Membrane roofing technology. Membrane roof installation technology. Types of membrane coatings

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In construction, new methods are increasingly appearing that simplify the installation of roof structures. Thus, the installation of a membrane roof is a technology that has a number of advantages over traditional methods, mainly due to the production of a monolithic roofing covering with impeccable waterproofing qualities.

The installation of such a roof is carried out from special membrane materials, the range of which is constantly expanding on the market, so finding them is quite easy.

Characteristics of materials for laying membrane roofs

Roofing membranes are conventionally divided into several groups, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Let's highlight the most common of them:

Experienced developers install membrane roofing using any materials, choosing for each of them suitable technology. Below is suggested detailed description some of them.

Efficiency of ballast fastening of membrane roofs

The simplest fastening of membranes is considered to be ballast, which is suitable for roofs with a slope of up to 15 degrees.

The work is carried out as follows:

Features of mechanical fastening of membranes

In case of insufficient fastening load-bearing structure roofs for laying membranes using the ballast method; PVC membrane roofing can be equipped using mechanical means. Also, such fastening is important when gluing membrane waterproofing material to the roof structure is difficult.

In the case of mechanical fastening, the basis is a reinforced concrete, wooden surface, or corrugated sheet. To lay the membrane, additional slats are mounted on each edge of the protruding elements, as well as along their entire perimeter, onto which a sealing layer is applied from below (in more detail: " ").

The membrane-type roof is secured with telescopic fasteners, presented in the form of a plastic umbrella with a cap and a metal anchor. If the roof slope exceeds 10 degrees, you will need optional equipment for membrane roofing, in particular, disk holders.

The use of mechanical fasteners is necessary where they overlap each other (in areas of overlap). Fastening elements are located at intervals of no more than 200 mm. When the roof slope is more than 2-4 degrees, additional material is fastened next to the valleys.

Description of the technology for gluing roofing membranes

It should be noted that it does not matter what material will be used in the work, the main thing is that a durable roof is obtained - the PVC membrane is glued to the base quite rarely, since this method is relatively uneconomical and does not provide strong fastening of the material to the base. However, there is still a demand for adhesive joints, especially if none of the previously listed methods are suitable. It is performed using special adhesive mixtures.

Also, the waterproofing membrane for the roof can be glued not over the entire surface, but in places where the material is pressed against the base, as well as at the connections of the sheets to each other and to other problem areas, which are considered to be ribs, valleys, adjoining buildings, chimneys, ventilation ducts.

Use of heat-welded roofing systems

The soft roofing membrane is connected, like most others roofing structures, heat-welded using a special welding machine, directing an air stream of about 400-600 degrees. The weld seam can be from 20 to 100 mm wide - no more.

Membrane roofing represents the most modern type of roofing. Its popularity is due to its excellent technological properties and long service life of the finishing coating. Due to its increased strength, resistance to moisture and excellent adhesion to all bitumen-based materials, this roofing is widely used in.

individual construction The use of polymer materials and artificial rubber, which are flexible and elastic, allows you to create roofing on roofs of any plane and various slopes. Membrane roofing technology most often allows the use of the remarkable qualities of these materials on slightly sloping and flat roofs

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Today, different types of roofing membranes are produced. Let's focus on the three main ones. PVC membrane. This coating has an excellent structure. It is based on artificial material

polyvinyl chloride, which has long been used in the production of insulating, finishing and other building materials.

To increase the elasticity of the fabrics, volatile plasticizers are added to the material composition. Thanks to the polyester reinforcing mesh, it gains additional flexibility and elasticity. These properties remain indispensable when laying membranes on roofs with complex configurations.

If we make a comparison, the PVC roofing membrane is the most practical and cheapest in relation to other types of rolled polymer roofing coverings. Therefore, at the moment they are the most popular and in demand.

The advantages that distinguish this material from conventional roofing coverings include the absence of unwanted leaks that arise due to the characteristics of the various materials used for roofing.

As a rule, the joints of the canvases do not fit tightly enough to each other, which is why moisture from the atmosphere gradually penetrates into the interior of the buildings. Unlike other coverings, PVC membrane roofing has virtually no seams. As a result, leaks on such a roof are minimized.

