Waterproofing For Roofs With Distinctive Characteristics And Reviews, As Well As Installation Features

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

How to make quality waterproofing for your roof

The construction of the roof is one of the final stages of building a house, but in terms of importance - one of the main ones. Indeed, warmth and comfort in a home depends on its correct device. The roof has a complex multi-layer structure, and hydro-vapor barrier is one of its most important elements. How to make this part of the work so that the roof will serve faithfully for many years?

Content

• 1 Waterproofing and vapor barrier for the roof: their functions and features

  • 1.1 Purpose and functions of waterproofing

  • 1.2 Purpose and function of vapor barrier

    1.2.1 Video: Important information about roof vapor barrier

• 2 Types of waterproofing for the roof

  • 2.1 Types of vapor barrier

  • 2.2 Types of waterproofing

    • 2.2.1 Types of membrane films for waterproofing
    • 2.2.2 Video: Super Diffusion Membrane or Waterproofing Film

• 3 Technology of laying hydro and vapor barrier

  • 3.1 Waterproofing with roll roofing felt
  • 3.2 Bitumen-polymer waterproofing

  • 3.3 Waterproofing with foil materials

    3.3.1 Video: the correct roof - waterproofing, counter battens, lathing, drip

  • 3.4 Roof vapor barrier

    3.4.1 Video: Vapor barrier installation technology in insulated roofs with Izospan V material

• 4 Manufacturers and brands of materials for waterproofing

  • 4.1 Vapor barrier materials
  • 4.2 Materials for waterproofing
• 5 Consumer feedback on materials and methods of roof steam waterproofing

Waterproofing and vapor barrier for the roof: their functions and features

Waterproofing and vapor barrier of the roof have an apparent external similarity, but the functions and locations of these layers of the roofing cake are different.

Waterproofing and vapor barrier coatings are similar to each other, but they perform different functions and are laid in different places

Purpose and functions of waterproofing

Waterproofing is a coating that retains moisture but allows water vapor to pass freely. Where does moisture come from under the roof? It seeps through joints, wall connections, pipe leads. Sometimes, for example, when arranging a cold roof, there is no vapor barrier. Then the waterproofing layer protects the roof structure from the penetration of steam and moisture from the living quarters into the under-roof space. Waterproofing is located between the topcoat and the insulation with the obligatory arrangement of ventilation gaps.

The gap above the waterproofing film serves to remove condensate from the inner surface of the roofing, and below it, prevents the insulation from getting wet from moist air vapors passing through it

Purpose and function of vapor barrier

The vapor barrier retains both moisture and steam. It serves to protect thermal insulation and load-bearing elements of the roof from moisture penetration from the room. At the same time, the vapor barrier also performs the opposite function, protecting the interior of the building from moisture from the roof. This layer is used on flat and pitched roofs and is usually located under the insulation.

Video: important information about roof vapor barrier

Types of waterproofing for the roof

There are waterproof and vapor barrier materials with different properties.

Types of vapor barrier

1. Plain plastic wrap. It is inexpensive but has low durability.

   

   Polyethylene film is a budget option for vapor barrier rooms

2. Reinforced foil. Reinforcement with the use of special fibers makes the coating stronger, facilitates installation, and increases the service life.

   

   Reinforcement of the vapor barrier film can significantly improve its consumer properties

3. Fiber-coated materials. They have a rough structure. To impart these properties, viscose spraying is used. It prevents the appearance of condensation on the surface of the vapor barrier if the insulation gets frozen or blown out. During installation, the fibrous layer must face the interior of the room.

   

   A vapor barrier film with a fibrous coating protects the insulation from condensation

4. Metallized coating. It is used to reduce heat loss through the roof. This effect is achieved by reflecting heat rays from the metallized layer into the room. Such vapor barrier materials are used in bathrooms, baths, saunas.

   

   Metallized film helps keep the room warm

Types of waterproofing

The most common types of roof protection are the following types of waterproofing:

1. Okalechnaya. This is the most common type of waterproofing. Roofing material, glassine, roofing paper have been used here for a long time as the main material. However, at present, new polymeric materials have appeared: technoelast, vinyl plastic, ecoflex. The positive property of these coatings is that they can be installed on roofs of different configurations. The installation process takes place in stages: first, the surface is covered with a bitumen emulsion, which serves as a binding element, and then waterproofing is glued to it.

