Loose Laid Waterproofing Membranes: Types, Usage, Advantages and Benefits

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Loose-laid waterproof membranes are sets of sheet waterproofing membranes. Loose-laid waterproof membranes do not adhere to the substrate directly. Loose-laid membranes are stuck on the surface using adhesives.

The 8 types of loose laid waterproofing membranes are EPDM, PVC, TPO, HDPE, SCPE, Butyl rubber, Bituminous membranes, and self-adhesive membranes. Each of these types has a specific characteristic. Hence, they are used in different types of projects.

Loose-laid waterproofing can be used for waterproofing roofs, basements and foundations, ponds and water features, terraces and balconies, and tunnels and subways are five of the places where you can use loose laid waterproof membranes.

The 5 advantages of loose-laid waterproofing are ease of installation, cost-effective, flexibility in design and construction, the potential of reuse and recyclability, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

The benefits of loose-laid waterproofing are requiring less time to install, and requiring minimum skills and tools, safety and comfort for the occupants, energy efficiency, reducing the waste of construction materials, and cost effective waterproofing solution.

What are Loose Laid Waterproof Membranes?

Loose laid waterproof membranes are sheet waterproofing membranes that do not adhere to the substrate directly. Instead, these membranes are loosely laid over the surface and held in place by the weight of the overlaying layers, such as gravel, pavers, or other ballast materials. The properties of the loose laid waterproofing depend on the type of sheet membrane.

The most used loose laid waterproofing membranes are EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer), bituminous, and HDPE (High-density polyethylene). Loose laid membranes are used due to their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, ease of repair and replacement, enhancing protection against extreme weather conditions, and potential for reuse and recycling.

What are the 7 Types of Loose Laid Waterproof Membranes?

Loose laid waterproofing systems are mainly 7 types, each loose laid type has unique characteristics and suitable applications.

7 Types of Loose Laid Waterproof Membranes

1. EPDM waterproof membrane
2. PVC water waterproof membrane
3. TPO waterproof membrane
4. HDPE waterproof membranes
5. CSPE waterproof membranes
6. Butyl Rubber waterproof membranes
7. Bituminous waterproof membranes

Read more: 10 Types of Waterproof Methods: Properties, Applications, Advantages, and Maintenance

1. EPDM waterproof membranes

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) membrane is a synthetic rubber loose-laid waterproof membrane. EPDM loose laid membranes consist of higher durability, flexibility, water resistance and UV resistance. Hence, it can be used on roofing, basements and foundations, terraces and balconies, ponds, underground structures, and large commercial applications.

2. PVC waterproof membranes

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) membrane is a thermoplastic loose-laid waterproof membrane. PVC loose-laid membranes consist of higher strength, flexibility, UV resistance, and resistance to chemicals and fire and offer weldable seams for airtight installations. Hence it can be used in roofing, terraces, ponds, tunnels, tanks, and in industrial and commercial applications

3. TPO waterproof membranes

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) membranes is a single ply reflective membranes made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. TPO loose-laid membrane is resistant to UV and chemicals, energy efficient due to its reflective properties, and has heat-weldable seams. Therefore, it can be used in terraces, underground structures, and roofing, especially in environmentally friendly “cool roof” systems.

4. HDPE waterproof membranes

HDPE (High-density Polyethylene) membrane is a thermoplastic membrane. HDPE loose-laid membranes are highly flexible, puncture-resistant, resistant to chemicals, have long-term durability and consist of a high tensile strength. Accordingly, they can be used in landfill liners, pond liners, roofs, foundational walls, and tunnels.

5. CSPE waterproof membranes

CSPE (Chlorosulfonate Polyethylene) membranes are synthetic rubber membranes. CSPE loose laid membranes are durable, resistant to environmental factors like UV rays and temperature extremes and resistant to chemicals. Hence these can be used on roofing, containment liners, tanks and tunnels.

6. Butyl Rubber waterproof membranes

Butyl rubber membranes are made from synthetic rubber known for its impermeability and elasticity. Butyl membranes consist of higher flexibility, resistant to UV and ozone and excellent weatherability. Therefore, these membranes are used in roofing, pond liners, tank liners and in reservoirs.

7. Bituminous waterproof membranes

Bituminous loose-laid membranes are composed of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforced with materials like polyester or fibreglass. Bituminous membranes contain strong adhesion properties, higher durability, and excellent resistance to water ingress. Hence, these can be commonly used on roofing and below-grade waterproofing applications like green roofs, planters and basements.

