APPLICATION GUIDE

BITU NIL MEMBRANE SYSTEMS

... ~,J~

BituNU
Nile Waterproofing Material s Co. a..u:
trJ..;_____jj~l.t .,__..u~l
 Co ntent s C o n e n

•· Introduction 4 UNOISR-GROUL\ID TANKii\Ji G S Y.S'lflEM 24

' Definitions And Terminology 5 1- Surface Preparation 25
,.
1- General Considerations 6 2- Deta ils Prepara tion 20

Storage And Handling 6 3· Pre-installation Meeting 25

Protection And Safety On Site 6 4- Membrane Applic ation 25
Tools To Be Used 7 Horizontal Membrane Application 25
Horizontal Membrane Protection 26
ROOFING SYSTEM APPUC.IUON 8 Vertical Membrane Application 26
Vertica l Membrane Protection 28
2- Surtace Preparation 9 Vertica l Membrane Termination 28
3- Detai ls Preparation 9

4- Pre-installation Meeting 11

5- Membrane Application 11

Horizontal, First Layer 11

Drain Detailing 12

Expansion Joints Detailing 13

Laying The Roof Membrane 14

First Roll 14

Adja cent Rolls 14

Membrane Bonding Method 15

Overlaps Bonding Method 15
Internal/External Corners Treatment 16
Pipes I Sleeves Dressing 17

Upstands Flashings 18

Counter Flashing System 19

Horizontal , Main (Second) Layer 20

6- Visual inspection & Flood Test 21

7- Subsequent System Layers 22

 :.) I (I'

I ntroduction Def i n i t i ons and Term i no log y

This "APPLICATION GUIDE" is one of BITUNIL's teLhnica l support MBIVI Wat.erproo!ing Sysh;m
services, as it is well known th at th e SUCSESS or failure of any roofin g Roofing, re-roofin g or waterproofing systems using modified Bitumen
I waterproofing system depends, not only on quality materiales but membranes
also, on th e CARE and SKILL with which th e job is executed.
Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly ( IRMA )
Is th e roofing system where th e waterpro ofin g membrane is pl ace d
The guide is meant to assist:
below th e heat insul ation, it is Al so expressed as "protected membrane
Applicators,
roofing" or "up-side-dnwn rnnfino"
Supervisors,
General contractors, Conventional f~oof Membrane System
Is th e roofing system where th e wat erproofing membrane is pl ace d
And engineers, interested in learning application method s of bituminous over th e heat insulation
membranes . Protected System
Is a roofing system where waterproofing membrane is not th e fin al
Mainly discussing th e most co mmon cases observed by engineers layer
every day ... which are ROOFING and UNDERGROUND waterproofing
Exposed System
systems.
Is a roofing system wh ere waterproofing membrane is a self-protected

Starting from receiving the materi als on jobsite, until work is complete final layer

and handed over. Base Flashing

A STEP-BY-STEP procedure is followed, explaining the readable
sketches, SHOWING the elaborate details of systems treatment,
membrane laying, terminations, ..... .. etc.
Applying and supervising the application of Modified Bitumen Membranes
shall be a as easy as 1 ,2,3.
Is th e waterproofing membran e appli ed at all horizontal I vertical
intersections
Counter Flashing System
Is the termination system applied at the edge of the vertical membrane
to secure it against slipage and water or moisture intrapment.
Penetrations
This trem is to describe any pipes, ducts or fittings through the roof
deck and the waterproofing membrane

Tanking System
Is very proud Is the waterproofing system for any under-ground application, forming
to offer this guide to a continious closed tank outside the RC structure .
clients, (Vertical Application Is Directly On The Structure Walls)
roofers ,
Reversed Tanking System
and the· construction
Is the same as above, but vertical membrane is applied on diaphragm
industry.
or non-structural walls, due to site limitations

Membrane Protection
Is an important part of roofing or waterproofing systems, ment to protect
the membrane- system against back fill, reinforced concrete works or
subsequent layers

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
STORAGE AND HANDLIN G: 1- Gas Cylend ers sh all be of min
number requir ed, and mu st be
1- Avoid Sharp & Cutting Edges When closed down wh e n e ver l eft
unloading The Rolls 2- Gas Cyl enders shall be vertically
...... ..,.
2- Avoid dropping the rolls and handle stored & kept away, 1Om min, from
... " l
with care. solvent based liquids and insulation
> 111M I
boards. INSTOI!I!
~'-,..,, '~. ~~. !
'
3- Fire extinguishers must be availabl e )

3- Rolls should be kept in an up right on site.

