Fluid Applied Roofing Membrane Systems for Waterproofing and Protection

Fluid applied roofing membrane systems are a popular choice for waterproofing and protection because they can be applied to a wide range of roof types, including flat, pitched, and curved roofs.

They offer excellent durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, intense sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

A fluid applied roofing membrane system can last up to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the material and the application method.

Fluid applied roofing membrane is a type of roofing material that's made from a liquid resin. It's a popular choice for its seamless and watertight properties.

This type of membrane can be applied over a variety of substrates, including concrete, metal, and wood. It can also be used on modified bitumen, TPO, PVC, EPDM, and other materials.

The liquid resin is typically applied over reinforcement material, such as polyester or fiberglass felt. It can be applied with squeegees, rollers, or sprayed.

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Once cured, the membrane becomes UV-resistant, water-resistant, and chemical-resistant. It also accommodates movement, making it a great choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.

Fluid applied roofing membrane technology was developed in Europe in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. European standards for these systems were developed as the popularity of liquid membranes grew.

In the early 2000s, manufacturers began building factories in the United States, which significantly dropped prices and made supply sufficient. As more contractors worked with the systems, labor prices also began to drop.

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Fluid applied roofing membranes offer a range of benefits and advantages that make them an attractive option for building owners and facility managers.

Seamless membranes are one of the key benefits of fluid applied roofing systems, eliminating the need for seams and joints where leaks can occur.

These systems are fully adhered, providing a strong and durable bond between the membrane and the substrate.

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Cost-effectiveness is another major advantage of fluid applied roofing membranes, as they can be up to 70% less expensive than replacing a roof entirely.

Complex details can be easily managed with fluid applied roofing systems, making them a great option for buildings with unique architectural features.

Attractive warranty options are also available for fluid applied roofing membranes, providing peace of mind for building owners and facility managers.

Low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions make fluid applied roofing systems a more sustainable option for building owners.

Here are some of the key benefits of fluid applied roofing membranes:

Fluid applied roofing membranes are also safer and easier to install than other roofing systems, eliminating the need for hot tar kettles and torches.

Their performance and long life have been verified on some of the most demanding projects in the world, and major manufacturers offer guarantees of performance that compare favorably with any other roofing system.

Overall, fluid applied roofing membranes offer a range of benefits and advantages that make them a great option for building owners and facility managers.

A seamless membrane is a key feature of fluid applied roofing membranes, eliminating water infiltration at common roof system areas.

These membranes are monolithic, meaning they have no seams, joints, or overlaps. This design makes them more durable and less prone to leaks.

The three most prevalent types of liquid membrane systems are PMMA, polyurethane, and silicone. All of these systems are seamless, with the reinforcement fabric embedded into the liquid and chemically bonded to the adjacent membrane.

The benefits of a seamless membrane include better flashing details and longer manufacturer warranties, up to 30 years.

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A seamless membrane is a game-changer for roof systems. It's a monolithic system, meaning there are no seams, joints, or overlaps, which eliminates water infiltration at common roof system areas.

This design feature is a key benefit of liquid applied membranes. They're all seamless, thanks to the reinforcement fabric being embedded into the liquid and chemically bonded to the adjacent membrane. This allows the membrane to flow around any penetration, leading to better flashing details than other roofing systems.

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The seamless nature of liquid membrane systems also means they're less prone to leaks and water damage. This is especially important for buildings with complex rooflines or multiple penetrations.

Here are the three most prevalent types of liquid membrane systems, all of which offer seamless designs:

Each of these systems offers long manufacturer warranties, up to 30 years, giving building owners peace of mind and protection against costly repairs.

Liquid-applied monolithic roof systems come in dozens of types, each with its own formulation. Most can be applied via sprayer, but it's essential to check the manufacturer's instructions and use the right spray equipment.

Some formulations can be applied by brush or roller, while others require a squeegee. Lee Martucci, senior product manager at GAF, confirms that a sprayer designed for house paint won't have enough power to spray a roof coating.

