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What is Mastic Asphalt?

B. Turner
B. Turner

Mastic asphalt is a building material that is used for paving, roofing and flooring. It is similar to traditional concrete asphalt in that it forms a very dense solid-surface material under average temperature conditions. When exposed to extremely high temperatures, mastic asphalt forms a thick, liquid substance that can be poured or spread over a surface.

The primary difference between mastic asphalt and asphalt concrete lies in each material's level of permeability. Asphalt concrete is fairly permeable under most conditions, allowing some water to seep through. Mastic versions are virtually waterproof, and can be used in applications where moisture-resistance is a primary concern.

Mastic asphalt can be used to pave parking lots.
Mastic asphalt can be used to pave parking lots.

The impervious quality of mastic asphalt can be attributed to its high concentration of bitumen. Bitumen is a by-product of petroleum refinement, and is used as a binding agent in asphalt-based products. The bitumen content in mastic mixtures is typically double that found in concrete asphalt, which helps to bind the particles more closely together to keep water out.

Bitumen is used as a binding agent in asphalt-based products, which makes mastic asphalt especially durable.
Bitumen is used as a binding agent in asphalt-based products, which makes mastic asphalt especially durable.

In addition to bitumen, mastic asphalt is also made up of aggregate. This aggregate may include sand, gravel, or many other different types of stone products. Polymer compounds and pigments are often added to give the material color or enhance strength and durability. European producers often add a material known as lake asphalt to mastic mixtures. Lake asphalt is a naturally occurring mineral that is similar to bitumen and helps to further bind the aggregate particles together.

Mastic asphalt may be used for paving roadways.
Mastic asphalt may be used for paving roadways.

Mastic asphalt is used for paving roadways, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. It is often applied to residential and commercial roofing structures because of its superior waterproofing capabilities. This material may be used to coat floors in factories and other industrial facilities, particularly those subject to frequent spills or high amounts of chemical use. Mastic asphalt is also used to line holding tanks in order to prevent leaks over time.

Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.
Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.

This material offers many benefits to builders and homeowners. It is impervious to water and most chemicals, and is resistant to damage from pests and insects. It is also very strong and durable, and can be expected to last for decades in many common applications. Like other asphalt products, mastic mixtures are virtually fireproof, and can be easily recycled to avoid negative environmental impacts.

Roof mastic is used to seal a roof so water cannot penetrate.
Roof mastic is used to seal a roof so water cannot penetrate.

One of the primary disadvantages of this material is that is contains petroleum-based products in the form of bitumen. Bitumen not only has a noxious odor in many cases, but may also produce hazardous fumes long after it is installed. Finally, like all asphalt products, mastic can be difficult to work with due to the high temperatures that must be maintained when spreading this material.

Discussion Comments

Certlerant
Asphalt can be recycled. It is believed that less than one percent of asphalt winds up in landfills. Recycled asphalt can last even longer than the new road around it.

Removed asphalt is generally stockpiled. It is sent back to a plant and ground down to a common grain. Later it will be added to other ingredients like house shingles, tires and new asphalt to be used on new roads.

There may be a concern that the newer mixture may be less recyclable. More information is being compiled. This is recycling on a grand scale and if old roads can be used to make new roads that is the essence of recycling.

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    • Mastic asphalt can be used to pave parking lots.
      By: sinuswelle
      Mastic asphalt can be used to pave parking lots.
    • Bitumen is used as a binding agent in asphalt-based products, which makes mastic asphalt especially durable.
      By: Brilt
      Bitumen is used as a binding agent in asphalt-based products, which makes mastic asphalt especially durable.
    • Mastic asphalt may be used for paving roadways.
      By: Ingus Evertovskis
      Mastic asphalt may be used for paving roadways.
    • Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.
      By: Nicola_Del_Mutolo
      Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.
    • Roof mastic is used to seal a roof so water cannot penetrate.
      By: Monkey Business
      Roof mastic is used to seal a roof so water cannot penetrate.