The modern construction industry is developing very quickly. Every year it offers users new and improved materials. Sprayed liquid roofing is the latest innovation among roofing materials. Thanks to this material, you can quickly cover significant areas of the roof. He answers high requirements tightness. But before creating such a roof, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the new material and the possibility of its use in private construction.
General characteristics
Liquid rubber for roofing is a modern building material, which is a combination of latex and bitumen. The material got its name for its special ductility.
Its scope of application is quite wide, it is by no means limited to roofing. It is used with great success in the repair of tunnels, roads, and for waterproofing various containers (for example, fountains and swimming pools). The distinctive qualities of the coating include the possibility of its use on various surfaces: metal, wood, slate, stone.
Therefore, liquid rubber can be safely used to repair roofs that are covered with different roofing materials. Bitumen can be used on pitched and flat roofs; once applied, it hardens almost instantly. In this case, hardening occurs without the release of toxic fumes, since the material the base also contains water.
Like any other roofing material, liquid rubber has its pros and cons. The undeniable advantages include:
A separate point worth highlighting is that liquid rubber can be laid without special skills. It will not require special heating from the novice master. Rubber is applied when cold.
She doesn’t have many disadvantages, in fact, only one - high price . On average, you will have to pay about a thousand for one square meter; this figure may vary depending on many factors: where the material was purchased, the manufacturer, etc. Of course, the high price is also due to the fact that liquid roofing is still a relatively new roof design option, perhaps , over time, more budget-friendly ones will be presented on the construction markets.
Types of material
Basically, liquid roofing is divided according to two parameters, more precisely, according to composition:
- One-component composition. He doesn't need any preparatory work, it is immediately applied directly to work surface. The consistency is a viscous mass that comes in different colors.
- Two-component composition. Consists of a base and a special curing composition. Special preparation will be required before applying such material.
This new material also differs in the method of application to the surface. Can be applied with a roller or brush like regular paint. In this case, the material is a viscous substance that fills all microcracks. It can be applied by cold spraying, but this requires equipment. It is also laid using the self-leveling method, which is not much different from the technology of laying self-leveling floors, but requires a certain skill from the master.
All types of liquid roofing have one important advantage over other roofing materials: amazing stretchability and elasticity. Even though the layer of bitumen is very thin - about two millimeters, it does not stretch over time and does not tear under the influence of external force. Due to this, in pairs with seamless fabric a decent level of waterproofing of the material is ensured.
Application options
No need before application special training surface, it is enough to clean the desired area from all existing contaminants. But the material has several methods of application.
Spray application
This method can be called the most desirable, since it has many advantages over other methods:
- it is easy to apply the composition to junctions, bends, geometric shapes roofs;
- significantly saves material and reduces application time.
For spraying, a special spraying device (gasoline engine) is used, which helps to quickly process a large area of the roofing surface. And all thanks to mobility and relatively low weight (no more than seventy kilograms). In industrial construction, this method can be considered the main one, since it saves the amount of consumed composition; it is possible to process a significant amount of roof space at high speed: up to two thousand square meters per day.
Dyeing method
In private construction, it is not always possible to use special equipment. But the painting method involves the use of brushes and rollers available to everyone, which are very easy to work with.
Compared with the spraying method, a roof made of rubber applied with a roller is thicker. Of course, this significantly increases material consumption by up to three times. But thicker and durable coating will last longer long term without complaints and frequent repairs.
This application method is very popular among craftsmen who are accustomed to doing all repair work themselves, without resorting to the services of professionals. Typically, private houses have small roofs, so treating the entire surface yourself in a day is not particularly difficult.
Rubber is applied manually in several layers, each layer having an average thickness of four millimeters. Wait fifteen minutes between applying layers - this time is enough for the previous layer to dry. It is necessary to ensure that the coating is even; for this, a regular spatula is usually used.
Bulk method
This method is similar to the previous one, but the installation process can be done much faster. Liquid rubber is poured into the center of the roof and quickly began to be leveled with spatulas or rollers.
But here it’s more difficult to control the thickness of the layer. And the installation work will have to be done at a pace, because the solution dries quite quickly. And without the proper skill, it is very difficult to carry out such work.
Laying technology
It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions so that the result is an ideal coating using this interesting solution:
Modern roofing material combines high quality and undeniable advantages in operation. The unpretentiousness of the material and ease of installation make it a very attractive coating for decorating roofs of any type. So it is not surprising that both professional craftsmen and beginners in construction are increasingly giving their preference to liquid rubber for roofing.
The modern construction industry is constantly developing new roofing materials to ensure maximum protection of the building's roof from negative impacts. external factors. Recently, many new coatings have appeared, but liquid roofing stands out among them due to its unique qualities and ease of installation. The main feature of liquid roofing is that it can be applied to any roof shape, resulting in a seamless waterproof surface. Installation of liquid roofing is simpler and faster than laying rolled materials, and there is no waste, so large areas can be covered efficiently and quickly.
