SAFE AND TESTED METHODS OF BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFINGS
The classic method of waterproofing for buildings, for terraces and roofs mainly, remains the waterproofing with bituminous membranes. The laying of a black bitumen covering has been, and it will probably remain at least for the near future, the main solution for preventing water infiltrations in the roof structure, and later inside the buildings.
Performing the bituminous waterproofing works is relatively simple, as they are durable and extremely efficient, if certain basic rules are followed; these also apply to any kind of such an operation, regardless of the type of material used.
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A FLAWLESS WATERPROOFING
Bituminous membranes are impermeable materials used in waterproofing, made of modified bitumen with elastomers and plastomers added to, and equipped with fiberglass or polyester reinforcement and manufactured with different finishes such as mineral slate, sand, TNT, aluminum foil.
Depending on the recipe of the bituminous mixture and of the reinforcement used, different properties of mechanical strength, elasticity, of cold flexibility and durability can be obtained. As far as reinforcing is concerned, the bituminous membranes are of two types – membranes with fiberglass reinforcement and membranes with non-woven polyester reinforcements.
Bituminous membranes are used to prevent water infiltration within building elements, roofs, terraces, foundations, basements, tunnels, etc. The bituminous membranes are ideal for restoring waterproofing on terraces of old buildings and for waterproofing new non-walk or non-walk-on roof terraces.
HOW TO CHOOSE BITUMINOUS MEMBRANES
In order to choose the most competitive membrane at an affordable price, determining the type and the complexity of the works is crucial. The material requirement must be 1.12 or 1.15 times the measured area because of the longitudinal and transversal overlapping when membranes are applied and because of the losses produced during the cutting.
Bituminous membranes are recommended to be applied at temperatures between +5°C and +35°C. Bad weather conditions such as rain, snow or moisture of the insulated surface may compromise the work quality.
APPLICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Basically, there are two technologies that are used when applying modified bitumen materials: the flame-welding technology and the cold mastication technology. In double-layer bituminous waterproofing, the middle part of the second layer must cover the overlapping seams of the first layer. Bituminous membranes are affordable, the ratio between the quality of the final results and the total costs is very convenient.
THE BITUMINOUS MEMBRANE SOLUTION:
The first diffusing layer has the role of eliminating already existing vapors in the building structure and in the concrete frame, by evacuating them through the available areas;
The second layer, the vapor barrier one, conducts the vapors through the available areas so that they don’t affect the thermal insulation layer;
Thermal insulation is the binder between the vapor barrier and the self-adhesive membrane layer;
Always use a good quality self-adhesive membrane;
A bituminous membrane with a slate protection ensures a good sealing layer;
At the moment this is a non-walk-on terrace;
In order to become walk-on suitable, an armoured protective shell will be needed and then the ceramic finish applied.
BENEFITS:
A complete system of successive layers that can last for over 20 years
The material elasticity
Successive layers with specific properties
Easy maintenance by applying a single extra layer
The most used system for new industrial and office buildings
BITUMINOUS SHEET MEMBRANE SYSTEM FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKS
Metal sheet support
Double role layer: a diffuser and vapor barrier
Thermal insulation: EPS or PIR or BASALTIC WOOL
Self-adhesive membrane (cold-bonded plus mechanically screw fastened) with an extra wind resistance
Bituminous membrane coating on vertical surfaces (hot bonding and additional mechanical fastening)
Coating layer with bituminous slate membrane (hot bonded)