We are studying the technology of installing PVC membrane roofing. Membrane roofing: types, features, stages of installation of a soft roof made of PVC membrane Technology of laying PVC membrane on the roof

Membrane roofing represents the most modern look roofing. Its popularity is due to its excellent technological properties and long service life of the finishing coating. Due to its increased strength, resistance to moisture and excellent adhesion to all bitumen-based materials, this roofing is widely used in.

individual construction

The use of polymer materials and artificial rubber, which are flexible and elastic, makes it possible to create roofing coverings on roofs of any plane and different slopes. Membrane roofing technology most often allows the wonderful qualities of these materials to be used on slightly sloping and flat roofs.

Today, different types of roofing membranes are produced. Let's focus on the three main ones. PVC membrane. This coating

PVC membrane

To increase the elasticity of the fabrics, volatile plasticizers are added to the material composition. Thanks to the polyester reinforcing mesh, it gains additional flexibility and elasticity. These properties remain indispensable when laying membranes on roofs with complex configurations.

If we make a comparison, the PVC roofing membrane is the most practical and cheapest in relation to other types of rolled polymer roofing coverings. Therefore, at the moment they are the most popular and in demand. The advantages that distinguish this material from conventional roofing coverings include the absence of unwanted leaks that arise due to the characteristics various materials

, used for roofing.

As a rule, the joints of the canvases do not fit tightly enough to each other, which is why moisture from the atmosphere gradually penetrates into the interior of the buildings. Unlike other coverings, PVC membrane roofing has virtually no seams. As a result, leaks on such a roof are minimized. Among the advantages of installing this type of roof can be considered savings in labor and. It does not require creating a technological layer of gravel, which is usually done when installing a roof from traditional rolled materials.

Another advantage that PVC membrane roofing has is its color. It is light, and therefore the roof reflects most of the sunlight falling on it. In the current heat this is a tangible advantage.

EPDM membrane. The basis of this material artificial rubber is used - ethylene propylene dienomonomer. The polymer mesh used to reinforce the material gives it increased strength properties. This construction material has a very long service life.

To increase the strength of the roof covering, EPDM membranes include additives - polyester and modifying ones. The membranes have excellent adhesive properties (adhesion) to materials based on bitumen. All this speaks of the remarkable waterproofing properties that membrane roofing has.

The cost of EPDM membranes for roofing is not cheap. But if you break down the price by the service life of the roofing (more than 50 years), then it is unlikely that it will seem so high and unjustified.

TPO membrane. These membranes came to the Russian roofing waterproofing market relatively recently. Given roll covering includes several types of thermoplastic olefins.

Different manufacturers formulate the composition of their products according to their individual membrane formula and the ratio of polypropylene to ethylene-propylene rubbers. More common is membrane roofing, the technology of which provides for a ratio of 30% to 70%.

To increase strength and fire resistance during the production of this modern material, antioxidants and various stabilizing substances are added to its composition.

If we talk about the similarity of thermoplastic membrane roofs with their thermosetting analogues, then they are based on a completely different material - not rubber, but polyvinyl chloride or similar polymers.

Although PVC sheets are not joined by heating, their seal is so tight that they do not allow water to easily pass through the seams. Moreover, such materials for finishing the roof are more affordable (when compared with thermosetting analogues). The only downside is that they require constant Maintenance and more frequent membrane roof repairs.

There are two types of TPO membranes on the market today. One is reinforced with polyester, and the second is unreinforced, consisting of fiberglass.

Especially high quality TechnoNikol superdiffusion membranes have. These three-layer microporous membranes have a top and bottom layer made of non-woven polypropylene. In the middle of such a durable frame is the so-called “working layer”. It consists of a polypropylene film that has unique properties due to which steam diffusion occurs and, at the same time, creates a barrier to the passage of water.

The middle layer, which contains the TechnoNikol membrane roofing, has excellent relative tensile properties. A frame made of non-woven propylene, which has high strength values, together with the middle layer ensures a balanced material in terms of such indicators as resistance to mechanical loads and damage, excellent vapor permeability and water resistance. The layers in a superdiffuse membrane are connected using ultrasound, which guarantees high stability of the material characteristics and eliminates the possibility of damage to the “working” middle layer. This type of membrane roofing is safe and is not affected by bacteria. The film is formed into rolls measuring 1.5 m by 0.5 m.

