Torch on Membrane Waterproofing: Know these Before Using
Torch on membrane waterproofing is a waterproofing method used to create a water-resistant seal by sticking on the surface using a gas torch. Torch membranes can be used to waterproof roofs, balconies, basements, decks, garages, green roofs, and planter boxes.
Torch on membranes are mainly of two types: APP (Atactic Polypropylene) modified bitumen torch on membranes and SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified bitumen membranes. Torch on membranes consist of adhesive material and fabric. Bitumen and polymer modifiers are the main adhesives, and polyester and fibreglass mats are the main fabrics used for the torch on membranes.
You should check whether the torch on membrane follows the international standard (EN) before you use it. You should heat the torch on membrane between 392℉ ( 200℃ ) and 482℉( 250℃) when it is installed on the floor.
You should heat 1.5mm thickness torch on membrane waterproofing for 30 -45 seconds per square meter. If the thickness is around 3mm, the membrane should be heated for 45- 60 seconds per square meter. You should heat the torch on membrane while itis unrolling before laying it on the substrate.
When you install torch on membranes, you should maintain longitudinal lap length between 50 -100 mm ( 2- 4 inches), and transversal overlap length between 100 – 150mm (4- 6 inches). You can install a torch on membrane on a dry day with temperatures between 50℉(10℃) – 86℉(30℃). You should use proper tools for torch on membrane waterproofing.
When you fillet the torch on membrane, the distance should be 85mm overlap. Over the fillet, it should be 25mm, while below the fillet, it should be 100mm. You should install a torch on membrane in calm wind and proper environmental temperature. Because a calm wind is very suitable during the installation to heat the membrane uniformly.
Installing torch on membrane is always durable and lasts long, about 10-15 years. It is highly water resistant, resistant to sunlight, rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, can be installed quickly, has higher flexibility, improves energy efficiency, and consists of self-healing capability.
What Is Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
Torch on membrane waterproofing is a waterproofing method used to create a water-resistant seal by sticking on the surface using a gas torch. The most use torch on membrane waterproofing is bituminous waterproofing. Torch on membranes can be used to waterproof roofs, balconies, basements, decks, garages, green roofs, and planter boxes. Torch membrane waterproofing consists of bitumen, a petroleum-based product modified with a polymer.
When installing the torch on membrane, first clean the surface, then apply the primer coat, unroll and position the membrane with overlaps for a strong seal, and heat the membrane’s underside, melting it to fuse with the surface and overlaps. torch on membrane waterproofing is durable, long-lasting, water ingress-resistant, and easy to install on the surface with minimum labor and time.
What Are The 2 Types of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The two types of torch on membrane waterproofing are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) modified bitumen torch membrane and SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified bitumen membranes
- APP (Atactic Polypropylene) modified bitumen membranes: APP consists of atactic polymers. These torch on membranes are highly flexible and can withstand higher temperatures. Hence, APP can be used to waterproof structures such as roofs, terraces, and balconies with higher UV exposure and highertemperatures.
- SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified bitumen membranes: SBS consists of modified SBS polymers. These torch on membranes are elastic and flexible and perform well in cold temperatures. It can be used to waterproof structures where in cold climates with frequent temperature fluctuations.
What is Inside Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
Torch waterproofing membranes consist of two main materials: adhesive and fabric. Adhesive is used seal the substrate, while the fabric supports the adhesive to stay on the substrate.
- Bitumen: Bitumen is the adhesive of the torch on membrane waterproofing because bitumens are natural waterproofing with strong adhesion ability, durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
- Polymer modifiers: Polymer modifiers are adhesive materials of the torch onthe membrane, and it used for torch on membrane waterproofing due to flexibility, heat resistance, durability, and higher adhesiveness.
- Polyester mat: Polyester mat is used as a fabric in the torch on membrane. It is used due to its high stability, resistance to wear, tear, puncture, and warping capability.
- Fiberglass mat: Fiberglass mat is used as a fabric in the torch on membrane. Fiberglass mats consits of higher resistance to wear, tear, puncture, flexibility, and warping capability
What Are The Recommended Standards For Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
Below are the properties and their recommended standard for the torch on waterproofing membranes. This list is prepared by using European Standards (EN).
- Fire performance standards: UNE-EN 1187, UNE-EN 13501-5, UNE-EN 13501-1
- Watertightness standards: UNE-EN 1928
- Tensile strength and elongation standards: UNE-EN 12311-1
- Root resistance standards: prEN 13984
- Static and impact resistance standards: UNE-EN 12730, UNE-EN 12691
- Tearing resistance standards: UNE-EN 12310-1
- Joint strength standards: UNE-EN 12316-1, UNE-EN 12317-1
- Flexibility, aging, and thermal stability standards: UNE-EN 1109, UNE-EN 1931, UNE-EN 1110
What Is The Heated Temperature of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The recommended heating temperature of the torch on membrane waterproofing ranges from 392℉ ( 200℃ ) to 482℉( 250℃) when it is installed on the floor.