   

   Modern polymeric materials have high consumer properties and a long service life

2. Sprayed. The material is liquid rubber, which is applied using airless spraying. Liquid rubber perfectly protects against moisture , there are no seams when applied, it is compatible with all materials, it can be used for roofs of any shape. In addition, such a coating withstands temperature fluctuations well, is resistant to ultraviolet light, is non-toxic and frost-resistant.

   

   When solidified on the roof, rubber forms a strong, flexible and durable coating

3. Painting. It is a viscous substance that is applied to the concrete base of the roof and forms a film approximately 2 mm thick. Thus, joints and seams are tightly sealed. The use of one-component, air-curing mastics is recommended. Very often, liquid glass is used for waterproofing roofs. It is non-toxic and protects the surface well from moisture. In order not to form cracks, nodes with a complex structure and abutments are reinforced with geotextiles.

   

   Bituminous mastics have good sealing properties and form an even layer over the entire roof surface, including joints and abutments

4. Sheet canvas. It is used under heavy loads in cases where there is a risk of destruction of other types of coating. The roof is covered with steel or plastic sheets. After that, the sheets are welded to form a continuous waterproof coating. Plastic sheets are cheaper.

5. Film and membrane. Film waterproofing is used on pitched roofs. A polypropylene film is used. It has a number of advantages: it does not rot, has excellent moisture-repellent properties, and has a long service life. The market also offers a large number of high-quality modern membrane materials with excellent performance.

   

   On pitched roofs, polypropylene waterproofing films are most often used.

Types of membrane films for waterproofing

1. Diffuse with microperforation. Suitable for all types of roofing. When installing such films, a ventilation gap is equipped. The micropores of the films absorb moisture, which evaporates under the influence of the air entering through the ventilation. Such membranes are environmentally friendly, fireproof and durable.

   

   Diffuse films have micropores, through which moisture seeps to the inner surface, where it evaporates in the ventilation gap

2. Super diffuse. Due to the property of increased diffusion (penetration of gases and steam through the pores of the membrane), there is no need to arrange a ventilation gap. This reduces heat loss. Such membranes are strong, durable and UV-resistant. They are used in the case of using metal tiles, corrugated bituminous sheets as a roofing covering.

   

   Superdiffuse membrane is laid directly on the insulation, no ventilation gap required

3. PVC membranes. The basis of their production is plasticized polyvinyl chloride. It is due to the presence of plasticizers (substances that give the material plasticity) that the material is flexible. Strength is given by a reinforcing mesh. Other advantages of PVC membranes are:

   • resistance to mechanical, chemical and temperature influences;
   • maintainability;
   • duration of operation;

   • environmental friendliness.

     

     Membrane materials provide reliable moisture protection and allow the roof to "breathe"

4. EPDM membranes. Designed for use in low temperatures. They are frost-resistant, durable, highly resistant to various chemical influences, waterproof and quickly assembled.

Video: Super Diffusion Membrane or Waterproofing Film

Hydro and vapor barrier laying technology

In the practice of building flat roofs, rolled bituminous and bitumen-polymer waterproofing is often used today. These materials are effective and affordable.

Waterproofing with roll roofing material

1. Roofing material is sensitive to moisture and low temperatures. Therefore, work is carried out in dry weather at a temperature not lower than +5 ^o C. As a base, a screed based on cement and sand or hard insulation, which must withstand high temperatures and organic solvents, is used. Care should be taken when using fire and bitumen mastics.

   

   Roofing material is laid on a continuous flooring of wood or concrete, covered with bitumen mastic, with an overlap between the canvases

2. A bituminous primer is applied to a clean and dry base. It penetrates well into the surface. The best primer option is ready-made liquid roofing mastic. The work is done with a roller or a paintbrush.

   

   The liquid roofing mastic is applied in an even layer using a roller or brush

3. The primer must dry. After that, the roofing material is rolled out and allowed to rest for a day so that it straightens up. Diesel oil is used to remove talcum powder. The orientation of the rolls depends on the angle of inclination of the roof:

   • with a slope of up to 15%, the rolls are placed across;
   • from 15 to 25% - along;

   • with a slope of more than 25%, roofing material cannot be used.

     

     At large angles of inclination, sheets of roofing material are placed along the roof

4. For gluing roofing material, bituminous mastic is used. If the junction has a complex shape, then these places are slightly warmed up by the burner. Under no circumstances should air bubbles be allowed to form. The overlap depends on the slope and varies from 70 mm at the maximum slope to 200 mm at the minimum.

5. Made from two to four layers. The smaller the slope, the more layers. The joints of different layers should not be the same. For the top layer, a more reliable roofing material is left. It is rolled with a roller and sprinkled with stone chips.

