Waterproofing membranes manufactured from bitumen modified with the addition of elastomers (SBS) or plastomers (APP) called Polymer Bitumen Waterproofing Membranes. They generally have fiberglass or polyester as reinforcement.

Water penetrating into structures causes corrosion of steel which yields lower load bearing capacity and even a sudden collapse during a powerful quake. The water causes the concrete to degrade and crack. The waterproofing application provides not only safety of building but also healthy and comfortable environments by avoiding formation of bacteria and mold, and water from dripping off the roof or ceiling.

No. The bitumen primer eliminates the effects of agents such as dust or soil degrading adherence and provides a clean surface. It also improves adherence between the bitumen based waterproofing membrane and the substrate. Therefore, application without priming should be avoided on the substrates.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes continuously maintain their performance throughout the useful lifetime of the building if they are selected, detailed, and installed properly. However, low quality bitumen based waterproofing membranes have shorter lifetime.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes are used almost everywhere in buildings where there is water contact. Particularly the walls, foundations and ground floors contacting soil as well as foundation walls, balconies, terraces and pitched roofs where the water may accumulate or flood outside the building, and wet spaces such as bathroom, washing basin, WC are general fields of application of bitumen based waterproofing membranes.

In addition, the bitumen based waterproofing membranes are also used in water tanks, artificial ponds and pools, retaining walls, concrete flumes, car parks, structures where high stresses are involved such as motorways, railways, bridges and viaducts.

Primarily, the bitumen based waterproofing membranes suitable for the detail should be chosen correctly. Then, the exact solution will be obtained with correct accessories and high quality workmanship complementing the waterproofing application.

Bitumen based waterproofing membranes are made for waterproofing and they stop and divert water towards drains even at very low roof pitches.

Products such as ceramic and mosaic are tiling materials and are not waterproofing materials. Waterproofing materials should be used for waterproofing.

The cost of waterproofing varies depending on the shape of the structure in question, method of application and many other factors. Therefore, it is difficult to specify exact figures for the cost. However, just to give an idea, the cost of waterproofing in new buildings may be considered in between 1% and 3% of the total cost of the building. However, its benefit would be much more than that cost. Another consideration is that the post-construction waterproofing applications are more costly due to additional costs (excavation, drain, extra workmanship, etc.).

It is not wise to handle the bitumen based waterproofing membrane rolls in horizontal position. Because, the rolls handled in horizontal position are deformed. In this case, it may not be possible to use deformed membranes. Therefore, the rolls should be handled and stored in upright position.

The granule or aluminum foil surfaced bitumen based waterproofing membranes are resistant to UV rays. All other bitumen based waterproofing membranes are not affected by UV rays as long as they are topped with a protective layer (screed, concrete, concrete tiles, gravel etc.).

The slate granules in various colors do not undergo fading under prolonged exposure to weather conditions and sunlight. However, dusting and fouling on granules due to environmental conditions may adversely affect the originality of the color.

It is possible to apply indoors. The best example is the application in wet spaces.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes are waterproofing materials and they are not thermal insulation materials.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes do not melt under warm weather conditions as the weather temperature does not reach to a temperature enough to melt the bitumen based waterproofing membranes under the existing climatic conditions. They only present softening by temperature which does not deform the membrane.

Contact between our hand or skin and bitumen based waterproofing membrane presents no health risks unless they are hot (application temperature)

Generally, they are applied on concrete and wooden surfaces. It can also provide a perfect bond on other surfaces.

No cutting or perforating operation should be carried out on the application surface. Furthermore, any cutting or perforating items should be removed from the application area to avoid damage to the application.

The bitumen based membranes should be coated with a protective layer (screed, concrete, concrete tiles, gravel etc.) to avoid the membranes from being damaged by mechanical effects, UV rays and heavy weather conditions. It is not necessary to protect the aluminum foil coated or mineral coated membranes with a protective layer.

In case the roof inclination is equal to or less than 5%, at least two layers of waterproofing should be applied. If the roof inclination is higher than 5% and the building is located outside freezing zones, then a single layer of waterproofing with 4 mm thick polyester mat carrier may be applied.

The bitumen based waterproofing membranes offered for sales in the form of rolls are 1 m wide and 10 or 15 m long. The reason is that these dimensions ensure ease of handling and application.

Both sides of bitumen based waterproofing membranes are adhesive except for slate granule or aluminium foil surfaced membranes. However, the outer surface of the membranes in roll form is the side to be stuck.

It is possible to walk on mineral coated bitumen based waterproofing membranes for maintenance or repair purposes or in similar rare cases. In this case, care should be taken and a shoe which proper base should be worn as possible. If there is a certain route for pedestrian traffic on the roof, a sacrificial slate granule surcafed membrane of a different colour is advised to be employed along the route.

It is not possible to apply these products under all climatic conditions. Application should be made when it is not raining or on a dry surface. Particularly under cold climatic conditions, the bitumen based membranes should be applied at temperatures above +5 °C. The membranes to be used at cold weather shall be stored at room temperature for at least 24 hours.

• The rolls should be stored in upright position on a smooth floor. Furthermore, the rolls should be handled in upright position when transferring them to another place.
• The rolls should not be stacked on one another and heavy loads should not be placed on the rolls.
• The bitumen based waterproofing membranes should be kept apart from heat sources.
• The rolls should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes.
• The rolls should be protected against frost and sunlight (ultraviolet).

There are many criteria to be considered in selecting the bitumen based waterproofing membrane. The first out of them is the climatic characteristics of the area where the building is located. When selecting the bitumen based waterproofing membrane, those products having CE and TSE certificates and quality certificate should be preferred. Failure to choose high quality material not only leads to an improper application but also causes additional costs.

The buildings should absolutely be examined by experts and it is better to have the waterproofing application tailored to the problem made by waterproofing companies specialized in the field. You can access these companies through BÝTÜDER (Bitumen Membrane Manufacturers Association).

Even not underground, the soil moisture and surface waters may cause corrosion (rusting) on the foundation by time. Therefore, waterproofing should be applied on the ground slab and foundation walls.

Dust and unwanted substances escape through the roof or possible water leaks occur through the roof tiles. It is quite useful to lay bitumen tile underlay membranes under the roof tiles to avoid this. Furthermore, it provides a long-run solution.