Waterproofing
Below we describe our versatile and approved waterproofing systems, from bituminous to liquid and synthetic membranes.
Bitumen is still SOPREMA’s main business today. Years of research and development have helped our range of bituminous membranes to grow significantly and we are proud of the wide range of environmentally friendly and ecological products that this research has contributed to. Today we offer modified and durable surface layers, underlays, intermediate layers, vapour barriers, protective layers with complementary primers and accessories. All our bitumen-based waterproofing systems are hard-wearing and guarantee a waterproof solution.
Previously, bitumen was mainly used as a roof coating for flat and low-sloping roofs, but today it is also a high-quality and popular option for waterproofing bridge decks, multi-storey car parks, parking decks, tunnels, terraces, shopping centres, insulated balconies and attics.
Bitumen and its properties
Bitumen is a proven and high-quality alternative for roofing. Despite the development of other waterproofing materials, bituminous roofing felt remains extremely popular. Which roofing felt is best depends on your wishes and the restrictions of your construction project. Bituminous membranes provide a durable and reliable result when installing everything from flat to colored roofs, roof terraces, parking roofs and even green roofs. Environmental protection is central to SOPREMA's business and with its sustainable properties, bituminous roofing felt is an environmentally conscious choice.
Bitumen has a proven lifespan of at least 40 years and is therefore a very environmentally friendly choice. The material is also recyclable and you don't have to completely tear down the old roof before putting on the new one. You can simply put roofing felt on top of old felt. See our tips for how to maximize the lifespan of your roof.
Thanks to the high mechanical resistance, the product is not affected by shocks and other external influences.
Fire safety is important when choosing building materials and Bitumen can guarantee the safety of your project.
Which means that there are no problems with laying bitumen roofing felt during the winter.
The product remains flexible, even as it ages.
Bitumen-based roofing felt adheres very well to the substrate and is therefore an excellent option for waterproofing roofs.
The bituminous membranes contain no toxic substances and are pH neutral, making the material a very suitable choice for rainwater recycling.
It is very easy to replace or repair bitumen roofing felt, as you can lay new bitumen over an existing bituminous roof. This makes the product very suitable for roof replacements and partial repairs of waterproofing. We recommend an annual inspection of the roof to minimize the risk of damage and roof leaks.
Different types of roofing felt
SOPREMA offers a wide range of modified bituminous surface layers, underlayers, intermediate layers, protective layers, vapour barriers and accessories. All materials are available in different thicknesses and surface treatments.
SBS roofing
Styrene-butadiene-styrene or SBS is made from elastomeric bitumen and is ideal as both a surface layer or underlay for waterproofing systems with single or multi-layer coverage. In our range you will also find vapour barriers made of this material. SBS adheres well, can be applied to various types of substrates (e.g. steel decks or plywood) and remains very flexible.
APP roofing
Atactic polypropylene or APP is manufactured on the basis of plastomer bitumen and is also used as a surface layer or underlayment for roofing, both single and multi-layer. The material provides excellent resistance to UV rays and extreme temperatures.
PB-membrane
Polymer bitumen is mainly used as a stable substrate or vapor barrier.
Accessories for bituminous roofing
SOPREMA also offers a wide range of accessories for finishing roof details and eaves, among other things. With roofing sheeting, you guarantee that the most difficult-to-reach roof details receive optimal protection from the elements.
Underlay felt roof
Using both underlay and surface sheeting may seem cumbersome, but for some roof structures, 2-layer coverage provides the best possible durability. Especially if the roof slope is more than 45 degrees or if there is a high risk of wear, for example on a roof terrace. Roofing sheets made of elastic bitumen can be laid loosely on the substrate, but it is also possible to weld, nail or glue the underlay sheeting. It is possible, among other things, to install underlay sheeting on sheet metal or raw sheeting under a surface layer consisting of a sheet metal roof, tiled roof or surface sheeting.
Surface felt Roof
The surface layer has an extremely important role in a waterproofing system, as this is the outermost layer that must withstand impacts and weather influences from the outside. Surface layer is only part of a complete waterproofing system and therefore we do not recommend, for example, using surface layer without an underlayment paper or laying surface layer directly on raw sheeting or plywood.
Loose systems
Bituminous membranes are often used as an underlay and are laid loosely on the substrate. Laying the underlay is therefore easy. The membrane is then hot air welded together and a layer of gravel or brick is laid on top as ballast.
Welding roofing felt
Even today, full welding and hot-air welding are the most commonly used methods for the installation of bitumen, and especially for the laying of surface course.
Laying roofing felt
of bitumen
Mechanical fixing
Roofing felt can also be mechanically fixed with screws or nails.
Gluing roofing felt
SOPREMA offers the possibility of gluing bituminous roofing felt with cold glue.
Self-adhesive roofing felt
A self-adhesive roof is very simple and user-friendly, as you do not need to use fire or glue. Installation is extremely fast.