position, max in two hights, with a
flat board in between to distribute
loads TOOLS TO BE USED:
4- Rolls Must Be Stored In A Dry,
ventilated and sheltered area in a 1-Gas Cylender: Only Use Propane
temperature between 4oc - 25°C Gas Cylenders

2- Torch : A Propane Gas Torch,

PROTECTION AND SAFETY ON SITE
Injury Hazard
1- Wear flat protective shoes & flame
proof gloves
2- Wear protective clothes
3- Wear a mask when applying primer
or solvent based materials in closed
areas.
Falling Hazard
available in different sizes depending
on the work carried out, connected
with a special gas regulator and high
pressure hose with 10 - 20 meters
length
3- Trowel with A Rounded End And
No Sharp Edges
4- Cutting Knife, Chalk Line And Metal
Cutting Ruler

1- Provide temporary handrails or

closing boards at all roof edges and NOW!
openings
MATERIALS ARE READY
2- Ladders and temporary stairs should
be secured at the top and the bottom SITE IS SAFE

TOOLS ARE THERE

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .................... 7
 [- Ro o f ing System s Application Roof i ng Sys lem s App li ca l·ion

SURfACE PREPARA1'10N

CONCRETE DECK TYP ES

1- Cast in-situ concrete decks

2- Pre-engin ee red building with co ncre te slab on corrugated
Steel Sheets
3- Pre-t:at;l wnt:r 1:1 le l:llenrenls, joint& should be grouted, and &h<JII be
cove red with a 200 mm membrane strip fully bonded.
4- Pre-stressed concrete decks shall be covered with a layer of screed
or light weight co ncrete.

SUBSTRATE SLOPE

An acceptable positive slope towards the

roof drains and outlets shall be provided to
avoid water ponding, and achieve smooth
Horizontally: Vertically:
drainage of rain water.
1- Slope Concrete A- Primer Slope can be acheived by:
2- MBM Waterproofing 8- Base Flashing 1- Sand I cement screed
3- Separation Layer C- Groove & Mastic
2- Light weight foam concrete
4- Thermal Insulation D- Tilted Tile
5- Filter Fabric 3- Sellon
6- Tiles On Mortar Bed 4- Slope provided in the deck RC Slab

SURFACE CONDITIONS

1- The surface should be smooth, dry, and free from loose particles,
grease and oils.
2- If the surface is not leveled and presenting cracks, a leveling screed
20 - 25 mm shall be provided
3- If the surface is rough, a base layer of membrane is recommended,
as a sacrificial layer below the main layer

DETAILS PREPARATION

ROOF DRAINS AND OUTLETS

"Tile Roofing System" 1- Types and nos. of drains must be carefully

 Roo fin g Sys tems A pp l ic ati on Roo fi ng Systems A ppli cal'io n

studied, to guarantee s mooth drdin age of ra in wa te r. ROOF PENETRATION\)

2- Drains must be located and fixed at lowest points of th e roof slope.
3- 15- 20 mm depression of 30 x 30 em is provided around th e drain, 1- All penetrations (pip es, sleeves, ...
to avoid high spots caused by membran e treatm ent, and ensure etc.) shall be fixed to th e deck, with
smooth drainage and collection of running water. provi sion s for proper fl as hing s
2- Ducts shall be provided with curbs
ROOF EXPANSION JOINTS with a suitable high!.
3- Kee p a minimum spacing of 0.5
1- Expansion joints must be located at m et e rs betw ee n pe n etration
th e highe st points of the slope. elements and parapets to ease
2- Preferably provided with approximately application.
40cm high curbs whenever possible.
3- Provide a 20 x 20 mm chamfer at
both internal sides of joint typically PRIMER
as described in roofing. According to the surface condition a coat of primer may be required .
4- Provisions should be made for a
removable maintenance cover over
the joints PRE- INSTALLATION MEETING

Prior to application of any waterproofing materials, a formal meeting

ROOF UP-STANDS shall be held in the jobsite between all the concerned parties to ensure
that the recommendations mentioned above are implemented. care
1- All parapets and upstands shall be shall be given to the following:
placed, plastered (if required).
2- All internal comers shall be provided 1- Deck surface is dry, clean and free from cracks or protrusions .
with 50 x 50 mm mortar cant strip 2- Slope is acceptable and will not allow water ponding .
3- The flashings termination level shall 3- Details are prepared as above, and termination levels marked.
be marked, at min 10mm over floor 4- Review of system, specs. of materials, and method of application.
finish level. 5- Safety measures are implemented as mentioned above.