Among the advantages of installing this type of roof is the saving of labor and material resources. It does not require creating a technological layer of gravel, which is usually done when installing a roof from traditional roll materials.

Another advantage that PVC membrane roofing has is its color. It is light, and therefore the roof reflects most sunlight falling on it. In the current heat this is a tangible advantage.

EPDM membrane. This material is based on artificial rubber - ethylene propylene dienomonomer. The polymer mesh used to reinforce the material gives it increased strength properties. This construction material has a very long service life.

To increase the strength of the roof covering, EPDM membranes include additives - polyester and modifying ones. The membranes have excellent adhesive properties (adhesion) in relation to materials based on bitumen. All this speaks of the remarkable waterproofing properties that membrane roofing has.

The cost of EPDM membranes for roofing is not cheap. But if you break down the price by the service life of the roofing (more than 50 years), then it is unlikely to seem so high and unjustified.

TPO membrane. On Russian market These membranes came into use relatively recently for waterproofing roofing coverings. This roll coating includes several types of thermoplastic olefins.

Various manufacturers They form the composition of the products they produce according to the individual membrane formula and the ratio of polypropylene to ethylene-propylene rubbers. More common is membrane roofing, the technology of which provides for a ratio of 30% to 70%.

To increase strength and fire resistance during the production of this modern material, antioxidants and various stabilizing substances are added to its composition.

If we talk about the similarity of thermoplastic membrane roofs with their thermosetting analogues, then they are based on a completely different material - not rubber, but polyvinyl chloride or similar polymers.

Although PVC sheets are not joined by heating, their seal is so tight that they do not allow water to easily pass through the seams. Moreover, such materials for finishing the roof are more affordable (when compared with thermosetting analogues). The only downside is that they require constant Maintenance and more frequent membrane roof repairs.

There are two types of TPO membranes on the market today. One is reinforced with polyester, and the second is unreinforced, consisting of fiberglass.

Especially high quality TechnoNikol superdiffusion membranes have. These three-layer microporous membranes have a top and bottom layer made of non-woven polypropylene. In the middle of such a durable frame is the so-called “working layer”. It consists of a polypropylene film that has unique properties due to which steam diffusion occurs and, at the same time, creates a barrier to the passage of water.

The middle layer, which contains the TechnoNikol membrane roofing, has excellent relative tensile properties. A frame made of non-woven propylene, which has high strength values, together with the middle layer ensures a balanced material in terms of such indicators as resistance to mechanical loads and damage, excellent vapor permeability and water resistance. The layers in a superdiffuse membrane are connected using ultrasound, which guarantees high stability of the material characteristics and eliminates the possibility of damage to the “working” middle layer. This type of membrane roofing is safe and is not affected by bacteria. The film is formed into rolls measuring 1.5 m by 0.5 m.

Advantages of roofing membranes

The use of roofing membranes helps to achieve excellent waterproofing and heat-insulating properties of the finishing coating. Conveniently, membranes can be laid on any type of base. The obvious and indisputable advantages of the material laying process is the rapid implementation of installation work.

Membrane roofing is an ideal covering for low-slope and flat roofs. This does not mean that it cannot be installed on roofs with complex geometry.

By repairing the roof using membrane materials, there is no need to dismantle the old damaged roofing covering. It’s hard to disagree that this situation will significantly reduce labor costs and reduce the cost construction work.

The main thing that includes repairing a membrane roof is cleaning the base of the roof from debris. After this, geotextile fabric is spread in two layers. It is designed to protect the coating from damage. Then the roof is sealed in strict accordance with production technology roofing works.

Polymer membrane materials have undeniable advantages, for example, they

• exhibit thermal stability in relation to daily and seasonal temperature changes;
• have high elasticity, ductility and tensile strength;
• provide a minimum number of joints;
• can be used on roofs with complex and non-standard configurations;
• The installation of a membrane roof can be carried out in the shortest possible time.

Since the roofing membrane has high quality indicators, modern construction successfully uses this popular material.

Installation of roofing membranes

The thermosetting type of fabric is attached to the base of the roof mechanically, after which, using special equipment, the joints are heated with hot air. Then the canvases are welded to each other in an overlapping manner.

