What is a bitumen primer and how to work with it? Types and characteristics of bituminous primers

Anyone working on roofing or waterproofing projects needs to understand bitumen primers. Bitumen primers are essential auxiliary materials that improve roofing applications’ adhesion and durability. These primers act as adhesives between the bitumen membrane or coating layers that come after them and the substrate (such as concrete, metal, or wood).

There are several types of bitumen primers, each designed for particular materials and conditions. Bitumen, solvents, and additives intended to increase adhesion and penetration are typically included in them. Solvent-based primers are widely used because they have good penetration into porous surfaces and quick drying times. However, because they are easier to use and have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), water-based primers are becoming more and more popular.

Applying bitumen primers correctly is essential to getting the desired effects. Making sure the substrate is dry, clean, and debris-free is essential for surface preparation. It is recommended to apply primers uniformly using brushes, rollers, or sprayers, adhering to the coverage rates and drying times specified by the manufacturer. This procedure helps to create a uniform surface for the following roofing or waterproofing layers in addition to improving adhesion.

The kind of substrate, the surrounding circumstances, and the particular needs of the project all play a role in selecting the best bitumen primer. Certain primers are designed to endure elevated temperatures or stick to especially difficult surfaces. Comprehending these attributes can have a noteworthy influence on the efficacy and longevity of the complete roofing or waterproofing system.

What is a bitumen primer?

In order to ensure that you never mistake primer for mastic or sealant, let’s start with an accurate explanation. We are discussing bitumen primer, which is intended for use in the initial processing of reinforced concrete, metal, or both. In addition, bitumen primer works well as an anti-corrosion coating for metal and as an adhesive layer for soft roofs.

The following are this material’s benefits:

• Heat resistance, up to +80 ° C.
• Water -repellent and anti -corrosion properties.
• Quick drying and lack of stickiness.

To put it in precise technical terms, the bitumen primer is made up of an oil bitumen homogeneous black solution in organic solvents.

Bituma is distinct from other materials due to the absence of any extraneous inclusions or heterogeneities. Furthermore, the bitumen primer doesn’t contain any hazardous solvents.

This is a brief synopsis of the typical bitumen primer:

The bitumen primer exhibits superior waterproofing properties, heat resistance, rapid drying, high adhesion, and minimal stickiness when compared to other types. In addition, bitumen primer can be used in the winter and has useful water-spacing qualities.

Regarding the roof, bitumen roller materials or mastic are typically applied after the primer has been applied to enhance the waterproofing qualities of the roof:

Bitumen primer use areas

The following surfaces are primed with bitumen primer: reinforced concrete, wood, metal, and asphalt. They use this material to get ready for the next step of the waterproofing process:

• foundations;
• bridge spans;
• foundations of flat roofs;
• surfaces of pipelines made of metal;
• underground structures and structures.

Using nylon and brush bristles, a primer is applied to an uneven, porous, and dusty surface.

Types of primmers based on bitumen

There are two types of bitumen primer available on the market today: concentrated and ready to use. When handling the first instance, the concentrate needs to be diluted using organic solvents like kerosene, white spirit, or gasoline. Typically, the ratio is 1 to 1.5 or 2. Once the primer is completed, there is nothing more to be done.

Selecting an appropriate primer, you will also come across these species:

• Roofing, which corrects defects of the base and prepares it for the installation of roofing coatings.
• Road, for binding crushed stone during road surface.
• Universal, for the surface of almost all types.

Additionally, primers are now supplied for both hot and cold application, each with its own method.

These days, solvents like toluol, gasoline, solvent, and white spirit are used to make bitumen primer. This explains why he smells so strongly! Furthermore, it’s critical to remember to wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, a special suit, and glasses.

In contrast to primer, bitumen mastic is supplied with good waterproofing qualities and is free of organic solvents. However, going forward, the primer won’t release a disagreeable smell. Its solvent will evaporate.

Because of its pungent and disagreeable odor, certain brands of bitumen primer are often criticized by builders. Additionally, while working, keep in mind that this type of primer is flammable, particularly when liquid, and you should handle it with caution.

Working with a primer should only be done outside or in a well-ventilated space to prevent any negative outcomes. Furthermore, it’s critical to safeguard your hands and exposed body parts. The primer just penetrates the skin and is difficult to remove (a kerasing is required).

Making a tweeter from bitumen with your own hands

When selecting a primer, use caution. Low-quality things exist nowadays. The surface of these just stays wet and does not dry out at all. Rumor has it that this is because these primers lose their properties back in the factory when they dilute diesel fuel.

Therefore, it is impossible to say for sure, but the fact remains that the construction market contains low-quality products.

In addition, a lot of people now make their own bitumen primer, though it won’t be as uniform and superior as what is produced in a factory. This is the directive:

• Step 1. Prepare 1 kg of bitumen and 2.5 kg of non -ethyl gasoline.
• Step 2. Melt bitumen until it becomes liquid, and cool to a temperature of 80 ° C.
• Step 3. Now carefully add a little, in small portions, liquid bitumen to gasoline. It is extremely important to do this gradually so that gasoline does not ignite.
• Step 4. Strain the resulting mixture through a small metal sieve.

And primer will be prepared for use.

How to calculate the required amount?

You can determine the amount of bitumen primer more precisely if you are aware of a few subtleties. As a result, the primer in a hot volume always diverges more than in a cold volume. However, a hot primer is also thought to be more sensible and useful.

It is also important to consider the type of tool you will use—a brush or roller—as well as the surface on which you will apply the composition. The rollers use less material, and the parapet’s vertical walls require two to three layers, each of which needs to dry thoroughly on alternate days.

Additionally, the number of layers on the horizontal surface varies based on the task at hand. For instance, one coat of primer will be sufficient to adhere roofing material, but two or three layers are required to install mastic. Calculating the surface area is simple.

When it comes to properly preparing surfaces for bituminous materials, like coatings and membranes, to adhere to a variety of substrates, bitumen primers are essential. It serves as a bonding agent, strengthening the adhesion of succeeding layers and boosting the overall efficacy of waterproofing.

Bitumen primers come in a variety of forms, each designed to meet the demands of a particular application. Solvent-based primers, for example, have strong adhesion to a variety of substrates, including concrete, metal, and wood, and fast drying times. Conversely, water-based primers are better for indoor applications because they are easier to work with and less harmful to the environment.

To get the best results when using bitumen primers, application technique is crucial. Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and clear of any pollutants or debris before starting. Using a brush, roller, or sprayer, evenly apply the primer, paying attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times and coverage.

It is easier to choose the best product for a given project when one is aware of the features of various bituminous primers. The choice of primer is influenced by various factors, including the type of substrate, the intended lifespan of the waterproofing system, and the environmental conditions. For additional advice on choosing and using the best bitumen primer for your roofing or construction project, speak with an expert.

"In "All about the Roof," we explore the crucial function of bitumen primers, defining them and outlining their proper application. In roofing applications, bitumen primers serve as preparing agents, improving the adherence of waterproofing membranes to surfaces. This article examines several kinds of bituminous primers, emphasizing their special qualities and ideal applications. Knowing these primers can greatly increase the longevity and functionality of your roofing projects, regardless of your level of experience as a roofer or your level of do-it-yourself enthusiasm. Come along as we break down this important roofing technology component."

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