Liquid rubber is material for waterproofing of various surfaces. Its opportunities are quite wide as material forms qualitative, easy and jointless surfacing. Moreover, liquid rubber is not subject to influence of ultraviolet that considerably prolongs life cycle of the processed surface.
"Table of ranks"
For a start it is necessary to understand some confusion of rather this construction material. The fact is that the name "liquid rubber" - not absolutely true for it. It is connected with convenience to understanding of the consumer and with external similarity of material to rubber more likely. In fact the considered liquid rubber is the two-component mastic which is the checked time material for waterproofing of various surfaces.
Nevertheless, mastic is quite often carried to sealants and other similar materials, persistently calling "liquid rubber". It will be more reasonable to call the term "liquid rubber" not material, but its waterproofing bituminous and polymeric covering. Also the confusion in concepts is connected with the fact that in the market of construction materials there is paintwork material with similar properties. Such paint in the people have nicknamed "liquid rubber", however its correct name too – "rubber paint".
Difference of rubber mastic from rubber paint
Rubber paint is single-component water and dispersive structure which is issued as in the liquid state, and in aerosol (in barrels). Rubber mastic is made on the basis of the bitumen modified by polymers. Sometimes rubber is added to its structure.
Such mastic, unlike rubber paint, has always black color and differs in the increased elasticity. Therefore the term "liquid rubber" in this case is suitable for mastic more, than for paint. That to mislead nobody, further it will be reasonable to call mastic the usual term "liquid rubber".
Pluses and minuses of liquid rubber
Advantages
- Liquid rubber has good adhesion (connection, gluing) to concrete, tree to metal and other surfaces.
- Rubber mastic is durable. It can serve from 20 to 55 years, being operated in the open air as has resistance to influence of direct sunshine.
- Has excellent moisture resistance since after hardening forms elastic film of the increased durability. The covering not only is resistant to moisture influence, but also itself is capable to be under water during all the operational term, without losing waterproofing properties. Therefore rubber mastic is quite often used for pools.
- Material shows the increased resistance to abradability and other influences of mechanical character. This property allows to use liquid rubber as floor covering. After hardening, mastic turns into soft surface.
- The covering executed by liquid rubber is monolithic and uniform. It has no seams, so, in it there are no joints.
- Liquid rubber has elasticity. The waterproofing covering two-component mastic can both increase in sizes, and to return to initial positions. This property is relevant in off-season when air temperature constantly changes. The covering remains elastic at all seasons of the year and does not burst neither in the summer, nor in the winter.
Shortcomings
- The above advantage of mastic to form soft surface sometimes it is possible to carry to its minuses. For example, if to use liquid rubber as floor covering, it will be possible to paint it only with certain types of paint.
- The cost of liquid rubber leaves much to be desired. If to compare it, for example, to normal bituminous mastic, the price of the last will be many times lower.
Use of liquid rubber
The range of application of this material is quite wide. For example, liquid rubber is used as waterproofing material for covering of both flat, and cattle roof. If on roof of cattle type there was leak, liquid rubber is ready solution. Mastic fills all small cracks and slots, inhaling new life in roof.
Liquid rubber is used also at waterproofing of loggias, balconies, terraces. Also two-component mastic as already it has been told above, - great help for sealing of artificial reservoirs and pools. One more useful use of liquid rubber – covering of the concrete playground. It will make it softer, so, it is safer for children.
Besides, liquid rubber is used in the following cases:
- when owing to any given reasons it is impossible to use rolled roofing materials;
- when vibration loads, for example, on roofs with the outputs of ventilation systems are planned;
- when it is necessary to cover overlappings between floors, basements or the base of the building.
Features of covering liquid rubber
Bulk way
Fast and rather easy way of use of two-component mastic. In this case it is just poured out on plain surface then accurately level. The bulk way of covering liquid rubber just allows quickly and to waterproof any given surface. It should be noted that this way of covering is limited only to the horizontal planes.
Sputtering method
Such way allows to receive the maximum results: the covering turns out qualitative and quite strong. This method – the most labor-consuming, but also fast. That is why works on waterproofing of surfaces are commercially performed by means of sputtering of liquid rubber.
The method of sputtering is considered classics of waterproofing and enjoys wide popularity in line of similar products. Lack of such way – the expensive special equipment intended for sputtering. Therefore about independent covering of any surface this way of the speech cannot go.
Coloring
It is the easiest way of covering of surface liquid rubber. Its essence is that mastic is accurately applied on surface with brush, the palette or the roller. Mastic for coloring happens in the form of liquid or paste. It is characterized by film formation. Lack of such method – labor input of working process and low speed of putting material.
Concluding remarks
To be fair it should be noted that "double" of liquid rubber – single-component rubber paint also will be suitable for all above-stated purposes. Nevertheless, its application becomes inexpedient now: it is less durable and reliable covering, than two-component mastic. It is unprofitable to consider such paint as waterproofing material.