What is liquid roofing?
The roof must reliably protect the roof of the building from moisture and other negative external factors. Exists big choice materials used to cover the roof, but new ones are constantly appearing. One of these new products is liquid roofing.
Popularly, this material is usually called liquid rubber; it is a modern and high-quality waterproofing material that allows you to effectively protect the roof of a house or any other building from moisture and other natural phenomena. The peculiarity of this material is that after application it begins to harden almost immediately, and the result is a high-quality and reliable seamless membrane.
Liquid roofing allows you to reliably protect the roof from the negative effects of moisture
Another feature that sets liquid roofing apart from other materials is that there are no restrictions on the area and shape of the roof. It can be applied to a surface of any shape, and it is easier to process large areas with this material than small ones.
Liquid roofing perfectly covers and reliably protects such problem areas of the roof as parapets, canopies, and abutments from moisture penetration. It can be applied to almost any coating:
- concrete screed;
- metal surface;
- rolled materials;
- slate;
- tiles;
- tree.
Liquid roofing is used both when creating a roof and during its restoration. Unlike similar roll and membrane materials, it uses cold method installation, so it is more versatile and easier and faster to install.
Liquid roofing can be applied to both flat and pitched roofs
There are a number of advantages that distinguish liquid roofing from other roofing materials:
Although liquid roofing has a large number of advantages, it is ideal building materials no, so it also has some disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing:
- high sensitivity to liquids containing oil, so it is necessary to prevent them from entering the roof;
- difficulty of dismantling - removing such a coating is not easy, but this is not required; if it is damaged, you just need to apply a new layer of liquid roofing;
- high cost, but it is compensated by quality and ease of application;
- the need to use special equipment when spraying.
Considering all the advantages and disadvantages of liquid roofing, it becomes clear that this is a universal coating that can effectively protect roofs of any shape from the negative effects of moisture and other natural factors.
Liquid roofing materials
Since the adhesion of a liquid roof to the base occurs at the molecular level, it has good adhesion. Therefore, the roofs of various buildings are covered with this material:
- multi-storey and private houses;
- entertainment and shopping centers;
- industrial enterprises and warehouses;
- administrative buildings.
There are three main types of liquid roofing:
- self-leveling - the finished mastic is poured onto the roof, after which it is evenly distributed over it;
- sprayed - the coating is applied using special equipment using a cold method, which ensures high quality and speed of installation;
- painting - the material is distributed over the surface with a brush or roller without the use of equipment, so this option is used on small roofs.
Liquid rubber for roofing
There are two types of liquid rubber:
- One-component. Sold ready-made and completely ready for application to the roof.
- Multicomponent. Such a material consists of several components, but there is always a catalyst and a base element.
The name “liquid rubber” does not convey the essence of the material; this term was chosen only for the convenience of consumers. If speak about appearance coating, it really resembles rubber, as it is viscous and waterproof. Unlike regular rubber, which is based on rubber, liquid rubber is made from bitumen.
Externally, liquid rubber is a viscous mass that is applied cold and then quickly hardens. It is water-based, therefore it is environmentally friendly, and rapid hardening allows you to speed up construction work.
Liquid rubber is a thick, viscous mass that quickly hardens and forms an even and durable coating.
The coating has sufficient ductility, so it can be applied to both flat and sloping roofs and even to vertical surfaces. Thanks to the use of various bitumen and additives, such a material does not lose its original characteristics at temperatures from -50 to +60 o C. Due to its high plasticity, this material does not peel off when temperature and humidity changes, as well as when the surface vibrates.
The service life of liquid rubber is 20 years or more, and if necessary, such a surface can be quickly repaired. It goes well with colors on water based, so you can choose a color that will match general design building.
Mastic roofing is based on a bitumen binder. It retains its waterproofing characteristics at temperatures from -50 to +120 o C and can be used as a base coating or for repairing an existing roof.
There are the following types of mastic roofing:
- reinforced - consists of 3–4 layers of mastic, which is reinforced with fiberglass, fiberglass mesh or fiberglass;
- unreinforced - bitumen emulsion covered with a layer of mastic up to 10 mm thick;
- combined - mastic acts as the bottom layer, and roll materials are glued onto it. This makes it possible to use cheaper components.
Non-reinforced and reinforced mastic roofing is covered with fine gravel or paint on top.
After laying the mastic roof, it is sprinkled with fine gravel or painted.
- from 2.5 to 10 o - it is necessary to apply 3 layers of mastic, 2 layers of reinforcing material and 1 layer of gravel;
- from 10 to 15 o - 2 layers of mastic, 2 reinforcing layers and 1 layer of gravel;
- from 15 to 25 o - 3 layers of mastic, 2 layers of reinforcing material and 1 layer of paint.
