Today the membrane is the most modern look roofing coverings. Installation technology membrane roofing allows you to provide a seamless (seamless) coating that has unsurpassed waterproofing characteristics. In addition, a high-quality roof of this type will serve its owners for up to 50 years.
Material characteristics
Membrane roofing is used on flat roofs ah shopping and industrial buildings, garage and outbuildings. Thanks to modern advances and advanced technologies It is possible to build usable roofs. Their effective area later used for recreation and play areas, parking lots and winter gardens.
The structure of the membrane roof is as follows:
- polymer membrane;
- mechanical fastening system;
- basalt insulation, going in two layers;
- vapor barrier film;
- load-bearing base.
Key advantages of membrane roofing:
Roofing membrane represents good material for large objects and publications where access to moisture is strictly prohibited. In addition to the technical parameters mentioned above, they can boast of another unique advantage. This is their vapor permeability.
Most insulation materials react negatively to increased relative humidity. If this indicator increases, thermal conductivity increases significantly. Almost all heat insulators according to this characteristic are far from perfect. Previously used rolled roofing can allow steam to pass through, which leads to many negative consequences. Membrane roofs prevent insulation from getting wet.
Classification of coatings
Based on the materials used, modern membrane coatings are divided into three large groups. Each of them has its own set of characteristics. Such differences enable the developer to choose for himself best option taking into account architectural parameters, your financial capabilities and the location of the building.
Polyvinyl chloride
Technical characteristics of the roofing membrane:
- made of PVC and includes several innovative plasticizers;
- has impressive fire safety indicators among all other membranes;
- this type of material is popular due to its good price-quality ratio.
Other modifications
Other materials in demand include:
Making a specific decision on the type roofing, it is necessary to take into account operating conditions, maximum roof loads and dimensions.
Laying membrane roofing
Full preparation of the base is required before installing the membrane covering. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Inspect the roof surface. It should be level and slope towards the drainage of melt and rain water. Significant recesses and protrusions are removed, cracks are sealed.
- They begin laying the roof after the repair materials have completely hardened. Typically, membrane buttons are mounted on an insulated roof.
The insulation functions are performed by slabs of extruded polystyrene foam of increased strength. Such coatings help retain heat indoors and reduce noise. The strength of expanded polystyrene makes it possible to walk on the coating without fear, even during the installation of the roof.
Further actions
Having prepared the base, a special separating layer is laid on it. It is required to minimize the risk of roof damage. The role of the separating layer is taken on by geotextiles or fiberglass. Separating layer must be level across the entire plane of the roof. Kinks are excluded.
Rolling out the first roll of membrane. At the same time, the vertical elements of the roof are bent. The bend height is 10 cm. All folds of the material are aligned. If necessary, manually tighten it a little. Removes small waves formed due to long-term storage membrane roof. If the parapet is brick, you need to cover it with plaster. The surface should be as smooth as possible. The sand needs to be removed from it.
Fixed clamping bar To vertical elements roofs. It can be made from any metal profile. The selection of hardware for fastening is determined by the material used to manufacture the vertical lining. Most often, special self-tapping screws for concrete are used. They are screwed into holes; plastic elements are not used. Do not allow sudden kinks in the membrane. Microcracks may form in these areas after some time. When water freezes, these cracks expand and cause leaks.
The membrane covering is fixed to the base. There are two installation methods. This is fixation to a concrete base or extruded polystyrene foam. Usually the second method is used. It is less durable. Engineers explain this approach for three reasons.
Firstly, the loads on tearing off the coating are not so significant as to be taken into account when calculating strength. This pressure is provoked air masses and wind. But even their significant speed is not capable of creating a significant vacuum of the membrane above the surface. Secondly, this method is not so expensive; fixation is carried out quickly and without significant physical effort. Thirdly, some types of concrete roof bases include Additional materials for waterproofing. If they are damaged by dowels, the structure will be damaged, and this is unacceptable.
To fix the membranes, use special plastic hardware with an increased thread pitch. They should have a large head diameter. They are screwed in electric drill. There is no need to pre-drill holes. Next to the fixed membrane, the interlayer material is rolled out again. Any actions are similar to those described earlier.
A second roll is rolled out on top of the interlayer. roofing material with an overlap of approximately 5 cm from the fastening point. Make sure that the stripes are perfectly parallel. If distortions are detected, they must be corrected immediately. You should not allow a situation where there are four corners of the roll in one area. Their length needs to be changed.
