Mastic Asphalt Flooring

Mastic asphalt flooring is made by mixing molten mass of specific grade asphalt with clean sharp sand or gravel or grit in a specific ratio poured on the concrete floor in hot form with enough consistency to be dropped freely and then troweled keeping uniform thickness of 13 to 25 mm. It can either be used as a finish floor or alternatively one can use it as an underlay for tiles or carpeting. Synthetic polymers are added in the bitumen to enhance its durability, its temperature susceptibility and its resistance to cracking and striping when used in products. Mastic asphalt is a mixture of asphalt and fine mineral material in proportions so that it may be poured hot in place then compacted by hand troweling to a smooth surface for flooring Mastic asphalt is capable of outperforming and outlasting almost every other type of industrial and domestic flooring material. Its damp-proof properties and wearing qualities make it the obvious choice for many specimens.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

❖ Carbon Zero Rating.

❖ Has proven itself as a flooring material over many years.

❖ Aggregates can be added to mix for both anti-slip and extra hardness.

❖ Attractive Finish.

❖ Extremely durable flooring material.

❖ Excellent Damp Proofing Properties.

❖ Suitable to withstand for heavy foot traffic.

❖ Minimum disruption to the building during the installation process.

❖ Dam proof properties

❖ Wearing qualities

❖ Dustless / dust-free

❖ Acid proof

❖ Attractive in appearance

❖ Mastic asphalt flooring is a quick clean way by which to install a damp proofing membrane to a buildings floor

❖ Enhances outdoor spaces and adds to your home value

❖ Good chemical resistance

❖ Resistance to thermal shocks

INSTALLATION METHOD:

● It is prepared as a dense mass / compost consisting of properly graded mineral gravel and bitumen that can either be obtained as natural or as byproduct during distillation of crude oil. In certain cases different types of mineral matter like sand or fine crushed aggregates of limestone or chippings are used during preparation of mastic asphalt flooring.

1. Batching and Mixing of constituents for mastic asphalt

● The hardened bitumen / asphalt in raw form, usually purchased from the market in drums, are broken into pieces. That is afterwards heated under fire for melting with constant stirring in a way that no pieces are left in hard form. This heating and stirring process is usually carried out in an iron made pot called Cauldron. After complete melting of the asphalt matter, perfectly graded limestone aggregates or any suitable mineral matter is gently added to it in a mix proportion of 2:1 in which two parts are of mineral matter and 1 part is of bitumen. The mixture, while on heat, is constantly stirred till it reaches a stage where the consistency of the mixture is of such a kind that it drops freely from the stirrer when lifted.

● Usually at this stage the mixture emits light brown smoke which can be taken as a sign of perfect mixing. This prepared mixture is used immediately and over-burning is avoided which otherwise would deteriorate the quality.

1. Setting and finishing of the prepared mastic asphalt on the floor

● The mixture prepared as a result of the above step, is a dense, void less material which is different from that of the asphalt that is compacted by rolling in roads and highways. Instead, mastic asphalt is laid with an iron scope or ladle which is afterwards finished with a matt or natural float finish.

● Before placing the asphaltic mass flooring, a concrete bed of suitable thickness is recommended that will enhance the flooring characteristics. The thickness of the asphaltic mastic flooring varies from 13 mm to 25 mm depending on the requirement and load characteristics.

● After pouring and leveling of the asphaltic mass, very fine sand in small proportion is sifted over the surface, before hardening of the mass and then the surface is rubbed with a help of hand trowel. In some cases, it can be laid in two layers but it should be ensured that the second layer must be laid before hardening of the first layer.

● Last clean and finish the surface

INSTALLATION MATERIALS:

❖ Manual cutter

❖ Drill

❖ Mixers

❖ Rubber boots

❖ Gloves

❖ Compactors

❖ Levels

❖ Tape measure

❖ Vibrators

❖ Trowels

❖ Brooms

❖ Polishers

❖ Lightning Conductor clips

❖ Outlets

❖ Easy melt bitumen

❖ PU adhesives

❖ Support pads

❖ Protect boards