Membrane roof repair reliably fixes the membrane sheet to the roof, while ensuring the highest level of waterproofing of the entire finishing coating.

Due to the fact that the membrane panels do not fit very tightly to the base, excellent ventilation is ensured between the two layers of the roof. Since the resulting condensate does not settle, there is no need for a waterproofing under-roof membrane.

In places where the finishing coating adjoins other roof elements (podiums, corner seams, parapets), a heat gun is used for its installation. Such simple equipment for membrane roofing is also used in hard to reach places for processing joints.

It is necessary to be careful and correctly carry out all technological operations for installing membranes. If work is carried out with violations, the consequences can be very bad, for example, depressurization of joints may occur.

If work is carried out on industrial, warehouse buildings and structures made of metal structures, when corrugated sheets serve as the base for the coating, before covering the roof with membranes, a rubber-bitumen emulsion or rubber-based mastic is applied to them. With this approach, the membrane roof receives additional waterproofing.

Membrane mounting and mounting options can be as follows:

• The roof area is filled with a ballast layer of crushed stone, gravel and other materials.
• The covering is mechanically fixed to the base of the roof using “racks”.
• The roofing membrane is attached using adhesives.

Thermoplastic membrane roofing is installed differently than its thermoset counterpart.

Sequence of installation work

A membrane roof that you make yourself will reliably protect your roof and will last for 20-30 years. This type of coating does not require additional waterproofing, since it itself perfectly resists moisture.

Compared to conventional roll materials, membrane roofing can be installed in the shortest possible time.

Repairing a roof using this type of coating requires certain knowledge and ability to operate welding equipment. If you are not confident in your own skills, it is better to entrust the work to professional craftsmen.

Polymer membranes occupy a prominent place in the list of materials for soft roofing. Most often they are used for arranging large-scale flat roofs over industrial, shopping and sports centers. However, even in the private sector, a niche has been conquered, albeit small, but steadily expanding. PVC coatings are in high demand, attracting with impeccable insulation, ease of installation and an abundance of colorful options.

Knowledge of the rules according to which the installation of a soft roof made of PVC membrane is carried out will provide an ideal result in independent work or will help control the actions of hired roofers.

Roll roofing, made from plasticized polyvinyl chloride, allows you to install large-sized flat and low-pitched roofs in a short time. Thanks to this, he has practically no rivals in the field of industrial construction.

Owners of private buildings are impressed not so much by the pace of work, but by the excellent waterproofing and relentless repelling of the attacks of atmospheric negativity. The “indifference” to ultraviolet radiation, ensured by the introduction of modifying additives into the formula of the material, is convincing. He argues for wear resistance, because polymer roofs last many times longer than their obsolete predecessor - roofing felt.

PVC coating is practically immune to harmful climatic factors, but is extremely sensitive to non-compliance with installation standards. Violations of technological rules that take into account the specifics of the material significantly reduce “ life cycle» coverings. As a result, it is often necessary to restore not only the roof, but also the building as a whole.

Structural features of the polymer coating

The new generation of roofing material still structurally resembles its roofing felt ancestor. By analogy, it has a base, but the place of unreliable roofing cardboard has been taken by non-rotting fiberglass mesh or polyester fabric. The base ensures dimensional stability and prevents stretching, folds and sagging.

In order to use the inherent elasticity of polymers, baseless polymer membranes are produced. They are required for covering super-complex roofs and for manufacturing parts by deformation directly on site: concave and convex overlays for corners, cuffs and bells on waterproofing elements of roof penetrations, patches.

For the same reasons, factory-made shaped elements used to seal the functional components of the roof structure initially do not have a stabilizing base.

The double-sided bitumen shell was replaced by layers of plasticized polymer that cannot withstand the melting temperature standard for roofing material. We had to forget about the previous methods of laying rolls using a torch and develop new methods of fastening the material, according to which the following are constructed:

• mechanically fixed membrane systems;
• ballast roofs of conventional and inversion type;
• adhesive roofing systems, in the construction of which the adhesive method is often combined with mechanical fixation of elements.