   

   Layering improves the quality and durability of the waterproofing

Bitumen-polymer waterproofing

The first three steps of installing bitumen-polymer waterproofing repeat the laying of roofing material

1. The surface is prepared in the same way as for roofing material.
2. The overlap of the rolls is from 80–100 mm (lateral) to 150 mm (end). The location in the layers must be the same as for roofing material.
3. A bituminous primer is applied.

4. When it is dry, you can lay the material. This is where the differences begin. Instead of gluing it onto mastic, the panel is heated by a burner. However, care must be taken to avoid overheating, otherwise the material will become brittle. You can glue when the image on the adjacent surface is deformed. It is very convenient to use a wooden mop for rolling. If the technology is observed, a small amount of bitumen will protrude from the joints.

   

   When the image on the back side begins to deform, the material can be rolled onto a heated surface.

5. In prefabricated buildings, the initial layer is fixed with staples or special nails with a pitch of at least 500 mm.

   

   Fastening of the first layer of waterproofing is made with staples or nails

6. Then 2–3 layers are deposited with filling of the uppermost one.

   

   Backfilling is the final stage of laying bitumen-polymer waterproofing

Waterproofing with foil materials

Installation of waterproofing begins after installing the rafters. The most used material today in the construction of private houses is waterproofing film, supplied in rolls.

Installation steps:

1. The rolls of waterproofing are rolled parallel to the cornice over the entire width of the roof. Work begins from the ramp. It is very important not to lay the material face down. The front often has a logo or a bright stripe. Often they act on the principle: as it is convenient to unwind, so it is laid - this is wrong. A ventilation gap 10–12 cm wide is made in the area of the ridge. With its help, condensate accumulated under the roof is drained from the lower ventilation duct.

   

   The waterproofing foil is laid across the rafters, face up

2. With the help of a construction stapler, the film is fixed on one side, and then along the rafters. The sagging between the rafters is not more than 2 cm. Otherwise, moisture will linger on the film and get into the under-roof space.

   

   After fixing on one side, the film is laid with slight tension

3. The edges of the film are carefully cut with a knife.

   

   The edges of the film are cut with a special tool

4. For the ventilation device, a counter-lattice is placed (wooden bars stuffed onto the rafters directly on the waterproofing material).

5. A crate is made (rows of boards nailed to the rafter system, on which the roofing is then attached).

   

   The bars of the counter lattice are stuffed onto the rafters, and the main lathing is mounted across the ramp

6. The operation is repeated over the entire roof. The film is laid with an overlap of 100–150 mm.

   

   The overlap of the film canvases ensures the tightness of the waterproofing

7. Where it is not possible to attach the waterproofing to a solid surface, the joints are sealed with tape.

8. The roll is bent to the other edge over the ridge. Then it is fixed with a stapler around the perimeter.

   

   The bend through the ridge creates a single waterproofing layer of the roof

Video: the right roof - waterproofing, counter battens, lathing, drip

Roof vapor barrier

1. The vapor barrier is installed from the room when the thermal insulation has already been made.

   

   The vapor barrier is mounted on the inside of the rafters

2. The canvases can be laid both horizontally and vertically.

   

   Laying horizontally is the more common method of installing vapor barrier films.

3. Vertical laying of the canvas is used when it is rational from the point of view of the characteristics of the room and cutting the film.

   

   In some cases, vertical stacking is more convenient and saves material

4. Horizontal laying starts from the top. The overlap between the canvases must be at least 100 mm. Adhesive tape is used to seal the joints. It can be one-sided and two-sided. The joint is fastened with a one-sided tape from the outside, and a double-sided one - from the inside.

   

   Double-sided adhesive tape seals the film from the inside

5. When installed along the rafter legs and there is no rough lining of the insulation, the overlap is made on wooden rafters.

   

   The overlap of the film on the rafters in the absence of insulation lining allows you to reliably fix the vapor barrier material

6. Fastening is done with staples or galvanized nails.

   

   Fastening of the vapor barrier film is carried out using a construction stapler

7. It is necessary to monitor the tightness of the joints. In order to enhance the tightness, clamping strips are used. This is important if the roof slope is less than 30 ^° and the density of the seal is low.

   

   Clamping strips help avoid sagging of the film

8. Particular attention should be paid to abutments to roof windows, hatches, etc. They are usually equipped with a vapor barrier apron. Instead, double-sided butyl tape can be pasted over the frame perimeter.