Where to Use Loose-Laid Waterproofing Membranes?

Loose-laid waterproofing can be used for waterproofing roofs, basements and foundations, ponds and water features, terraces and balconies, and tunnels and subways are five of the places where you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes.

Roofs waterproofing using loose-laid waterproofing

You can use loose-laid membranes like PVC, EPDM, TPO, and HDPE on the roofs. Roofs always get wet, contract, and expand due to temperature fluctuations which cause to damage adhered waterproof systems.

In order to prevent this you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes because loose-laid waterproof membranes are highly flexible, durable, and easy to repair when used on roofs.

Basement and foundation waterproofing

EPDM, PVC, and TPO are loose-laid membranes you can use for basement and foundation waterproofing. Water infiltration to the foundation due to rainy conditions causing basements to get damped which results in structural damage, mold, and mildew growth and lead to health issues of the users.

To prevent this, you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes since these membranes are easy to install and repair, and they enhance durability.

Ponds & water feature waterproofing

You can use PVC or Butyl rubber membranes as loose-laid membranes on ponds, especially on pond liners. Water is a constant factor in ponds and water features, which can cause to soil erosion around the pond edges and affect the health of plants surrounding the areas where water leaks can occur.

Therefore, to prevent this, you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes as they are highly flexible, cost-effective and ensure effective water containment.

Terraces and balcony waterproofing

PVC, and TPO loose-laid membranes are good choices for waterproofing balconies and terraces. Terraces and balconies can get wet by wind driven and water escaping through joints, seams and gaps staining walls and ceilings below the terraces and balconies and also cracks in the concrete.

In order to ensure the safety of these areas, you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes because they are flexible and have good seam strength, extending the life span of terraces and balconies.

Tunnels and subway system waterproofing

HDPE, and Butyl membranes are often used in waterproofing tunnels and subway systems. Through inadequate drainage systems or construction defects, water can enter, generating safety issues to the users and damaging the electrical systems and equipment.

Therefore, you can use loose-laid waterproof membranes to prevent these damages since these membranes are adaptable and resistant to hydrocarbons and other chemicals.

What are the 5 Advantages and Benefits of Loose Laid Waterproof Membranes?

Ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, flexibility in design and construction, potential to reuse and recycle, and versatility are the 5 advantages of loose laid waterproof membranes.

1. Ease of installation: Loose-laid waterproof membranes are easy and faster to install compared to fully adhered membranes. Hence, using loose-laid membranes on the substrate can reduce the installation time, and require minimum skills and tools that minimize the cost of installation.
2. Cost-effective: Loose-laid membranes are cost-effective in terms of material cost and installation expense. Therefore, using loose-laid waterproof membranes can reduce the project cost of installing these membranes increase the project efficiency, and is financially flexible.
3. Flexibility in design and construction: Loose-laid membranes can easily adapt to irregular surfaces and are adaptable compared to fully attached membranes. Because of that, using loose laid membranes can promote safety and comfort of the occupants, easy to repair and maintain and lead to improved energy efficiency.
4. Potential for reuse and recycle: Loose-laid membranes are made up or materials that can be recyclable and do not leave any adhesive residue therefore, the membranes can be reused compared to fully adhered membranes. Hence using loose-laid waterproof membranes can reduce the demand for virgin materials, conserving natural resources like petroleum, and also help to reduce the volume of construction waste.
5. Versatility of usage: Loose-laid membranes can be used in a wide range of applications such as roofs, tunnels, ponds, terraces, and reservoirs and are also adaptable on a wide range of substrates making them more versatile than fully attached membranes. Therefore, using loose-laid waterproof membranes makes it easy to furnish and repair and ensures a high return in investment over time, which saves long term costs.

What are the 5 Disadvantages of Loose Laid Waterproof Membranes?

Below given are five disadvantages of loose laid waterproof membranes.

1. Loose-laid waterproof membranes can be damaged by the wind and temperature fluctuations which affect the effectiveness of the membrane.
2. Loose-laid waterproof membranes have compatibility issues between membranes and other building materials due to adhesiveness
3. Loose-laid waterproof membranes require more labour force and time to install and it depends on the location.
4. Premium loose-laid waterproof materials consist of a higher initial cost.
5. Rising environmental concerns when disposing of loose-laid waterproof membranes containing materials.