The laying technology prohibits welding more than two ends at one point. The free ends of the membrane are fixed; the opposite ends will be digested in the future. The coating continues to be laid over the entire roof area in a similar manner. Do not make cuts in water drainage areas. Final work in these areas is carried out at last stage installation of a membrane roof.
Once the membrane is completely laid, carry out visual inspection roof surfaces. If everything is fine, start welding the overlaps.
Welding work is carried out using special automatic and manual welding machine. Automatic device significantly increases labor productivity and minimizes the risk of defects due to the human factor. But it won’t be possible to glue absolutely everything with it, since big sizes lead to the formation of a significant area of dead zones. It will not be possible to solder them without using manual labor. To seal the specified areas and outline various pipes on a plum roof, it is worth using manual welding.
Welding work is done only in dry weather. The membrane surface should not be wet. You should not believe advisers who claim that the weather has no effect on the quality of the seam, and water evaporates under the influence of high temperature. But this is a misconception.
While the moisture evaporates, the membrane overheats. Accordingly, the likelihood of leaks increases. The rotting process is noticeable, as thick smoke appears from under the materials. pungent odor. To prevent burning, the master reduces the heating temperature. As a result, wet areas do not have time to dry. They don't get hot optimal temperatures, and for this reason the seam becomes leaky.
Manual welding
The membrane is heated by a stream of hot air. It also removes sand from inside the overlaps. No open flame or glue is used. The device has a set of attachments with various sizes. To get an even seam, you need to take nozzles with a width of 4 cm.
Prepare manual equipment. You need to make sure that the nozzle is clean, level and free of mechanical damage. Only such a tool can do the job. It will guarantee the same heating temperature of the membrane along the entire plane of the seam. Set the heating temperature of the air flows. It must comply with the membrane manufacturer's recommendations. This indicator is determined by the material of manufacture. Experienced roofers adjust the temperature slightly, taking into account weather conditions. It is advisable to warm up the tool before starting work.
To improve the quality of welding, you need to make several test seams on sections. If the width of the nozzle is selected correctly, as well as the operating speed of the tool, air temperature, etc., the membrane will be able to be welded firmly. When stretched, it should break outside the welding zone. The strength of a double membrane is greater than a single one. If the temperature was chosen incorrectly, a rupture along the seam will be noted. If it is too low, the 2 pieces will be connected without affecting the surfaces.
To make the work easier, you need to grab the layers of the membrane at a distance of approximately 50 cm. This will prevent them from moving during the work. Insert the nozzle overlapping the canvases at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Move along the joint at the same speed. At the same time they are rolled with a special silicone mat.
The welding mode is selected correctly if during operation it appears a small amount of white smoke. Check the quality of welding. To do this, just use a metal hook with a sharp end. If you don't have one, a regular flathead screwdriver will do. Its tip should fit between the canvases. To improve appearance seam and increase the tightness of the structure, it is recommended to glue the layers with silicone glue after cooling.
If you do not have sufficient experience to perform such work, you can make two welds. This point must be taken into account at the stage of laying the rolls. The overlap is increased to 10 cm. When welding the first seam, the tool is inserted deeper into the joints. Approximately 20 cm in length are passed in this way. After this, the welding machine is inserted into the remaining overlap width, and the process is carried out using standard technology.
Application of Welding Machine
A welding machine eliminates hard physical labor and improves the quality of the seam. Before starting work, you need to set the air heating temperature and the speed of the machine. The choice of modes is determined by the membrane material and ambient temperature. Once the data has been entered on the control panel, you need to wait a little. The tool elements must warm up to the specified marks.
Further algorithm of actions:
- Move the nozzle to the side and transfer the machine to the welding seam.
- Install the unit so that the drive belt is located along the edge of the overlap.
- Raise one layer of the membrane, place the nozzle in the resulting space and fix it on the body until a click is heard. It indicates that the unit is installed correctly.
Turns on the drive. The side surface of the guide roller should rest against the edge of the seam.
Membrane roofing has excellent waterproofing characteristics. The material can be mounted both on a prepared roof base and on an old roof covering during roof repair.
Scope of application and types of material
Installation of membrane roofing is primarily in demand when installing flat roofs and roofs with a small slope angle. The ability to install the membrane without dismantling the roof covering, which has lost its reliability, significantly simplifies and reduces the cost of roof repair.
