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It is therefore vital to enquire into the local situation before anything else
and to then define the optimum roofing complex.
NB: The term 'membrane roofing' is used in this guide in its more general sense, that of any
waterproof roof covering for use on a flat roof. The term therefore refers to membrane roofing
'proper' (high-performance bitumen-polymer sheeting types) and to built-up bitumen feltwork
or asphalt. [cf. The Penguin Dictionary of Building]
Plant: flat roofs walked on only for access to maintain rooftop plant (mechanical penthouses, roof-top air
conditioning units, etc.). There may be no fall, except in areas with mountain climates (where it must be
1 to 5%)
Foot traffic: flat roofs designed for pedestrian use of any kind (circulation, sitting, standing, etc.).
Minimum fall must be 1.5%, except in the case of slabs on pedestals, when there may be no fall.
Light vehicle traffic: flat roofs designed to allow circulation and parking of vehicles with a maximum
axle weight of less than 2 tonnes. The design rules for these roofs permit exceptional access for fire-
fighting vehicles and removal vans. Minimum fall of 2%.
Heavy vehicle traffic: flat roofs designed for vehicles with an axle weight in excess of 2 tonnes,
including refuse trucks (up to 13.5 tonnes per axle). Minimum fall of 2%.
Roof gardens: flat roofs covered with earth (at least 30 cm deep) and plants and shrubs (intensive
green roofs). Dead-flat fall is permitted; if the roof has walkways, the 1% fall required for water runoff can
be obtained with the walkway material.
Eco-roofs: flat roofs covered with earth (up to 10 cm deep) and grass or ground-cover plants (extensive
green roofs). Falls can range from 0 to 25%.
Terminology
Dead-flat roof (≤ 1%)
Nominally flat roof (falls from 1 to 5% inclusive)
Inclined flat roof (falls from 5 to 18% inclusive)
Pitched roof (falls greater than 18%)
This practical guide is confined to dead-flat, nominally flat, and inclined flat roofs. Pitched
roofs generally require special studies and use special waterproofing systems involving, in
particular, special fixings.
The effect of climate must be appraised country by country. For example, it may be
necessary to increase the acceptable fall for flat roofs if there is likely to be heavy
rain, etc.
For each project, therefore, it is important to check the relevant standards and the
minimum fall requirements to be complied with.
Loadbearing part:
1. Loadbearing element (concrete or steel deck)
Thermal insulation
2. Vapour barrier
3. Thermal insulation
Waterproofing
4. System bonding waterproofing and insulation
together
5. Waterproofing
6. Protection of waterproofing against impact and
UV radiation
Outside
1 ballast Inside
2 protective mat
3 insulation
4 waterproofing membrane
5 support
Installation: The vapour barrier may be a flexible layer of bitumen with felt, glass-
fibre, or polyester reinforcement, in which case it is supplied in the form of 1m wide
strip in 20m rolls. Otherwise, the vapour barrier may be applied in situ in liquid
form, as hot-mopped (pour & roll) bitumen.
On a concrete roof slab, a cold tack coat is applied first to provide a sound
interface for the vapour barrier (see table, page 15).
Comments:
The vapour barrier must be applied immediately before the insulation: it must under no
circumstances be used as temporary roofing and must not be considered to be a
waterproofing membrane.
Inverted roofs do not need vapour barriers, since the waterproofing plays this role.
In some cases no vapour barrier is required: e.g. hot countries where indoor
condensation does not occur.
Depending on the country and the conditions of the premises concerned, insulation
may be optional.
December 2005 BIIN CEA Practical guide - Flat roofs 16
C – 3b) Thermal insulation – Points requiring special attention
Insulant Advantage Disadvantage Thermal
conductivity
(W/m°C)
Extruded polystyrene Only insulant suitable for Poor fire resistance 0.029
inverted roofs
Hydrophilic
Incompressible: for roofs
subject to foot traffic
Resists freeze/thaw cycles
Polyurethane Incompressible: for roofs Poor fire resistance 0.026
subject to foot traffic Not suitable for inverted roofs
Hydrophilic
Cork board Incompressible: for roofs subject Not suitable for inverted 0.042
to foot traffic roofs
Good impact resistance
Ecological
Does not rot
In all cases, the compatibility of the insulating material and the solvents
used in the glues and membranes must be checked by examining the
technical approval certificates for the products.