The listed systems indicate the method of attaching the membrane to the base. Strips of rolled material are welded together into a single web using a manual device, automatic or semi-automatic equipment that softens the back side of the membrane with hot air.

Welding performed according to the rules turns the membrane roof into a monolithic waterproofing carpet, eliminating the penetration of atmospheric moisture into the roofing cake.

From fumes attacking the roof from the side interior spaces buildings and soft roofs must be protected by a vapor barrier.

True, if the moisture pressure inside the roofing pie is too much, the PVC membrane can independently get rid of the destructive negative. The ability to let steam out, becoming an insurmountable barrier on its way back, is recognized as a significant advantage of polyvinyl chloride coatings.

Chemical “whims” of PVC membranes

In order to competently implement the installation of a soft roof with your own hands or through the efforts of a team of workers, you should find out on what surface the polymer membrane can be laid.

The fact is that PVC membranes are prohibited from direct contact:

• with insulation boards made of foamed polyurethane and polystyrene, because material-modifying plasticizers can freely migrate into the porous thermal insulation, causing damage to performance;
• with bitumen vapor barrier, mastics, waterproofing materials containing petroleum products and oils, because they gradually wash away the strengthening additives;
• with treated impregnations wooden flooring, slowly but surely destroying the coating.

All of these situations have common consequences. Polyvinyl chloride that has lost its plasticizers cracks, then crumbles, and as a result, the coating loses its tightness.

In the name of long-term durability, separating layers are placed between the membrane and these materials, eliminating direct contact, but not affecting the technical characteristics of the roofing cake.

The following are used as separators:

• geotextiles with a density of 140 g/m² and more;
• fiberglass with a density of 120 g/m² and more.

The separating material is laid in strips with overlaps of about 5 cm. The formed overlaps are welded with hot air in one step. Please note that geotextiles that have not undergone heat treatment, will wrap around the screws during the screwing process.

Cement laitance has a destructive effect on fiberglass, which means they should not be laid next to each other. We must not forget about chemical compatibility when selecting material for the planned arrangement of the roof.

PVC membranes are often used in the repair industry to restore old bitumen roofing. It is clear that a separating layer is also required between it and the new coating.

In such cases, heat-treated geotextiles are laid because they are not screwed onto the screws holding the cake together. The density of the separating material is 300 g/m². Second important condition bitumen roof repair: the coating to be restored must be more than a year old.

Suitable bases for laying

The list of bases suitable for laying PVC membranes is quite extensive. Among them:

• cement-sand screeds, 50 mm thick and more, poured over insulation and structural slopes;
• prefabricated screeds made of asbestos-cement or cement-bonded sheet material with a thickness of at least 10 mm. They lay it in two layers with the seams staggered;
• monolithic reinforced concrete floor;
• reinforced concrete slabs, the butt joints between which are filled with cement-sand mortar;
• solid sheathing, assembled from sheets of moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 18 mm or more, or antiseptic-treated boards with a thickness of 25 mm or more;
• insulating screeds made of lightweight concrete poured over the floors;
• cement-sand thermal insulating screeds with expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite filler;
• rigid insulation boards, in technical specifications which indicate a tensile strength of 60 kPa with a maximum deformation of only 10%.

Minimum marking of concrete and cement-sand mortars, used in forming the base for laying PVC membrane, M150. More is possible, but without fanaticism that does not justify unnecessary expenses.

According to the rules outlined in the installation instructions for soft polymer roofing, the surface intended for installation should not have sharp-angled protrusions or noticeable depressions. Smooth deviations from smooth and even ideals are acceptable.

Under a two-meter strip attached to the base along the slopes, a gap of 5 mm may well be found, which does not have a clearly defined relief. An uneven height/depth of 10 mm, determined by the same strip applied across the slopes, should also not cause additional leveling.

PVC coverings are laid exclusively in one layer. It is not desirable for a lumpy, rough surface to appear under thin roofing materials. If the roughness cannot be eliminated, before laying concrete screeds with unacceptable relief, a separating layer of geotextile with a density of 300 g/m² is laid.

Rules for vapor barrier installation

The roofing pie is a multi-layer structure, the internal components of which cannot be saturated with water. Moistening is a sure way to a destructive outcome, passing through the rotting of the insulation and adjacent layers. Despite the ability of PVC membranes to pass excess steam, it is undesirable for its flows to easily flow through the cake.

