Flat roofs are a popular choice for many modern buildings – from commercial properties to residential extensions. Selecting the right solution for the roof depends on several factors, including whether it is a new build or repair, how the roof will be used, its lifespan, and the ease of installation. And when it comes to selecting the right materials, bituminous waterproofing systems are a popular choice. But what is a bituminous roofing system, and what are the benefits?
What is bitumen?
Before we launch into what makes bitumen a good choice for a flat roof, it helps to know what it is! Bitumen is a black, sticky, and highly viscous mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic substances extracted during the distillation of crude oil. When lighter elements like gasoline and diesel are removed, what’s left behind is the heavier bitumen.
What is bitumen used for?
Bitumen’s waterproofing and adhesive properties mean it is often used in construction projects – from road surfaces when it is mixed with aggregates to make asphalt, to damp-proof membranes, tank coatings, soundproofing and roofing.
Why is bitumen popular for roofing and construction?
Bitumen has a lot of properties that make it highly effective in construction applications, especially for roofing. Benefits include:
Bitumen creates an impermeable membrane that prevents water ingress. This is a critical feature for roofing systems. This makes it especially effective in climates with high rainfall or snow.
Compared to other flat roofing systems, bituminous roofing is relatively affordable in terms of both material and installation costs. It also offers a great return on investment because it is long-lasting and has low maintenance requirements.
Bitumen has a long lifespan and is relatively resistant to many environmental factors, including UV, extremes of temperature and heavy rainfall. It is also robust and offers excellent load resistance. This makes it suitable for use on roofs that are subjected to heavy footfall, solar panels, where there’s storage of plant/machinery on the rooftop, and even green roof installations. Reinforced bitumen membranes are commonly used in commercial applications for this reason.
Bitumen works well over various substrates, including concrete, wood, and insulation boards. Lancastria’s SYSTEM ENDURA FR, for example, a BBA-certified bituminous membrane made from high-quality distilled bitumen, modified with elastomeric polymers, provides excellent elasticity, workability, and total adhesion to virtually any substrate. It is also suitable for flat and low-pitch roofs where pooling water might be an issue for other materials as well as where a fire rated solution is required.
Unlike some single-ply systems that may require more extensive repairs, bitumen roofs are typically easy to patch. Minor damage like cracks or splits can often be fixed without replacing large roof sections.
How does bituminous roofing compare in lifespan?
When installed and maintained correctly, bituminous flat roofs can last decades, depending on the type of membrane and exposure to the elements. Lancastria’s SYSTEM 10S, an entry-level membrane, offers a lifespan of 20 years, while SYSTEM ENDURA can be used in some of the most extreme environments and offers a lifespan upwards of 30 years.
Installation: are bitumen membranes better for roofers?
The installation process is critical when determining the practicality of a roofing system. Bituminous roofing products, particularly modified bitumen systems, are generally considered installer friendly.
Torch on or cold applied?
Bituminous systems offers flexibility in installation, allowing roofers to choose the best method for the job and site conditions – from torch-on membranes, which are applied using a propane torch to self-adhesive membranes.
A forgiving material
Bitumen is more forgiving than other roofing membranes, making it easier to shape and seal around vents, pipes, and skylights. Minor imperfections during installation can often be corrected without compromising the system. This means less rework, less stress, a lower chance of installation problems and time savings when sealing edges, corners and details.
Great for repairs and maintenance
Bituminous roofs are straightforward to maintain and patch. If an issue arises, it can often be solved quickly with a heat gun, patch, or sealant.
Is a bitumen based membrane the right solution?
Bituminous flat roofing has long been a staple in residential and commercial construction — for good reason. It’s combination of waterproofing, durability, and cost-efficiency makes it an outstanding choice for flat roofs. Whether you’re working on a new project or replacing an old flat roof, bituminous waterproofing membranes offer a proven, reliable solution that can stand up to the elements and to the demands of modern architecture.
Unsure which bituminous membrane is the right one for your flat roofing project? At Lancastria we have an extensive range of systems for every job. Speak to our friendly team, who will be happy to help and advise on the best solution for a quality and long-lasting outcome. Call us on 0161 777 9009 or email sales@lancastria.com
Get in touch
Lancastria Group
(main office and hoist hire)
Unit J, Woodrow Way, Irlam,
Manchester, M44 6ZQ
Lancastria
(deliveries and collections)
Unit 8, Woodrow Way
Irlam, Manchester
M44 6ZQ
For deliveries and collections please go to Unit 8. On Woodrow Way, take the first right immediately around the corner from Howdens and Andrews Tiles. Our warehouse is the second unit. If you get to our main Lancastria office, you have come too far.
Keep up to date and receive our latest offers
