August 2024 Leakfix Newsletter: Insights on Membrane Application and Leak Detection Innovation
Owners Insights: Push me, pull me? Different techniques of application of modified bitumen membrane.
During my time as a field technician and trainer working for companies that imported modified bitumen membranes from many different countries, I have discovered that despite the fact that most membrane properties are comparable, the recommended application techniques varied significantly from place to place.
When I started learning about modified bitumen membranes in the late 90s in Poland, we used SBS-modified membranes that were 5 to 6mm thick, often as a single-layer roof covering. Despite their thickness, these membranes were relatively soft, so we couldn't walk on them while torching. Instead, we used a "puller stick," often a bent piece of rebar found nearby. Nowadays, I use a membrane puller specifically made for this purpose, but there was something special about finding a piece of rebar and making it into your own “custom tool”.
In Canada, where I learned to use more complex multilayer modified bitumen roof assemblies, and where my formal apprenticeship began, we would be told that to pull membrane is the only way and it was hard to disagree. You would inevitably leave disgusting footprints on your cap sheet if you “kicked” the roll while standing on it.
To pull the roll is standard in Canada and how it is supposed to be done, given material properties of products sold on that market.
Now only when I moved to Australia was I exposed to APP modified bitumen membranes and oh boy aren't they different to SBS... Differences in performance I will discuss another time, but as far as installation goes, one takeaway for every beginner should be: SBS is soft and naturally very “sticky” and more “rubber-like” where APP is more plastic like harder and perhaps needs a little more pressure to adhere to surfaces better.
Under pressure, APP-modified membranes adhere better to substrates, which is particularly important when bonding to concrete. One way to apply pressure to a hot roll is by using weight inside the roll. However, I have never used this method. Instead, I apply pressure with my foot while heating the roll. This approach may leave footprints and cause some bitumen displacement, but with appropriate footwear (unlike what I am wearing in the picture), the displacement should not be excessive.
Now I alternate between pushing and pulling my cap sheet - I find that I leave too many footprints on a hot day, but if it is cooler outside, it seems easier and quicker to push.
I think that the roll ultimately doesn't care if it's being pushed or pulled 😂- I think we should do whatever gives better results at the time.
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Expert Tip of the Month: Test it - Controlit in membrane assemblies.
Introduction
Soon, it will be the 2nd time that I will get to work with this interesting innovative product - Controlit. Now let me explain in very simple terms:
- Waterproofing often leaks.
- Waterproofing can be difficult and expensive to verify.
- ELD (Electronic Leak Detection) is a method of finding breaches in nonconductive membranes installed over conductive substrates. There are various ELD methods (low voltage and high voltage) but in a nutshell the principle is more or less the same; non conductive membrane + conductive substrate = ️⚡🔍
- Conductivity of substrate can vary, and in order to achieve reliable test result conductive underlayment might have to be used.
For now, we are excited to use this product in our upcoming warm roof project, we will keep you updated on the progress.
If you want to buy Controlit in Australia, contact Proven Membranes (https://www.provenmembranes.com.au/)
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