It is better to put protection on both sides. The outer front is protected by the membrane itself, which successfully combines the functions of waterproofing and finishing coating. The defense on the internal front is carried out by a vapor barrier.

You can trust the protection of the roofing pie from steam when installing a membrane roof:

• Polymer vapor barrier. Polyethylene-based materials are considered the most suitable for arranging a base made of corrugated sheets due to their low cost and ease of installation. They are laid in strips with overlap along the profile waves. They are simply secured with butyl rubber tape;
• Bitumen vapor barrier. The preferred option for laying on cement-sand and concrete bases, because Between them and polyethylene an additional separating layer of geotectile would be required. It is laid with end and side overlaps, along which it is welded using a gas torch.

At angles of inclination of slopes up to 5º, the vapor barrier carpet does not require fastening. The weight of the thermal insulation laid on top is enough. On roofs with a steepness greater than the specified limit, the vapor barrier is attached to the base. Lay the material over vertical surfaces so that the insulation placed on top ends up in a tray with sides 5 cm higher than its thickness.

The principle of thermal insulation construction

Thin PVC coating will not be able to retain heat in the building on its own. Therefore, the installation of a roof made of soft polymer roofing is not complete without the use of thermal insulation.

All apply existing species thermal insulation materials, but their list includes the most preferred ones:

• Mineral wool slabs. They are laid on prefabricated and monolithic screeds, on a metal profile located with a wide shelf upwards, on reinforced concrete monolithic and prefabricated floors. A material with a compressive strength of at least 40 kPa with a deformation characteristic of 10% is recommended;
• Expanded polystyrene. It is laid with a mandatory layer of geotextile or fiberglass if a membrane will be attached on top. However, most often it serves as the bottom layer of a two-level insulation system or is filled with a cement-sand screed.

Roofs with mechanical type It is more rational to construct fastenings by laying the membrane directly on the insulation. Naturally, mineral wool thermal insulation is a priority. It is recommended to lay insulation boards in two tiers with offset seams, both in rows and in layers.

The bottom layer can be constructed from insulation with a strength of 35 kPa, and slabs with a strength of 60 kPa can be laid on top. If the thermal insulation layer does not exceed 8 cm, a single layer device is acceptable.

To fix each insulation board, at least two telescopic fasteners are required. Thermal insulation slabs are mounted closely to the vertical surfaces of parapets and walls, unless they are intended to be installed separately. If it is planned, from vertical surfaces should be retreated by the width of one thermal insulation slab.

Roof penetrations and junctions

Direct contact of a polymer roof with heat sources generating temperatures above 80º C is unacceptable. Aprons and flanges made of laminated PVC sheet must be installed around them. Connections to communication pipes are made using factory-made shaped parts or made independently from non-reinforced material.

Connections to the parapet and walls are made with a “pocket” device using a special metal rail.

Methods for laying a polymer membrane

Before laying the polymer membrane, the base should be thoroughly prepared. The seams must be sealed, the overhangs must be equipped with tin drips, and the valleys must be equipped with additional insulating carpets.

You need to install sleeves in the holes of the roof penetrations and secure anchors to the roof, if necessary. Installation polymer coating You can start from any point, but it is recommended from the lowest areas of the roof.

Polymer membranes are attached to the base using mechanical, ballast and adhesive methods. The strips are welded together, regardless of the type of attachment to the base. The recommended seam width is 3cm, acceptable 2cm.

Option #1 - mechanical fastening method

Mechanical fastening is the most common option, most often used for laying the membrane on a base made of corrugated sheets or concrete, on which thermal insulation has been previously laid.

Fixed pointwise with telescopic fasteners or linear fastening slats. Cover the points of point fastenings with an overlap of the next strip or oval patches, the diameter of which is 10 cm larger than the plastic cap. Linear fixation is covered with overlaps or strips of a polymer membrane welded to the coating.

