Roofing & Waterproofing
Gilsonite for Roofing & Waterproofing
Zagros Gilsonite supplies high-quality Gilsonite for roofing products and waterproofing systems. As a direct mine owner, we deliver consistent, high-performance natural asphaltite that improves water resistance, adhesion, hardness, and durability in asphalt-based roofing and waterproofing formulations.
Whether you manufacture roofing felts, shingles, roofing cements, dampproofing compounds, or below-grade waterproofing membranes, our Gilsonite helps improve product performance and reduce raw material costs.
Why Use Gilsonite in Roofing & Waterproofing?
Gilsonite is a natural, carbonaceous hydrocarbon resin that blends readily with asphalts, fluxes, and solvents. Its low permeability, high softening point, and excellent adhesion make it a valuable modifier in roofing and waterproofing systems, where long-term resistance to water penetration is the primary requirement.
Key benefits:
· Very low permeability to water and moisture vapor
· Excellent adhesion to concrete, metal, wood, and masonry
· Increases hardness and softening point of asphalt blends
· Improves resistance to flow at high roof temperatures
· Good chemical and acid resistance
· Compatible with oxidized and blown asphalts
· Soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents for coatings
· Cost-effective compared to many synthetic modifiers
· Consistent quality from a direct mine source
Key Applications
1. Roofing Felts, Shingles & Membranes
Gilsonite is used as a modifier in asphalt roofing products, including saturated felts, shingles, and roll roofing. It stiffens the asphalt coating, improves resistance to flow at high surface temperatures, and enhances the overall durability of the roofing system.
Best for:
· Asphalt-saturated organic and fiberglass felts
· Asphalt shingles and roll roofing
· Modified bitumen roofing membranes
· Roofing underlayments
· Built-up roofing (BUR) systems
Benefits:
· Improved resistance to flow and sagging at high roof temperatures
· Increased hardness and mechanical strength
· Better water resistance and low permeability
· Improved adhesion between layers
· Extended service life of asphalt roofing products
Typical dosage: 5–15% by weight of the asphalt coating or saturant, depending on the target softening point and performance requirements.
2. Roofing Cements, Coatings & Mastics
Gilsonite is a key component in asphalt-based roofing cements, coatings, and mastics. It improves hardness, adhesion, and resistance to water and weathering, while reducing the tendency of the coating to flow in hot weather.
Best for:
· Roofing cements and flashing cements
· Asphalt roof coatings and sealants
· Roof patch and repair products
· Aluminum and fibrated roof coatings
· Roof mastics and trowel-grade compounds
Benefits:
· Excellent adhesion to roofing substrates
· Reduced flow and sag at high temperatures
· Good water and weather resistance
· Improved hardness and durability
· Better resistance to foot traffic and abrasion
Typical dosage: 10–30% by weight, depending on the product type and consistency required.
3. Waterproofing Membranes & Below-Grade Systems
Gilsonite is used in waterproofing membranes and below-grade systems where long-term resistance to water and moisture vapor is essential. Its low permeability and chemical resistance make it well suited for foundation, basement, and tunnel waterproofing.
Best for:
· Below-grade and foundation waterproofing
· Basement dampproofing
· Tunnel and subway waterproofing
· Bridge deck waterproofing
· Plaza deck and podium waterproofing
· Undersealing and reflective cracking systems
Benefits:
· Very low water and vapor permeability
· Strong adhesion to concrete and masonry
· Excellent resistance to soil chemicals and groundwater
· Durable, long-lasting waterproof barrier
· Compatible with asphalt and polymer-modified systems
4. Pipeline Coatings & Dampproofing Compounds
Gilsonite is used in pipeline coatings and dampproofing compounds where a tough, impermeable, and chemically resistant barrier is required. Its resistance to water, acids, and soil chemicals makes it valuable in buried and submerged applications.
Best for:
· Underground pipeline coatings
· Enamel and mastic pipeline coatings
· Dampproofing compounds for walls and floors
· Waterproofing of concrete structures
· Marine and submerged applications
Benefits:
· Excellent resistance to water, acids, and alkalis
· Strong, permanent bond to metal and concrete
· Tough, abrasion-resistant film
· Long service life in buried conditions
· Cost-effective protective barrier