The use of membrane materials on flat roofs allows you to create a serviceable roof. The advantages of this type of coating, primarily laid by the heat-welding method, include high waterproofing properties, due to which additional waterproofing is not required roofing pie. membrane can be made from various materials- PVC, EPDM, TPO membranes.
When choosing a material, you should pay attention to the technology of laying the sheets: PVC and TPO membranes are installed using hot air welding, EPDM membranes are installed using the adhesive method.
The heat welding method requires the use specialized equipment and having certain skills to work with it. Installation using adhesives or double-sided adhesive tapes, or using mechanical fasteners, can be done on your own.
Installation of membrane covering
The material is laid in one layer, thanks to which the installation of the roofing is carried out quite quickly. The membrane has a thickness of 0.8 to 2 mm, 1 square meter of material weighs on average about 1.3 kg. Compared to installing a bitumen-polymer coating, laying a roof made of membrane material takes half as much time.
Durable, puncture resistant, resistant to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. The membrane can be laid on any type of base. Depending on the roof configuration, the presence of parapets, drains and other elements, the installation technology is selected. It could be:
- ballast mounting;
- adhesive connection;
- heat welded connection;
- mechanical fastening.
The membrane material sheets are connected to each other using adhesive tape or by welding.
Adhesive connection of sheets
To get out of the stripes roll material To create a one-piece membrane coating, you can use special double-sided adhesive tapes. The advantage of this installation method is that it is simple and accessible technology, which does not require the use of special equipment. But it should be noted that the adhesive connection of seams is not characterized by high reliability and durability, unlike the welded method.
The adhesive is susceptible to deterioration, and over time, such a roof may require repairs at the joints.
Joining the sheets using glue requires the installation of a membrane roof made of a material based on synthetic rubber. Recently, a number of manufacturers have begun producing EPDM membranes designed for hot air welding, but their cost is significantly higher than that of traditional materials of this type.
Heat welded connection of sheets
Membrane roofing, the installation technology of which requires the use of special welding equipment, is made of PVC and TPO membranes. This method involves welding sheets of roofing material overlapping with hot air. Joints made by welding can withstand more than high load tensile strength than the canvas itself, and are characterized by absolute tightness.
Welding machines support optimal level heating the material by supplying a stream of air heated to 400-600 degrees. The width of the weld can be from 20 to 100 mm. For welding sheets on large areas Special automatic equipment for membrane roofing is used. Devices equipped with wheels move smoothly along the seam, high-quality welding of which is carried out automatically. Welding speed, temperature and other parameters are controlled electronically.
For installation in hard to reach places, arrangement of junctions, curved sections, and complex assemblies require the use of manual welding machines and special rollers for rolling material heated to a plastic state.
To ensure high welding quality it is required:
- monitor the cleanliness of the surface of the material being welded (dust, dirt and traces of various substances must be removed before installation);
- lay the membrane without tension;
- create an overlap with a width of 50 mm (to ensure a weld with a width of at least 20 mm);
- After installation, it is necessary to check the quality of each seam.
If a defect is detected in the weld or damage to the membrane, a patch of the same material should be installed. The installation technology requires welding a piece of fabric with rounded edges, which is at least 50 mm in length and width greater than the size of the damage.
To select the optimal operating mode of the welding machine in the current weather conditions, it is recommended to perform test welding first.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a membrane roof can be obtained by watching the video.
Ballast fastening of membranes to the base
Laying membrane roofing using the ballast method can be used in cases where the roof slope does not exceed 15 degrees. This technology is economical and is used when installing flat roofs. Work progress:
- the base is thoroughly cleaned of debris;
- the canvas is laid on the base and secured by welding or glue around the perimeter, as well as in places where the base interfaces with vertical structures;
- to press the canvas to the base, ballast is laid at a rate of at least 50 kg per 1 sq.m.;
- bulk ballast must be carefully leveled.
The material for ballast can be:
- gravel, crushed stone (20-40 mm);
- large pebbles;
- concrete blocks;
- paving slabs;
- any massive objects.
Before laying ballast that can damage the membrane (broken stone, untreated gravel), you should lay a non-woven fabric or lay mats. The use of paving slabs as ballast allows you to create a reliable and aesthetically pleasing flat roof.
This method of fastening the covering can only be used on roofs designed for a high total load.