Semi-loose or semi-bonded
This involves only partial bonding of the waterproofing to its support. It can be achieved with a layer of
perforated felt or by using dabs of hot bonding compound (hot bitumen) or cold bonding compound
(tack coat).
The advantage of this system is that it stands up well to deformation of the support.
It requires an insulant that is compatible with this kind of installation (see manufacturer's datasheet).
Semi-loose or semi-bonded laying can also be achieved with mechanical fixings (generally on ribbed
steel decking or aerated concrete).
The choice is also governed by local practice and features (high winds, for
example).
Loose laying
Example of an EPDM membrane
Semi-loose laying
Screw fixing through insulation
Bonded application
Torching-on (flame)
Pour and roll (hot-mopped bitumen)
Laying
Mastic asphalts are laid hot in several layers. An asphalt waterproofing system must be
loose-laid (except for ramps).
There are three kinds of traditional asphalt waterproofing systems:
5+15 system: used for all kinds of flat roofs, it generally consists of 5mm of pure
asphalt and 15mm of a sand/asphalt mix. It may be left uncovered on non-trafficable
roofs if there is no significant temperature variation, but it is generally given hard
protection.
5+20 system: This is similar to the 5+15 system but has a 20mm thick layer of
asphalt and gravel laid loose. It is used for flat roofs providing access to plant, that
can take light-vehicle and foot traffic, or can be protected by slabs on pedestals. It
can also be used for flat roofs taking heavy-vehicle traffic if given heavy protection.
Mastic asphalts are laid on supports with falls of no more than 3%.
Applying mastic
asphalt
Laying
Modified asphalt is laid loose, as a 17 to 20 mm thick layer.
It has good creep performance.
A big advantage is that it can be applied at low temperatures.
Example: "Novasphalte" for inverted flat roofs, by Smac Acieroid.
Composition of sheets
Sheets consist of three main components:
One or more reinforcing materials to resist ageing and thermal and mechanical
effects,
A body of bituminous coating,
Surface treatment to resist solar radiation.
Use
Blown-bitumen waterproofing membranes were for a long time the most
commonly used flat-roof waterproofing material in France. This trend has been
changed by increased use of two-ply compounds using modified bitumen (see
next section). Blown bitumen is practically no longer used.
Composition of sheets
Reinforcement: the type (glassfibre fabric, glassfibre or synthetic scrim) and
unit weight of the reinforcement determine its strength generally, and
particularly punching resistance, as well as its thermal resistance.
Surface treatment, either for self-protection (see section on protection), using
metal foil or bonded mineral particles, or for interfacing with the insulant,
depending on the application method adopted (compositions are defined in
manufacturers' technical data sheets).
One or more layers of sheets (single ply or double ply).
Characteristics
Due to their composition, APP membranes resist ultraviolet radiation. On the other hand,
they are difficult to bond and apply in cold weather.
SBS modified bitumen is suitable for cold climates since it can still be cold-pliable at
-40°C. On the other hand, it must be protected from UV radiation.
Some bituminous membranes have enhanced fire resistance.
Single-ply systems are less expensive than two-ply systems. However, two-ply systems
have a number of advantages over single-ply:
Better guarantee in the event of poor workmanship or other defect in application (since there are
two layers), and therefore less risk of leakage: the system is more reliable;
If the roof is to be trafficable for frequent access to equipment, two-ply is better because it has
better punching resistance;
Single-ply work should therefore be reserved for cases requiring minimum investment and when
the workmanship on overlapping of strips is likely to be good, i.e. when the roofing contractor is
experienced and its personnel is well trained.