Mechanical fastening technology step by step:

• We fix the first strip of material rolled out over the surface with three self-tapping screws with a telescopic fungus, first from one end, then, stretching the fabric well from the second;
• shuffling along the surface with the soles, we stretch the material in the transverse direction and fasten it with telescopic fasteners every 20 cm. First of all, we fix one long side, then the second. We install the fasteners clearly along one line;
• roll out the second strip so that its long edge overlaps 10-12cm and completely covers the row installed fasteners. It must be taken into account that the welding seam should not touch the plastic telescopic caps. Otherwise, you will have to increase the overlap. If all is well, install the telescopic mounts in the same order;
• We weld seams using a manual or semi-automatic machine. In production hand-held device work only on parapets and in hard-to-reach places. If the amount of work is small, then automatic equipment there is no urgent need, manual is enough;
• We check the reliability of the seam with a slotted screwdriver. Visually, welding flaws can be identified by the absence of a dark glossy strip along the connection line. We correct the defect by secondary welding;
• continue in the same order until the work is completed.

The membrane strips must be laid staggered so that the end seams are not located side by side. The pipes are fastened at a minimum of 4 points.

The method is applicable mainly for low-pitched roofs with a slope of up to 3-4º. All responsibility for keeping the material on the roof is entrusted to the ballast, which can be a backfill of gravel/pebbles/crushed stone, paving slabs, concrete screed or soil-vegetative layer.

According to the membrane arrangement, ballast roofs are divided into:

• traditional ones, in which the insulation layer is covered by a membrane;
• inversion, in which thermal insulation is laid above the membrane.

The second representative is characterized by a longer service life, but forces you to work hard in the process of finding and eliminating leaks.

Ballast roofs are divided into exploitable and non-exploitable varieties. The first ones are equipped paving slabs or concrete covering, the second - pedestrian paths for roof maintenance. Ballast systems include roofs with landscaping.

Inversion type device process:

• We lay a layer of geotextile first if the base is bitumen or wood impregnated with oil;
• We spread the polymer membrane with an overlap of 80 mm. We place the strips with seams staggered. We weld in the usual way, weld thickness 3cm;
• Along the parapet, around pipes, drainage funnels, lanterns, we install mechanical fastening points;
• We spread geotextiles and load them with the selected type of ballast.

The smallest weight of ballast per 1 m² is 50 kg or more. Before planning the installation of a ballasted roof, you need to consider whether the structure being installed can withstand this mass.

Option #3 – adhesive fastening technology

The adhesive method is used if the slope of the slopes is more than 25º or the unreliable old base will not withstand mechanical methods. IN adhesive systems a membrane equipped with a fleece backing is used. There is no fleece only along the long edge on the back side, intended for welding.

Glue on bitumen mastic or assembly adhesive in the following way:

• the strip is rolled up towards the middle;
• hot bitumen is applied to the base or adhesive composition and quickly roll out the roll from the middle to the edges;
• The next strip is laid with an overlap of 8 cm and proceeds in the same way.

Only hot bitumen is applied to an old bitumen roof; the concrete and cement-sand base is pre-treated with a primer. The panels of the glued membrane are welded together in a standard way.

A video instruction with a visual demonstration of the soft roof installation technology will help you consolidate the information received:

The process of constructing a soft roof is not too simple, but also not as complicated as it may initially seem. After all, one of the goals of the developers of the material was to facilitate the work of constructing the roof. Thanks to their diligent efforts, installation of the membrane can be successfully done independently.

PVC membrane roofing

Many people have heard about the new modern material for waterproofing, but few people know how membrane roofing works, what it is, and why it is effective? PVC membrane is an elastic but durable film complex structure. Despite its elasticity and apparent fragility, the roofing membrane has a high mechanical strength and a solid service life in fairly harsh operating conditions.

Structure of the roofing membrane

But not only does membrane roofing differ from conventional waterproofing in its physical characteristics - the installation technology of this material is very simple and affordable. And its composition also attracts others important features:

• fire resistance corresponding to class G1/G2;
• resistance to solar radiation;
• complete impermeability to all types of precipitation;
• frost resistance;
• wonderful appearance.

Unlike films, PVC roofing membranes allow steam to pass through, which helps remove evaporated condensate from the layer roofing insulation. All this provides reliable protection roofs and sub-roof structures.