Liquid roof coatings vary in thickness from about three mils to over 40 mils when cured. Most are made with high-tech elastomeric resins like urethane, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and neoprene.

Single-component moisture-cured polyurethane coatings are the most popular liquid-applied roof coating technology. Some liquid roof coatings are two-part systems, while others are single component.

Reinforced systems, like Ames Research Laboratories', offer increased durability and ruggedness by incorporating high-strength contouring roof fabric made of polyester. This reinforcement substantially increases the non-permeability, durability, and longevity of the system.

The three most prevalent types of liquid membrane systems are polymethylmethacylate (PMMA), polyurethane, and silicone. These systems are seamless, with the reinforcement fabric embedded into the liquid and chemically bonded to the adjacent membrane.

Polyurethane liquid membranes share many of the same advantages as PMMA products, including fast cure time and relative ease of patching.

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Liquid roof coatings are a popular choice for roof repairs and maintenance. They're available in a variety of formulations, with most being spray-applied for speed and efficiency.

Some common types of liquid roof coatings include water-based acrylics, silicone, urethane, and solvent-based coatings. These coatings can be applied using a sprayer, brush, or roller, but it's essential to check the manufacturer's instructions and use the right equipment.

The thickness of liquid roof coatings can vary significantly, ranging from about three mils to more than 40 mils after curing. This thickness can impact the coating's durability and longevity.

Most liquid roof coatings are made with high-tech elastomeric resins, such as urethane, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and neoprene. Some coatings are two-part systems, while others are single component.

Application and installation of fluid applied roofing membrane can be a breeze. No old roof tear-off is required, making the process faster and easier.

The application process itself is also straightforward, with options for roller, brush, or spray application. Single component resins eliminate the need for mixing, further streamlining the process.

A 7-day overcoat window provides a comfortable timeframe for completing the application.

Here are some key benefits of fluid applied roofing membrane installation:

Complex details are also made easy with fluid applied roofing membrane, as the liquid membrane and flashings can conform to virtually any shape and profile, effectively eliminating pitch pans/pockets, metal sleeves, etc.

Direct bonding to the substrate prevents lateral water migration in the event of a puncture or storm damage.

This means your roof will stay dry and secure, even if there's a hole or a strong gust of wind.

The direct bond also eliminates the risk of air leaks, which can lead to energy losses and increased heating and cooling costs.

In fact, a fully adhered installation can save you up to 30% on your energy bills by reducing air leaks and heat transfer.

This type of installation is also more resistant to high winds and extreme weather conditions, making it a great choice for areas prone to storms.

The peace of mind that comes with a fully adhered roof is priceless, knowing that your home is protected from the elements.

By choosing a fully adhered installation, you're investing in a long-lasting and durable roof that will serve you well for years to come.

Fast application is a key benefit of liquid-applied roof systems. No old roof tear-off is required, making the process much faster and more efficient.

One of the reasons for this is that liquid-applied systems can be applied using a roller, brush, or spray, giving you flexibility in how you choose to apply the system. Single component resins require no mixing, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors.

The application process is also streamlined due to the 7-day overcoat window, which allows you to complete the job without worrying about waiting for previous coats to dry before applying the next one.

Here are some key benefits of fast application:

Overall, the fast application process of liquid-applied roof systems makes them an attractive option for building owners and managers who want to minimize disruption and get the job done quickly.

You'll find the details and specifications for the drains and vents in the SPL-DV section. For instance, the SPL-DV-01 Throughwall Metal Scupper with TPO or PVC Membrane is available as a DWG file.

The SPL-DV-02 Throughwall Metal Scupper with EPDM Membrane also comes in a DWG format. Additionally, both scuppers have a PDF version available.

Here are the formats available for the drains and vents:

Sikalastic liquid membranes are incredibly versatile and can be applied to a wide range of substrates.

One of the key benefits of Sikalastic liquid membranes is their exceptional adhesion to common substrates like concrete, wood, metal, and glass.