FALL 0 to 5%
FALL ≥3% GRAVEL
SECOND PLY
BENEATH PROTECTION
SINGLE PLY
HOT BITUMEN
FIRST PLY
HOT-BONDABLE INSULANT
SEPARATION LAYER
THERMAL to
INSULATION
CONCRETE to
CONCRETE AND
INVERTED
INSULATION to
CELLULAR to
CONCRETE
WOOD AND WOOD- to
BASED PANELS
OLD ROOFING to
Composition of sheets
The sheets are made with synthetic 'high-polymer' resins. Two kinds of membranes in
particular are used:
Elastomeric membranes: EPDM (synthetic rubber made to dimension, in a single
seamless piece, or in rolls fixed mechanically with special fixings which do not pierce
the waterproofing).
Thermoplastic membranes – PVC, CPE or PIB
Characteristics:
Polymer-based synthetic membranes are generally strong, stand up well to the cold,
heat, chemicals, and weather.
EPDM (EPT) membranes can be applied over existing bituminous roofing.
PVC membranes are more long-lasting since they have polyester or glassfibre
reinforcement. They resist ultraviolet radiation better than EPDM.
CPE membranes (unvulcanized chlorinated polyethylene polymer) are similar to PVC but
contain no plasticizer. They are therefore slightly less flexible.
PIB membranes (unvulcanized polyisobutylene polymer) are backed with a polyester felt
reinforcement that absorbs any roughness in the support. These membranes stand up
well to weather and punching (perforation) but do not have good fire resistance.
FALL ≥1%
MECHANICALLY FIXED
PVC MEMBRANE
BASE SHEET
IF REQUIRED
THERMAL
INSULATION
VAPOUR BARRIER
Application
Caution: some liquid waterproofing systems are for use exclusively on supports with hydraulic binders
(see data sheets).
Monolithic reinforced-concrete slab or precast reinforced or prestressed concrete units.
Screed to falls bonded to loadbearing element.
Reinforced or unreinforced screeds or slabs bonded to the support.
The minimum fall required is 1%, except in certain cases, for some recent products (see supplier's documentation).
In all cases, liquid waterproofing systems are fully bonded to their supports. The most general case is:
primer coat,
first coat of resin forming the first layer of the system, with reinforcement (such as polyester fabric)
second coat of resin forming second layer.
Waterproofing layer
Gravel
Filter layer
Special inverted-roof insulation
Waterproofing layer
Reinforcing fabric
Waterproofing layer
Concrete slab
Blown - Low elasticity compared to Do not use. Has practically - Protection of sheets
polymer-modified bitumens disappeared from the obligatory. Applied
bitumen Sensitive to large temperature market either in the
multi-ply variations workshop (self-
- Durability (10 years): the shortest protecting system) or
lifetime heavy protection
- Poor punching resistance
Polymer- - Durability, taken to - Low punching resistance - Application requires - Protection obligatory.
be > 25 years great care Either shop-applied (self-
modified protected system coated
- Good elasticity - Until protection has
bitumen two- - Good bonding to been applied traffic with pellets, chips, metal,
ply support or tools placed on prefabricated metal
the roof can easily sheets of aluminium,
- Economical stainless steel, or copper),
perforate the
- Application quite waterproofing or heavy protection (hard
simple or loose)
Liquid - Seamless waterproofing (no - Often the most expensive - Practical for upstands, - Liquid
waterproofing joints) waterproofing system to small areas, where hot- membranes may
Applied without flame or hot supply work (flames) is prohibited be left
systems -
air - Some systems cannot be and application of rolls is unprotected, with
- Can be used for complex applied over insulation: difficult different
shapes (curves, undulations) restricted to uninsulated - Check that the contractor decorative
and where access is difficult roofs, balconies, etc. (see employs trained staff finishes, or may
(gutters) technical approval qualified for application of have loose heavy
certificates) or inverted roofs. resins protection or
- Range of decorative finishes slabs on
possible for some products. - Major constraints on - Check weather conditions
application for some for application against the pedestals (refer
Transparent resins can be to the technical
used to waterproof systems: good-bonding data sheet
support (clean and dry), approval
transparent structures certificates or the
- Quick to apply temperature, no humidity
specifications for
- Requires specialist workforce each product)
SUMMARY:
The main selection criterion are availability of products and local knowhow,
plus the overall price (ratio between knowhow / materials cost / labour cost).