Moreover, PVC membranes successfully resist the germination of moss, lichens and mold - eternal problems traditional waterproofing materials, including bitumen, resin, roofing felt and others. It is clear that such an impressive set of advantages could not but affect the price.

For example, TechnoNIKOL PVC membrane is more expensive than others. But guaranteed protection and, thanks to this, a very serious increase in the service life of the roof between repairs leads to fairly high savings in the operating costs of the building.

Scope and advantages of PVC membranes

Roofing membranes are predominantly installed on flat or slightly sloping roofs with extensive flat areas. These include mainly industrial and residential buildings, where the roof is made in the form of a flat concrete floor.

It is also possible to lay the membrane on sloping roofs made of wood. rafter system. But in this case, you will need a continuous sheathing or the creation of a continuous surface by laying suitable wood (chipboard, fiberboard, MDF), metal (roofing iron, plaque) or plastic (polymer seamless lining, plastic sheets) sheet materials on the old sheathing.

The convenience of using membranes of this type lies in the absence of the need to prepare a base for it. PVC roofing is laid and fixed directly on top of old roofing felt, resin fill or even metal roofing. The only minor limitation is the presence of a dense and mechanically strong base into which the fasteners will be driven.

Since the PVC roofing membrane is waterproof, there is no need for additional waterproofing.

Benefits of use

Let's consider the advantages of PVC membrane in comparison with others sheet materials for roofing:

• high speed and ease of installation of the membrane on the roof;
• possibility of using a membrane on top old roof and old waterproofing materials;
• during the installation process, the use of open fire is not required, as for resin and bitumen coatings;
• possibility of installing a membrane roof in winter time(after clearing the roof of snow);
• an unlikely and fairly uncomplicated repair of a membrane roof within the warranty period specified by the manufacturer.

Methods of attaching the membrane to the roof

There are several methods for attaching the membrane to the roof:

• bulk;
• mechanical fasteners;
• gluing.

Individual strips of material are hermetically connected to each other by heat soldering or gluing. According to experts, the welding method is much more reliable than gluing. The membrane is soldered using a special heat gun or semi-automatic soldering equipment. Let's consider these methods in more detail.

Bulk fastening method

The simplest and most proven method of laying membranes is bulk. The film is sprinkled on top with a gravel or expanded clay cushion. With its weight, the filling acts as a fastener. In particular, the filling method allows you to equip a green lawn or a place for relaxation on the roof.

This method is used only on horizontal flat surfaces. reinforced concrete roofs. When installing such a roof, you need to take care of the unimpeded drainage of rain and melt water.

Mechanical method

If filling is not possible, the roofing membrane is attached to the base using special dowels or screws (depending on the type of base). The mechanical fastening method is more labor-intensive, but its scope of application is much wider.

Thanks to the fasteners, the membrane can be mounted on horizontal and inclined roofs from the most different material. The fasteners allow you to easily lay a PVC membrane on the roof itself complex shape. However, in practice, the membrane is rarely used on steep roofs, since labor costs and the number of fasteners increase sharply there.

Gluing

If the surface of the base is dense and smooth, installation of the membrane roof can be done by gluing. The disadvantage of this method is the increased consumption of glue and the insufficiently fast pace of installation associated with its drying.

Membrane roofing video installation technology

PVC membrane for roofing installation video

Installation of a roof made of PVC membrane, soldering technology

Since the thermal soldering method is the most technologically advanced and is recommended by most manufacturers of these products, we will consider the technology of this process in more detail.

The PVC membrane is welded using hot air. For welding two adjacent sheets on construction hair dryer a flat nozzle 4-5 cm wide is put on. A hot air stream is supplied to the overlap area, between the top and bottom sheets.

The hair dryer is slowly moved along the seam, tightly rolling the heated surfaces with a special silicone roller. The process requires some experience and prior evaluation of the specific membrane. Therefore, before starting work, you should carry out several test solderings on pieces of the material used.

Soldering is considered correct if, when tearing the soldered and cooled seam, the membrane ruptures outside the welding zone. If the seam diverges without tearing the material, then the air heating temperature should be increased or the speed of the hair dryer should be reduced. If, when ruptured, the membrane tears directly along the seam line, this indicates overheating. Therefore, you need to move the hair dryer a little faster or lower the temperature of the hot air.

