Waterproofing is one of the most important stages when arranging a foundation; it performs a protective function, preventing the destruction of the foundation under the influence of moisture. For this purpose, specialists use a bitumen primer for the foundation and various water-repellent mastics, solutions and materials.
Bitumen primer is a solution that is used to increase the waterproof and adhesive properties of the base, which contains bitumen and a solvent.
At its core, a primer is a type of primer used to increase the adhesion of the base and the subsequent waterproofing layer. Since the primer is thinner than bitumen mastic, it easily penetrates layers of concrete and forms a protective waterproof film and increased adhesion on the base.
In this article we will explain in detail what a bitumen primer is, what types of foundation primers exist and for what purposes it is used.
Why is it necessary to prime
The strength and durability of any structure directly depends on the foundation, so it is important to take a responsible approach to its preservation from the harmful influence of the external environment.
As a rule, the foundation is built from concrete, which, despite all its advantages, has one important disadvantage - poor resistance to moisture. To increase its water resistance, various waterproofing materials are used - polymer mastics, deep penetration impregnations, bitumen coatings and mastics, roofing felt and other roll insulation.
Most often, builders use bitumen mastics and mortars, since they are quite easy to work with and are available in ready-made form. But then, when the question arises about whether bitumen mastic or a primer is better for waterproofing a foundation, the correct answer is to use these two products together.
The primer acts as a primer to prepare the base before applying waterproofing. Priming is primarily necessary for the following purposes:
- Increasing surface adhesion with subsequent finishing;
- Saving of the main waterproofing material (due to the fact that the base is impregnated with a low-concentrated mastic solution);
- Surface strengthening;
- Reduced time for further processing.
It is necessary to choose a primer taking into account the type of material to which the solution is applied and its waterproofing properties.
Suitable bitumen primer for most surfaces:
- Tree;
- Plaster;
- Concrete;
- Gas and foam ben;
- Drywall;
- Brick;
- Metal.
The main advantages of bitumen primer are as follows:
- Maintaining surface vapor permeability;
- Increased water resistance;
- Increased tenacity followed by finishing.
Bitumen mastic is a common material for protecting any surface from water - from the foundation to the roof of a building; it is also used to seal cracks and gaps that have arisen. Waterproofing mastic for foundations is divided into four types:
- Bitumen - consists of only two ingredients - solvent and pure bitumen;
- Bitumen-rubber – crumbled rubber is added to the original recipe;
- Bitumen-polymer - plasticizers and various artificial substances are mixed in, which improve the properties of the material;
- Polymer - consists entirely of polymers, there is no bitumen.