   

   The vapor barrier allows you to reliably protect windows and hatches from water vapor

9. Where ventilation pipes pass, the film is rolled down, wrapped around the pipe and carefully fixed with adhesive tape.

   

   At the place of passage of ventilation pipes, the film is bent and wrapped around their surface

10. At the last stage of installation, wooden blocks are taken, treated with an antiseptic and attached to the film with a step of 500 mm. This is done to fix the thermal insulation and create a space between the inner lining and the vapor barrier. Communications are mounted in it. If the finishing is done with plasterboard, the bars are replaced with a galvanized profile.

Video: installation technology of vapor barrier in insulated roofs with Izospan V material

Manufacturers and brands of materials for hydro-vapor barrier

Today, there are many manufacturers on the market offering fairly high-quality materials for both hydro- and vapor barrier roofing. It should be said that all the manufacturing companies presented in this article produce high-quality and reliable products. Each waterproofing or vapor barrier material has its own area of application. For a particular case, it is important to select the appropriate coverage.

Vapor barrier materials

1. "Yutafol". Produces a range of roofing vapor barrier films. Here are some of them:

   • "Yutafol N-90". Three-layer, reinforced. Designed for both pitched and flat roofs. The budget option, however, has a fairly high level of quality;
   • "Yutafol N-110 Standard". It has 3 layers of reinforcing mesh based on polyethylene strips and lamination with polyethylene film. It has a slightly higher vapor barrier properties than the previous model. With the help of this film, most of the problems of vapor barrier of buildings and structures are solved;

   • "Yutafol VAP". It is used for buildings with variable humidity. Monitors the passage of water vapor in conditions of varying humidity and temperature.

     

     Film "Yutafol N-110 Standard" is used as a universal vapor barrier in most cases

2. Tyvek. This company offers material labeled Tyvek VCL Air Guard. It has a long service life, is easy to use and environmentally friendly. Works great thanks to a special layer on a reinforcing base. It has a wide range of applications on roofs of different types and different areas. Used in combination with Tyvek Solid or Tyvek Tape waterproofing and fiber insulation. This material is not allowed to be used in high humidity conditions (bathrooms, swimming pools, etc.).

   

   AirGuard provides effective vapor protection and 100% air tightness

3. Izospan V. Material from a Russian manufacturer. It has two layers, characterized by good density, wear resistance and resistance to harsh operating conditions. Used in residential areas.

   

   Film "Izospan V" is used for installation of vapor barrier in insulated roofs of residential buildings

4. "Nicobar". The company presents vapor barrier films designed to solve various problems:

   • Nicobar 125 AL, Nicobar 125 ALSE. Materials resistant to high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation. They have two layers: absorbent and aluminum. Thanks to this, a certain amount of heat is returned to the attic. Therefore, these films are indispensable for equipping a steam room in the attic;

   • "Nicobar-85", "Nicobar-105". Universal vapor barrier film consisting of two layers with synthetic fibers for reinforcement.

     

     Vapor barrier film "Nicobar 125 AL" will make a comfortable bath in the attic

5. "Takobar". The manufacturer presents two types of material on the market: "Takobar" and "Takobar S". "Takobar S" has lower density and vapor permeability, as well as greater strength and resistance to ultraviolet light. Both types of films are of sufficient quality and have proven themselves well.

   

   Vapor barrier film "Takobar" allows you to make high quality and inexpensive vapor barrier at home

Waterproofing materials

1. Technonikol. Manufactures roofing and insulation materials. The assortment includes moisture-proof membranes, mastics, welded products, etc. An important advantage of this manufacturer is complex roofing systems:

   • TN-Roof Classic. An unexploited roof. The base is steel corrugated board. A polymer membrane is used as waterproofing. Can be used for shops, large shopping centers. The vapor barrier film "TechnoNicol" is used. Polymeric membrane Logicroof V-RP is used as waterproofing;
   • "TN-Roof Fix". An unexploited roof. The base is steel corrugated board. Bitumen-polymer waterproofing "Technoelast Fix", "Technoelast EKP". Film vapor barrier "TechnoNicol". Suitable for pre-fabricated small and medium-sized buildings;
   • TN-Roof Smart. The base is steel corrugated board. Used polymer membrane Logicroof V-RP, vapor barrier film "TechnoNicol". This system is used for roofing in commercial and industrial buildings;
   • "TN-Roof Ballast". It is used when there is a concrete base and membrane waterproofing. Vapor barrier "TechnoNicol", membrane Logicroof V-GR. Used for residential and public buildings;
   • TN-Roof Invers. Concrete base, bitumen-polymer waterproofing. It is used in low temperatures, multi-level roofs. Waterproofing "Technoelast EPP";

   • TN Roofing Green. Roof system with planted plants. Bitumen-polymer waterproofing "Technoelast Green EPP", "Technoelast EPP".

