Bituminous membrane roofing

Bitumen membrane roof coverings are synonymous with both residential flat roofs and garden sheds, however after extensive product research and innovations in the manufacturing process in recent times, Bitumen membranes are and will remain at the forefront of both refurbishment and new build projects.

Methods of application: –

• Traditional Pour and Roll – Blocks Oxidised Bitumen is brought to temperature by means of bitumen boilers, this is distributed using pouring cans and spread with mops, whilst the bitumen compound is hot, the Bitumen membrane is rolled, into the hot bitumen compound, this acts as the adhesive, bonding membrane to membrane or bonding membrane to Bitumen glass faced insulation boards in a warm roof scenario.

• Torching – Is the most commonly used means of installing bituminous membrane roofing systems, modified bitumen membrane is laid over the already cured bitumen primer, half of the bituminous membrane is then rolled up before the gas torch can be used to heat into the underside. Care must be taken to evenly heat the bitumen compound on the back, the bitumen membrane is then rolled into position on top of the cured primer, this then starts the bonding process. Using a PU adhesive Bitumen glass faced insulation boards can be incorporated into a warm roof scenario, and the process outlined above is repeated with both the vapour dispersion layer and mineral capsheet, with care taken to maintain a suitable bead of bitumen from the side and end laps.

• Cold applied adhesives – An adhesive compound is poured, in an ‘S’ form, then spread over a 1m2 area using a notched squeegee to achieve consistent beads, the Bitumen membrane is then rolled into position. Using a PU adhesive Bitumen glass faced insulation boards can be incorporated into a warm roof or an overlay scenario with the with care taken to maintain a suitable bead of bitumen from the side and end laps, this can be achieved using a heat welding tool – this application eliminates the need to bitumen boilers or gas torches, therefore enhancing safety of installation.

• Self-adhesive – Product innovations have resulted in the production of flame free self-adhesives Bitumen membranes, this like the cold applied system application, eliminates the need for gas torches, and enhances the safety of installation, to already cured self-adhesive, half of the bituminous membrane is then rolled up before paper is peeled off, and the membrane stuck down, these membranes are not suitable for installation on uneven surfaces or in cold temperatures. A weighted roller is required over the whole area to assist full adhesion. with care taken to maintain a suitable bead of bitumen from the side and end laps, this can be achieved using a heat welding tool, with a weighted roller.

Bitumen membrane roof coverings can be incorporated in warm roofs / inverted podium or terrace roofs / Green Roofs and or Blue roof applications.

Roof survey and inspections can also be carried out to establish the integrity of an existing roof, where applicable Bitumen membrane roof coverings, can be used in a single layer overlay or a new warm roof overlay to an existing roof, however cognisance should be taken at detailing and thresholds, to ensure 150mm height above the finished roof level, can be achieved.