1. Unbeatable Durability & Value for Money
Mastic Asphalt is without question the toughest and most durable waterproof membrane available to architects, building owners and other key specifiers. It offers market leading longevity and, according to independent studies (60-year life-cycle costings), mastic asphalt roofing has proven to be the most cost-effective waterproofing material, offering savings of approximately 10-15 per cent compared with alternative systems when typical refurbishment and replacement requirements for each system are taken into consideration.
Because of its inherent strength and durability, it has been used on many high-profile projects throughout the UK particularly in design situations where sustained traffic is likely. The material easily out performs all other types of waterproof membrane which is why it is extensively used on bridges, car parks and other types of structural decks. For many architects it is also the first choice for waterproofing beneath green roof installations. And unlike many other membranes, in the highly unlikely event of damage, mastic asphalt can be easily repaired.
2. Exceptional Green Credentials
Mastic asphalt is well known for being tough, durable and long-lasting, but what is perhaps less well known is that it is one of the most sustainable and greenest building materials currently available. Indeed, its seamless application and anti-root properties mean that mastic asphalt is widely considered to be the most reliable waterproofing system available for green roofing projects. The materials is so durable over long periods that it is considered by construction professionals to have little or minimal impact on the environment. At the end of its useful life, mastic asphalt is 100% recyclable or can be used in mastic asphalt screeds etc., making it the ideal environment friendly option.
Mastic asphalt was the first industry in the world to achieve the Carbon Zero status. MAC’s 100 independent contractors, hauliers, installers and manufacturers have wherever possible reduced their carbon emissions and use of energy. The remainder has been offset with environment friendly energy saving schemes in the third world. It means that any project receiving the waterproofing benefits of an advanced mastic asphalt system will get a 100% CO2 neutral solution.
3. Fire Safety
The high mineral content of mastic asphalt renders it virtually incombustible. Mastic asphalt fulfils all the external fire resistance required for a roof covering and achieves the highest rating (p60) – now (aa) – when tested in accordance with BS.476 part 3:1975. It has also been tested in accordance with draft European standards prEN1187-1 and prEN1187-2. No significant spread of flame was observed and no flame penetration occurred. Mastic asphalt systems also have LPCP accreditation for fire safety.
Because Mastic Asphalt is laid in molten form it is frequently confused with other types of membrane that require naked flame or torch on application. For major projects the material is usually taken to site by hot charge tankers direct from the manufacturer and taken to the point where it is needed for rapid installation – a major advantage for contracts with critical time constraints.
For smaller projects solid blocks are preheated in boilers placed at ground level. At no time is there any type of naked flame at the point of installation and because mastic asphalt is so highly flame resistant, there is little or no potential of fire risk.
4. Versatility & Scope of use
Mastic asphalt is most commonly associated with flat roofing applications but due to its waterproofing properties, durability and versatility, it is being specified for a whole range of construction applications – both new build and refurbishment projects – where a seamless, durable surface is required.
It is highly resistant to all types of weather situation and attacks from thermal shock (rapid temperature changes), which are a frequent source of break down in many other types of membrane. Its durability and seamless application means that it is one of the few membranes able to handle consistent heavy foot and vehicular traffic, including from Heavy Goods Vehicles, and still maintain its waterproof integrity. It is also easy to repair should alterations or damage occur.
5. Installed by trained craftsmen
The mastic asphalt craft is taught by professional tutors and the traditional time-served apprenticeship is now incorporated into national vocational qualifications. The Mastic Asphalt Council ensures that every installer of mastic asphalt has trained and achieved a NVQ level 2 qualification in the mastic asphalt craft. Unlike many other systems, mastic asphalt is only ever installed by reputable and skilled crafts people.
6. Attractive finish
Mastic asphalt roofing provides the base for numerous attractive roof finishes: i.e. roof gardens, inverted roofs with stone, slab or timber decking finishes and, of course, roof tiles and reflective coatings.
The material’s unique flooring qualities lends itself to both domestic and commercial specifications for damproofing and wearing or underlay materials. The option of coloured mastic asphalt flooring and the newly designed polished stone finish (terrazzo) make it the designer’s and architect’s dream – solving two issues in one (damp-proofing and floor finish).
We put these benefits to Local Authority Specifiers and this is what they said:
“I’m really surprised to learn that mastic asphalt is carbon neutral and fully recyclable.”
“Knowing what I know now about mastic asphalt, I will certainly look for more opportunities to specify it.“
“The fact that mastic asphalt is only ever installed by trained craftsmen is certainly appealing. You can have the best designed system in the world, but this counts for nothing if the quality of installation is not up to scratch!”
“I previously had a simplistic view that mastic asphalt was more expensive than other options. So it’s really surprising to learn that it’s life-cycle costs are actually significantly lower.”
“Mastic asphalt seems more relevant for the needs of today’s construction industry than ever before.”
“It’s really interesting to know the variety of applications that mastic asphalt can be used for, far more than I was aware of before. And the fact that you can also achieve decorative finishes on internal flooring is a real bonus!”
“I wasn’t aware that mastic asphalt is independently accredited to last over 60 years. This reliability would certainly help to reduce the cyclical repairs that are needed on buildings, which in turn will help make our budgets go further. Our clients certainly take a lot of notice of this kind of thing.”