Liquid glass for roof covering
Liquid glass is an aqueous solution of potassium or sodium silicates. The result is a translucent composition, which, after application to the surface, creates a durable and moisture-proof film on it.
Sodium liquid glass provides surfaces reliable waterproofing and fire resistance. Potassium glass provides high resistance to the negative effects of rain, snow and acids.
Liquid glass provides not only waterproofing, but also fire safety of the roof
When waterproofing a roof with liquid glass, it acquires the following characteristics:
- resistance to chemicals;
- increased density due to filling all voids and cracks with liquid glass;
- protection against mold, fire and moisture.
To cover a roof with liquid glass, the following forms can be used:
- Penetrating. Liquid glass is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, after which several layers are applied to the roof with a brush or spray gun. Each layer takes 3–5 hours to dry, and its thickness can range from 2 to 20 mm.
- Quick solution. To create it, cement, sand and liquid glass are used. The presence of liquid glass allows you to increase the polymerization of the composition by 2 times, and it turns out to be very durable. This solution is applied using a spray bottle. This method allows you to quickly and efficiently eliminate leaks and damage to the roof.
Roof waterproofing with liquid glass has the following advantages:
- durable and moisture-proof coating;
- low cost;
- low consumption of materials.
One of the disadvantages of using liquid glass is its rapid crystallization when mixed with cement. In addition, to protect silicate waterproofing, it is necessary to additionally lay rolled materials that will protect it from damage and from leaching by water.
Bitumen-polymer roofing
Recently, bitumen-polymer roofing has appeared on the construction market. There is a wide selection of such materials, both domestic and foreign, for example, BLEM-20, BAEM (Russia), BEM-T (Ukraine), Kerakozhd (Finland), Mekopren (France).
Bitumen-polymer mastic retains its qualities at temperatures from -50 to +120 degrees
Depending on the type, the material can also withstand temperatures from -50 to +120 o C. Compared to conventional bitumen mastics, polymer-bitumen coating has a number of advantages:
- can be applied to a damp base;
- has higher adhesion to various materials;
- fire and explosion safe.
In addition to the fact that polymer-bitumen mastic is used for waterproofing roofs of buildings for various purposes, it is also used for insulating foundations, balconies, cellars and basements, as well as for anti-corrosion protection of equipment.
Installation of a roof under liquid roofing, insulation features
Although liquid roofing can be installed on different bases, it is most often done on reinforced concrete slabs which have a smooth surface. To improve adhesion, in some cases, slabs can be primed with sand-cement mortar. Mastic can be applied with or without a reinforcing layer. The thickness of each layer of such a roof is about 2 mm. In order to apply the next layer, you need to wait until the previous one has dried.
Reinforcement can be performed over the entire surface of the roof or only at the junctions and junctions. Some manufacturers recommend priming the base before applying liquid roofing. If this is the case, then the primer is usually sold complete with the base material. If you buy it separately, then you need to select a primer that is compatible with liquid roofing.
In order to further protect the roof from negative ultraviolet radiation, you can use an aluminum-based finish. A cheaper option is to use fine gravel.
The roofing pie for a liquid roof consists of the following materials:
If it is necessary to insulate the roof, thermal insulation material is laid before applying the liquid roof. It could be polystyrene foam mineral wool, expanded clay, etc. After installing the insulation, it is closed cement screed, and after it dries, a liquid roof is applied. Now there are modern liquid insulation, which are applied to the base of the roof and create a seamless waterproof surface.
Self-application of liquid roofing
If you decide to cover the roof with liquid roofing yourself, then there is nothing complicated about it. To perform this work efficiently, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology and the sequence of all processes, acquire everything necessary materials and tools.
There are several ways to apply this coating:
- Pouring method. The roof surface is covered with bitumen emulsion, the layer of which should be 1–2 mm. At the next stage, liquid rubber is applied to the roof in small portions, after which it is distributed with a brush or roller, achieving a layer thickness of 2–3 mm. The second layer can be applied after 5–10 minutes. This method allows you to cover flat roofs, but it is not used for structures with a large slope.
- Coloring. Make a solution consisting of 30% water and 70% liquid rubber, after which it is applied to the surface with a roller or brush. You need to wait a few hours for it to dry completely. The second layer is applied perpendicular to the first with undiluted rubber in a layer of 2–3 mm. This technology is suitable for small areas, as well as for roofs with a large slope.
- Spraying. To perform the work, a special unit is used, to which a container with liquid rubber and calcium chloride is connected. This solution allows you to quickly and efficiently apply the material in a layer of 2–4 mm. Spraying machines can run on gasoline or mains power; with their help, liquid rubber can be applied to pitched and flat roofs that have a large area.
