Asphaltdecken

Asphaltdecken, also known as asphalt roofs or asphalt flooring, are construction surfaces made primarily from bitumen, aggregates, and optional reinforcing materials. The term is used in civil engineering, architecture, and road construction to describe flat or gently sloping concrete or steel decks that are coated with an asphalt concrete layer to create a waterproof, durable finish. Asphalt roofs are common on industrial buildings, warehouses, parking lots, and in some residential applications such as flat roofs on apartment blocks.

The development of asphaltdecken dates back to the early 20th century, when the first bitumen‑based roofing tiles and coatings were produced in response to the need for inexpensive, time‑saving roofing solutions. Since then, advances in aggregate selection, bitumen modifiers, and additives have increased the durability, temperature resistance, and environmental performance of asphalt coatings. Today, many manufacturers offer open‑graded, warm‑mix, and epoxy‑modified asphalt varieties that can be applied by spraying, trowelling or rolling.

Construction typically involves creating a concrete or steel base, leveling it, installing a reinforcement mat or fabric, and applying several layers of asphalt mix. The final thickness ranges from 30 mm for lightweight decks to 100 mm or more for structural flooring. Asphaltdecken provide excellent resistance to water, chemical spills, and moderate temperatures. They also offer a relatively low‑cost alternative to traditional roofing membranes such as EPDM or PVC.

Drawbacks include a shorter life span than some membrane roofs, higher susceptibility to damage from heavy loads, and the need for periodic inspection and maintenance such as sealant profiling and patching. Environmental considerations involve the use of bitumen, a petroleum‑derived material, and related emissions during production and application. Recyclability of asphalt coating can be achieved by hot recycling processes or by grinding the coating into aggregate for reuse.