They can even be used over existing single-ply membranes such as PVC, TPO, and EPDM.

This makes them a great choice for a variety of applications, including roofing and waterproofing projects.

Here are some of the substrates that Sikalastic liquid membranes are compatible with:

The PermaFlash Pipe Penetration system is available in various configurations to suit different needs.

You can choose from PMF-6 PermaFlash Pipe Penetration, PMF-6 (ALT) PermaFlash Pipe Penetration, or PMF-6S PermaFlash Pipe Penetration Scrim.

Each of these options provides a unique solution for pipe penetration, with the PMF-6S Scrim offering additional reinforcement.

You can access detailed drawings and PDFs for each of these options in the following table:

JM Flashing Details are a crucial part of ensuring a watertight seal on your roof. The type of flashing you use depends on the material of your roof.

JM PMMA Liquid Flashing Details can be used with various roof materials, including asphalt, TPO, EPDM, and PVC. This system includes a primer, a resin, and a scrim to create a uniform, self-terminating flashing.

JM Single Ply Liquid Flashing is specifically designed for use with TPO, EPDM, and PVC membranes. It comes with a scrim and a pourable sealer to create a uniform flashing system.

You can use JM SP Liquid Flashing Concrete Primer to prime concrete and masonry substrates that come into contact with JM single ply membranes. This ensures a strong bond between the substrate and the membrane.

JM Single Ply Liquid Flashing Resin is a two-part, cold-applied product that creates a uniform self-terminating flashing. It's ideal for tying together JM single ply membranes with most common roofing materials.

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JM SP Liquid Flashing TPO and PVC Primer is used to prime JM TPO and PVC single ply membranes. This ensures a strong bond between the membrane and the substrate.

Here are some common JM Flashing Details products and their uses:

Drains and vents play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and longevity of a building's roofing system.

You can find detailed drawings and specifications for drains and vents in the SPL-DV section.

The SPL-DV-01 drawing covers a throughwall metal scupper with a TPO or PVC membrane.

For those who prefer a different type of membrane, the SPL-DV-02 drawing shows a throughwall metal scupper with an EPDM membrane.

You can access these drawings and specifications in PDF format for easy reference.

Here are the details you can find in the SPL-DV section:

Expansion joints are crucial in construction to accommodate movement and prevent damage to buildings.

The SPL-EJ details provide specific guidance on expansion joints.

Expansion joints can be used between different materials, such as TPO or PVC roofs and walls.

The SPL-EJ-01 detail shows an example of an expansion joint between a TPO or PVC roof and wall.

You can find the SPL-EJ-01 detail as a downloadable DWG or PDF file.

EPDM roofs also require expansion joints to prevent damage.

The SPL-EJ-02 detail specifically addresses expansion joints for EPDM roofs and walls.

You can also download the SPL-EJ-02 detail as a DWG or PDF file.

Here are the expansion joint details:

JM PMMA plates are an essential component of the JM PMMA membrane system, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for various applications. They are designed to be used with JM PMMA liquid resins and primer, promoting adhesion and reducing staining on applications that contain residual or existing asphalt systems.

JM PMMA plates can be used for a variety of purposes, including forming a monolithic, self-reinforced flashing membrane for penetrations and other details. This is achieved by combining JM PMMA plates with JM PMMA Catalyst and JM PMMA Scrim.

JM PMMA plates are also used in high-traffic areas such as balconies or walkways, where they provide a flexible and puncture-resistant surface. This is made possible by combining JM PMMA plates with JM PMMA Color Pack and JM PMMA Catalyst.

JM PMMA plates are available in various forms, including textured top coats and liquid membrane systems. These systems can be applied using squeegees and rollers, and are suitable for a range of temperatures.

Here are some key features of JM PMMA plates:

Silicone-based liquid roof systems can be applied without a primer to the substrate in most instances.

They are typically applied via squeegee, roller, or sprayer.

Silicone exhibits a high level of dimensional stability, even in extreme temperature fluctuations.