Required Tools
In order to apply liquid roofing, you will need the following equipment:
- brush or roller;
When applying liquid roofing manually, brushes or a roller are used
- special equipment for application by airless spraying;
To apply liquid roofing over large areas, special equipment is used, which can run on gasoline or electricity.
- respirator and safety glasses;
A respirator and goggles are required for personal safety.
- painter's suit
A protective suit is necessary to protect clothing from liquid rubber.
Video: installation for applying liquid rubber
Liquid roofing technology
In order to apply liquid roofing quickly and efficiently, it is necessary to use special equipment. It has a sprayer in which two components are mixed, and the finished composition is applied to the surface. Since the cost of such equipment is high, it is not worth buying it; it will be much cheaper to rent it.
The workflow consists of the following steps:
- Surface preparation. At this stage, all large debris is removed from the roof using a broom or broom, and then it is treated with an industrial vacuum cleaner. At heavy pollution you can use a washer, but then you will have to wait until the roof dries.
The surface is cleared of debris
- Primer. The cleaned base is coated with a primer. It is applied in a generous layer and distributed evenly over the entire surface so that no excess remains. If the roof is covered with rolled material, then the primer does not need to be used.
The primer will be evenly distributed over the entire surface
- Drying the base. Cannot be carried out further work until the base is completely dry. This may take about a day, it all depends on the thickness of the primer layer and the ambient temperature.
- Preparation of equipment. If you rented a unit or purchased a new one, be sure to read the instructions. After this, connect the hoses, sprayer and containers with liquid rubber and calcium chloride. Please note that most of these installations operate on 380 V, so you need to find a place to connect to the network.
A sprayer and hoses are connected to the compressor and connected to the network
- Sealing joints and junctions. To strengthen the joints and junctions, reinforcing tape is attached.
All connections and connections are reinforced with reinforcing tape
- Processing of joints. First, the composition is applied to the abutments and joints from a distance of 10–15 cm from their surface.
All joints are treated with high quality liquid rubber, applying it from a distance of 10–15 cm
- Applying the first layer. The first layer of liquid roofing is applied over the entire surface of the roof. It is necessary to spray at a slight angle at a distance of 30–40 cm from the base and make movements left and right, each time covering approximately 1–1.5 meters.
Liquid rubber should be applied to the main surface at an angle from a distance of 30–40 cm
- Applying the second layer. If reinforcing materials are not used, then after 10–15 minutes a second layer is applied. If several days have passed since the initial treatment and dust has settled on the surface, the base must be additionally degreased to ensure maximum adhesion. The first layer of liquid roofing is gray, and the second is white.
This is due to the fact that the last layer is the finishing layer, so it is more aesthetically attractive and costs more, there are no other differences between them .
Liquid roofing can be used to repair any materials
Liquid roofing allows you to create a seamless coating that does not require mechanical fasteners. Another advantage is that this material is applied in at least two layers, and they should be in contrasting colors. This eliminates the possibility of skipping, so a uniform and high-quality coating is obtained.
Liquid roofing can effectively repair joints and joints. It is difficult to ensure tightness here using rolled materials. Good elasticity of liquid roofing both at high and low temperatures, as well as its fire safety, makes this material optimal for repairs.
The joints and interfaces must be well coated with liquid rubber, then you will get a smooth and airtight coating that is superior in quality to any rolled materials
If the roof was previously covered with liquid roofing, then to repair it it is enough to clean the surface and then apply a new layer. High adhesion allows this material to be used for repairing roofs made of almost any material.
If the old coating is in good condition, then it is cleared of debris, after which a layer of liquid roofing is applied. If necessary, full or partial surface reinforcement can be carried out. If the old coating is in poor condition, then it must be completely removed and a new liquid roof made.
Video: using liquid roofing to repair a roof
Liquid rubber is an optimal roofing material that is used for all types of roofs. It can be used as a stand-alone or additional coverage, which further increases its popularity. A roof made of liquid roofing receives reliable and high-quality protection from rain, snow and sun and will last for decades. If such a coating is damaged, it is enough to apply another layer so that its original characteristics are fully restored.
It is no secret that the roof is one of the most significant structures of a building, which is subject to strict requirements. Roofing materials must be reliable and resistant to precipitation. Liquid self-leveling roofing has recently gained a strong foothold in the market and has established itself as a high-quality and wear-resistant product for roofs of residential, industrial and commercial buildings of various sizes and configurations. Roofing mastic has a number of advantages compared to other materials. It provides a lower final cost of coating and is not subject to deformation and mechanical stress. Such coatings are created not only on new roofs, but are also used during restoration work.
Materials used for the production of liquid self-leveling roofing
Liquid roofing, also called liquid rubber, can have a single-component or multi-component composition:
- one-component roofing mastics are made on the basis of a polyurethane composition;
- multi-component mastics are made from modified bitumen components such as artificial rubber (styrene-butadiene-styrene compound) and artificial plastic (atactic polypropylene).
