Membrane roofing. Types and methods of installation

The existing construction market offers potential buyers a huge selection of roofing materials. It can be so-called classical, time-tested materials, but there may be new ones that are still not widely known among the people. Among the latter is the membrane roof, which, although it appeared relatively recently, has already managed to gain fame thanks to its indicators.

Under this name, membrane roofing is commonly understood as roofing materials, based on elastomers, that is, polymers with highly elastic properties. This type of roofing materials allows to obtain a holistic, almost monolithic coating. At the same time, it will have excellent waterproofing characteristics, which undoubtedly favorably isolates it against the general background.

Membrane roofing, the price for which is quite competitive and averages 190 rubles per m ^{2 of} material and 150 rubles for the installation of the same area, is represented by several varieties - it all depends on the material. Each species has its undeniable advantages, but also, unfortunately, its shortcomings.

PVC membranes

This type of membrane roofing is made of PVC plasticized with reinforcement of polyester mesh. They make a solid and reliable roof. But the disadvantages are the presence of volatile compounds that are released into the external environment, and poor resistance to bitumen, solvents and oils.

EPDM membranes

They are made of synthetic rubber. As a reinforcing element is also polyester mesh. They are elastic, durable and low cost. But they have one significant drawback, which lies in the way they are mounted. To join the cloths, glue is required and it is the junction site that is their Achilles heel, since water leakage often occurs in them.

TPO membranes

This kind of membrane webs is made on the basis of thermoplastic olefins. They are produced both with reinforcement of polyester or fiberglass, and without it. The joining of the webs is carried out with the help of welding with hot air, due to which the seam turns out to be durable and reliable. But unlike the membranes of PVC and EPDM, this kind of cloth is less elastic.

Installation of membrane roofing

1. Ballast fastening. This type of installation is the simplest and is used when the membrane roof has a slope of less than 15 degrees. In this case, the webs are laid along the entire perimeter and fastened with glue or welding. After that, a layer of ballast is placed on them from the calculation: not less than 50 kg per m ² . If a broken stone or gravel is used as a ballast, which can damage the material, then before installing it, it is necessary to lay a protective cloth with a density of not less than 500 g per m ² .
2. Mechanical fastening. Installation of this type is used if the roof is not designed to withstand ballast. The fastening of the webs is carried out with the help of special fasteners in the form of a plastic umbrella and a metal anchor in the area of their lapping.
3. Adhesion. This method of installation is used extremely rarely and only in those cases when it is simply not possible, because it is uneconomic and does not provide sufficient strength of the connection. Glutinous mixture is applied only in the bonding areas of the panels, along the perimeter and in the problem areas.
4. Welding. The joining of canvases with the help of special welding machines, which supply an air stream with a temperature of 400-600 degrees, is the most effective method, since the obtained membrane roof advantageously features high tightness.