Adhesive and mechanical fastening of membranes to the base
The membrane sheet is attached to the base using an adhesive composition when laid on a roof of complex shape. Besides, this option installation is practiced when arranging roofs that experience high wind loads. The use of assembly adhesive allows you to install a membrane roof on a base made of reinforced concrete, profiled sheets, or wood. The canvases are welded or glued together. To strengthen the coating on protruding elements and roof edges, special edge strips equipped with a sealing layer are used.
Membrane roofing is one of the most modern and popular types of roof coverings. Its demand is explained by excellent technical parameters: increased strength, moisture resistance and good adhesion, which makes this material indispensable for many in private construction.
Membrane roofing - what is it?
Membrane roofing is a film made of polymers 0.15-0.20 cm thick, reinforced with fiberglass. Weight 1 sq.m. material is no more than 1.5 kg.
Each manufacturer adds a variety of plasticizers to the primary material; this can be fiberglass or converted bitumen. The main component of the raw material can also be different.
Typically used for the production of membranes:
- PVC– polyvinyl chloride is the most common type of membrane.
- EPDM– ethylene propylene diene monomer or synthetic rubber.
- – thermoplastic polyolefin, consists of 70% ethylene-propylene rubber and 30% polypropylene.
These bases can be supplemented with reinforcement - a polyester mesh, which gives the material additional strength.
The membrane coating is flexible and elastic, so it can be used on roofs with any angle of inclination and plane. It is also worth noting that membrane roofs are fire-resistant, have a long service life and can withstand loads if the roof is used for other purposes.
Types of roofing, their features
Membrane roofing system presented in three types:
1.PVC
The membrane is made from plasticized polyvinyl chloride, widely used in construction and waterproofing. To strengthen the panels, they are reinforced with a polyester mesh. Roofing with this material is done without special effort on the roofs of various geometric shapes without creating additional layers. Membrane fabrics of this type have almost no seams, which virtually eliminates roof leaks.
Compared to other types of roofing membrane coverings, PVC is considered particularly economical and practical material, however, they periodically require repairs. It should also be noted that this roofing system is poorly resistant to resin-like products, solvent mixtures and oils.
2. EPDM
The membrane is made on the basis of synthetic rubber. The material reinforced with a polymer mesh has increased strength, which ensures a long period of operation. This coating adheres well to bitumen-based surfaces, which provides good waterproofing.
EPDM coating is durable (service life is about 50 years), elastic, and also relatively inexpensive. During installation, the joining of the canvases is done using glue, so cracks may form at the joints, which lead to leakage.
The membrane is made on the basis of thermoplastic olefins - polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubbers. The coating can be made with polyester or fiberglass reinforcement, or without reinforcement.
The antioxidant substances included in the material increase its fire resistance. The joining of the sheets is carried out by welding with hot air, which creates a strong seam, as a result of which there is no need for frequent repairs of the coating. The difference between the types of flooring listed above is that this type is not as elastic. It should be noted that the price of TPO membranes is quite high.
Polymer roofing has many advantages:
- High degree of thermal and waterproofing (the minimum number of joints reduces the risk of coating leaks, and the multilayer structure of the material retains heat).
- Does not require special effort during installation (laying can be done on different kinds basics).
- When repairing a roof with such a coating, dismantling the old decking is not necessary, which significantly reduces labor and money costs.
- High stability to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
- High degree of reliability.
Roof installation
Laying a membrane type of roof does not require specific knowledge and professionalism in this field.
Four technologies are used for its design:
- Ballast method.
- Glue method.
- Heat welding method.
- Mechanical method.
How to install
Regardless of the method of fastening the material, it is necessary to adhere to some mandatory rules when installing the roof:
- Surface preparation - it should be thoroughly cleaned of debris, dust and deposits.
- Calculate the required amount of coverage.
- Use thermal insulation materials, extending the service life of the membrane.
1. Ballast method
The installation method is as follows:
- Distribute the canvas along the length of all sides of the roof, then carefully level it.
- At the joints, the material is connected and secured to the vertical surfaces of the roof special glue or by hot air welding.
- The attached canvases are sprinkled on top with gravel, crushed stone, medium-fraction river pebbles or broken stone, paving slabs, while the weight of ballast per 1 m2 must be at least 50 kg. To avoid damage to the fabric when using crushed stone or gravel, it is advisable to lay a dense non-woven fabric on top.
