What is asphalt?

With the development of the current infrastructure, the road is gradually being covered with asphalt. The application of asphalt has created many developments in everyday life. Here we will find out what bitumen is!

1. What is asphalt?

Bitumen is a semi-solid or liquid black compound with high viscosity. It has a main component of bitumen and often occurs in crude oil, natural sediments.
It can be said that the original bitumen is a product from crude oil production. It also exists in natural form, open-pit mines or lakes, ancient river bottoms. Lake Pitch, in LaBrea, Trinidad and Tobago, for example, is the largest asphalt lake in the world, also a popular tourist destination.

2. Types of asphalt currently available

Solid asphalt
Solid asphalt consists of two types of petroleum-derived bitumen and tar-derived solid asphalt. However, Bitumen solid bitumen is the most popular and used more in construction.
The main applications of solid asphalt are the production of asphalt concrete, liquid asphalt and asphalt emulsion for road construction and traffic works.
Liquid asphalt
Liquid bitumen is a product created by mixing solid asphalt with kerosene in appropriate proportions. In its natural state, liquid asphalt is black in liquid form. The grade of liquid asphalt is defined according to the viscosity grade, including 5 viscosity grades: 10–20; 20–40; 40–80; 80–140; 140–250.

3. Characteristics and properties of asphalt

Good bonding stability: no air leakage between bonds
High durability: can be used for a long time
Flexible, flexible: easy to apply, mix and add additives, aggregates ...
Hydrophobic: used in many waterproofing
High bearing capacity: prevent cracking, fracture
Wear resistance
Anti-slip, high friction

4. Is asphalt toxic?

Asphalt is a complex of many different substances such as benzo (a) pyrene, benzo (a) anthracene, ... These are two strong carcinogens. However, these two compounds in asphalt account for a relatively small proportion, not too great to affect human health, especially when in contact with the skin. But you should also be cautious when exposed to asphalt for a long time.
In addition, asphalt can cause burns to the user. Because asphalt is usually processed at temperatures around 1000 degrees C, can cause burns when in contact with human body.

5. The advantage of asphalt when used for waterproofing

Asphalt used for waterproofing will have the following outstanding advantages:
Firstly, it is the adhesion of asphalt very well. When you use bitumen to waterproof a ceiling or wall surface, you don't have to worry about peeling. Especially with the climate and temperature conditions in our country, this material is very suitable for use.
The second is good elasticity, high toughness. When using asphalt for waterproofing, even the corners of the ceiling can effectively use the asphalt. So cracks or corners of the ceiling will no longer be your concern.
The third bitumen can withstand the pressure of water. Not only is waterproof effectively, but also withstands the pressure of water during use, so don't worry about your work being seeped back.
Fourth, the ability to adhere to the cracks is very good, the openings will be sealed to avoid reverse seepage.
Fifth, the material used to waterproof this is safe, non-toxic during use. So when using waterproofing for houses will be an effective solution.
Sixth, use high-strength asphalt, long service life, so it does not take much time to construct, saving costs for your family.
With these advantages, the use of asphalt for waterproofing is increasingly practical and effective. So what location in your house could use this solution.

6. The location should be asphalt waterproof

Roof waterproofing
The first place you can use asphalt for waterproofing is your roof. Asphalt works to protect the underlying structural layers from the effects of sunlight such as temperature, ultraviolet rays, and wind and rain. So if your roof is having problems, seeping in the rainy season, you should use asphalt to save space instead of a new roof.
Terrace
Your terrace is often stagnant, leading to water seeping downwards, causing walls to become stained and patchy, causing loss of aesthetics. In the long term, the interior space of the house will be moldy, mysterious and uncomfortable.
In this case, you should use asphalt for waterproofing the terrace - that extremely effective solution. If your terrace does not have insulation, you must make a ceiling with insulation immediately.
Wall waterproofing
Absorbent walls can also use asphalt for waterproofing. Asphalt is heated from a semi-solid to a liquid form used to sweep the cement surface. Chemical sweeping with a brush or roller is very easy to miss chemical deficiencies, so it is necessary to follow the instructions for use.
Waterproofing materials need to cover the wall surrounding the floor at least 20cm to avoid storm water