In addition, to give liquid mastic improved properties, various antiseptics and herbicides can be used as technological additives. Used as a filler mineral materials. Self-leveling roofing can also contain solvents, but some manufacturers have launched products without them on the market and boldly declare their environmental friendliness.
Polymer-bitumen mastic is a homogeneous mass of neutral color. The colors of self-leveling roofing are usually standard: gray, brown, red or black. Manufacturers do not have a variety of shades, but usually with a selection desired color no problems arise. If a non-standard and rare color scheme is required, then the surface of the liquid roof, after drying, is coated with paint for exterior use.
Coatings with a bitumen-polymer base have the following properties:
- elasticity;
- heat resistance;
- waterproof;
- high and stable adhesion over the entire coating area;
- maintainability;
- self-tightening of minor defects (punctures or cuts).
Video: testing samples of liquid roofing "Elastometric"
Basic elements and structure of self-leveling roofing
The main element of liquid self-leveling roofing is roofing mastic. It is packaged in sealed jars, buckets or barrels, depending on the volume.
Since the self-leveling roofing device can be made in two ways - without reinforcement or with partial reinforcement - the reinforcing material is also an element of the self-leveling roofing system.
Reinforcement over the entire roof area is carried out on especially critical buildings and structures
Reinforcement is installed mainly in places of abutments and interfaces, on the roofs of especially critical structures subject to high operational loads. Reinforcement is performed with various materials: fiberglass, fiberglass or geotextile. In some cases, roll roofing materials can be used for this purpose.
Some manufacturers insist on using an additional primer layer. As a rule, if the instructions say about the need to pre-prime the base, the manufacturer has both products in stock that are fully compatible with each other. Therefore, before purchasing roofing material, it is worth studying the instructions for use in detail and stocking up on the necessary components. Roofing primer (primer) is applied manually or mechanically to a prepared and cleaned base. Today the market offers a wide range of self-priming mastics that do not require pre-treatment surfaces.
Reinforce the surface as follows:
After covering the roof with the main layer of mastic and setting it mechanical strength To increase the service life and protect the roof from ultraviolet radiation, some manufacturers suggest using an aluminum-based finishing coating.
The roof surface, after being coated with an aluminum-based finishing composition, acquires a silver color.
Thus, the list of all elements of liquid self-leveling roofing in the order they follow from the base to the finishing coating is as follows:
- Primer layer.
- Reinforcing materials.
- The main coating is roofing mastic.
- Aluminum based protective layer.
Installation of self-leveling roofing
The physical and chemical properties of the liquid roofing coating allow it to be laid on any solid base:
- reinforced concrete slabs;
- cement screed;
- asphalt or asphalt concrete screed;
- bases made of asbestos-cement sheets;
- wooden bases;
- old mastic or roll roofs during repair work.
Installation of liquid roofing is significantly simplified in contrast to roofing made from other materials.
Ease of installation is achieved due to:
- mechanized application;
- cold styling method;
- seamlessness;
- light weight;
- simplicity of connection arrangement;
- short drying and hardening time;
- independence from complex roof configuration;
- no need for additional structural elements.
Before starting work on installing a mastic roof, you need to assess the weather conditions: the air temperature should be in the range from +5 to +40 o C. Installation is not recommended in rainy weather. In addition, it is necessary to prevent direct contact sun rays on the material, so in hot climatic regions It is preferable to choose morning or evening time for work.
Roofing work is divided into two main stages:
- Application of roofing material.
When installing a new or reconstructing an old roof, the base surface must be smooth, clean and dry.
Before the beginning roofing works the surface of the roof base must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and debris
The prepared base must be free of traces of dirt, dust, grease, oils and solvents. If the roof already has mastic or roll covering, then peeling, swollen and damaged areas should be removed. All connections must have a smooth transition.
Surfaces are cleaned manually or using various mechanisms if the volume of work is large. The accumulated water is pumped out vacuum pumps or air-gas burners. Dust is removed compressor units, industrial vacuum cleaners or washed off with high pressure washers.
Preparatory work also includes installation of the building's drainage system, arrangement of inputs and outputs of process equipment, installation of vapor barrier and thermal insulation, if required. If a decision is made to install a primer or reinforcing layer, then this work is also carried out at the preparation stage.
Application of roofing material
The procedure for installing liquid self-leveling roofing consists of the following stages:
- Before starting work, check the quality of the roofing material. The consistency of liquid mastic should resemble a homogeneous rubber mass without foreign inclusions or delaminations. A thin dense crust of mastic is allowed to form on the surface. The crust must be removed and the mass must be thoroughly mixed - mixing the material together with the crust is prohibited. Roofing material should be prepared outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Bitumen-polymer mastics at negative temperature freeze, so optimal temperature for preparatory work - at least +10 o C. The advantage of one-component polymer mastics is that they do not lose their properties at temperatures from -20 to +30 o C. Opened containers with roofing mastic should be stored tightly closed in a protected place. direct impact sun rays place.