Materials are constantly evolving. Some were originally developed for civil
engineering applications (Integritank liquid system by de Stirling Lloyd, for
example).
The type of protection chosen will depend very much on the purpose of the flat
roof.
It is particularly suitable in the case of steel roof framing, for it reduces the weight carried
and thus avoids having to increase the size of loadbearing elements.
December 2005 BIIN CEA Practical guide - Flat roofs 44
C – 6.b) Protection of waterproofing systems: heavy protection
Added protection or heavy protection. Heavy protection is applied immediately
after application of the waterproofing system to prevent damage.
There are two types: 'loose' and 'hard' heavy protection
Metal foil
Gravel protection
Hard protection
(e.g. slabs on pedestals)
Eco-roofs
Eco-roofs are not trafficable. Access is restricted to the purposes of maintenance of
the waterproofing and plants.
Plants are chosen to require less maintenance and watering than roof gardens.
They are hardy ground-cover plants (25 cm high at most) with low nutritional
requirements that reproduce and spread well. Mixing several carefully selected
varieties achieves a multicoloured effect that changes with the seasons.
The soil depth is small (3 to 20 cm) and therefore implies low imposed loads on the
structure (115 to 135 kg/m²). Eco-roofs can therefore be built on concrete, steel or
wooden loadbearing members.
INSULATION
INSULATION
VAPOUR BARRIER
VAPOUR BARRIER
COLD TACK COAT
COLD TACK COAT
Heavy protection
Slab protection: precast concrete or natural stone slabs laid on a separation layer
(bed of aggregate, loose protection, non-woven fabric, or polystyrene), except in the
case of asphalt waterproofing where the slabs may be laid directly on the asphalt.
Cast-in-place concrete topping slab on separation layer.
Heavy protection
Cast-in-place topping slabs on separation layer.
Tiles in mortar.
Slabs on pedestals.
Precast concrete or natural stone slabs on separation layer.
Interlocking concrete pavers.
All kinds of roof waterproofing include systems that can take heavy protection.
Generally speaking, bituminous membranes or liquid waterproofing systems are the
most suitable. Check the product technical datasheet in all cases.
Protection of ramps
Self-protection
25+25 asphalt on concrete support
Heavy protection
Cast-in-place reinforced concrete topping slabs on separating layer
Drip at top of
upstand (weak
Drip at top of point No. 1)
upstand (weak Reinforced cement
point No. 1) render
Bonded self-protected
upstand Waterproofing
2nd layer
Angle reinforcement, 1st layer
0.25 m total width Upstand angle
Upstand angle (weak point No. 2)
(weak point No. 2) Rotproof flexible
seal
(0.02 m min.)
Hard protection
Waterproofing of
standard zones Waterproofing of
standard zones
Thermal insulation
Monolithic Vapour barrier Monolithic Thermal insulation
support support
Concrete load- Vapour barrier
(concrete or (concrete or
bearing element Concrete load-
metal curb) metal curb)
bearing element
Horiz. part of angle Horiz. part of 1st layer
reinforcement upstand waterproofing
Horiz. part of Horiz. part of 2nd layer
upstand upstand waterproofing
waterproofing
Key:
1 Gravel barrier
2 Waterproofing
3 Gravel
4 Self-protected waterproofing
5 Balloon grating
For the purposes of this guide, a drainage channel is defined as a channel for collecting
rainwater, generally rectangular in section, that is installed on a trafficable roof and
covered with a removable protective grille (separate units) for easy maintenance and to
ensure safe circulation. Falls of up to 0.5% may be used.
