Mastic asphalt screed
Mastic asphalt screed (AS): The dense and resilient screed solution
When it comes to screeds that have to be naturally waterproof, dust-free, sound-insulating and extremely quick to use, there is often no way around mastic asphalt screed (AS). This unique system is not based on mineral or synthetic resin binders, but on bitumen. Its special properties and special hot processing make it the ideal solution for demanding applications such as parking garages, industrial halls or renovation projects. As your experienced specialists for screed systems, active throughout Germany, we also master the demanding technology of laying mastic asphalt and can provide you with comprehensive advice on the possibilities of this material.
What is mastic asphalt screed (AS)? A thermoplastic building material
Mastic asphalt screed is a mixture of the binder bitumen and aggregates (sand, chippings, filler). The decisive factor is
- Hot processing: The mixture is heated to approx. 220-250°C in special "stoves", transported in liquid form to the installation site and poured there. It does not contain any water.
- Cavity-free: On cooling, the mass solidifies into a dense, practically pore-free structure.
- Thermoplastic: Mastic asphalt becomes soft(er) again when heated and solid when cooled - this behavior must be taken into account during planning.
The requirements and properties are regulated in DIN 18560-2 and DIN EN 13813 (marking AS).
The special advantages of mastic asphalt screed
No other screed combines these properties in this form:
- Waterproof: Due to its dense structure, mastic asphalt screed is inherently waterproof and can itself serve as part of the waterproofing of a building (e.g. on parking decks, bridges).
- Dust-free: An absolutely dust-free surface is created immediately after cooling - ideal for warehouses, production areas or sensitive environments.
- Sound-absorbing: The material has good sound-absorbing properties and reduces walking noise.
- Quick to use: As there is no chemical hardening or drying due to water evaporation, the screed can be walked on and fully loaded immediately after cooling (usually a few hours). An enormous advantage for tight schedules or renovations.
- Robust and wear-resistant: Mastic asphalt is resistant to high traffic loads and abrasion (depending on the hardness class).
- Can be laid with few joints: Can be installed in relatively large fields (movement joints are still required).
- Resistance (limited): Good resistance to many salts and alkalis.
Restrictions & planning information for mastic asphalt
These points are important when planning:
- Heat sensitivity: Mastic asphalt can soften and form indentations under high point loads and simultaneous strong heating (e.g. direct sunlight on dark surfaces). Choosing the right hardness class (IC 10 to IC 100) is crucial.
- Sensitivity to solvents/oils: Certain organic solvents or oils can attack the bitumen.
- Specialized processing: Hot processing requires special equipment (mobile stoves, transport containers) and highly experienced personnel as well as special occupational safety measures. Laying mastic asphalt is definitely not a DIY job!
- Odor: A typical bitumen odor develops during hot paving, but dissipates after cooling.
- Substrate: Requires a stable, dry and heat-resistant substrate.
Typical areas of application: Where mastic asphalt convinces
We mainly use mastic asphalt screed here throughout Germany:
- Parking garages, underground garages, parking decks: High traffic load, resistance to de-icing salt, sealing function. Keyword: Mastic asphalt parking garage.
- Warehouses and industrial halls: Robustness, dust-free, fast usability. Keyword: mastic asphalt industry.
- Ramps and bridge decks (as part of the overall structure).
- Refurbishment projects: Fast usability, often possible on old substrates. Keyword: Mastic asphalt renovation.
- As a dense substrate for special floor coverings.
Laying mastic asphalt screed: Hot & precise
Installation is a specialized process:
- Delivery/production: The hot mix (~230°C) is transported to the construction site in the stove.
- Installation: The hot compound is spread ("poured") onto the prepared substrate.
- Spreading & surface treatment: The mastic asphalt is spread evenly and the surface smoothed/rubbed down using special wooden tools (smoothing timber, rubbing board). Compaction is not necessary. The surface is often sprinkled with sand while still hot to improve grip or to serve as an adhesive base for subsequent layers.
- Cooling: The screed becomes solid through cooling and can be used quickly.
Your nationwide partner for mastic asphalt screeds (AS)
Our expertise for your mastic asphalt project:
- Specialized know-how: We know the material properties and the sophisticated hot processing technology.
- Experienced personnel: Our teams are trained in working with mastic asphalt.
- Modern equipment: Necessary stoves and means of transportation.
- Quality orientation: Professional execution according to DIN standards.
- Nationwide operational readiness for your project.
Conclusion: Mastic asphalt screed - the dense solution for special loads
Mastic asphalt screed (AS) is a unique screed with special advantages such as being waterproof, dust-free and quick to use. However, its special hot application requires a high level of expertise. It is the ideal choice for traffic areas, areas with waterproofing requirements or quick renovations.
Your mastic asphalt project: Hot expertise for dense floors!
Do you need a dense, robust screed that can be used quickly? Contact us for advice on mastic asphalt screed and a customized quote - we're here for you nationwide! By phone, e-mail or WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes. Due to its dense, void-free structure created by the hot process, mastic asphalt is inherently watertight and is often used as part of structural waterproofing (e.g. on parking decks under other coverings).
Very quickly. As soon as the screed has cooled down to ambient temperature (usually after a few hours), it is usually fully loadable. There are no long drying times as with cement or calcium sulphate screeds.
No, mastic asphalt is not usually used for screeds over water-bearing plastic underfloor heating pipes due to its very high installation temperatures (approx. 230°C), as the pipes could be damaged. Mineral or synthetic resin screeds are the standard solution here.
The characteristic bitumen odor only occurs during hot processing and the cooling phase. After complete cooling and with normal ventilation, the odor is usually no longer perceptible.
The costs for mastic asphalt screed tend to be higher than for standard cement screed. This is due to the material costs for bitumen and aggregate and, in particular, the energy and labor-intensive, specialized hot processing with special equipment (stoves). A detailed quotation is required.