How Is Mastic Asphalt Applied?

Mastic asphalt is applied with a wooden float in molten form once it is fully agitated and reached a temperature of 220°. The process of getting the mastic asphalt to a molten state starts when the mastic asphalt is delivered to site in the form of blocks. These blocks are broken into smaller pieces with the use of a sledge hammer or club and placed in to an asphalt mixer.

Getting Mastic Asphalt Ready To Be Applied

The asphalt mixer must be set up as follows:

1) 2 Fire extinguishers near the gas which powers the mixer

2) The gas which powers the mixer must be a minimum of 3 metres away from the burners.

As the broken mastic asphalt blocks being to melt, it forms into a large mass. This large mass of asphalt must be agitated. This is to ensure the asphalt flows and does not burn. It is extremely important to control the temperature inside the mixer to keep the consistency of the asphalt all the same.

Once the molten asphalt has reached 220° it is ready to lay. At this point the asphalt will begin to be transported to the area in which it will be laid. It is important whilst this is happening the asphalt in the mixer has its temperature controlled and continues to be agitated.

Transporting Mastic Asphalt So It Can Be Applied

The mastic asphalt is normally transported in bucket which are dusted with cement. This cement is used to prevent the asphalt sticking to the bucket and to allow a smooth flow of asphalt out on to the area of application.

Once the bucket has reached the location in which the asphalt is to be applied it is poured out for the spreader in a lap which is 2 metres wide.

Applying The Mastic Asphalt

At this point the specialist asphalt spreader will start to apply the mastic asphalt with a wooden float. This will be the first coat of mastic asphalt which is applied across the bay which would have set out in the preparation phase of the spreader’s work. This bay will be marked out with wooden battens. Whilst this application process is on-going asphalt will still be added to the mixer for the other parts of the roof. Once the first coat of asphalt is applied any additional coats will be applied. This process of loading the mixer and melting asphalt will continue until there is enough asphalt for the spreader to finish the area they are waterproofing with mastic asphalt. Areas in which mastic asphalt can be applied include roofing, flooring, steps and basements.

Summary Of Mastic Asphalt Application

In summary, mastic asphalt is applied by melting blocks of asphalt which have been divided into smaller pieces in an asphalt mixer. And then once heated to 220° it is transported to the area it is to be applied, then spread by an asphalt specialist using a wooden float.