The bituminous membrane, As we have seen here on Blok's blog, is a waterproofing system that has been widely used in the market for quite some time. His choice is especially given his wide versatility in projects and the availability of suppliers. But, after all, how can we guarantee the best possible application and result?
Ensuring the excellence of your services and the efficiency of your solutions is a great priority when your client's work is in your hands. Therefore, despite the application and fixation of the bituminous membrane on a slab being a great time saver, care must be taken when providing this type of service.
With that in mind, check out, in today's article, some good practices so that the application of bituminous membrane can be carried out without problems and you can highlight your company as a reference in this type of service. Follow up below.
The differentials of bituminous membrane
Asphalt sheet is one of the most applied materials for waterproofing, given its differentials. It was created in the 1970s and consists basically of asphalt, certain elastomers and a membrane that presents various presentations and rates of mechanical and moisture resistance.
Among its attractions is the fact that the bituminous membrane has its structure determined by the manufacturer, not requiring supervisory control over the number of coats in the application.
In addition, it has an attractive cost-benefit ratio and has thermal insulation properties and resistance to the natural movements of concrete without prejudice to its ability to waterproofing.
We can also highlight that the bituminous membrane helps to protect the proliferation of various microorganisms and is therefore easy to maintain and is well adaptable and flexible for use in the most varied projects.
Good practices for applying bituminous membranes
Bituminous membranes have great versatility in applications, ranging from structural elements such as slabs to roofs, terraces, reservoirs and various wet areas. It acts to protect reinforced concrete structures, especially against problems such as wetness and infiltration that, in turn, can lead to serious damage to buildings.
1. Attention to the workforce responsible for applying bituminous membranes
As the complexity of an architectural project increases, maximum technical capacity must be guaranteed. Therefore, even before taking any action at the time of application, offer your team in charge all the necessary support and tools for this execution.
This involves everything from training and aid materials to the ideal equipment for fixing and finishing the bituminous membrane - torch, gas, spatulas and gloves, according to the area to be covered.
2. Regularize all aspects of the bituminous membrane application surface
The application and welding of the bituminous membrane requires a surface that guarantees the best performance of its waterproofing. Therefore, have in your project a rigorous phase of inspection and regularization of the surface on which the bituminous membrane will be applied.
This may include cleaning the place, drying or draining wet spots, and checking spots that eliminate sharp corners, such as half-rods in the corners, for example.
3. Have a quality waterproofing paint to fix the asphalt layer
Between the bituminous membrane and the place where it will be placed there is what we call a primer or bonding paint. In order for the asphalt blanket to achieve its maximum performance after drying the primer, make sure that you have a quality waterproofing asphalt paint, which has a high level of adhesion and chemical resistance, in addition to high covering power and quick drying.
In this way, by following the manufacturer's application instructions correctly, you guarantee good results in your project and avoid the need for subsequent amendments or repairs to the membrane before its useful life, compromising the satisfaction and loyalty of your customer.
4. Keep the customer informed about the durability of the bituminous membrane
The integrity and solidity of a slab or terrace represents savings for your client's pocket and their future investments. Unlike a waterproofing project carried out directly on reinforced concrete, the asphalt membrane has a shorter lifespan.
Therefore, make it clear to the client that, between 5 and 10 years after the completion of the project, there may be a need to redo it. Thus, repairs related to leaks, stains and other faults noted by the inefficient water resistance of the site are prevented.
5. Watch out for the bituminous membrane coating
There are bituminous membrane options on the market that do not require coating, such as aluminized. But when dealing with the classic product, it is important to think about protecting it with a coating that insulates it from abrasives and punctures.
Although the bituminous membrane itself has the advantage of being adapted to natural structural changes, due to its flexibility, it is also necessary to consider the protective qualities of the floor and subfloor that will be in the system.
6. Do not superimpose bituminous membranes in case of replacement
As already mentioned, the durability of an asphalt membrane in relation to its waterproofing is somewhere between 5 and 10 years - which may be longer if applied in areas with little exposure to mechanical stress and direct sunlight.
For details on the regulatory parameters of the bituminous membrane, it is worth consulting the control and standardization process ABNT NBR 9952. It is based on this quality control that manufacturers in the market develop the material of waterproofing bituminous membranes.
Considering this, in case of replacement of the floor, membrane and subfloor system, it is essential to remove the previous blanket when applying a new layer. A property renovation, for example, should include the complete structural process in its costs, avoiding problems with planning and budgeting materials in the project.
7. Correctly measure bituminous membrane overlays
Commonly, bituminous membrane is sold in rolls one meter wide, with a thickness that can vary between 3 and 5 mm.
In addition to being careful when buying the product that will best meet the purpose of your projects, you must also be careful with the measurement specifications when superimposing the membrane on the area to be waterproofed.
Remember to make your project follow striped specifications, such as a minimum of 10 cm for overlap, which avoids flaws and leak points.
8. Choose reliable suppliers
By offering the services of your company in the manufacture of concrete parts, you also offer the services of your partners. All supplies, materials, and labor are your responsibility.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all these elements translate into a good result. And it all starts with choosing suppliers, in the case of your bituminous membrane.
Therefore, look for specialized companies that have experience not only in selling or reselling asphalt, but that can act as true partners, providing valuable tips on how to invest in a project involving waterproofing. Thus, the residence, building or common area can receive a better result for the investment made and you will offer the client a service with added value differentiated in the market.
For more tips on applying bituminous membranes and opportunities to diversify your service portfolio, continue to follow our blog. And to do the best application job, count on the complete line of Asphalt waterproofing agents from Blok.
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