2. Glue method
Adhesive fastening of the membrane sheet is intended for covering roofs of complex configurations, as well as in climatic regions where the decking is often exposed to strong gusts of wind. For fastening membranes, special adhesive compositions or double-sided adhesive tapes, in this case, the material is glued not over its entire surface, but along the length of all sides of the roof, at the junction of the panels.
Mounting adhesive is suitable for installing membrane sheets on reinforced concrete, wooden base, as well as surfaces made of profiled sheets. To strengthen the coating on vertical elements and protruding roof surfaces, special slats with a sealing layer are used. The installation technology is quite simple and does not require the use of special equipment.
This method of fastening is not used so often due to the high cost and the likelihood of depressurization of the seams. There are no guarantees that the canvas installed with adhesive adhesion will last longer than with other methods.
It should be noted that some manufacturers have introduced EPDM membranes to the market, the installation of which occurs using hot air welding, but their price policy much higher than that of materials of this type.
3. Heat welding method
The technology for installing PVC and TPO membranes requires the use of special welding equipment. To fasten the material over large areas, special equipment is used; the welding process occurs automatically. Process speed, temperature regime and other parameters are regulated electronically. The equipment slowly moves along the seam, welding the sheets occurs overlapping using hot air.
Thus, the joints of the canvases are absolutely sealed and withstand a greater tensile load compared to the canvas. Welding machines supply a stream of air whose temperature does not exceed 500 degrees. The width of the weld seam ranges from 2 to 10 cm.
For fastening in hard-to-reach areas of the roof, hand-held welding machines and special wheels are used to press the panel, heated to a soft state.
4. Mechanical connection method
This method of fastening is considered the most popular; it is suitable for all roof shapes, as well as when truss structure does not have the strength to perform the ballast fastening method and there is no possibility of using the adhesive method.
The basis for the flooring can be profiled sheet or reinforced concrete. Mechanical fixation of the membrane sheet occurs using galvanized self-tapping screws, which are located at the seams. To fix the edges to the protruding surfaces of the roof, special edge strips with a sealing layer on the reverse side are used.
To fasten the canvases, telescopic fasteners are used, consisting of plastic umbrellas with a wide cap or disk holders of large diameters (if the roof has a slope of more than 10 degrees).
The pitch between fasteners should not be more than 0.2 m.
When installing the covering directly on the roof base, in order to avoid damage to the membrane, it is recommended to lay any non-woven synthetic fabric.
Features of installing different types of membrane roofing
- The choice of covering material for a membrane roof is of great importance.
- All types of membranes are suitable for the device using the ballast method.
- At mechanical method connections with self-tapping screws, the elasticity of the coating is not required, so a TPO membrane is suitable.
- If the fabric is joined by welding and the fasteners are made manually, it is recommended to buy material without reinforcements.
- The PVC membrane should be attached so that it does not come into contact with materials that contain oil, bitumen and solvents, otherwise this will negatively affect the quality of the coating. Therefore, it is recommended to separate the membrane and the above substances with a layer of polystyrene foam.
Issue cost
The price of membrane roofing depends on the manufacturer and the materials from which it is made.
Below are the approximate prices for materials:
- Roofing sheet:
- PVC membrane - 270-750 rub./m2.
- PVC membrane (unreinforced) – 500-850 rub./m2.
- EPDM membrane – 250-720 RUR/m2.
- TPO membrane – 300-525 rub./m2.
- Related materials:
- Laminated tin – 1100-1550 RUR/m2.
- PVC overflows - 950-5900 rub./m2.
- TPO overflows - 820-5100 rub./m2.
- Vapor barrier – 40-90 rub./m2.
- Glue, solvent – 1000-35000 rubles/piece.
- Fasteners – 150 rub./m.
- Cost of installation work:
- Roofing decking – from 150 rub./m2.
- Vapor barrier layer - from 20 rub./m2.
- Thermal insulation layer – from 20 rub./m2.
- Profiled flooring - from 120 rubles/m2.
- Separating layer made of geofabric - from 30 rub./m2.
We make repairs
Repair of the polymer membrane is required in case of leaks, peeling of the sheet from the base of the roof and damage to the integrity of the sheet.
1. Current repairs
In case of damage to a small area of the roof, a spot repair method is performed.
A small flap corresponding to the size of the area to be repaired is cut out of the membrane. Using a welding machine, the flap is attached to the damaged area, while the base melts and is tightly connected to the patch.