Installing a vapour barrier
Whether the vapour barrier is being installed for a roof or an interior ceiling, an exterior wall or a false ceiling, always place the vapour barrier on the warm side of the insulation, making sure that the overlapping joint is at least 15 cm wide. You then attach the vapour barrier with tape over its entire length to a solid surface. The insulation is laid on the vapour barrier and you can install the waterproofing on top of it.
A good alternative to EPDM
Bitumen remains the most popular option for roofing and waterproofing projects. Bituminous waterproofing is clearly different from EPDM. To help you choose the right material, we list the differences below.
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Bitumen has higher tensile strength.
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Unlike EPDM, bitumen can be placed in two layers.
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Bitumen roofing is very easy to repair.
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No solvent is needed when placing bitumen roofing.
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Bitumen is easier to install. You do not need (expensive) materials such as cleaners, primers or tapes, which are needed when installing EPDM.
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Bitumen has a higher mechanical resistance than EPDM.
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Our bituminous membranes are available with root penetration protection, ideal for roof gardens and green roofs.
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A bituminous roof lasts up to 40 years and you can easily lay new roofing felt on top of old. EPDM has a shorter lifespan and must be completely replaced when renovating or repairing.
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Bitumen does not shrink as much as EPDM
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Bitumen provides greater punch resistance.
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Bituminous roofing felt adheres better to a bitumen vapour barrier.
Synthetic Waterproofing
SOPREMA's high-quality synthetic membranes are ideal for waterproofing various roof structures (FLAG), but are also a popular option for sealing swimming pools (SOPREMAPOOL), tunnels, hydraulic projects and various types of buildings and monuments. The systems are manufactured using the latest production technologies and consist of waterproof TPO or PVC roofing membranes and accessories. Synthetic waterproofing systems can be applied to concrete, plywood, raw sheet metal and TRP sheet metal, among others.
TPO roof
Thermoplastic polyolefin has a surface mass that is 25% lighter than that of PVC. In addition, a TPO fabric has a high resistance and is not aged by UV rays and other environmental influences. TPO is very easy to weld together with other membranes and it remains flexible even at low temperatures. The ecological membrane fulfils fourteen quality, safety, health and environmental (QSEH) requirements and is compatible with most thermal insulation materials, including XPS. The high punching resistance (both static and dynamic) and the increased mechanical resistance make the product extremely suitable for green roofs or roof terraces. Another advantage is that TPO roofing also provides protection against root penetration and it is resistant to attack by micro-organisms.
PVC roof
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC roofing membranes give you good value for money. A PVC sheet is also 100% recyclable and the material is available in almost all RAL colours.
Sopremapool
The FLAG range also includes PVC sheets under the name SOPREMAPOOL, which are the result of ongoing technical research. These flexible membranes easily cover all surfaces and shapes of swimming pools and are a reliable waterproofing material when constructing a pool and replacing or repairing pool liners. The aesthetic material is available in various RAL colours, motifs and even in 3D effects (see our Armonia 3D range), giving your pool the look of a real tiled pool.
Accessories for synthetic waterproofing
In addition to waterproofing membranes, SOPREMA also offers the necessary accessories such as PVC adhesives, roofing primers, separation layers, vapour barriers, roof protection, roofing sheets and even installation tools. Everything needed for a complete waterproofing of the roof and eaves.
Installing TPO and PVC
Bitumen remains the most popular option for roofing and waterproofing projects. Bituminous waterproofing is clearly different from EPDM. To help you choose the right material, we list the differences below.
TPO and PVC welding with hot air
With a Leister hot air device (420 to 550°C), you soften the inside of the overlap between the membranes so that they stick. Once the overlap is soft, you only need to press the weld seams with a pressure roller and then test with the weld test.
TPO and PVC mechanical adhesion
This flame-free and safe method is ideal for installing TPO and PVC on projects where welding is not permitted. The most common mechanical adhesion is to screw the membranes to the substrate.
Loose systems
It is also possible to choose a loose fitting of PVC or TPO with ballast.
TPO and PVC adhesives
Finally, both materials can be glued to the substrate with cold TPO or PVC glue.
Liquid Waterproofing
In our waterproofing range you will find liquid waterproofing under the name ALSAN. These synthetic resins are very suitable for sealing roofs including eaves and roof details, car park decks, balconies and lofts, galleries, road construction and monumental buildings.
PMMA
Polymethyl methacrylate resin consists of two components and has a fast drying time. The synthetic resin is UV-resistant and ETA-approved. In addition, this liquid sealant is colour and pressure resistant and can be processed at very low temperatures. You don't have to go through many steps to apply waterproofing with lasting protection.
PU
Polyurethane consists of only one component and because you don't need to mix any products, PU is very easy to process. This resin is also ETA approved, but must be processed at a temperature of at least 5°C. The product is vapour permeable and elastic.
Coatings and primers
At SOPREMA you will find different types of finishes and primers that allow you to tailor the waterproofing products to the needs of your project. For example, you can choose anti-slip, a smooth coating or tiles. Or how about decorative infill materials? These finishes are available in almost all RAL colours.