Work can only begin if the mastic has a homogeneous structure and does not contain foreign inclusions
- At manual way After application, the mastic is poured in small portions onto the roof surface and distributed in an even layer using a roller, brush or spatula. The instructions for the roofing material must indicate the recommended tools for its application. If the mastic is applied with a roller or brush, then do it in two layers. The second layer begins to be poured only after the first has dried. The thickness of the total layer of liquid roofing should be in the range from 2 to 10 mm. A more precise value can be found in the instructions.
When leveling the mastic with a spatula, you need to carefully ensure that each strip has the same thickness
- At mechanized way When applying a liquid roof, first of all you need to choose a suitable device. For a perfectly smooth and flat surface It is best to use a spray unit operating under high pressure. Low-pressure installations are unlikely to provide good result- the likelihood of smudges, bumps and unevenness of the layer is very high. Two-component mastics are applied using a two-channel gun: bitumen-latex mass is supplied from one channel, and a liquid catalyst is supplied from the other. The ratio of components must strictly comply with the manufacturer's instructions. The components are simultaneously fed from the gun and mixed on the surface. The distance from the gun to the base of the roof should be within 50–60 cm. Roofing mastic should be applied in even strips about 1 m wide along the entire length. The adjacent strip must overlap the previous one by at least 20 cm. One-component mastics are applied according to the same principle, only a single-channel gun is used.
Two-component mastics are applied using high-pressure units with two nozzles
- An important stage in the installation of a liquid roof is the acquisition of mechanical strength by the material. This period generally takes from 3 to 7 days. The coating begins to harden approximately on the second day. During this period, it is imperative to ensure the safety of the coating from any mechanical influences.
After gaining strength, liquid rubber becomes viscous and pliable
Attention! It is important to strictly follow the technological cycle specified in the instructions, since the manufacturer is not responsible for defects and damage resulting from violation of the sequence of work and poor quality of execution.
Video: spraying liquid rubber on the roof
Features of the operation of liquid self-leveling roofing
When using a self-leveling roof, you should protect it from significant mechanical impact. It is not intended for the constant movement of people, cargo, etc. But you should not be afraid of small cuts and microcracks, since liquid rubber has the property of self-tightening. From exposure to various atmospheric precipitation and loads from them do not damage the self-leveling roof. The big advantage of this coating is that it is completely repairable.
Quick repair of liquid roofing
Unfortunately, the need to repair liquid roofing sometimes becomes apparent not only after a significant period of use, but also almost immediately after application. Various defects may appear due to insufficient preparation of the base or violation technological process carrying out work.
In addition, it is worth noting the widespread use of liquid roofing during restoration work, when a significant part of the roof remains made of a different material, and the damaged areas are covered with liquid rubber.
Video: liquid roofing - quick repair
Safety of a building with liquid self-leveling roofing
The safety and long service life of any residential and industrial building directly depends on the quality of the roof structure. Let us list the properties of liquid roofing that ensure the safety of structures:
- the material is low-flammable and therefore does not pose a threat from the point of view of the spread of fire;
- the coating is applied in a cold manner, so accidental fire, potentially possible when using weld-surfaced roll materials, is completely eliminated;
- the mastic contains no volatile compounds that can harm people or the environment;
- liquid roofing has, although small, vapor permeability that is sufficient for operation without additional aerators.
The use of liquid roofing will provide the owner and residents with comfortable and trouble-free operation for many years. Reliable roofing material creates normal microclimate in the premises and prevents the penetration of moisture into them from the ceilings. Liquid roofing is easy to install, so the work does not require special training and even a non-professional can handle it. In this regard, its overall cost is often lower than when using other technologies. The compact dimensions of the container make it possible to easily deliver mastic to objects and lift them onto the roof without the use of any mechanisms or even outside help. Liquid roofing is reliable protection for multi-storey residential and industrial buildings, private houses, loggias, balconies, garages, terraces and various ancillary buildings.
Everyone knows that the roof of a building is an important part of the construction of any type of roof. Therefore, the selection of roofing materials is considered one of the most important parts of any construction work.
The main task of roofing coatings is to protect the roofs of buildings from precipitation in the form of rain and other weather phenomena. In this regard, liquid roofing is one of the most advanced materials that undoubtedly provide this reliable protection from bad weather. This article will cover most of the pressing issues related to liquid roofing: different types and types of roofing, specifications liquid coating and operating features, and the main advantages and disadvantages will be considered liquid materials to protect the roof.
What is liquid roof coating?
