Floating roofing based on bitumen-polymer materials remains one of the most popular solutions for flat roofs in Russia. linocrosm It has proven itself as a reliable material combining affordable cost and decent service life, subject to compliance with installation technology. Errors in the laying process can negate all efforts, leading to leaks already in the first season of operation.
The qualitative result directly depends on the preparation of the base and the correct temperature regime when working with burner. In this article, we will analyze all stages of work: from cleaning the surface to finishing the top layer. You will learn how to avoid bloating and tearing the canvas, and also understand the nuances of working with the melting-point.
The process requires attention to detail and compliance with safety precautions. Working with open fire and hot bitumen dictates its own rules, which are unacceptable to ignore. Next, we’ll take a closer look at each step to ensure your roof lasts decades without repair.
Selection of material and its characteristics
Before starting work, it is necessary to clearly understand what type of material will be used. linocrosm It is classified by type of base and purpose. For the lower layer, a material labeled "EPP" or "CPP" is usually used, where "P" means that both sides are covered with a protective film. This is the best option for creating a waterproofing carpet.
For the upper, finishing layer, a material with coarse-grained sprinkle is used, marked as "ECP" or "HCP". The granulate protects bitumen from ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage. The basis also matters: polyester It is more flexible and durable to break, while glass-line cheaper, but less resistant to base deformations.
It is important to purchase material of one batch in order to avoid the difference and differences in physical and mechanical properties. Rolls should be stored in a vertical position in a dry room protected from direct sunlight.
Table of decoding of marking
The letter "E" means polyester base, "X" means glass canvas, "T" means fiberglass. The letter "P" at the end denotes a film, "K" - coarse-grained sprinkle, "M" - fine-grained.
Preparation of the plating ground
The quality of the bitumen adhesion to the roof surface depends on the condition of the base. It should be smooth, dry and cleaned of garbage. If there is an old ruberoid on the roof, it does not need to be completely dismantled if it is firmly held. However, swelling and detachment must be removed.
Any irregularities exceeding 5 mm shall be knocked down or ground. Sharp projections can damage insulation during operation. Cracks and potholes are sealed with cement-sand mortar or special repair compounds. The surface must be dusted, for which an industrial vacuum cleaner or a powerful broom is ideal.
A critically important step is primer grounds. The primer fills the concrete micropores and binds the residual dust, providing perfect adhesion. It can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer. It is necessary to wait for the complete drying of the primer before the start of the main work.
☑️ Verification of the readiness of the basis
Equipment and tools required
For high-quality installation will require a specific set of tools. The main working tool is the roofing burnerIt's propane-powered. It should be equipped with a convenient handle and a gas supply regulator. A cylinder with a gearbox and a hose of the appropriate length is also required.
To smooth the canvas, a special hook with a short pile or a telescopic mop is used. This tool allows you to roll the material to the base without stepping on it with your feet and without damaging the hot bitumen. In hard-to-reach places, such as adjoining and funnels, manual use is used. spatula Or a small burner.
Do not forget about personal protection. Working with open fire and hot tar requires tight clothing, gloves and closed shoes. Also, there should always be a fire extinguisher and a bucket of sand on hand in case of fire.
| Tool. | Appointment | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Gas burner | Heating of the bitumen layer | Critical. |
| Roofing hook | Rolling and rolling | Tall. |
| primer | Base ground | I'll be sure. |
| Knife | Unlock the material | Medium |
Use a wind-protected burner - this will save gas and work in windy weather without losing the temperature of the torch.
Lower layer laying technology
Installation starts at the lowest point of the roof to ensure water runoff. The roll is rolled for fitting, after which one of its edges is fixed. Heating is smooth: both the base and the lower part of the roll are heated at the same time. When the bitumen begins to melt and shine, the roll begins to roll.
The movement must be uniform. It is impossible to allow overheating, which leads to burnout of the base, or underheating, which causes detachment. Flying between the canvases should be 8-10 cm. In the areas of the overhang, bitumen is squeezed out from under the canvas, forming a roller, which must be immediately rolled with a hook.
Particular attention is paid to corners and adjoinments. Here, the material is often cut or used additional elements. It is important to ensure the tightness of all joints. If the roof has ventilation terminals, additional layers of insulation are mounted around them.
⚠️ Warning: Never heat a large base area at once. Bitumen quickly cools down, and you will not have time to roll the roll, which will lead to the formation of pockets with air.
Installation of the top layer of the roof
The upper layer is laid after complete cooling and checking the quality of the lower carpet. The technology is similar, but there is an important nuance: the sprinkle on the underside of the top roll often has to be melted or cleaned in the overhang areas for better adhesion. Some species linocrome They have a free edge, which simplifies the task.
Heating the upper layer requires care so as not to damage the decorative sprinkle. The flame of the burner is directed mainly at the junction of two canvases and the lower layer. When properly heated, bitumen protrudes from under the edges, creating a reliable connection.
The final stage includes a visual inspection of the entire surface. All defects found, such as blisters or unpainted areas, should be repaired immediately. To do this, make a cross-shaped incision, warm up and glue again, putting a patch on top.
The quality of the upper layer determines the durability of the entire roof, as it takes the brunt of atmospheric influences.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is to float on a wet base. Moisture when heated turns into steam, which inflates the material, forming bubbles. Over time, these bubbles burst and the roof begins to leak. Therefore, the requirement of dry base is absolute.
Another mistake is saving on the flaps. If you make the joint too narrow, at temperature deformations, the canvases can disperse. Also, you shouldn't ignore it. temperature work. In cold weather, bitumen cools faster, and takes more time to warm up, but the risk of overheating the material is higher.
Some craftsmen try to save time by not cleaning the old roof thoroughly. Dust and dirt work as a separation layer, preventing the coupling. As a result, the new carpet lies separate from the old one and can slide or tear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not step on hot bitumen in tread shoes – you will leave traces that will become places of accumulation of water and accelerated aging of the material.
Can I use a linocrome in winter?
Technically, this is possible, but it is highly discouraged. Bitumen materials in the cold become fragile, and adhesion drops sharply. In addition, there may be hidden moisture in the form of ice on the surface. If work is inevitable, the construction of a greenhouse and heating of the structure is required.
How many layers of linocrome do you need?
For reliable waterproofing, two layers are usually used: the lower (without sprinkling) and the upper (with sprinkling). On complex objects or in the presence of many adjoinings, the number of layers can be increased to three or four.
What's the primer?
A primer is a solution of bitumen in an organic solvent. In emergency cases, it can be made by dissolving bitumen in gasoline or kerosene, but the factory product has standardized properties and guarantees the result.
How to store the remains of a linocrome?
Remains of rolls must be stored strictly vertically so that they do not deform under their own weight. The room should be dry and cool, away from the heating appliances.