Box gutter Covered drainage channel
width
Key:
1 Overflow
2 Waterproofing system
3 Insulation
4 Vapour barrier
Non-metallic ventilation pipe (PVC) with block of concrete for connection to waterproofing system -
Example
Key:
1 Block of concrete
2 Mastic
3 Collar
4 Collar flashing
5 Steel pipe sleeve
6 Top of protection
7 Non-metallic pipe
8 Loadbearing structure
UNDERLAYER BELLOWS
ANGLE REINFORCEMENT
THERMAL INSULATION
The inspection will concern the performance of the upstands, joint covers,
ventilation ducts, etc. …
… and above all the cleanliness of the roof, for plants are the sworn
enemies of flat-roof waterproofing since their roots can perforate the
membrane.
Machine
foot
Placing permanent point loads on the roof without protection
or without checking that the insulation can support the
weight (in general the solution is to increase the contact area
between the baseplate and the roof structure).
Hailstones
Labour costs
Local knowhow and availability of roofing materials
Whether or not screeds to falls are required
The quantity of upstands (it is longer and more complicated to apply an
upstand in a two-ply system than in a liquid polyurethane waterproofing
system).
Turkmenistan
Two-ply waterproofing system (standard surface) with 60-mm-thick US$17 to 25 / m²
polyurethane insulation and 5 cm topping
Self-protected two-ply waterproofing system (upstand) without insulation US$6 to 10 / m
United Kingdom
Inverted-roof liquid waterproofing system (standard surface) with 120-mm-thick £38 to 45 / m²
extruded polystyrene insulation and 5 cm of gravel
Inverted-roof liquid waterproofing system (upstands) without insulation £6 to 11 / m
Self-protected PVC membrane on steel decking (not included) with 140-mm- £30 to 40 / m²
thick mineral-wool insulation (standard surface)
Self-protected PVC membrane upstand £17 to 25 / m
Upstands
Self-protected bituminous upstand: 0.30 h/m
DTU 20.12 :
Gros oeuvre en maçonnerie des toitures destinées à recevoir un revêtement
d'étanchéité (Concrete structural work for roofs to receive waterproofing)
Technical specifications + modification A1 - NF P10-203-1 – September 1993
Special conditions - NF P10-203-2 – September 1993
Th-U rules: Ponts thermiques - Calcul des ponts thermiques (fascicule 5/5)
(revised in 2004) – (Thermal bridging – Calculation of thermal bridging)
United States:
ASTM C981: Standard Guide for Design of Built-Up Bituminous Membrane
Waterproofing Systems for Building Decks
ASTM 04.04: Roofing and Waterproofing
French market
Répartition
Breakdown des
ofprocédés enFrance
systems in Franceinen 2001
2001
(source
(source:magazine SYCODES)
Sycodes magazine)
étanchéité
blown bitume
bitumen oxydé
systems
2%
0% modified bitumen
étanchéité bitumesystems
modifié
10%
système
liquid d'étanchéité
waterproofing liquide
systems
76%
European market
Surface
Area ofde toiture étanchée
waterproofed roofs en Europein
in Europe en2002
2002
TOTAL
Total == 304
304 million
millionsm²m²
membranes à base
polymer-based
de polymères
membranes
4%
24%
étanchéité
blown bitume
bitumen
oxydé
systems
modified
étanchéitébitumen
bitume
modifié
systems
others
autres (liquid,
(SEL,
asphalte)
asphalt)
7%
65%
10%
blown bitumen
étanchéité systems
bitume oxydé
35%
SBS modified
étanchéité bitumen
bitume modifié
SBS
systems
étanchéité
APP bitume
modified modifié
bitumen
APP
systems
55%
PVC
ECB
6% EPDM
6%
TPO
17%
EVA
others
autres
53%
12%
6%
Curtain walling
Laura Doumandji
05214