Roof Membrane, Its Types And Brands With Description, Characteristics And Reviews, As Well As Installation Features

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Roof membranes: types, brands and characteristics

Roof waterproofing is one of the main stages in building construction. At the same time, not only the operational properties of the roof, but also the general condition of the structure depend on the quality of the materials used, as well as the technology used. At the moment, the best protection and tightness to the structure is provided by innovative building materials - membranes.

Content

• 1 What is a membrane for roofing

• 2 Types of roofing membranes

  • 2.1 Classification of roofing membranes according to the manufacturing method

    • 2.1.1 EPDM membranes
    • 2.1.2 TPO membrane
    • 2.1.3 PVC membranes

  • 2.2 Types of roofing membranes for their intended purpose

    • 2.2.1 Roof vapor barrier membrane
    • 2.2.2 Video: how to properly make a vapor barrier for the roof
    • 2.2.3 Breathable roofing membrane
    • 2.2.4 Polymer roofing membrane
    • 2.2.5 Super Diffusion Roofing Membrane
    • 2.2.6 Video: Super Diffusion Membrane or Waterproofing Film
    • 2.2.7 Anti-condensation membrane
    • 2.2.8 Video: vapor barrier - testing roofing films

• 3 Grades of membrane for roofing

  • 3.1 Roofing membrane "TechnoNicol"
  • 3.2 Rockwool Roof Membrane
  • 3.3 Roofing membrane Decker
  • 3.4 Tefond Plus membrane
  • 3.5 Logicroof roof membrane

• 4 Features of installing a membrane for a roof

  4.1 Video: installation of PVC membrane on a flat roof

What is a roof membrane

The membrane is a roofing foil made of polymers based on thermoplastic olefins, synthetic rubber or plasticized polyvinyl chloride. However, the exact components cannot be named, since each manufacturer uses its own specific components. Fiberglass, modified bitumen, various plasticizers and so on are added to the material.

In addition, it is the most modern type of coating, the prevalence of which is due not only to its excellent technological characteristics, but also to its long service life. Thanks to its excellent adhesion, excellent waterproofing properties, moisture resistance and high strength, the material can be widely used in individual construction.

Modern membranes are characterized by high resistance to moisture, strength and the ability to withstand sudden temperature changes

Types of roofing membranes

If it is supposed to use a membrane for arranging the roof, then before carrying out work it is necessary to study the types of this material, depending on the composition and purpose.

Classification of roofing membranes by manufacturing method

In the production of roofing membranes, several types of polymers and binders are used. The result is coatings with different properties, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

EPDM membranes

EPDM membrane is the first polymer material that has remained popular for half a century. It can be based on a rubber sheet or polymerized special components. And to make the membrane stronger, a polyester-based reinforcing mesh is used. In turn, the ether fiber gives the membrane resistance to various mechanical influences. The advantages of such a membrane include:

• environmental friendliness;
• waterproofness;
• low cost;
• compatibility with most materials, even bituminous;
• the possibility of using in different climatic conditions and with strong temperature drops;
• UV resistance;
• flexibility.

The main disadvantage of the EPDM membrane is the seams, which are connected to each other using glue, which makes the material less durable and reliable compared to products where joints are provided by welding.

The waterproof membrane EPDM is an inexpensive, durable coating, laid in a joint with gluing of the joints of the sheets

TPO membrane

In the 1990s, the United States developed a TPO membrane, which is still the most sealed material among all similar products. Such a membrane is produced based on olefins that are resistant to high temperatures. Further, it is reinforced with fiberglass or polyester, but there are models without reinforcement. The combination of polypropylene with rubber gave the material the characteristics of plastic and rubber, which in the best way reflected in the compatibility with any other bituminous coatings. Among the main advantages of TPO membranes are the following:

• environmental friendliness, since there are no volatile components;
• resistance to temperature extremes;
• durability;
• tightness of the connection;
• low price;
• frost resistance;
• the possibility of using on roofs of any type;
• high strength, since various stabilizing elements and antioxidants are added to the composition during the manufacture of the product.

The disadvantages of the membrane are its low elasticity, especially when compared with EPDM and PVC materials, as well as the need for frequent repairs and timely maintenance.

TPO membranes have high levels of tightness and strength, but they often deform and require periodic maintenance.

PVC membranes

The PVC membrane is the most widespread rollable flexible material among all existing polymer film coatings. To increase its strength, it is reinforced with a special ether fiber. And the addition of plasticizers provides resistance to low temperatures and elasticity. Their weight fraction in the overall structure of the material is up to 50%. The positive properties of PVC membranes include:

• service life up to 25 years;
• refractoriness;
• no restrictions on colors;
• elasticity;
• steam and water resistance;
• elasticity;
• fire safety;
• high level of tightness;
• simplicity of installation work due to the lightness of the material;
• high resistance to ultraviolet rays.