Advantages of roofing membranes

The use of roofing membranes helps to achieve excellent waterproofing and heat-insulating properties of the finishing coating. Conveniently, membranes can be laid on any type of base. The obvious and indisputable advantages of the material laying process is the rapid implementation installation work.

Membrane roofing is an ideal covering for low-slope and flat roofs. This does not mean that it cannot be installed on roofs with complex geometry.

By repairing the roof using membrane materials, there is no need to dismantle the old damaged roofing covering. It is difficult to disagree that such a provision will significantly reduce labor costs and reduce the cost of construction work.

The main thing that includes repairing a membrane roof is cleaning the base of the roof from debris. After this, geotextile fabric is spread in two layers. It is designed to protect the coating from damage. Then the roof is sealed in strict accordance with production technology roofing works.

Polymer membrane materials have undeniable advantages, for example, they

• exhibit thermal stability in relation to daily and seasonal temperature changes;
• have high elasticity, ductility and tensile strength;
• provide a minimum number of joints;
• can be used on roofs with complex and non-standard configurations;
• The installation of a membrane roof can be carried out in the shortest possible time.

Since the roofing membrane has high quality indicators, modern construction successfully uses this popular material.

Installation of roofing membranes

The thermosetting type of fabric is attached to the base of the roof mechanically, after which, using special equipment, the joints are heated with hot air. Then the canvases are welded to each other in an overlapping manner.

Membrane roof repair reliably fixes the membrane sheet to the roof, while ensuring the highest level of waterproofing of the entire finishing coating.

Due to the fact that the membrane panels do not fit very tightly to the base, excellent ventilation is ensured between the two layers of the roof. Since the resulting condensate does not settle, there is no need for a waterproofing under-roof membrane.

In places where the finishing coating adjoins other roof elements (podiums, corner seams, parapets), a heat gun is used for its installation. Such simple equipment for membrane roofing is also used in hard to reach places for processing joints.

It is necessary to be careful and correctly carry out all technological operations for installing membranes. If work is carried out with violations, the consequences can be very bad, for example, depressurization of joints may occur.

If work is carried out on industrial, warehouse buildings and structures made of metal structures, when corrugated sheets serve as the base for the coating, before covering the roof with membranes, a rubber-bitumen emulsion or rubber-based mastic is applied to them. With this approach, the membrane roof receives additional waterproofing.

Membrane mounting and mounting options can be as follows:

• The roof area is filled with a ballast layer of crushed stone, gravel and other materials.
• The covering is mechanically fixed to the base of the roof using “racks”.
• The roofing membrane is attached using adhesives.

Thermoplastic membrane roofing is installed differently than its thermoset counterpart.

Sequence of installation work

The membrane roofing you make yourself will reliably protect your roof and will last for 20-30 years. This type of coating does not require additional waterproofing, since it itself perfectly resists moisture.

Compared to conventional roll materials, membrane roofing can be installed in the shortest possible time.

Repairing a roof using this type of coating requires certain knowledge and ability to operate welding equipment. If you are not confident in your own skills, it is better to entrust the work to professional craftsmen.

The roof is the most important structural element of a building. Whether the conditions inside will be comfortable enough depends on how well it is made. Therefore, during construction or renovation, it is necessary to be especially careful in choosing the material for the roof. In the article we will consider a modern and high-tech method of arranging a roof from a PVC membrane.

Membrane roofing has become Lately extremely popular, which is not surprising, since it has excellent technical performance, and most importantly, is easy to use and operate. The membrane was first introduced more than 40 years ago and since then has maintained a leading position in the market. In Europe, it has long been unconditionally preferred, covering almost 80% of roofs with its help, and now it is gaining trust in Russia.

PVC roofing membrane

This is an innovative waterproofing roofing material made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The membrane itself consists of three components, which are the basis of its unique qualities:

• The top layer of PVC is resistant to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. It is offered in a wide range of colors, so it is easy to choose any one depending on your needs or wishes;
• reinforcement with polyester mesh (for reinforced types of membranes);
• the bottom layer is a darker shade. It would seem why they paid attention to this, but in fact this point is important. The fact is that if deformation appears on the roof - a dent, a cut, a rupture - then, thanks to the difference in color between the top and bottom layers, this place will be clearly visible, which will make it easier to find the leak and guarantee a quick repair.

