Rubber mats and tiles on bitumen membrane

Rubber mats and tiles on bitumen membranes

Rubber mats and tiles made from PU-bound rubber granules are loose-laid on bitumen membranes, roofing felt and flat-roof membranes: they are placed in position without adhesive or screws. This loose installation keeps the waterproofing on a balcony, patio, roof terrace, flat roof or carport intact, and individual tiles can be lifted at any time. Any damaged waterproofing must be repaired before installation.

Before installation on plastic flat-roof membranes, the membrane manufacturer or roofing contractor should confirm whether the material contains plasticiser. Roofing felt and bitumen membranes contain no plasticiser, so the tiles can rest directly on them; EPDM flat-roof membranes are also plasticiser-free. PVC or FPO membranes may contain plasticiser, which can migrate into the rubber tiles on direct contact and may cause the membrane to become brittle over time. Where a plastic membrane contains plasticiser, a thin separation layer of polyester or glass fibres is placed between the membrane and the covering. Plasticiser migration does not damage the rubber tiles.

The rubber-granule covering is water-permeable, allowing rainwater to pass through the tiles to the waterproofing and follow the existing fall to the outlet. On most ranges, drainage channels on the underside guide the water onwards. A fall of between 1% and 2% has proved effective. Before installation, check the waterproofing for uneven areas or depressions where water could collect, and level these with accurately cut pieces of roofing felt.