Can you repair stone mastic asphalt on a roof? Well let’s start with the facts first shall we, yes - in fact stone mastic asphalt is one of the very few waterproofing materials that can with the right preparation and application can be rectified easily.
Stone mastic asphalt damage can be easily recognised by anyone, yes anyone, once expertly laid by hand crafted tools of an asphalter the final finish of this age-old heritage system leaves a completely seamless waterproofing layer laid to the falls of the roof.
So how do you know if your stone mastic asphalt roof, balcony or steps need repairing? What should you look for? what kinds of damage can be caused to the asphalt? and why does it happen?
Before we start… let’s talk about a common myth banded around regarding stone mastic asphalt problems, beliefs that “new asphalt cannot be made to old” stone mastic asphalt is a complete rubbish. Impact damage and movement cracks are readily seen in this totally seamless waterproofing system, stone Mastic asphalt is in truth one of the ONLY materials that can have problems identified and rectified easily.
• Bumps on the stone mastic asphalt surface that are raised and often rounded in shape. Visually to the eye these will appear to be obvious and unnatural in relation to rest of the flat areas. They are generally caused by trapped moisture beneath the surface of the asphalt and can be singular or multiple in number (also referred to as blows or blisters the latter being in the final stages of the defects penultimate damage).
• Blisters these are often raised from the flat contours of the stone mastic asphalt surface circular in appearance to blows/bumps but with the top split or cracked open. To the eye these will appear to be again obvious and unnatural, not unlike small volcanos on the flat areas. They are generally caused by trapped moisture beneath the surface of the asphalt and can be singular or multiple in number.
• Cracks & Splits can be caused by trapped moisture, water seeping into a crack or split can be very damaging. In winter time rainwater in slits/cracks often turns to ice expanding the water volume and as a result pushes against the asphalt increasing the crack. This pushing can cause then wrinkles/creasing cracks or splits often also due to thermal movement in the substrate or impact damage are very clear to see.
Most products and manufactured construction materials have to be maintained so stands to reason if you want something to last you need to take care of it so use common sense. Water stains to ceiling and damp wall damage below balconies and walkways can often be caused by a defective stone mastic asphalt membrane. Small leaks are potential signs that tell early tales that unhindered can cause long terms problems when it comes to water ingress and it’s of high importance to make certain any asphalt surfaces are taken care of and repaired correctly.
Stone mastic asphalt surfaces coupled with deterioration, asphalt can become damaged, eroded or otherwise defective.
Specialist repairs and maintenance requires assessments of the exterior surface elements swiftly so that small problems do not become very unfortunate ones. This regular attention can aid in eliminating surface ageing and result in substantial rewards ultimately extending the life of the stone mastic asphalt by years.
Mastic Asphalt is a hot poured liquid waterproofing membrane material that is used for flat roofing, balconies, walkways steps, floors, paving and basement tanking. The mastic asphalt coating is applied to the surface substrate to form an extremely strong and watertight bituminous surface black in colour.
The bitumen element of any mastic asphalt coating should be especially noted when applying any form of repair product coating such as sealants from mastic guns. Oil based mastic compounds leach into the mastic asphalt coating and will slowly break down the bituminous content as any oil-based product will attack the chemical properties of mastic asphalt.
Mastic asphalt coatings contain a bituminous compound which is a by-product of the petroleum refinement within this compound are very tightly bound particles. Additional strength can be added for various uses of mastic asphalt coatings known as “grades “these have aggregate blended. Aggregate types can vary dependant on use but often limestone is used for roofing grades and granite is added for paving use. This material is known as mastic Asphalt.
• Bumps on the flat surface of the Stone Asphalt Mastic
• Cracks in the Stone Asphalt Mastic surface
• Stone Asphalt Mastic vertical upstands or flashings damaged
• Blistering of the Stone Mastic Asphalt coating
• Cracks, wrinkles or splits appear in the Stone Asphalt Mastic
• Sagging and pulling Stone Mastic Asphalt surface problems
• Pooled or Standing water
• Rapid Ageing of the Stone Mastic Asphalt
All of these issues can be easily rectified during annual maintenance visits by our specialist team of fully qualified mastic asphalt craftsmen.