Characteristics of PVC membrane

The main secret of the longevity of a membrane roof is the presence of special stabilizers in the top layer, which protect against aggressive environmental influences. Ultraviolet radiation is especially dangerous for it, so membrane manufacturers supply them with a layer of special absorbers that create a barrier that prevents the penetration of ultraviolet rays and the destruction of the material.

Manufacturers are not afraid to give a 10-year warranty on their material, and the service life of a membrane roof is about 50 years.

The absolute tightness provided by this material is achieved due to the fact that the sheets are welded overlapping using hot air, forming a reliable seam and the integrity of the coating. This installation method allows the membrane to be used at any time of the year and significantly speeds up the roof installation process.

In what cases is membrane roofing used?

Membrane roofing is ideal for both used and unused flat roofs, for example in modern multi-storey buildings. residential buildings, at industrial enterprises, warehouses, shopping centers.

It is less common in low-rise cottage construction. This is partly due to the fairly high price, partly due to the traditional sloping architecture of the roofs of private households, for which sheet roofing materials are more suitable.

A properly designed and faultlessly operated flat membrane roof requires virtually no maintenance or repair, only regular monitoring for clogging of the drainage system.

• It is light in weight and does not put much strain on load-bearing supports buildings and foundation. The thickness of the membrane varies from 0.8 to 2 mm, on average the weight of 1 m2 of this material does not exceed 1.5 kg;
• A wide choice of roll lengths and widths allows you to select the optimal amount of material to minimize joints and the number of seams.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

The advantages that distinguish the membrane on the market are:

• ease of installation and speed of installation;
• durability;
• resistance to aggressive external environments, withstands temperatures down to -60 degrees;
• high strength of the coating, while maintaining elasticity;
• vapor permeability, eliminating the appearance of moisture and condensation accumulation;
• possibility of installation on uneven surfaces, including old roofing;
• fire resistance, membranes are non-flammable material and meet all fire safety standards.

The main disadvantage of a membrane roof is its price, which significantly exceeds, for example, the cost of a bitumen-polymer roof.

However, durability will more than pay for itself expensive cost material. Thus, bitumen coating becomes unusable after 2-3 years and requires repair. With a membrane, you can be sure that it will not require repair, much less replacement, for 40-50 years.

Roofing with PVC membrane

Modern roofing material, which, of course, is a membrane, must not only protect the room from rain and wind, but also retain heat in it, remove excess moisture, which will prevent the development of mold and mildew. The roof, along with the foundation, is the most important element in the structure; it is responsible for its functionality and durability.

Experts have introduced the concept of “roofing pie”, which assumes the presence of three main components: vapor barrier, insulation and waterproofing. There may be more layers, depending on the type of roof and its purpose.

Scheme for membrane roofing

1- The base is in this case a profiled sheet.

2- Vapor barrier. She represents vapor barrier film, which performs the function of preventing moisture or condensation from entering the insulation layer from the room.

3- Thermal insulation - bottom layer. The most common material for insulation or thermal insulation is mineral wool. Extruded polystyrene foam and glass wool are also used.

4- Thermal insulation - top layer. The division of insulation into two layers is not accidental; the top one acts as a load distributor and is usually made of higher-density mineral wool.

5- Telescopic fastener.

6- Roofing membrane.

Roofing pie over old roof

Another undoubted advantage of the membrane is the ability to use it on almost any surface; in other words, it does not require mandatory leveling. Therefore, it is very convenient to use for repairing or updating the roof.

Below are two examples of a roofing pie without dismantling the old covering from using PVC membranes.

With leveling and insulation

• The base is an old roof;
• vapor barrier;
• thermal insulation material;
• separation layer (geotextile);
• PVC membrane.

Without leveling and insulation

This is only possible if the old roof is flat and has insulation.

• Base - existing roof covering;
• separation layer (high-density geotextile);
• PVC membrane.