The disadvantage of a PVC membrane is incompatibility with polystyrene foam and various bituminous materials, as well as the presence of harmful substances and minimal resistance to chemically active compounds, such as solvents.

PVC membranes are very popular due to their low price and ease of installation, but they are not compatible with all materials and are afraid of exposure to chemically active substances

Varieties of roofing membranes for the intended purpose

Flexible membranes can be used to arrange different layers of roofing cake on all types of roofing structures.

Vapor barrier membrane for roofs

The vapor barrier membrane is a polymer film that is designed to protect the roofing cake from warm humid air escaping from residential premises. Thanks to this material, the service life of any structure is extended. The vapor barrier membrane is made of polyethylene of different density.

It contains antioxidants and other components that increase the technical and operational properties of the coating. The thickness of the material is generally between 0.5 and 3 mm. The material is effectively used for both indoor and outdoor roofs.

Among the advantages of vapor barrier membranes are:

1. Easy to install. The membrane is secured with staples or soldering. For the roof, the second option is usually used, since when the seams are sealed, a continuous vapor barrier is formed.
2. Low price. The material is affordable, and the technology of its laying will make it possible to carry out all stages of work in a short time and also will not require serious investments.
3. Vapor tightness. This is the main property of vapor barrier membranes. The material retains all moisture from the rooms.
4. Excellent performance properties. The membrane perfectly withstands ultraviolet radiation, and does not change its structure and strength. It is frost-resistant, therefore, even at a temperature of -20 ^o C it retains its vaporophobicity.
5. Long service life. A traditional roof covering has served for about a quarter of a century, but if a vapor barrier membrane is used, this period will increase to 40-50 years.

The disadvantages of the product include low resistance to mechanical damage. In other words, the material can be punctured, cut, etc.

The vapor barrier membrane provides a simple and inexpensive coating that protects the roof insulation from getting wet due to condensation of wet vapors escaping from the living quarters

Video: how to properly make roof vapor barrier

Breathable membrane for roofing

A waterproofing membrane is a non-woven fabric made from synthetic fibers and used as a waterproof and windproof layer. This type of "breathable" material is able to provide excellent protection of the roof from various atmospheric precipitations, while allowing water vapor that comes out from inside the house to pass through. One-sided vapor permeability is achieved due to the presence of specially shaped microscopic holes.

The "breathing" membrane can even be laid on the insulation, which means that you can save money on the installation of the counter grill. Usually, the material needs to be attached to the insulation with a certain side, however, in stores there are also double-sided membranes, which can be positioned arbitrarily.

The advantages of a breathable membrane are as follows:

• no need to equip an additional gap for ventilation, since the material is installed directly on the thermal insulation;
• the possibility of using for arranging the attic, which is made from a cold attic. At the same time, it is not required to open the roofing and rebuild the rafter system;
• high degree of vapor barrier;
• excellent strength;
• minimum flammability and air permeability;
• resistance to all kinds of mechanical damage.

The conditional disadvantage is that "breathing" membranes are expensive, but otherwise this material can be called ideal.

The main argument in favor of using a "breathing" membrane is the absence of the need for a counter-lattice

Polymer roofing membrane

The polymer membrane is a new material that is used for the arrangement of soft roofs. It is made from sufficiently elastic high quality polyvinyl chloride, which ensures excellent reliability, quality of roofing, constancy of technological properties, as well as a long service life.

When laying a polymer membrane in one layer, a much more durable coating is obtained than when using several layers of rolled products. All seams are sealed with hot air using special equipment, which ensures a high level of water resistance for a long time.

Among the characteristics that distinguish a polymer membrane are:

• resistance to UV radiation;
• good resistance to rotting and decay for many years;
• immunity to bad weather conditions, chemically active substances and the effects of various bacteria;
• ease;
• the possibility of using in the construction of pre-fabricated and mobile structures;
• waterproofness;
• maintainability;
• strength;
• resistance to deformation, allowing the use of this material on roofs of various shapes and configurations.

Disadvantages of a polymer membrane:

• relative high cost;
• the need to purchase expensive equipment for arranging polymer roofs;

• shortage of professional installers who are well aware of the specifics of handling this material.

  

  The polymer membrane forms a flexible elastic coating that does not deform or break down for a long time

Super Diffusion Roofing Membrane

The superdiffusion membrane is skin-like in quality. It is able to protect not only the insulation, but also the internal parts of the building structure from external moisture, letting the steam coming out of the under-roof space outside.