If there is significant damage, several methods are used for repair:
- Repair without removing the old coating. To pre-cleared of debris old surface The coating is primed with a primer, after which a new layer is coated by welding. This method is recommended in case of multiple minor injuries.
- Repair with dismantling of the old canvas. Before laying a new layer of coating, the surface is cleared of debris, then covered with a primer of at least two or three layers.
2. Major renovation
Required in the case when the installation process was disrupted during the installation of the roof covering and was not carried out on time current repairs. Then it is necessary to replace all layers: insulation, vapor barrier, and sometimes screed.
Membrane roofing in winter
Polymer membranes do not lose their characteristics even when exposed to low temperatures. They are not afraid of the loads created by snow and ice. Usually snow removal is not required, but sometimes it has to be done (when there is equipment on the roof).
To do this, you should follow some rules:
- Clean using a wooden shovel (metal ones can damage the integrity of the coating);
- Leave a snow protection layer no more than 10 cm high on the roof plane (it will protect the membrane from damage and movement on its surface).
- There is an opinion that membrane roofing is only suitable for flat or low-slope roofs, but this is not true. Polymer sheets can be laid on roofs of various configurations.
- Roof installation should be carried out with special care. The slightest violations can lead to depressurization of the roof.
- When calculating the required amount of material, it should be taken into account that the sheet is laid with an allowance, and the sheet must cover the fence.
- It is periodically necessary to clean the roof surface, carry out preventive inspections, and routine repairs.
- The ballast method of installing the membrane can be used exclusively on roofs with a large load.
- The mechanical installation method is used when rafter system roofs and foundations of the building are not intended for heavy operational loads.
- After joining, it is recommended to test the quality of the seams by conducting a test. Use a flat-head screwdriver to run along the seams so you can find any gaps in the joint.
Among modern types of roofing, membrane roofing can be considered one of the most durable. When a membrane roof is installed in accordance with technological requirements, a high-quality roofing covering can serve its owners for 40 to 50 years. She has excellent performance characteristics, successfully resists changes in air temperature and therefore can be used in any region of the country.
It’s impossible to build such a roof special labor, since the peculiarity of the material allows the coating to be installed in only one layer. Use of modern polymer materials provides maximum roof waterproofing and makes it possible to save on materials for additional waterproofing. Due to the elasticity and flexibility inherent in polymers, they can be successfully used for constructing roofs of any shape and slope.
Today, building the roof of a house with a membrane roof allows you to obtain a roofing covering that is almost completely monolithic and has excellent waterproofing properties. This type of roofing is deservedly considered the most modern and meets the requirements of recent times.
Materials used for membrane roofing
This type of roof is constructed using special materials, which are commonly called membrane materials, and which are presented in a wide range on the country’s market. They are distinguished by their reliability, durability and variety. color shades.
DIY roofing can be done using different types of roofing membranes. They all have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. If until recently, when it came to membrane roofing, it was understood that it was made from PVC membranes, today EPDM and TPO membranes are used for this purpose. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
- PVC membranes are plasticized polyvinyl chloride reinforced with polyester mesh. To increase the elasticity of membranes, a large percentage of volatile plasticizers is added to polyvinyl chloride. During the installation process, PVC membrane sheets are welded together with hot air using special equipment. The advantage of this reliable design is that the joints of the canvases can compete with intact sections in terms of strength. PVC membranes are highly resistant to ultraviolet rays and fire. They come in a variety of colors, but, unfortunately, have a tendency to fade. One of the disadvantages that you need to be aware of when you decide how to properly make a roof is the membrane’s poor resistance to solvents, bitumen and various oils. The membrane material releases into the external environment volatile compounds, which is also a negative factor.
- TPO membranes are a derivative of thermoplastic olefins. They are available both unreinforced and reinforced with fiberglass or polyester. Like PVC membranes, they are welded to each other using special equipment with hot air. The resulting seam is highly durable and reliable. Installation of membrane roofing using TPO membranes is more labor-intensive, since they have less elasticity compared to PVC and EPDM membranes.
When installing a membrane roof using the above materials, various technologies are used. Let's focus on those that are used most often.
Ballast method of securing membranes
Fastening roofing membranes using ballast method, which is considered the simplest, is used when the roof slope is less than 15 degrees. It is done as follows:
- The membranes are laid on the roof surface. Then the installation of the membrane roof is carried out in such a way that they are leveled and secured around the perimeter using glue or welding. Membranes are fixed in places where they are adjacent to the vertical elements of the roof.