Pie for flat roof depends directly on its purpose (exploited or not), however, in any case, the main layers will remain unchanged: vapor barrier, thermal insulation and waterproofing.

Technology for installing a PVC membrane roof using the heat-welded method

The installation of a PVC membrane roof must be done in dry weather, and the base on which it is mounted must also be completely dry.

It is often used on flat roofs, and the sequence of work is as follows:

• Anything that could interfere with work (advertising signs, antennas, debris) is removed from the roof;
• if necessary, the old roof covering is repaired or completely dismantled;
• vapor barrier material is laid with overlaps and all seams are taped;
• Next, a layer of insulation is placed (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc.)

• PVC membrane sheets are fixed onto the prepared base with an overlap of 15 cm. If fastening is required to wooden sheathing, then a telescopic fastener with a self-tapping screw is suitable for concrete surfaces the same fasteners will be required, but only with dowel-nails;

• required amount fastenings are calculated individually for each roof, and depend on climatic conditions region and design of the roof itself;
• When the entire roof is closed and fixed, the joints of the material are welded with a stream of hot air using special equipment. Nozzle welding machine should be at an angle of 45 degrees;

Tip: before starting work, the equipment should be warmed up to 550 degrees. And before you start working directly with the roof, it is recommended to practice on small pieces of PVC membrane. But there are also membrane roofs that can only be connected with glue or adhesive tapes intended for this purpose.

• after the roofing material is caught by hot air, it must be immediately rolled with a silicone roller;
• There is no need to rush, and after the first section of the connection is made, you need to check its quality. When trying to rip a seam by hand:
  • the material has torn along the seam - this means that too high a temperature was used;
  • no seam - temperature too low;
  • the rupture occurred near the seam - the work was done efficiently.

For clarity, below is a video about laying a PVC membrane roof.

Ballast method of installing a PVC membrane roof

This method is applicable only on flat roofs with a maximum slope of up to 10%. It consists in the fact that the membrane fixed to the fasteners is covered with geotextiles and evenly filled with ballast. The material used is gravel or greenery.

Fastening a PVC sheet roof with glue

This method is similar to the mechanical one, with the only difference that to seal the joints of the material, not welding equipment is used, but a special construction adhesive.

Manufacturers and prices

Russian manufacturers

Manufacturer TechnoNIKOL

LOGICROOF. A three-layer PVC membrane is produced. A special layer is created on its surface containing a high concentration of ultraviolet ray absorbers.

Manufacturer Stroyplastpolymer

Roofing. Waterproofing material is available in two types:
A - two-layer very durable film with reinforcement, used as roofing material;
G - has 2 layers, suitable for waterproofing work.

Plastfoil. This is a membrane consisting of three main components:

• stabilizers, plasticizers and flame retardants;
• fabric with a complex weave of polyester thread;
• PVC dark color.

Plastfoil is highly flammable and prevents the spread of flame over the roof surface; it is used on roofs with increased fire safety requirements.

Foreign manufacturers

Manufacturer: Renolit SE (Belgium)

Alkorplan. Polymer roofing waterproofing material based on PVC. It is characterized by high strength. It is not flammable, does not rot, and is not exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Service life - more than 50 years.

Manufacturer Sika (Switzerland)

Sikaplan. A reinforced PVC membrane made of several layers, resistant to UV radiation, excellent for waterproofing roofs.

Manufacturer ICOPAL (Netherlands)

Monarplan. A modern material consisting of a single layer of PVC membrane, designed for waterproofing flat roofs in any climate zone.

Manufacturer Ruvitex (Bulgaria)

Ruvimat. Polymer waterproofing material based on PVC. Highly durable, UV stable, fireproof. Service life - more than 50 years.

The approximate price per square meter of PVC membrane from a foreign manufacturer ranges from $15 to $25 per square meter. Russian manufacturers offer lower prices, about $8-10. This cost does not include installation work, as well as the cost of other materials for the roofing pie.

Selecting a contractor

Membrane roofing is an innovative product and requires certain knowledge and skills when installing. Therefore, it is not recommended to install it yourself. This work is best left to specialists with experience and the necessary tools.

Considering the fact that the membrane is a material that has recently appeared on Russian market, and is not yet as widespread as, for example, in Europe, there are few companies that can truly professionally install PVC membrane roofing.

