Bituminous membranes are widely used within the construction industry for more than 50 years and are the preferred system of most Architectural practices. Due to there many advantages and proven performance building owners with low pitch roofs make torch-on membranes the membrane of choice and specification in the New Zealand market.
What is Torch On Roofing?
Reinforced Bitumen membranes are they are commonly known as are a type of structural waterproofing that can be applied to various areas of the building Fabric. They can be applied as a buried membrane in a tanking situation, they can be applied to decks, below tarmac and asphalt for vehicular traffic and can be applied to planters’ podiums and the most common of application to roofs.
Suitable substrates for Bituminous membranes application are timber, concrete, strand board ,cement board or it can be attached to a substrate of insulation which is called a warm roof.
These membranes can be installed direct to the substrate in a fully bonded application or can be partially bonded in many different application methods. Firstly, we will touch on Torch on application
FLAME FREE APPLICATIONS
Flame free applications are starting to become more common now due to increased insurance from the necked flame application. In Europe they have a safe to torch scheme and various methods of application to reduce the use of LPG gas torches and live flames on buildings.
TORCH APPLIED MEMBRANES
The most common of these membranes used in New Zealand for roofing purposes its Torch applied membranes. These membranes are applied using a gas torch to attach the membrane to the building structure, it is fast and easy to install they come in a range of colours and finishes and can form an aesthetic layer to a flat roof installation. The 2 most common applications are in a flat roofing installation these are categorised as either a cold roofs or a warm roof. The difference being the positioning of the insulation layer in the system.
The two common types of Torch On Roofing
COLD ROOFS
Bituminous membranes are traditionally laid to the structure and this type of roof is called a cold roof. These types of roofs are common in construction and have been used for over a hundred years. These types of roofs require ventilation in the cavity to reduce internal moisture which damages the building and creates Mold growth and fungus to the internal of the building. A modern wary of combating this is by the introduction of insulation below the membrane and this is called a WARM roof.
WARM ROOFS
Warm roofs are when the insulation layer is placed outside the building thus removing the dewpoint to outside the building envelope. They are built up in several layer with the vapour control layer being applied first then the insulation which can be either PIR, XPS or EPS foams. These insulating layers are there to improve the internal space of the building below. Increasing thermal performance and removing mould and damp from building s by creating a warmer dryer space. On top of the insulation the membrane can be placed direct to the insulation or a further coverboard can be installed to the insulation to create a stronger structural layer to enhance the application of the membrane.
Warm roofs can be installed in a fully adhered system where the membrane is fully torched to the insulation or cover board the insulation can be glued down or mechanically fastened.
Warm roofs can also be applied completely without a flame in a peel and stick application and using glues or mechanical fastening to adhere the glue.
What are the benefits of Torch On Roofing?
- Durable
- Adaptive Used in a variety of situations
- Flame-free They can be flame free if required
- Flexible Flexible adaptable to the complete building envelope
- Easy to install
- Longevity Long history of use
- Economic Cost-effective method of waterproofing a building
- Quality Factory controlled product application
Torch Applied Membrane Product Partners
Torch Applied Membrane Installation
The membranes can all be laid to selected insulation to create a warm roof system which creates a more comfortable environment for the end user. Warm roof systems have been around for over 40years and are proved within the marketplace as solution to reduce heat gain in the summer and to thermally improve the dwellings in the winter.
Asphaltech has selected a group of product partners within New Zealand that we feel has the best quality membranes and technical support that will compliment our company and clients. These product partners are well known brands within New Zealand who import the membranes from Europe and specify too the New Zealand market.
Asphaltech has vast experience installing these sheet membranes and can help and consult you with your choice, so you have the right solution for your building.
Speak to Asphaltech today for a basement to roof waterproofing solution.
Call 09 475 9725