Bitumen is a water-impermeable, viscous substance obtained by refining crude oil or processing natural asphalt, which can be in solid, semi-solid or liquid form depending on its temperature. Most of its chemical structure is composed of hydrocarbons. Its color is black or dark brown. It is used in different areas such as road construction, construction industry, paint manufacturing and insulation.
Bitumen has different types within itself and accordingly its usage areas and properties differ. Considering the needs in the area of use, the appropriate ones are preferred. In addition, this substance can be transformed into different products by processing or adding different materials into it. These are called bitumen-based materials.
What is Bitumen?
Bitumen is a hydrocarbon substance obtained by natural precipitation or refinery distillation of crude oil. The color of this substance is mostly black or dark brown. Depending on its temperature, it exists in solid, liquid and semi-solid forms.
This substance, which is a petroleum product, is obtained in different ways. However, regardless of the way it is obtained, it should be known that it is one of the indispensable components of the asphalt plant. It must be separated and processed before use. When processed with an appropriate method, it can be stored for a long time without losing its basic properties. It can be reheated before use to take the desired form. It loses its properties when processed and stored incorrectly. The basic properties of bitumen are as follows:
- Viscosity: Refers to resistance to flow. It can also be defined as fluidity. The viscosity of bitumen is inversely proportional to temperature. In other words, as the temperature increases, viscosity (resistance) decreases and fluidity increases. According to the area of use, this material can be brought to the appropriate viscosity.
- Softening Point: It is the temperature at which it starts to change from solid to liquid form. This substance, which is exposed to high temperatures in summer, does not melt and lose its form thanks to its high softening point.
- Penetration: A concept used to determine hardness and consistency. The level of penetration of a needle into bitumen indicates its penetration. It is a material that can take the appropriate consistency according to the area of use.
- Density: Its density is extremely high. Just one cubic meter can weigh up to one ton.
- Water Resistance: This material, which is highly resistant to water, is waterproof. It is used for purposes such as waterproofing and protection of road surfaces.
- Adhesion Its adhesion ability is extremely high. Thanks to this feature, it ensures that the materials stay together in road pavements. It also easily adheres to surfaces when used for insulation purposes.
- Elasticity It is a highly flexible material. This material does not harden and break in winter cold and does not lose its properties by heating up in summer heat.
Properties of this substance, waterproofing applications and different engineering projects.
Bitumen Usage Areas
Bitumen is widely used in many areas with its durability, flexibility, waterproof structure and adhesion ability. Details on how it is used in these areas are as follows:
1 – Road Construction and Asphalt Coatings
Bitumen is known as a type of pitch and is the main binding agent in asphalt mixtures. It is mixed with gravel and sand to form road surfaces. Hot asphalt mixtures are preferred for high-traffic roads. Bitumen ensures that the mixture is durable, long-lasting and flexible.
2 – Waterproofing
It has a waterproof structure. Thanks to this feature, it is included in many waterproofing products. There are many bitumen-based waterproofing materials. Bitumen-based waterproofing is the most widely used type of these. It is widely used in areas such as balconies, terraces and roofs. Bitumen primer application may be required before use.
Roof coverings are another common waterproofing area. Bituminous membranes are preferred here. It provides absolute protection of roof components from rain and snow water. It produces long-lasting solutions.
They are used in foundations during the construction of buildings. Thus, moisture in the water does not penetrate into the load-bearing components of the structure and cause undesirable consequences such as corrosion. Water tanks, ground floors, basements and subway tunnels are other areas where it is used for waterproofing.
3 – Energy Sector
It is used in the installation of solar energy panels in areas where waterproof surfaces are needed. This application is of critical importance for the protection of panels from environmental impacts and their long life. Increases the efficiency of pipes and infrastructure elements in geothermal energy plants.
4 – Irrigation Systems
It is used to prevent leaks in irrigation channels. For similar purposes, it is preferred for internal and external coatings of water tanks. It contributes to keeping water clean and protected. Again, its insulation feature stands out in its use in irrigation systems and water installations.
Why Bitumen is Preferred for Waterproofing?
The reasons why this product is highly preferred in waterproofing are as follows:
1 – Waterproof
This product provides complete protection against water. Thanks to its unique structure, it precisely prevents water leakage from application points. It prevents damage to structures by cutting their contact with water and ensures their longevity. It is also a product that provides full protection not only against water but also against moisture. It gives effective results in preventing moisture and dampness problems.
2 – Economicity
Bitumen is not only waterproof but also highly economical. After distilling high economic value substances such as gasoline, diesel oil and gas oil from crude oil, the remaining part is bitumen. Therefore, it is an extremely economical material. Being economical causes it to be preferred a lot, but the main factor is its water resistance.
3 – Adaptability
It is an extremely flexible material. It fully adapts to the areas where it is applied. It is resistant to temperature changes. It does not lose its function and structure in very hot and very cold weather. Even when the structures are shaken due to earth tremors, they do not leave the points they stick to.
It is in complete harmony with metal, concrete, wood and different types of surfaces. It gives the same result on different surfaces and meets expectations in waterproofing.
4 – Resilience
Waterproofing is not a frequent procedure. Therefore, durable materials and options are prioritized. Bitumen, which is physically and chemically resistant, does not lose its properties over time. It gives the same result in places that may be cold, such as the foundations of buildings, or at points that are constantly exposed to sunlight, such as terraces.
5 – Application Diversity
This material can be used for insulation in different forms. Those in liquid form can be easily applied by spray, brush or roller even to the narrowest spots. Those in solid form gain fluidity with heat and are then used in the relevant areas. Apart from these, there are also membrane rolls. These are laid and provide insulation in the relevant areas.
There are different application options and the appropriate ones are preferred according to the area of use. Some of them require bitumen primer applications to be made from the front.
Bitumen Based Waterproofing Materials
There are different types of waterproofing materials depending on the area of use. Foundations, curtain walls, retaining walls and wet areas DryFix BITUMER 100 2K (Elastic Bituminous Liquid Membrane) is used. This rubberized product is highly successful in providing waterproofing. Surface before application BITUM PRIMER solvent-free bitumen primer is applied. Two layers of bituminous membrane application gives more effective results.
For roofs, bathrooms and verandas BITUMER 400 1K can be preferred. It attracts attention with its fast curing and preservation of its properties up to -40 °C. For other bitumen based waterproofing materials, you can visit the category of related products on our website.