Liquid coating is often called liquid rubber. Liquid rubber is newest material for waterproofing, a new word in construction, and to put it simply, it is an emulsion of bitumen with the addition of chemical additives. Most often, liquid rubber is used to cover roofs, and is also used for repair work on bridges, tunnels, and individual sections of roads. With its help you can create a reliable waterproofing layer for foundations and basements.
But sometimes it also occurs unusual application: for waterproofing fountains, various types of tanks, containers, swimming pools. It also provides excellent protection against corrosion. metal structures, used when repairing pitched roof types, can be applied over materials that are already on the roof, such as wood, metal, or slate.
As you can see, the range of applications of this material is very wide. It is successfully used in many areas of construction. All this is possible thanks to the excellent consumer properties that it has this material.
In progress scientific research from various companies, it turned out that liquid rubber performed well as a result of many tests. It also turned out that liquid coating retains its properties for 10 years or more, and the material is not afraid of either water or sudden temperature changes.
This material was called rubber because it has excellent qualities that significantly distinguish it from other similar materials. Firstly, it is the ability to self-heal, one of the most unique properties of this material.
Even if some minor damage occurs, the rubber can return to its original shape over time, which, of course, cannot be achieved when using other types of roofing materials.
The main advantages and disadvantages of this type of coating
Coating the roof with liquid rubber is one of the most technological methods roof protection today.
Most often, liquid roofing is applied to an existing base, but can be used as an independent roof covering or in combination with other roofing materials.
One of the most important properties of a liquid roof is its adhesive properties. It interacts well with various types of surfaces. It can be used without difficulty and without any problems on various types of materials, such as reinforced concrete, rolled materials, wood, cement screed, tiles, and metal coatings.
Advantages of liquid rubber roofing:
- resistance to sudden temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation;
- economical material consumption;
- good resistance to aggressive environments;
- when covered with this material there are absolutely no seams;
- elasticity;
- fairly long service life;
- excellent waterproofing characteristics.
In addition to all this, repairing liquid roofing is very simple and accessible to everyone. It is enough to apply a layer of liquid rubber to the damaged areas, and that’s it - the roof will be as good as new.
Also excellent quality Such types of roofing materials are also due to the fact that they can be applied in a “cold” state, that is, they do not require additional heating.
But of course, we should not forget about some of the disadvantages of this type of coating:
Compared to other roofing coverings, this one has a fairly high price;
The material is not very resistant to impact various types solvents or those products that contain petroleum;
This is where the disadvantages of liquid rubber end. As you can see, there are many more advantages than disadvantages, and therefore the use of such roofing material is widespread.
Well, besides, as already described above, such a parameter as elasticity is generally unique property this material, because it is not found in other types of roofing.
Where are polymer roofs most often used?
Liquid roofing is used on various types of buildings. This can be both industrial buildings and private construction. Due to its universal properties, it can be used not only as a protective coating for various types roofs, but also as a separate roof covering.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this material is becoming increasingly popular and is winning a growing army of consumers.
Features of applying liquid rubber to a flat roof
Very often, liquid rubber is used for waterproofing industrial buildings With flat roof. Therefore, each type of roof has its own characteristics in the application of liquid rubber.
Let's take a closer look at applying liquid rubber to the surface. flat roofs, features of coating with this material.
To obtain a high-quality and good waterproofing coating, liquid rubber must be applied to the base, which must be sufficiently smooth. It may not be very smooth, but the main thing is that the surface does not contain unnecessary objects and irregularities.
This is necessary so that when applying liquid rubber, the layer is distributed evenly and is approximately the same height. But the smoothness of the surface of the liquid roof itself, of course, largely depends on the equipment used.
If a layer of liquid rubber is applied by spraying polyurethane foam, the smoothness of the coating itself will largely depend on the equipment used.
Using a high-pressure unit and a smooth surface to which the rubber coating is applied, the result can be a virtually seamless membrane using the spray method.
If you used tools that can only work under low pressure, then most likely the surface will be very uneven. Lumps may even appear, and they will be of different heights, which, of course, will negatively affect the external attractiveness of the entire roof. And if the surface cannot be leveled, then before the spraying process you must still try to level it using a screed.
If liquid rubber is applied to roof slabs, it may happen that the consumption of polymer-bitumen emulsion will increase. If there is a layer of primer, in this case it is necessary to reinforce, if possible, all the connections that are located in the spaces between the insulating boards, not forgetting to put strips of geotextile in them.
The optimal way to apply a liquid roof is to apply the liquid composition over an already applied screed layer. Then the roof will certainly have a smooth and attractive appearance and will not lose its aesthetic qualities.
Reinforced - a universal material for all occasions
Liquid roofing is reinforced - this is a new concept in building materials. It is reinforced with so-called polyurethane elastomers. At the same time he is excellent example that the military-industrial complex is developing not only latest systems weapons, but can also work for the benefit of civilians.