- A layer of ballast is placed on top of the membrane prepared in this way. The best types of it are considered to be medium-fraction river pebbles (from 20 to 40 mm), rounded crushed stone and gravel.
- The ballast weight must be at least 50 kg per square meter.
- In the case where unrounded gravel or broken stone will be used as ballast, the membrane sheet will need to be protected from possible damage. You can lay non-woven tightly with a density of over 500 g/m2 or mats on top of it.
If you are starting to build a roof, instructions of this kind will provide you with effective practical assistance.
Mechanical method of securing membranes
In cases where the roof structure is not able to withstand the loads associated with the ballast fastening of roofing membranes, another method of fastening them is used. It's about about mechanical installation of membrane roofing.
Mechanical fastening of membranes is used when design features roofs do not allow high-quality gluing of waterproofing membrane material.
Corrugated sheeting, reinforced concrete, wood, etc. can be used as a basis for mechanical fastening. Membranes can be secured around the perimeter of protruding roof elements using special edge strips, on the underside of which a sealing layer is applied.
Do-it-yourself roofing provides that the membrane materials will be attached to the roof using telescopic fasteners. It consists of a plastic umbrella with a wide hat and metal anchors, which can be replaced with large disk holders. The latter are used when the roof slope has an angle of more than 10 degrees.
Installation of mechanical fasteners is carried out in areas where the membrane sheet is applied. Fastening elements are located in increments not exceeding 200 mm. When the slope of the roof slope is more than 2-4 degrees, an additional fastening line is made where the valley is located.
If the construction of the roof of a house is carried out with mechanical fastening of the roofing membrane at the base of the roof, then measures must be taken to protect the membrane from damage. To do this, geotextile material or non-woven material is placed under it.
Fastening roofing membranes using the gluing method
Roofing membranes are secured by gluing in very rare cases. The reason is the rather expensive cost of such work. However, there is no guarantee that the strength of the membrane roofing covering to the roof base will be sufficiently high.
However, there are situations when the use of other methods, for some reason, is inappropriate or, better said, impracticable. Then you can resort to an adhesive connection. Installation of the membrane roof is then carried out using adhesive mixtures. In terms of tensile strength, their connection must exceed the strength of the connection between the contacting layers of the roof.
Roofing membranes can be glued not over their entire area, but in the most critical places. This is done, as a rule, along the perimeter of the roof and in places where the panels overlap. TO problem areas include ribs, valleys and places where membranes adjoin protruding roof elements - chimneys, ventilation ducts and other protruding roof structures. This way you will reduce the cost of adhesives.
Thermally welded method of connecting roof membranes
When deciding how to properly build a roof, many developers prefer the heat-welded method of connecting membrane roofing sheets. It allows you to make the roof reliable and, at the same time, give it a modern look. The work is carried out using a special welding machine. It “produces” a stream of air, which has a temperature of 400 to 600 degrees. To ensure the strength and reliability of the connection of roofing membranes, it is recommended to make the width of the welded layer 20-100 mm.
Membrane coating sheets, which are joined by welding, create a high-quality sealed surface. It should not be forgotten that the welded joint is not damaged by ultraviolet rays, which cannot be said about adhesive joints.
A significant disadvantage of such connections is that due to the complexity of the welding process, it will be difficult to do it yourself.
If you are seriously concerned about such an issue as roof construction, instructions for using a particular method of installing a membrane roof will be your reliable guide.
The technologies for its construction described above can be successfully used in the construction of large structures, private cottages and outbuildings. By studying them carefully, you will be able to gain theoretical knowledge about the properties that membrane roofing materials have. Taking into account their characteristics, scope and features of application, you will have the opportunity to have a beautiful, reliable and durable membrane roof in the future!
Membrane roofing allows for reliable and durable roofing. This material has high performance characteristics and can be used in regions with very different climates.
Features of roofing material
The installation of membrane roofing is widely popular due to its ease of installation and long service life - the membrane covering is designed for 40 - 50 years of service, provided that all installation requirements are met.
The advantages of this type of roof include:
- installation of the coating in one layer;
- no need for additional roof waterproofing;
- the possibility of laying the covering on roofs of any shape and with any slope angle;
- wide range of colors;
- affordable price;
- Suitable for installation over old roofing.
