Roof waterproofing: which one is better to choose??

Waterproofing your roof is essential for shielding your house from the weather. In addition to extending the life of your home, a well-sealed roof guards against expensive damage from moisture and leaks. Selecting the best waterproofing solution can be difficult due to the abundance of options.

Every kind of waterproofing material has benefits and cons of its own. Knowing the differences between modern liquid-applied solutions and conventional bitumen membranes will help you make an informed choice. The type of roof you choose will depend on factors like budget, climate, and roof type.

This post will examine the most widely used methods of roof waterproofing, along with the advantages and important factors to take into account. Choosing the best waterproofing solution will guarantee that your home remains dry and safe for many years to come, regardless of whether you’re building a new structure or replacing an old roof.

Selecting the best roof waterproofing solution is essential to preventing water damage to your house and extending the life of your roof. In order to assist you in making an informed choice, this article will walk you through the top waterproofing techniques currently on the market and compare their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll go over each option in detail, from contemporary liquid-applied membranes and sophisticated self-adhesive sheets to conventional bitumen-based coatings, so you can choose the best one for your unique roofing requirements.

Popular types, their pros and cons

There are many different types of coatings available on the building materials market that provide roofing waterproofing. They are all usually composed of a polymer base, which provides the material with strength.

The types and composition of waterproofing materials vary.

• Film waterproofing. This is a thin and at the same time durable PVC fabric that does not allow water to pass through. The film is used as a gasket between the insulation of the rafter frame, sheathing and roofing made of all types of tiles, bitumen tiles, corrugated sheets, etc. The film decomposes under ultraviolet radiation, so it is used as a lining. PVC coating lasts about 50 years.
• Membrane waterproofing. Membranes are monolithic polymer sheets. They are much thicker and stronger than films. Diffusion membranes are secured with stainless steel roofing nails and washers to the sheathing in the form of a continuous flooring. Flat coverings are laid under the finishing roofing covering on the sheathing of the rafter frame of the pitched roof. Waterproofing allows air to pass through, so it plays an additional role as a vapor barrier.
• Mastics. Bituminous waterproofing is a mastic made from bitumen with the addition of liquid rubber and other components. Mastic waterproofing is available in three types. These are weldable, liquid (ready-to-use) and two-component mixtures.
• Roll materials. This is the most common type of waterproofing, which also serves as a finishing roofing covering. In addition to traditional roofing felt, the building materials market offers new soft roofing materials in rolls. These are built-up coatings and cold-applied coatings with quartz coating. Modern industry produces roll waterproofing in different colors.

The following classification of waterproofing materials is based on application technology:

• Pasted and built-up insulation – this includes rolled materials. Strips of material are attached to the roof surface by fusing or rolling onto a molten primer (mastic). The advantages include a long service life – up to 80 years and a low average cost of 1 m 2 – 75 rubles. The disadvantage of laying rolled materials is the use of an open flame of a gas burner, which requires increased safety measures.
• Coating insulation – it includes bitumen and polymer mastics. There are several ways to bring them into working condition – this is by introducing a solvent, mixing the two components and heating. The method of application using brushes and rollers limits the availability of mastics. This type of waterproofing has high adhesion and water-repellent properties. The service life of coating materials is short and amounts to 10 – 15 years. The average cost of 1 kg ranges from 100 to 400 rubles.
• Sprayed materials – the most modern waterproofing. This includes liquid rubber, roofing polyurethane and polymer mastics. Carpeting is sprayed using special equipment. An elastic film up to 3 mm thick allows moisture and its vapor to pass through it from bottom to top, but is absolutely waterproof for precipitation. Sprayed materials have a long service life – up to 50 years and a relatively affordable cost per 1 m 2 from 100 to 200 rubles.