When it is lower than the recommended heating temperature, the membrane will become uneven, and burning creates inconsistent seams, reducing flexibility and improper adhesion.
When it is above the recommended temperature, the waterproofing membrane will overheat, causing blistering, burn, degrade, and fire risks.
How Long Should You Heat Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The heating time of the torch on membrane depends on factors like membrane thickness, ambient temperature, wind speed, and desired outcome.
You should heat 1.5mm thickness torch on membrane waterproofing 30 -45 seconds per square meter. If the thickness around 3mm membrane should be heated 45- 60 seconds per square meter.
Overheating the torch waterproofing membrane can cause blistering, burning, and degradation, generating fumes, odors, and fire risks.
Underheating the torch on membrane waterproofing can weaken the adhesion, reduce flexibility, cause uneven melting and burning, and cause inconsistent seams.
What Is The Heating Pattern Of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
When you heat the torch on membrane waterproofing, you should heat the membrane while it is unrolling. When you start from the left, heat along the membrane and then roll down the membrane to the substrate. Then, start it from the stopped end to the other end.
What Is The Lap Length For Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The lap length of the torch on membrane waterproofing: Longitudinal lap length ranges between 50 -100 mm ( 2- 4 inches), and transversal overlap length ranges from 100 – 150mm (4- 6 inches).
What Is The Suitable Environment For Touch on Membrane Waterproofing?
You should install the torch membrane on a dry day with temperatures between 50℉(10℃) – and 86℉(30℃). You should not use torch membranes on higher humidity and wet surfaces due to a lack of proper adhesiveness.
What Tools Are Needed For Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
These 8 tools are essential to apply torch on membrane waterproofing
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Propane torch
- Cutting tool
- J – roller
- Smoothing trowel
- Seam roller
- Thermometer
- Drop cloths
What Is The Fillet Overlap Distance Of The Torch on Waterproofing Membrane?
Fillet overlap distance is 85mm. Fillet overlap distance depends on the membrane type, water pressure, and waterproofing membrane thickness.
What Is The Distance Over The Fillet Of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The distance over the fillet of the torch on the membrane is 25mm. The distance over the fillet depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations, water pressure, and waterproofing material thickness.
What Is The Distance Below The Fillet Of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
The distance below the fillet of the torch on membrane is 100mm. The distance below the fillet depends on the manufacturer’s instructions and professional advice.
When Should You Install Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
You should install the torch on membrane in calm wind and proper environmental temperature. Because calm wind is very suitable during the installation to heat the membrane uniformly.
You should not install in climatic conditions such as freezing temperatures ( below 50℉), extreme heat, high humidity, and rainy or snowy conditions.
What Are The Benefits of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
These are the 7 benefits of torch on membrane waterproofing
- Torch on membrane waterproofing is durable and last for about 10-15 years
- Torch on membrane waterproofing is highly water resistant and creates an effective barrier against water intrusion
- Torch on membranes are resistant to weather conditions such as sunlight, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures
- Torch on membrane application can be completed quickly
- Torch on membranes are capable of self-healing
- Torch on membranes are good thermal insulators and improve energy efficiency
- Torch on membranes act as a barrier against radon gas intrusion
Where Can You Use Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
You can use torch membrane waterproofing membranes for below structures
- Flat roofs: Torch on membranes are ideal for flat roofs because they create a seamless, water-right barrier.
- Balconies and decks: Balconies and decks often cause water damage. Torch on membrane waterproofing provides a durable layer that can withstand water damage.
- Basement and foundation: Basements and foundations, like below-ground areas, buildup moisture and cause moisture-based issues. Torch on membrane waterproofing effectively causes water seepage and moisture build-up in below-ground areas.
- Plaza decks: Plaza decks, often on top of buildings or car parks, need a strong waterproofing solution. Torch on waterproofing membrane can handle the weight of foot traffic and protect the underlying structure from water infiltration.
- Retaining walls: Retaining walls hold back soil and can be prone to increase the water pressure. Torch on membrane waterproofing helps ensure the wall’s stability by preventing water accumulation.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Torch on Membrane Waterproofing?
- Torch on membrane waterproofing causes fire hazards during the installation process.
- Torch on membrane waterproofing is only suitable for surfaces that can withstand high heat.
- Torch on membrane waterproofing membrane emits harmful gases during installation, causing environmental pollution.
- Torch on membranes deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.
- Torch on membranes do not conform perfectly to uneven surfaces.
What Are The Options For Torch Membrane Waterproofing?
- Liquid Applied Membranes (LAMs): You can use LAM instead of torch on membrane waterproofing because they don’t need flames during installation, can be applied on a wide range of surfaces, and have self-healing properties.
- Self-Adhesive Membranes: You can use self-adhesive membranes instead of torch on membranes because they are easy to install, take less time, and have no fumes released during installation.
- Sheet membrane: You can use sheet membranes instead of torch on membranes because they are cost-effective, lightweight, flexible, and durable.