When choosing them, you should pay attention to:

The price for installing a PVC membrane roof cannot be low; it is also an indicator of the professionalism of the contractor. It varies between $3-15 per square meter, and depends on the complexity of the roof structure, time of year, surface condition, selected material, etc. Experienced work producers can cover up to 1000 sq.m. in one working day. roofs.

The table, for clarity, shows the cost of work by one of the construction companies.

One of the advantages of working with a contractor is full support: the performing company takes all measurements, advises on materials, and gives advice on its design. And most importantly, the contractor provides a guarantee for his work, and, if necessary, performs warranty and post-warranty service.

Possibilities of PVC roofing

In addition to high technology, membrane roofing provides an opportunity for creativity and the implementation of interesting ideas on the roof.

For example, you can put an advertising slogan or company name on the membrane if the roof is being manufactured for an industrial enterprise or warehouse. Thus, the roof will become not just a reliable protector from the weather, but also a place to express individuality.

Or, instead of ballast, use turf, which can create a beautiful “green” roof.

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.

To the benefits of roofing of this type applies:

• 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 that meet 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. The PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane first appeared on the construction market, but today this material is competing with 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. The basis for the manufacture 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 of 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 the coating can be carried out using various technologies; a corresponding video is offered to familiarize yourself with the principles of installation.

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. Applies if roof structure it is not designed for loads associated with laying ballast, and there is also no way 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. Installing a membrane roof using a welding machine makes it possible to install a solid, reliable, high-quality coating that successfully resists 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 covering, special attention is required to the membrane roofing units - the places where the membrane adjoins various designs, 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.

In terms of installation technology, this type of material is in many ways similar to traditional bitumen-based roll materials, and in terms of its technical parameters it is much superior to them. Membrane roofing has appeared on the domestic market recently, but even in this short period of time it has managed to win the respect and trust of many developers.

This type of roofing is used on flat roofs of both industrial and commercial buildings, as well as garages and other outbuildings. Modern technologies and materials allow us to build exploitable roofs, effective area in the future it can be used as recreation and play areas, winter gardens, parking lots, etc.

Membrane roofing - what is it?

What are the main advantages of membrane roofing?

In addition to these well-known technical parameters, membrane roofs have another unique advantage - vapor permeability. The vast majority of insulation materials react extremely negatively to an increase in relative humidity; with an increase in this parameter, thermal conductivity increases significantly; the actual thermal insulation characteristics of the premises are far from the planned values. All previously used roll roofing coverings for flat roofs did not allow steam to pass through, with all the ensuing negative consequences. Membrane roofs prevent the insulation from getting wet.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Types of membrane coatings

All membrane coatings based on materials of manufacture are divided into three large groups, each has its own characteristics. Such differences allow developers to choose the most suitable option for themselves, taking into account the architectural parameters of the roof, the climatic zone of the building’s location, and financial capabilities.

Table. Main types of membranes.

Prices for EPDM membranes for roofing

EPDM membrane for roofing

At the time of adoption specific solution According to the brand of roofing, you should keep in mind the operating conditions, dimensions and maximum loads on the roof.

Step-by-step instructions for laying a membrane roof

Before installing the membrane covering, it is necessary to completely prepare the base.

Step 1. Inspect the roof surface. It should be level and slope towards the drainage of rain and melt water. Large recesses and protrusions are removed and cracks are sealed. Work on laying the roof can begin only after the repair materials have completely hardened. Most often, membrane roofs are installed on insulated roofs; high-strength extruded polystyrene foam slabs are used as insulation. Such coatings not only perfectly retain heat in rooms, but also dampen noise. The strength of expanded polystyrene allows you to walk on it without fear while performing roofing work.

Step 2. Place a special separating layer on the prepared base. It is necessary to minimize risks mechanical damage membrane roof. Geotextiles or fiberglass can be used as a separating layer. The separating layer must be even over the entire surface of the roof, kinks are excluded.

Step 3. Roll out the first roll of the membrane, while at the same time bending it onto the vertical elements (parapets) of the roof. The height of the bend is approximately 10 cm. Align all the folds of the material, and if necessary, manually stretch it a little, this way you can remove small waves formed due to long-term storage of the membrane in a roll.