Quality requirements

One of the first sections of the house’s roof is exposed to wind loads, UV radiation from the sun, and precipitation such as rain and snow. All of these factors negatively affect the roof’s ability to keep out water. In light of these conditions, specific specifications for waterproofing roofing coverings exist:

• water resistance test: waterproofing must withstand a water column pressure of 10 mPa for at least 10 minutes;
• tensile test: the material must withstand strong gusts of wind;
• the elasticity of the waterproofing allows the material to stretch at fracture points;
• the coating should have a low specific gravity so as not to weigh down the roofing pie;
• the material must be resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Rating

The goal of the regularly updated waterproofing material ratings is to enlighten customers about the top offerings. Expertly rated products always have priority over others. Another significant factor is the quantity and quality of reviews left by customers who have bought one of the product categories.

Materials

The best materials for films:

Brand	Characteristic	Manufacturer	Price, rub.
BIGTOP	PVC reinforced membrane	BIGTOP	Roll 42 m 2 3150
Hexa Izospan D	Fabric based membrane	GEXA	Roll 35 m 2 3100
Yutafol D 96	Fabric PVC membrane	Yutafol	Roll 75 m 2 1800

The top-rated integrated waterproofing

Brand	Characteristic	Manufacturer	Price, rub.
Bitumast isol	Bitumen composition based on polyester	Bitumast	Roll 15 m 2 1350
SAFETY BASE APP XPP 2.5 mm	Fiberglass impregnated with bitumen	Subject	Roll 10 m 2 980
BICROELAST TCH	Fiberglass impregnated with bitumen	TechnoNikol	Roll 15 m 2 1400

The top bituminous mastics are:

Brand	Characteristic	Manufacturer	Price, rub.
AQUAMAST	Bitumen-rubber cold application on solvent	TechnoNikol	1 kg from 160
VeraMast Hydro 2K	Polyurethane two-component	VeraMast	1 kg from 430
Transkor-Gaz	Cold roofing mastic	Transkor-Gaz	1 kg from 30

The top materials to spray:

Brand	Characteristic	Manufacturer	Price, rub.
AKTERM HydroStop Roofing	One-component liquid rubber	AKTERM	Can 20 kg 7100
Mariseal 250 polyurethane mastic	One-component membrane	Mariseal	Can 6 kg 4000
Liquid waterproofing AKTERM HydroStop	Water-based polymer liquid rubber	AKTERM	Bucket 10 kg 3300

Manufacturers

Based on a summary of customer surveys, the top producers of waterproofing materials are as follows:

• Ceresit. The products of the German concern Ceresit are known in Russia for their high quality and affordable price. The Ceresit brand is the hallmark of the manufacturer of dry mixtures of waterproofing coatings. About twenty years ago the company transferred part of its production capacity to the territory of the Russian Federation.
• Knauf. The head office is located in Iphofen, Northern Bavaria. The Knauf brand is the largest German investor in the Russian construction industry. The brand"s production facilities, located in the Russian Federation, supply the building materials market with almost all types of rolled materials and mastics for roof waterproofing.
• Bigtop. Europe"s largest manufacturer of polymer membranes. The Bigstop brand has production facilities in Russia.
• TechnoNikol. The Russian company TechnoNikol is Europe"s largest manufacturer of waterproofing and thermal insulation. In Russia this is one of the most popular brands of building materials. Branches are located in six countries of the European continent.
• Bitumast. The KhimTorgProekt company under the Bitumast brand supplies its products to all regions of Russia. Its high-quality membrane roof coverings are known abroad. The company also produces various types of bitumen mastics.

How to choose?

It is advised to consider the application technique, composition, application scope, processing material, service life, and cost when selecting a waterproofing material.

Type of application

Depending on the type, waterproofing coatings can be applied in a variety of ways:

• Film. The canvases are spread parallel to the ridge of the pitched roof, overlapping from bottom to top. The film is secured with nails or staplers to the wooden sheathing of the rafter frame under the rigid roof covering.
• Welded. Bituminous mastic – primer is applied to the base of the roof with a brush or roller. Then roll the rolls parallel to the ridge from bottom to top, heating the back side of the strip with the flame of a gas burner.
• Adhesive. An adhesive composition is first applied to the surface of the roof base. The rolls are rolled out by pressing them with a roller.
• Self-adhesive. They are pressed onto a clean, dry roof surface, having previously removed the protective film from the back of the roll.
• Sprayable. The mastic is poured into the tank of a special unit and a layer of coating is sprayed onto the roof under pressure. A membrane is formed that allows evaporation to pass through and does not allow water or moisture to pass through from above.
• Coating. Repair mastics are applied with spatulas to damaged areas of roof waterproofing. The product has good fluidity and, before hardening, occupies all the voids and cracks around it.

