Roll roofing is a flexible waterproofing covering consisting of several (at least two) layers. Roll roofing is resistant to deformation, has good damp-proofing and thermal insulation properties, is light-weight and easy-to-repair.
Roll roofing is recommended for flat roofs sloping at 0 to 30 degrees.
Roll roofing materials
By substrate
- Substrate-free roll materials consisting of recycled rubber, bitumen or butyl rubber. Usually these are used as the bottom layer of the roofing to waterproof the substrate.
- Tar paper (roofing felt) based materials consisting of a bitumen impregnated dense cellulose substrate with mineral powdering. Being sensitive to temperature fluctuations and not long-living, these are mainly used for temporary buildings.
- Woven/unwoven polyester based materials: durable and elastic, with a wide ambient temperature range.
- Woven/unwoven fiberglass based materials: durable and non-elastic, used as auxiliary or backing layers.
- Metal foil based materials with high thermal insulation properties.
- Polymer based membrane materials provide a modern look and excellent performance, often are self-adhesive.
By binder
- Bitumen
- Tar or bitumen-tar compound
- Rubber-bitumen compound
- Rubber-polymer compound
- Polymer
By protective layer
- Powdered materials. According to the shape and size of the particles, the powdering can be dusty, scaly, coarse-grained or fine-grained
- Non-powdered materials
By application
Depending on the type of roof and unique operating conditions, roll roofing can have two to five layers. Each layer, and hence its material, can be classified by purpose: waterproofing, thermal insulation or soundproofing.
By installation method
- Fastening with roofing nails: mainly for underlayment on a wooden base
- Mastic adhesion: for underlays and, in some cases, finishing layers of the roof covering
- Fusion: the bottom layer of the roll is heated while being gradually unrolled, so that the melted viscous mass is secured on the base