Important. If the parapet is brick, then it must be plastered, the surface should be leveled as much as possible and the sand removed.

Step 4. Fix the clamping strip to the vertical roof elements. The clamping bar can be made of any metal profile; the choice of hardware for fastening depends on the material of manufacture of the vertical fence, but most often dowels or special self-tapping screws for concrete are used; they are screwed directly into the holes; plastic elements are not used.

Important. Avoid sharp bends in the membrane; microcracks may appear in these places over time. Subsequently, when water freezes/defreezes, microcracks expand and cause leaks.

Step 5. Fix the membrane covering to the base. There are two methods of fixation: to a concrete base or to extruded polystyrene foam. The second fixation method is most often used, despite the fact that it is less durable. Engineers explain this choice for three reasons. First. Loads on peeling off the coating are not so significant that they should be taken into account when calculating the strength of fixation of the membrane to the base. Loads arise due to gusts of wind, but even a significant speed of air masses cannot create a significant vacuum above the surface of the membrane. Second. This method is less expensive, fixation is done quickly and without significant physical effort. Third. Some types concrete foundations roofs have Additional materials waterproofing, their damage by dowels is strictly prohibited.

To fix the membrane, special plastic hardware with an increased thread pitch and a large head diameter are used. They are screwed in with an electric drill; there is no need to drill preliminary holes.

Step 6. Next to the fixed membrane, roll out the interlayer material again, all actions are similar to those described above.

Step 7 Roll out the second roll of roofing material on top of the layer with an overlap of approximately 5–8 cm from the fastening points. Make sure that the stripes are perfectly parallel; if you notice any distortions, they should be corrected immediately.

Important. Avoid situations where four corners of the rolls are located in one place; change their length. Laying technology prohibits welding more than two ends at one point.

Step 8 Attach the free edge of the membrane; the opposite one will be welded later.

Using the same algorithm, continue laying the covering over the entire roof area.

Important. Do not forget to make cuts in the coating in places where water drains, finishing work in these places they are made at the last stage of installation of the membrane roof. How bends or pipes going outside are installed and sealed engineering communications, we will tell you in the article below.

Once the membrane has been completely installed, perform a visual inspection of the roof surface again. Everything is normal - start welding the overlaps.

Membrane roof welding technology

Welding work can be performed using a special automatic or manual welding unit. The automatic device significantly increases labor productivity and minimizes the risk of defects due to the influence of the human factor. But it is impossible to completely glue all the seams with its help, due to large sizes Dead zones of significant length are formed, which the device is not able to solder. For their sealing, bypass various pipes On roofs and drains you will definitely have to use manual welding.

Welding work can only be done in dry weather; the surface of the membranes must be completely dry.

Practical advice. Never believe advisers who claim that the weather does not affect the quality of the seam - all the water will evaporate under the influence of high temperature. This is wrong. The fact is that while the water evaporates, the dry membrane overheats, and this significantly increases the likelihood of leaks. The process of overheating is noticeable; thick smoke with a pungent odor appears from under the materials; to prevent burning, the technician reduces the heating temperature. As a result, wet areas do not have time to dry and warm up to optimal temperature, the seam turns out to be leaky.

Welding process with hand tools

The membrane is heated by a stream of hot air, which simultaneously removes sand from the overlaps; glue or open flame are not used. The device has a set of attachments with different sizes; for an even seam it is better to take an attachment approximately 4 cm wide.

Step 1. Prepare hand equipment. Make sure that the nozzle is clean, level and without mechanical damage. Only such a tool can guarantee the same heating temperature of the membrane across the entire width of the seam.

Set the heating temperature of the air flows; it must meet the recommendations of the membrane manufacturer and depend on the material of its manufacture. Experienced roofers adjust the temperature slightly based on actual weather conditions. Before starting work, the tool must be warmed up.

Important. To improve the quality of welding, it is recommended to make several test seams on sections. With the correct nozzle width, air temperature and speed of work, the membrane will be firmly welded. When stretched, a welded membrane should tear outside the welding zone; the strength of a double-thickness membrane is higher than that of a single-thickness membrane. If the temperature is too high, it will tear along the seam; if the temperature is too low, two pieces will easily separate without consequences for their surfaces.