The product can be made from 2-4 layers of polypropylene, due to which the membrane is given increased strength while maintaining its stretch and flexibility. The inner layer provides diffusion characteristics, and the outer layer provides wind, moisture and dust protection properties, as well as UV stabilization.

The Super Diffusion Membrane does not need gaps and can be attached directly to the insulation. In addition, the material does not need a counter-lattice over the rafter system. All these properties significantly reduce the cost of building insulation and roof installation, allowing you to save space in the construction of the roof and walls.

Superdiffusion membrane can be installed directly on the insulation without creating a ventilation gap

The superdiffusion membrane has the following advantages:

• easy to install, since there is no need for special training;
• protection of the insulating material from dust, wind, and moisture;
• reduction of heat loss;
• excellent vapor permeability;
• durability (service life is 25 years or more);
• strength;
• ease;
• fire safety;
• resistance to sunlight.

Disadvantages of a superdiffusion membrane:

• it is not used with metal tiles (if it does not have an acrylic coating), as well as with euro-slate - bituminous corrugated sheets;
• the pores of the material can become dirty or dusty, which reduces vapor permeability.

The superdiffusion membrane is not used if the roof is covered with metal tiles without the use of an acrylic coating, with folded metal material, and also with euro-slate. These materials can get very hot and form a lot of condensation during sudden temperature changes, which only an anti-condensation membrane can handle.

Video: Super Diffusion Membrane or Waterproofing Film

Anti-condensation membrane

The anti-condensation membrane is a coating made of polypropylene material and waterproof spraying. Such a combination of components contributes not only to the absorption of steam, but also to its removal beyond the boundaries of the roofing material. The membrane traps the condensation that forms on the inner side of the roof, protecting the supporting structure of the building. After installation, the pile retains the condensate in a mass much larger than its own.

The main area of application of the anti-condensation membrane is metal pitched roofs (metal tiles). It is these coatings that need good moisture protection. Due to the violation of technology, the use of low-quality material, as well as the effect of temperature changes, microscopic cracks may appear on the metal, which become centers of corrosion when water enters. The use of an anti-condensation membrane will eliminate such problems, since the absorbent layer of the material is able to quickly absorb not only condensate, but also steam.

Anti-condensation membrane protects against the large amount of moisture that forms on metal roofing during the cold season

The anti-condensation membrane is non-perforated and therefore not breathable

Advantages of the anti-condensation membrane:

• environmental safety, since the material does not react with alkalis and acids;
• lack of smell and any fumes when heated;
• preservation of characteristics throughout the entire operational period;
• strength and resistance to environmental influences;
• the presence of a UV stabilizer, which helps to operate the membrane in open sunlight;
• a small mass that does not overload the rafters of the house;
• high speed and ease of installation;
• low thermal conductivity;
• affordable price.

The disadvantages of the material include the following factors:

• it is necessary to install the membrane only in dry weather;
• the membrane does not fit on a continuous deck;
• the product should not come into contact with the insulation;
• installation must be done with multiple vented gaps.

It is necessary to select the optimal membrane based on the architectural and design features of the structure, as well as climatic conditions.

Video: vapor barrier - testing roofing films

Roof membrane brands

Today, the building materials market is replete with membranes from different manufacturers. However, the products of several companies are best known.

Roofing membrane "TechnoNicol"

Membrane "TechnoNicol" is a progressive innovative product with excellent waterproofing characteristics. Such materials provide excellent protection for the structure and differ from other analogues in a number of advantages:

• resistance to both climatic and atmospheric phenomena;
• high quality, elasticity and durability;
• easy installation in a fireless way;
• durability;
• the possibility of laying on a damp base and in one layer;
• excellent manufacturability;
• low price.

There are three covers in the structure of the TechnoNicol membrane, which bring safety and flexibility to the material.

1. The first layer (top) is an elastic base that resists the influence of the external environment. Among other things, the membrane is based on chemicals that limit exposure to high temperatures.
2. The middle layer is a reinforcement based on a complex interweaving of polymer fibers and threads. Between themselves they are intertwined in a strong mesh, which can withstand heavy rain and snow loads.
3. The bottom layer is a PVC layer designed to ensure safe contact of the material with the surfaces of structural elements.

The company's production line includes membranes from 1.2 to 2 mm thick.

Membrane "TechnoNikol" has high vapor and waterproofing characteristics and can be used on all types of roofs

Rockwool membrane for roofs

The Rockwool membrane is a wind-, hydro- and vapor-permeable material, which consists of two layers. The coating perfectly permits steam, which comes from the inside of the building, and protects the insulation from the negative effects of moisture. The membrane retains its tightness even in cases when the water pressure rises to 2 atmospheres and is held throughout the day.