4- Provide a min spacing of 1.0 m HORIZONTAL MEMBRANE INSTALLATION:

between vertical elements on the
Single layer system- and first layer in a multi layer system .
roof to ease proper application of
the system and future maintenance PLAN THE WORK GENERAL SEQUENC
works. A- Detail the roof drains
5- Mechanical equipment shall be B- Detail expansion joints
placed on supports having a high! C- Apply horizontal membrane
suitable for future maintenance D- Treat vertical upstands;
works. - parapets & pipes I ducts penetrations.
 Ro o fing Sysl'e ms App li cai'ion
A· DRAIN S DETI\i UNG
STEP 1,
Cut a 25 x 35 em strip as a "comb" with
"slits" of approx. 15 em.
Hea t the un-sli!ted part and insert it into
th e drain, pressing it firmly
with a heated trowel.
S 1"EP2,
Flame bond the "slits" very well to
horizontal circumference area of
drain.
Heat the area and use a trowel to level
the surface.
STEP 3,
cut a 30 x 30 em square piece of
membrane
Bond it centered on/ around the drain
opening.
STEP 4,
Cut the center into a "star" shape with
8 peaks
Flip the peaks up, heat, and bond them
to the inside of the drain, melting them
and leveling and sealing the inside
surface.
·t211JIIIJ-IIilllllllii8111BIIIIIIIIII
f<oo ti ng Sys tems Appli col"i on
B· m : TAILING EXPAN SION JOINTS
STEP 1,
Using th e chalkline, mark two side lines
12 em away from sides of the expansion
joint opening .
Prepare membrane strips of 33cm width
to cover th e joint.
S TEP 2,
At one side of th e marked lines, start
welding only 10 em of the strip, leaving
2 em loose and free next to the joint.
Fold the strip down into the joint, approx.
4cm deep. Care to align th e strip free
side with th e opposite marked line .
STEP3,
strat welding 1Ocm of the strip opposite
side, leaving 2cm free margin at the
joint side.
Fill the folded recess with bitumen
mastic or a backer rod.
NOTE:
Another Top Strip, Up- Folded Shall Make
Tile Joint More Secure

Ro o fing Systems App li cation
C- LAYING THE ROOF MEMBRANE
FIRST FWU . I.A YING
1- Start at lowest point of the roof, unroll
the membrane;starting at top edg e
of the cant & perpendicular to slope
direction align with parapet, as
plann ed. center with drain wh en
possible
NOTE:
Kmq> ti >H drain op£miniJ soalud, until/ t/ood
ff.:!Sl is passGd, \tiJHil !opt"lat tln'f "star cut'·:
flip IWHkS 1 ho;.*t...... t.~tc.
2- Re-roll the membrane up to its mid
length. Start applying th e torch to
the exposed surface, and to the
substrate.
Press the roll with feet gently to
ensure proper bond .
3- Re-roll the other end of the membrane.
Apply the membrane to the substrate
as above.
ADJACENT ROL LS LAYOUT:
1- The next roll shall be unrolled parallel
to the first length, with overlapping
of8-12cm.
,,
F<o ofing Sysl ems Applica1(on
2- Sa me bonding meth od shall be
follow ed for thi s roll and for th e
folllowing roll s:
End laps shall be 12-15 em and
shall be staggered.
MEMBRNA E BONDING METHOD (G ENERAL) :
1- Apply torch flame to th e exposed surface of membrane uniformly
and to the substrate, on which m embran e will be bond ed.
2- Indications of proper heating of roll :
A- A membrane heated surface shall present a melting shining look.
B- Bitmen shall melt on the surface forming a wave of 1.5- 3 mm.
C- Flam e color shall turn from blue- yellow to red . avoid overheating
to prevent damage to the membrane.
3- Roll should be unrolled/ pushed on to the surface with firm pressing
to guarantee complete bonding .
OVERLAPS BONDING METHOD
1- Lift the overlapping joint up with a
trowel, and direct the flame to
the inside towards both membranes,
moving the trowel horizontally
along the lap line.
2- Heat both membranes properly as
described above.
3- Press firmly with foot and trowel to
bond membranes together, a wave
of bitumen shall appear out side the
joint, indicating proper bonding .
4- Reheat the top line, leveling and
seaming it with the heated trowel.
Roofing Systems Applica ti on Roof i nq Sys l ems App Ileoti on

INTERNA L CORNERS TREATMEN T: EXTERNA LCORNERSTREATMENT

Th re e me mb ra ne cut s s ha ll be Sa me thr ee cuts w ill apply to th e

prepared: trea tm ent of extern al co rn ers.