Step 2. To make the work easier, grab the layers of the membrane at a distance of approximately 50 cm; this completely eliminates its movement during the work.

Step 3. Insert the nozzle into the overlap of the canvases at an angle of approximately 45°, move it along the joint at the same speed. At the same time, roll the seam with a special silicone roller. The welding mode is selected correctly if a small amount of white smoke appears during operation.

Step 4. Check the quality of welding. This is done with a special metal hook with a sharp end; if it is not there, then you can use an ordinary flat-head screwdriver; its tip should not go between the blades. To improve the appearance of the seam and increase the tightness, it is recommended to glue it with silicone glue after cooling.

Practical advice. If you do not have enough experience in performing such work, then you can make two welds. This should be provided for at the stage of laying the rolls; the overlap should be increased to 10–12 cm. When welding the first seam, the tool is inserted deeper into the joints; in this way, go about 15–20 cm along the length. After this, the welding machine is moved into the remaining overlap width and the process is carried out using conventional technology.

Welding the membrane with a welding machine

The welding machine saves builders from difficult physical work and improves seam quality. Before starting welding, you need to set the heating temperature of the air and the speed of the machine. The choice of modes depends on the membrane material and ambient temperature. After the data is entered on the control panel, you should wait a little until all elements of the machine warm up to the specified values.

1. Move the nozzle as far as possible to the side, move the machine to the welding seam.
2. Install it so that the drive belt is located exactly at the edge of the overlap.
3. Carefully lift one layer of the membrane with your hand, place the nozzle in the resulting gap and fix it on the body until it clicks. A click indicates that the nozzle is in the correct position.
4. Immediately turn on the welding machine drive. The guide roller should rest against the edge of the seam with its side surface; it controls the automatic movement of the welding machine.

While working with such a unit, the operator must constantly remain next to it, keep one hand on the handle and, if necessary, slightly adjust the direction of movement. It is necessary to achieve not only uniform and rectilinear movement, then complete pressing of the heated membrane by the rollers.

If you need to switch from automatic welding to manual welding, be sure to slightly undermine the seam you have made. Due to this, it will be possible not to leave gaps, the soldering iron nozzle will heat the welding line along its entire length without dead zones. At the same time, the strength of the entire seam will be checked; if problems are detected, they can be corrected in a timely manner.

Prices for machines for welding plastic and synthetic materials

Apparatus for welding plastic and synthetic materials

How to weld complex seams and elements

This need arises on all roofs; complex seams, reinforcements and linings require special technology.

Installation of the patch

Patches have to be installed both during the installation of a new membrane covering and when repairing the old one. They allow you to reliably eliminate detected problem areas; in addition, the technology recommends installing patches on the corner joints of the membranes.

Before starting work, you should measure the length of the seam, the patch is cut 15–20 more. This is done so that there is space left for welding around the entire perimeter of the patch. To improve the quality of welding, the corners are cut in a semicircle.

Step 1. Clean and degrease the surface of the membrane under the patch and place it on the welding site.

Step 2. Weld the patch in several places as far as possible from the edges, this should be done in order to prevent it from shifting during welding. Check the position of the patch and adjust if necessary. At this stage of work, it can still be torn off and re-fixed.

Step 3. Lift the patch and insert the nozzle of a hand-held soldering iron into the gap. The nozzle should be 2 cm in size; a very wide one will not allow you to create a high-quality seam.

Step 4. Constantly move the nozzle around the circumference of the patch and roll the membrane with the edge of the roller. Try to make the seam as wide as possible, this way the tightness of the connection increases. The roller passes must be tight; carefully monitor the welding process. Remember that the patch should not be glued, but welded, follow the recommended modes.

Strengthening the corner area

From the point of view of sealing reliability, these are the most difficult areas; to increase the strength of the roof covering in these places, it is recommended to make additional patches.

Step 1. Cut a circle with a diameter of approximately 20 cm from the membrane. Cut it along the radius towards the center. Place the patch in a corner and bend the circle into a cone. At the same time, make sure that the outer edges of the cone fit tightly to the coating. Fix the position of the cut edges of the circle.