Previously, this material was used only for defense needs and the military industry. But then he gradually came out of the shadows and began to actively gain popularity in industrial production and other sectors of life.
This material has improved reliability and wear resistance. Since its development was carried out by the military, it is natural that increased demands were placed on this material.
The material has the same properties as other liquid rubbers, the only difference is that all its characteristics are, although slightly, still better than those of similar materials.
Liquid roofing or liquid rubber is an excellent material for covering all types of roofs. It is used everywhere and is gaining well-deserved popularity, as additional remedy protection of the roof from external factors, as well as as a separate roofing covering.
When using liquid roofing, we can say with confidence that this is an excellent material that will last for many years, creating a unique look for the roof of the house and providing reliable protection in any conditions!
IN last years There are many new roofing materials on the market. Among the vast variety, liquid roofing (liquid rubber) especially stands out for its unique characteristics. The use of this material allows you to obtain a seamless coating without seams, which guarantees absolute waterproofness of any roof, regardless of its shape and slopes.
Liquid waterproofing for roofing is ideal for arranging both flat roofs with a large area and structures with complex topography. Unlike rolled analogues, liquid roofing rubber allows you to complete all work without generating waste, which is very beneficial from an economic point of view.
Liquid roof waterproofing consists of two main components:
- bitumen emulsion;
- latex.
After application, liquid waterproofing It hardens almost immediately, taking the form of an elastic membrane without seams. At the same time, as was said earlier, the geometric shapes of the roof have absolutely no meaning.
Liquid roof waterproofing is classified according to a variety of characteristics, the main one being application technology. Based on this feature, we can identify three types of liquid rubber for the roof:
- bulk. Such roofing rubber is poured and leveled by hand;
- sprayed. To apply this material, special equipment is used. It is worth noting that the use of special tools significantly speeds up the work. In addition, there is a significant saving in material;
- painting room This waterproofing mastic is applied manually using spatulas, brushes, rollers and other tools designed for working with paints and varnishes.
Currently, on the building materials market you can find one-component or two-component liquid rubber for roofing. The first is ready-made mixture, which does not need to be additionally mixed with other materials. All you need to do is open the container and start working. Most often, this material is used for roof waterproofing. Two-component liquid rubber includes a base element and a curing catalyst. It is used to produce a mastic membrane. The most common compositions include the following components:
- water-based bitumen emulsion, which is a modified polymer of liquid bitumen;
- calcium chloride solution.
During the use of the material, the saline solution comes into contact with the emulsion, as a result of which, after a few seconds, two processes begin to occur at once:
- disintegration of bitumen emulsion;
- polymerization of latex.
The result of these processes is the formation of a viscous substance that transforms into a rubber-like film.
It should be remembered that liquid rubber is applied in one layer in one approach, and the required coating thickness must be ensured.
Technical characteristics of liquid rubber
Perhaps one of the most significant positive characteristics of liquid rubber is excellent adhesion. In other words, liquid rubber adheres perfectly to almost all materials: from wood to concrete. In addition, the positive characteristics of liquid roofing include:
- immunity to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation;
- high resistance to aggressive environmental influences. In other words, rubber is absolutely not afraid of any atmospheric phenomena;
- it does not contain toxic substances, therefore it is safe for the environment and humans. Of course, this does not mean that when using it, especially spraying, it is not necessary to use PPE (personal protective equipment) for the visual and respiratory organs;
- the material is economical in consumption. To process one square meter roofing requires 1-3 kilograms of composition. Consumption directly depends on the consistency of the material;
- the coating is absolutely waterproof. This is not least due to the fact that it has no seams.
Special attention should be paid to the ease of application. All you need to do is apply a layer of rubber to the selected area. At this point, the roof waterproofing work can be considered complete. This quality distinguishes rubber from other materials, for example, roofing felt, the use of which requires heating the tar, gluing individual sheets, etc.
When listing the characteristics, it is necessary to mention not only positive qualities, but also negative ones, as with any other roofing material they undoubtedly exist. The main characteristics of this type include:
- high price, which is significantly higher than many other roofing materials that can perform the same functions;
- insufficient resistance to the effects of certain chemical compositions, for example, solvents and mixtures based on petroleum products.
It is worth noting that the positive characteristics more than offset the negative ones, which is why liquid rubber is in demand and consumer interest in it is steadily growing.
Application area
Rubber waterproofing is used for roofing work in following types buildings:
- multi-apartment and private residential buildings;
- buildings intended for storing various material assets, for example, warehouses;
- shopping centers, etc.
The positive characteristics of this material can be especially pronounced when used over large areas, but despite this, in recent years it has begun to be used for installing roofs in garages and other small outbuildings.
Due to its high adhesive properties, liquid rubber has a wide range of applications. Thus, such materials for waterproofing are of interest not only to construction and installation companies, but also to individuals who decide to “patch up” the roof of a house, garage or bathhouse.
