The existing construction market offers potential buyers a huge selection of roofing materials. These can be the so-called classic materials, time-tested, or they can be quite new and still little known among the people. Among the latter is the membrane roof, which although appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to earn good fame thanks to its performance.
By such a name as membrane roofing it is customary to understand
roofing materials, which are based on elastomers, i.e. polymers with highly elastic properties. This
type of roofing materials allows you to get a holistic, almost monolithic coating. At the same time, it will be distinguished by excellent waterproofing characteristics, which undoubtedly favorably distinguishes it from the general background.
Membrane roofing, the price of which is quite competitive and averages 190 rubles per m 2 of material and 150 rubles for 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 disadvantages.
PVC membranes
This type of membrane roof is made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride with reinforcement from a polyester mesh. They make a strong 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. A polyester mesh also acts as a reinforcing element. They are flexible, durable and have a low price. But they have one significant drawback, which lies in the way they are installed. To connect the paintings, glue is required and it is the junction that is their “Achilles heel”, because water leaks form in them most often.
TPO membranes
This type of membrane paintings is made on the basis of thermoplastic olefins. They are produced both with and without reinforcement made of polyester or fiberglass. The connection of the paintings is carried out by hot air welding, so that the seam is strong and reliable. But unlike PVC and EPDM membranes, this type of canvas is less flexible.
Membrane roof installation
- Ballast mount. 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 canvases are laid around the entire perimeter and are fixed with glue or welding. After that, a ballast layer is placed on them from the calculation: at least 50 kg per m 2 . If broken stone or gravel is used as ballast, which can damage the material, then before installing it, it is necessary to lay a protective sheet with a density of at least 500 g per m 2 .
- Mechanical fastening. Installation of this type is used if the roof is not designed to withstand ballast. The paintings are fastened using special fasteners in the form of a plastic umbrella and a metal anchor in the area of their overlap.
- Sticking. This installation method is used extremely rarely and only in cases where it is simply impossible in a different way, since it is uneconomical and does not provide sufficient bond strength. The adhesive mixture is applied only in the areas where the panels are joined, along the perimeter and in problem areas.
- Welding. Joining canvases using special welding machines, which supply a stream of air with a temperature of 400-600 degrees, is the most effective way, since the resulting membrane roof compares favorably with high tightness.