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.

Combining its traditional strengths with modern technology. Mastic asphalt is often specified due its durability with a life expectancy of 50 years or more. Its robust nature ensures it can withstand extreme weather conditions and attack from thermal shock which is a frequent source of breakdown in many other types of membrane.

Roofs in the UK are exposed to the elements and temperatures ranging from 38? Roofing materials have to be tough enough to cope with this extreme temperature swing, otherwise they degrade and ultimately fail.

Its durability and seamless application mean that it is one of the few membranes able to handle consistent heavy foot and vehicular traffic, including from Heavy Goods Vehicles, whilst still maintaining its waterproof integrity. Mastic asphalt is also easy to repair should alterations or damage occur.

One 15 tonne hot charge delivery vehicle can supply enough mastic asphalt to lay square metres of material to a depth of 20mm. Its versatility makes it the ideal choice for not only flat roofing but also flooring and paving. Its eco-friendly qualities are appealing to specifiers who are increasingly more environmentally aware, providing a surge in interest for this most traditional of methods. When the mastic asphalt eventually does reach the end of its life, it can be recycled and broken down into hardcore or used in mastic asphalt roof screeds, helping protect the environment as well as the building for years to come.

In , the UK mastic industry became the first in the world to achieve the CarbonZero standard. The permeability of Stone Mastic Asphalt, Dense Asphalt Concrete and Thin Surfacing depends upon the mix design and whether or not it has been fully compacted.

Are asphalt fumes toxic? When hot asphalt is applied in a molten state, it generates toxic fumes. Workers exposed to asphalt fumes are at risk of developing headaches, rashes, cough, and possibly cancer.

There is no OSHA standard for asphalt fumes. What is bitumen felt? Bituminous or Roofing Felt is a glass fibre or polyester fleece impregnated with bituminous material e.

However, many new pitched roofs now use more advanced membranes for increased protection against leaks. What is cold mix asphalt? Cold Mix Asphalt. Cold emulsion mixes are basic aggregate-asphalt emulsion mixes classified by their use, composition and storability. Mix designs are required to determine the grade and percent of emulsion used, as well as the workability, stability, strength and moisture susceptibility.

What is SMA Tarmacadam? From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Stone mastic asphalt SMA , also called stone-matrix asphalt, was developed in Germany in the s with the first SMA pavements being placed in near Kiel. It provides a deformation-resistant, durable surfacing material, suitable for heavily trafficked roads. SMA — a very high stone content, gap-graded mixture with high binder content. HRA — a dense mixture of mineral filler, sand and bitumen into which a coarse aggregate is added.

It is a gap-graded material and the mechanical properties are dominated by the mortar.