The technical characteristics of a membrane roof are determined by the properties of the polymer materials from which it is made. The membrane is highly flexible and elastic; this material can be used to create an almost monolithic coating with excellent waterproofing qualities. Today, this type of roofing is one of the most modern materials, meeting the requirements of the time.
Types of membrane coatings
Membrane roofing is constructed using special polymer materials, which are characterized by durability, strength, and a wide range of color solutions. The advantages and disadvantages of roofing membranes depend on the material they are made of. On construction market First of all, the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane appeared, but today this material is competed by TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) membranes.
PVC membranes. The roofing material is made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride, which is reinforced with polyester mesh for strength. The high elasticity of the material is ensured by the addition of a significant amount of volatile plasticizers to polyvinyl chloride. The installation of a PVC membrane roof involves welding the sheets with hot air, for which special equipment is used. The advantages of roofing material include:
- high strength of joints;
- membrane resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
- fire resistance.
The disadvantages of PVC membranes include:
- fading of color coating in the sun;
- poor resistance of the material to oils, bitumen, solvents (must be taken into account during storage, transportation and installation);
- release of volatile compounds.
EPDM membranes. Basis for manufacturing of this material is synthetic rubber. The durability of the membrane is ensured by reinforcement with a mesh made of polyester threads. The advantage of EPDM membranes is:
- at a relatively low cost;
- in the elasticity of the material;
- in the durability of the coating with high-quality installation.
This type The coating has the following disadvantage: special glue is required to join the panels. As a result, the joints may lose their tightness during the operation of the roof, which entails leaks and the need for repair work.
TPO membranes. This type of coating is made using thermoplastic olefins. Available in both unreinforced fabric and reinforced with polyester or fiberglass. The installation technology consists of welding the edges of the sheets with hot air using special equipment. This method allows you to obtain a strong seam. The advantage of the material is the durability and high reliability of the roofing. The disadvantages include the lower elasticity of the membrane compared to other types of material, which increases the complexity of installation work.
When choosing a material for installing a membrane roof, you should take into account the ratio of price and durability of the coating, the complexity and cost of installation.
Laying of the coating can be carried out according to various technologies, to familiarize yourself with the principles of installation, a corresponding video is offered.
Basic methods of installing membrane roofing
Ballast method. This is the simplest option for installing this type of coating. It is used if the slope of the membrane roof does not exceed 15 degrees. The process of fixing the membrane is carried out in several stages:
- laying membranes on the prepared surface;
- welding or gluing joints of sheets;
- laying a layer of ballast (crushed stone, pebbles, etc.) at a rate of 50 kg per square meter.
If the ballast is broken stone or unrolled gravel, the membrane should be protected from damage from above with a non-woven fabric.
Mechanical method . It is used if the roof structure is not designed to withstand the loads associated with laying ballast, and it is also not possible to properly glue the membrane material. In this case, to a base made of wood, corrugated board, reinforced concrete, etc. membranes are attached using:
- metal anchors with plastic umbrella caps (telescopic fasteners);
- anchors with disk holders (if the roof slope angle exceeds 10 degrees);
- edge strips equipped with a sealing layer (for installation on protruding roof elements).
The installation of a membrane roof using mechanical fasteners at the base of the roof requires protection of the membrane from damage - for this it is necessary to lay non-woven or geotextile material under it.
Pasting method. The gluing method is practiced less frequently than others due to its relatively high cost. In addition, fixing the membrane to the base with glue does not guarantee high strength of the coating. Connection using glue mixture used in situations where it is not possible to use other installation methods. The adhesive should be applied around the perimeter of the roof, in places where panels overlap, as well as in difficult places, which include:
- valleys;
- ribs;
- places adjacent to chimneys and other vertical structures.
Heat welding method. The installation of a membrane roof using a welding machine makes it possible to mount a solid, reliable, high-quality coating, successfully resisting precipitation. A stream of air heated to 400-600 °C allows you to make sealed, tear-resistant seams. The width of the welded layer must be at least 20 mm.
When installing the coating special attention require membrane roofing units - places where the membrane adjoins various structures, corners and corner transitions, gutters, etc.
These methods of installing roofing are successfully used in private construction during the construction of houses and outbuildings. The technology for installing a membrane roof may require the use of specialized equipment - this option ensures maximum reliability and durability of the coating. If you have some skills in working with such equipment, you can do the roofing membrane installation with your own hands.
Before choosing the material and method of installing the membrane, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the features of laying the coating in our video instructions.
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