What is bitumen?

Bitumen is a substance used very popular in waterproofing technology. It is present in many waterproofing products on the market today. Many people think Bitumen is asphalt, but it is not. Asphalt is only a branch of Bitum.

By British standard: Bitumen is a viscous or solid liquid compound, containing carbon hydrates and their derivatives, can dissolve in tricholene-ethylene, stable, almost non-volatile and softened when heated. Bitumen is brown or black, with adhesive properties and waterproof. Bitumen is obtained from refining and is found in nature as a combination of minerals.

The bituminous classification is very complicated due to many origins. Asphalt and tar are one of Bitum's variants. Asphalt is separated from petroleum by technology without breaking the structure or being changed by heat while tar is a liquid obtained by distillation of hydrolysis or carbonization of natural organic materials such as coal. or wood in rare gas conditions. Due to Bitum's inbuilt waterproofing properties, most waterproofing products use it in their composition. Manufacturers only reinforce layers of fiber, mesh ... to enhance flexibility, toughness, elasticity, mechanical impact resistance for Bitum-based waterproof membranes. Oil paper is the picture
Bitumen membranes have good adhesion, are reinforced with fiber layers and have the shape of sheets, so bitumen membranes are often used to waterproof large areas, withstand high temperatures, friction, abrasion resistance and impact resistance such as waterproofing terrace, flat roofs, basements, foundations ...