ° C to +180 ° C), and then using brushes, fillers or other equipment, the heated mastic is applied to a cleaned and dry surface.
At the same time, regardless of the type of application, the composition of bitumen mastic is applied in layers, the thickness of each layer should be no more than 2 mm. It is recommended to apply mastic from bottom to top on vertical surfaces, and in layers in front of each other on horizontal surfaces, each subsequent layer is laid after the previous one has dried.