Step 2. Heat the narrow nozzle of a soldering iron and carefully weld the edges. To do this, use a narrow nozzle and a flat roller. Work carefully, weld thoroughly along the entire length. Prepare a second circle with a radius of approximately 3 cm from the membrane; it will need to be glued to the top of the cone.

Insert the small circle into the cone, making sure that the adhesive surfaces of the cone and the small circle must touch. Due to this position, the gluing process is simplified and the tightness of the weld seam is significantly improved.

Step 3. Glue the cut membrane over the entire area to the top of the cone and check the tightness. This is easy to do - pour water into the cone and wait a few minutes. If water does not leak, great, you can glue the prepared element in the corner of the roof. Place the cone in the corner of the roof and begin welding. Pay special attention to the upper vertical edge, this is where water most often gets under the membrane. Proceed to strengthen the corner zone only after the technology has been mastered well, all actions are controlled, and the heating temperature is determined intuitively. If you do not have such skills, then attempts to further seal and strengthen the corners may lead to the opposite result.

In the corners, the membrane does not adhere tightly to solid bases; there are gaps in many places. This means that you cannot press the roller with great force - the risks of violating the integrity of the soft heated material increase. In order to obtain a high-quality weld with slight pressure on the surfaces, the heating temperature should be slightly increased. To what extent exactly – there is no universal advice. The master must navigate independently based on personal practical experience in roofing work.

And one last thing. There is no need to be afraid large quantity patches, but leaks. At the slightest suspicion, use patches; leaks must be prevented, not eliminated. Appearance membrane roof - not the most main characteristic building.

Video - Connecting to a parapet using PVC metal

Video - Installation of PVC membrane on a flat roof

Membrane roofing is one of the most modern and popular types of roof coverings. Its demand is explained by its 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 with a thickness of 0.15-0.20 cm, fiberglass reinforced. 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:

1. PVC– polyvinyl chloride is the most common type of membrane.
2. EPDM– ethylene propylene diene monomer or synthetic rubber.
3. – 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

The membrane roofing system is available 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. Covering the roof with such material can be done without much 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 a particularly economical and practical material, but periodically requires repairs. It should also be noted that this roofing system is weakly 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:

1. 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).
2. Does not require special effort during installation (laying can be done on various types of bases).
3. When repairing a roof with such a coating, dismantling the old decking is not necessary, which significantly reduces labor and money costs.
4. High stability to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
5. 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:

1. Ballast method.
2. Glue method.
3. Heat welding method.
4. 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:

1. Surface preparation - it should be thoroughly cleaned of debris, dust and deposits.
2. Calculate the required amount of coverage.
3. Use thermal insulation materials that extend the service life of the membrane.

1. Ballast method

The installation method is as follows:

1. Distribute the canvas along the length of all sides of the roof, then carefully level it.
2. At the joints, the material is connected and secured to the vertical surfaces of the roof with special glue or by hot air welding.
3. 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.

Assembly adhesive is suitable for installing membrane sheets on reinforced concrete, wooden bases, 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 pricing policy is 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.

The process speed, temperature and other parameters are controlled 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.(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

1. The choice of covering material for a membrane roof is of great importance.
2. All types of membranes are suitable for the device using the ballast method.
3. At mechanical method connections with self-tapping screws, the elasticity of the coating is not required, so a TPO membrane is suitable.
4. If the fabric is joined by welding and the fasteners are made manually, it is recommended to buy material without reinforcements.
5. 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 indicative prices for materials:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Repair without removing the old coating. The old coating surface, previously cleared of debris, is primed with a primer, after which a new layer is coated by welding. This method is recommended in case of multiple minor injuries.
2. 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 when the roof covering was damaged during installation technological process installation 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:

1. Clean using a wooden shovel (metal ones can damage the integrity of the coating);
2. 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).

1. 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.
2. Roof installation should be carried out with special care. The slightest violations can lead to depressurization of the roof.
3. 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.
4. It is periodically necessary to clean the roof surface, carry out preventive inspections, and routine repairs.
5. The ballast method of installing the membrane can be used exclusively on roofs with a large load.
6. The mechanical installation method is used when the roof truss system and the foundation of the building are not intended for heavy operating loads.
7. 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.