     

     The Logicroof V-RP waterproofing membrane is an important component of many complex roofing systems from TechnoNikol.

2. Penetron. Manufactures products that are used for waterproofing flat roofs:

   • for the purpose of waterproofing the joints, the Penetron dry construction mixture is used. Special components penetrate the concrete to a depth of 90 cm. As a result, water-resistant crystals are formed that retain moisture. Scope - concrete and reinforced concrete structures of the brand not lower than M-100;
   • "Penekrit". Waterproofing of joints, joints, joints with a static load of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. It is used in combination with the Penetron;
   • "Peneplag", "Waterplag". Instant elimination of pressure leaks in a concrete roof. Used in combination with "Penetron", "Penecrite";
   • Penetron Admix. Additive to concrete at the production stage;
   • "Penebar". Hydraulic laying. It is used for waterproofing the places of passage of engineering communications in concrete structures;

   • "Skrepa M-500". Serves to restore the protective layer of concrete structures.

     

     Dry building mixture "Penetron" has the property of penetrating concrete and retaining moisture there

3. "Icopal". For waterproofing the roof, we offer bitumen-polymer roll materials. One-layer and two-layer roof waterproofing systems are available. In double layers, the top layer is designated "B". For example, "Icopal V". The bottom layer is marked with the letter "H" ("Icopal N"). Two-layer coatings are used for flat roofs. For pitched, you can use both single-layer and double-layer products. Here are some of the company's materials:

   • Icopal Solo. Single-layer bitumen-polymer. Laying method - fusion onto the base;
   • "Ultradrive". Single-layer, used in the arrangement of operated roofs. Free laying or fusing on the base is used;

   • "Sintan Vent". Two-layer. Feature: the presence on the underside of the heat-resistant coating "Sintan" - special strips (adhesive strips). Installed by rapidly applying heat to the strips. Membrane materials "Monarplan" are also produced. They have a three-layer structure that provides increased strength and durability.

     

     When laying, the Sintan Vent roll is heated with a gas burner and glued onto special adhesive strips.

4. Isoflex. Produces bitumen-polymer materials:

   • Isoplast. Produced in various modifications depending on the type of coating (film, slate, sand);
   • Isoelast. It is used for waterproofing the upper layer of the roof ("Isoelast K") and the lower ("Isoelast P");
   • Mostoplast. It has an increased service life (100 years), heat-resistant, durable, easy to install;
   • "Kineplast". It has a low price and high quality, as it is produced only from domestic raw materials;

   • Kineflex. Designed for the regions of the Far North.

     

     Mostoplast possesses unique durability, therefore it is used for waterproofing reinforced concrete structures operating under high loads

5. Izospan. The company specializes in film waterproofing and vapor barrier. Waterproofing "Izospan" is made in the form of a waterproof film made of non-woven material. The following modifications are available:

   • Izospan A. Protects insulation from moisture, wind, steam. It is widely used. It is not recommended to use it in combination with a combustible insulation;
   • Izospan AM. Has high water-repellent properties. Laying is possible even in rainy weather;
   • Izospan AS. It has higher indicators in terms of density, water resistance, vapor permeability, tensile load than Izospan AM. Used for waterproofing large buildings and structures;
   • "Izospan V" It is used for the installation of vapor barrier in insulated roofs, operated mansards with various types of roof coverings;
   • "Izospan S", "Izospan D" are waterproofing agents for non-insulated roofs;
   • Izospan FB. Designed for use in rooms with high temperatures. Metallized lavsan helps reflect heat back into the room. It is used in saunas, steam rooms;
   • Izospan FD, Izospan FS return infrared radiation into the room. This helps to save heat. Recommended for rooms with insufficient heating;

   • Izospan FX keeps heat well in the room due to the fact that there are air bubbles isolated from each other in the metallized film.

     

     Izospan FD helps to retain heat inside by reflecting heat rays from the metallized coating surface

Consumer feedback on the materials and methods of roof steam waterproofing

Waterproofing of buildings and structures, made of modern materials in compliance with all technological conditions, makes it possible to operate them for a long time without additional repairs, saves money, creates comfortable conditions for living and working.