It is used to protect the insulation, as well as the structure of the building from moisture and wind. Rockwool products are used in a variety of pitched roof structures. The membrane is produced in rolls with an area of 70 m ² (length 43.75 m, width 1.6 m). The main advantages of the material:

• withstands direct sunlight for 4 months, while the membrane does not lose its performance properties;
• does not attract different rodents;
• does not rot;
• does not burn;
• absorbs sound well;
• conducts heat;
• comes in handy packaging.

And the affordable cost of Rockwool makes it even more enjoyable to use.

For steam and waterproofing of the roof, you can use a membrane of the Rockwool brand

Roofing membrane Decker

Decker roofing membrane is made in Germany. It has excellent vapor permeability and density. It is used as waterproofing for the arrangement of cold attic spaces and insulated roofs.

The Decker membrane is a three-layer product made using the modern technology of molecular bonding of ULTRASONIC layers. This technology gives excellent results in terms of increasing the thickness, strength and diffusion characteristics of the membrane.

The lower layer of the membrane not only has anti-condensation properties, but also protects it from ruptures and all kinds of damage during installation. The warranty period is more than half a century. Special markings are applied to Decker brand products to assist in material installation, and a logo printed on the entire product guarantees originality and high quality for the consumer.

The high-quality Decker membrane is marked along the entire web, making installation much easier

Membrane "Tefond Plus"

"Tefond Plus" is a dense cellular membrane on which special locks and insulation seams are located. They make the laying of the material easier. Tefond Plus products are widely used because they can provide excellent roof protection with glued and bituminous waterproofing. The membrane is not destroyed by chemicals or large water accumulation.

In addition, the material has high strength, so it will not break during installation. Such a membrane can perform the function of drainage, bringing water into special wells. The durability and strength of the Tefond Plus film increase the service life of the roof up to 50 years. Using the material on horizontal planes, you can be sure that the load on the base is evenly distributed, which means that the roof will be reliably protected from negative effects for a long time.

When using the Tefond Plus membrane, the service life of the roof is increased to 50 years

Roof membrane Logicroof

The Logicroof membrane contains 3 film layers. At the same time, it contains a variety of stabilizing components and expensive high-class additives that minimize the threat of fire, which is confirmed by certificates and multiple tests of the material for fire safety. And thanks to the use of modern and unique technology, the surface of the material is covered with a layer containing an increased concentration of substances protecting against ultraviolet rays. As a result - excellent resistance of the membrane to sunlight and a significant increase in the service life.

All types of Logicroof membranes have common advantages:

• UV protection;
• high elasticity;
• reliability;
• resistance to climate influences;
• resistance to various chemical and biological substances;
• ease;
• fire resistance;
• excellent tensile strength.

Thanks to these many properties, the Logicroof membrane can be used in any facility, even in power plants. The manufacturer offers membranes of the following varieties:

• T-SL - unreinforced two-layer tunnel;
• V-SR - unreinforced single layer;
• V-RP - reinforced single layer;
• polymer products for waterproofing and decorative cladding of various types of pools.

In addition, when speaking about the manufacture of Logicroof membranes, it is impossible not to mention extrusion. This production method provides for the absence of voids in the products, high homogeneity of the composition, as well as excellent characteristics of flexibility and elasticity. One of the main points that directly affect the cost and quality of the material is the use of the best European raw materials undergoing strict control. This is why the use of Logicroof membranes is a financially justified step.

The Logicroof membrane is made from the best European raw materials and has unique characteristics of strength, elasticity and fire safety

Features of installation of a membrane for a roof

Required materials and tools for membrane installation:

• glue;
• special self-tapping screws;
• roulette;
• scissors;
• screwdriver;
• brush with copper wire bristles;
• welding equipment;
• chalk based on wax;
• cleaner;
• stitching roller (you can use silicone or Teflon);
• breaker thread.

The sequence of works on laying the roofing membrane:

1. Prepare the base - remove all debris, disassemble parts (signs, stairs or antennas).

2. Level the roof plane - dry wet areas, repair any areas that have been destroyed. If necessary, dismantle the old coating.

   

   Before laying the membrane, the wet areas are dried, and the destroyed coating is dismantled

3. Make a drainage layer as a geotextile.

   

   Non-woven geotextile fabric is used as a lining layer that protects the roofing membrane from mechanical damage and removes excess moisture

4. Additionally, insulate the roof structure with hard wool based on basalt or expanded polystyrene.

5. Fit the finishing membrane.

   

   First, a layer of geotextile fabric is stretched, then insulation plates are mounted, and a membrane is spread on top

Video: installation of PVC membrane on a flat roof

Despite the fact that the roofing membrane is a rather expensive material, it justifies its high cost with its aesthetic appeal, durability and reliability.