Waterproofing materials are applied in two, three, or even four layers, depending on the circumstances. The number of layers needed decreases with increasing coating quality.

Regarding a note. The most advanced and dependable materials currently in use are self-adhesive waterproofing, cold mastics, and sprayed materials. The remaining materials are less expensive but require more labor.

Compound

Based on its composition, waterproofing can be classified into materials like PVC films, rolled bitumen coatings on cardboard, bitumen-polymer mastics, and bitumen-rubber mastics.

Materials made of polymers, rubber, and membranes set records for coating quality and longevity of use.

Scope of application

The extent of an application determines which waterproofing materials are best to use:

• Film waterproofing is used as an intermediate layer between the roofing and the rafter frame of a pitched roof.
• Roll materials act not only as a water barrier, but also as a finishing roofing covering.
• Mastics are used as membrane coatings for the entire roof surface, and as a material for local repair of damaged areas of the roof.

Reference: Both sections of rolled roofing and bitumen mastics are used where the roof meets the walls and chimneys.

Processing material

Cement screeds on concrete and other flat roof finishing coatings are treated with mastics. Pitch and flat roofs are both covered with roll materials. Rather than lathing pitched roofs, modified roofing felt is installed on a continuous flooring (OSB or chipboard sheets).

Lifetime

Roofing felt has a shortest service life of five to six years. For rolled materials, the duration is 7 to 8 years, while for fiberglass, it can last up to 10 years. However, bitumen-impregnated polyester strips have a 20-year lifespan.

Membrane coatings do not require repair for at least 12 years, while mastic coatings can be renewed every 5 years. Furthermore, polymer films hold the record in this respect. For fifty years, they can maintain their qualities.

Read this article to find out when roof waterproofing repairs are necessary, how to do them, and what materials to use.

Price

In order to provide you with an accurate idea of roof waterproofing costs, the following table has been put together.

Brand	Price for 1 roll, rub.	Price per 1 m 2, rub.
Economy class
Bikrost	1800	120
Class "Standard"
Linocrom	1900	127
Business class
Uniflex	2600	260
Premium class
Technoelast	3500	350

Brand	Cost of 1 bucket	Characteristic
TechnoNikol	1 kg/160 rub.	Bitumen-rubber
MBK	1 kg/80 rub.	Bitumen-polymer
VeraMast	1 kg/430 rub.	Bitumen-rubber

Useful video

A video explaining the different types of roofing waterproofing, how to choose one, and proper installation techniques:

Waterproofing Material	Advantages
Bituminous Membrane	Durable, flexible, and easy to install
EPDM Rubber	Long-lasting, resistant to UV rays and temperature changes
Liquid Waterproofing	Seamless application, great for complex roof shapes
Polyurethane Coating	Highly elastic, excellent for flat roofs
PVC Membrane	Fire-resistant, strong, and weatherproof

Selecting the appropriate waterproofing material for your roof is essential to its longevity and security. It is crucial to take into account the particular requirements of your roof, such as the type of roof, budget, and climate. Making an informed choice is aided by having a thorough understanding of the various options, which include synthetic materials, liquid coatings, and bitumen membranes.

Many homeowners choose bitumen membranes because of their reputation for affordability and durability. They work particularly well in inclement weather. Conversely, liquid coatings are flexible and simple to apply, making them ideal for roofs with intricate shapes and structures. Because of their long lifespan and advantages for the environment, synthetic materials like TPO and EPDM are becoming more and more popular.

It’s critical to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material when selecting a waterproofing solution. Take into account elements like overall performance, maintenance needs, and installation complexity. Speaking with an expert in roofing can offer insightful advice suited to your particular circumstances.

In the end, spending money on high-quality roof waterproofing increases the value and peace of mind of your house while shielding it from water damage. You can make sure your roof is safe and secure for many years to come by carefully weighing your options and consulting an expert.

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