What is Bituminous waterproofing?

Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to protect residential and commercial buildings. Bitumen is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky and viscous, and are waterproof.

Roofing felt components

Bituminous membranes are made up of more than one product:

Bitumen - Mixed with a filler component such as limestone or sand. Polymers are added to the bitumen such as APP (atactic polypropylene) a plastic additive that gives rigidity and tear resistance, or SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) a rubber additive that gives more elastic benefits.

Base Products - Polyester, fibre glass, rag fibre (hessian), and paper. These products are bought in roll format and are pulled through the bitumen mixes on huge rollers. The base product becomes saturated in huge tanks by the tar like bitumen substance, creating rolls of waterproof material.

Mineral - (Optional) Small granules are added to the top of the felt, decreasing the products fire vulnerability.

Thin, transparent film - This product is added to the base of the felt during manufacturing on all torch-on products. This stops the felt from sticking to itself when rolled up during the packaging process.

Composition

The complex chemical composition of bitumen makes it difficult to identify the specific component(s) responsible for adverse health effects observed in exposed workers. Known carcinogens have been found in bitumen fumes generated at work sites. Observations of acute irritation in workers from airborne and dermal exposures to fumes and aerosols and the potential for chronic health effects, including cancer, warrant continued diligence in the control of exposures.

Benefits

Bituminous roofing products are used for waterproofing roofs on buildings.

1. Benefits include that they move with the structure and do not absorb water. Bitumen is a hydrocarbon and is created from crude oil.
2. The products have an extremely long life span, with most membranes having BS (British Standards) marks against each product name.
3. There is low noise pollution during application.
4. Bituminous membranes protect insulation and can reflect harmful sun rays. New products also contain photovoltaic cells that can produce solar energy.
5. Bitumen is not water soluble, non-biodegradable