TechnoNIKOL roofing membrane - installation technology, video

Bottom line

Due to their unique properties, roofing membranes deserve special attention developers of all levels. At correct selection material and compliance with installation technology, their reliability will more than cover the increased cost of this material.

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It should be noted that membrane roofing is becoming increasingly in demand and popular, since it is characterized by strength, durability, moisture resistance and a high degree of adhesion to materials based on bitumen.

Main types of membrane coatings

In the production of membrane elastic materials, polymers and artificial rubbers are used. They are laid on flat and slightly sloping roofs. Today there are 3 types of such roofing systems.

PVC membrane . The structure of this material is based on polyvinyl chloride, which has been successfully used for a long time in the production of many finishing, insulating and other building materials. In order to improve the elasticity of the fabric, volatile plasticizers are added to it, and in addition, a reinforcing polyester mesh gives it elasticity and flexibility.

All these characteristics make it possible to install membrane roofing on roofs with complex design. If we compare this coating with other rolled polymer building materials, then PVC membranes have perfect combination between cost and quality. The practicality of the canvas has become the reason for their increasing popularity.

Another advantage is considered to be high waterproofing performance - the possibility of leaks is almost completely eliminated - PVC membrane roofing has almost no seams, unlike other rolled materials, in which the joints of the sheets are closed, but not so tightly.

Among the advantages, it should also be noted that when a roof is made from PVC membranes, the technology for performing the work does not provide for the creation of a top layer of gravel, as is the case with conventional roll coverings. Also, the membrane surface, as a rule, has a light color scheme, which allows it to reflect the sun's rays, which summer heat is of no small importance.

TPO membrane . Refers to high-tech products that have recently appeared on the domestic market. This roofing material is based on different kinds thermoplastic olefins. The fact is that each company that produces these products uses its own developments regarding the composition of the TPO membrane. Accordingly, the ratio of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubbers differs, but most often the proportion looks like this: 70/30. To increase strength and fire resistance, antioxidants and stabilizing substances are added. Thermoplastic roofs are similar to thermosetting membranes, but they are based on polyvinyl chloride or similar polymers rather than rubber.

Advantages of membrane roofs

The membrane roofing shown in the photo, the installation technology of which is simple, has a number of important positive characteristics, including:

Membrane materials have:

• thermal resistance to temperature changes;
• sufficiently high elasticity, ductility, tensile strength;
• a minimum number of seams are formed between the individual canvases thanks to a special laying technology.

As a result of all the characteristics described above, it becomes clear why membrane roofing is so popular: installation technology in in this case is one of the arguments why it should be preferred.

Membrane coating installation technology

The thermosetting fabric is mechanically attached to the base, and then the joints are treated with heated air using special equipment, and the sheets are welded together overlapping each other. This installation of a membrane roof ensures waterproofing of the roofing pie at the highest level, reliably fixing the coating.

Due to the loose fit of the panels to the base between them, it is ensured good ventilation space and condensation does not settle. Therefore, the arrangement of under-roof waterproofing membrane not required. Around parapets, ventilation systems and other structures protruding above the surface, finishing coat laid using a heat gun, which is used to treat hard-to-reach areas - joints and fillet seams.

Care must be taken to ensure correct installation. Any violations when creating a membrane roof, the components of which require careful processing, can lead to very sad consequences, including depressurization of the roofing.

There are several options for attaching membrane materials:

Installation of a membrane roof, more details in the video:

The technology for installing a membrane roof made of thermoplastic materials is somewhat different from thermosetting analogues, and the sequence of work is as follows:

• prepare the base for installation of the covering, for this purpose they remove debris from the roof, dismantle additional elements such as lightning rods, antennas, transition stairs, etc. If necessary, but not necessarily, remove the old covering from the roof and level it future basis, repair and seal damaged areas, drain wet areas and carry out other preparatory activities;
• equip the drainage layer using geotextiles. Additional insulation of the roof is carried out using rigid basalt wool or extruded polystyrene foam;
• lay the roll covering without heating the joints.