1- "EDGE CUT" 30 X 30 CM $IEP 1,

2- "CORN ER- CUT" 30 X 30 CM
3- "GUSS ET CUT" 30 X 0- 10 CM

STEP2,
STEP 1,

STEP3,
STEP2,

STEP3,
PIPES/ SLEEVES DRESSING

STEP 1,
1- Use a square piece of membrane
40 x 40 em, and cut it into a "star
shape".
2- Torch th e cut pieces and insert it
around the pipe, pressing it firmly to
bond to the horizontal surace and
pipe.
Roofing Sy stems App l icat i on
STEP :1,
1- Use a comb-cut of th e membrane
40cm x (circumference + 10cm)
2- Torch the cut piece and bond it
around the pipe and on the horizontal
surface.
S TEP 3,
1- Hea t th e top edge of m embra ne
around the pipe to ensure tightness.
2- Secure th e edge with a metal collar.
NOTE:
A ~·r;ff- proffJCtflfi (mimmt l shtfful)
rm1mllrmw ,<;/w uld f1o usruf fiJI' tfu~
nxpo sHd area of mwnbmtm,
D- UPSTANDS FLASHINGS AND
TERMINATIONS
HORIZONTA L/VERTICAL
CONNECTION
At this connection one of two
alternatives may be applied:
1- 50 x 50 mm sand/ cement cant strip
2- Reinforcing strip 2 00 mm wide .
BASE FLASHING APPLICATION
1- Pre- Cut same membrane used
hori zontally on the roof with the
des ired width and the applicable
practical lengths.
base flashing must extend vertically
at least 1OOmm over the roof finish
level.
Roof in g S)rs l em s App li ca1·i o n
2- Ali gn th e top edge of th e strip as
marked (or insert into th e groove).
hold at ca nt leve l and apply torch
between th e top portion and vertical
surface.
Press firmly to obtain complete bond
to th e surface.
3- Flip th e bottom portion up, and apply
torch between membranes and
horizontal surface.
Press carefully to eliminate void s,
wrinkles and loose install ation .
COUNTER FLASHING SYSTEM
Base fla shing membran e mu st be
sec ure d to th e v ertical surfa ces
,according to th e system design, to
p re vent water infiltration below
th e roofing system .
1- Secure metal counter flashing on
top edge of base flashing, using
approved fasteners spaced at 25-
30 em.
2- Apply a bead of joint sealant on top
edge of metal flashing for water
tightness.
NOTE:
After application completion on all the
roof re-check all seams, laps and details
visually, before perfom1ing the flood test.
 Root ing Systems App!icat·ion Roof ing Sys te ms Ap p l ica1·io n

MEMBRANE APPILIAT!OINI V USUAL IINSPIECTfOIM AND FlOOD TEST

HOR IZONTAL MAIN (SECOND) LAYER VI SUAL INSPECTION

For a double layer system, application of th e seco nd (top) layer is
typi ca lly following th e sa me seq uence of th e first (b ase) layer
Th e fo ll owing are factors to be co nsi dered durin g appli ca tion :
1- Second layer must always be fully
bonded to base layer.
2- Side laps of second layer shall be
parallel to those of first layer, and
shifted 0.5m from them. this helps
to secure the system with max.
overlaps and gives a longer water
path .
1- The roof are a should be cleaned from material pack ing, drums and
all other materials including tools
2- Roof should not be used by oth er trades technicians or as a platform
to store other materials (after or during appli cati on)
3- Inspect all th e waterproofed areas, with special attenti on to the
overlaps sea ming and th e delicate details
4- If any damage is found in th e membrane, it must be "patched" with
a 30cm larger cut of th e same membrane
FLOOD TEST

3- End laps shall be staggered and After finishing the roofing system works (or a specific section of the
s hifted to avoid high points. roof) , the flood te st is performed. it aims to detect any defects in
membrane application.
FLASHINGS (FOR A TWO LAYER
SYSTEM) The following routine is followed:
1- All drains and outlets are temporarily sealed .
The second layer shall exted 50mm
2- Roof area shall be filled with water to a high! of 1 00 mm ( nev er
min over cant strip level.
higher than the base flashing top edge ), for min . 24 hours .
Base flashing and counter flashing shall 3- If some areas are developing leakage, defect shall be detected and
be applied as above. repaired.
4- Retest the roof to ensure full water-tightness.
Counter fla shing system shall be 5- Temporary plugs shall be re-opened.
applied after completion of second 6- After removing the test water, the subsequent system layers shall
layer. be installed to cover the roofing membrane as soon as possible .
access to the roof is allowed only after covering the membrane
system with the adequate protection.
MINERAL MEMBRANE END LAPS

Granule slates should be removed by

ge ntly heating the lap edge and NEXT:
scrapping the granules away with the we will present how the subsequent system layers are applied
heated trowel.
AGAIN, the membrane system must be covered as soon as possible
This process ensures perfectly seamed, as the "UV" rays may cause the membrane to deteriorate if left exposed
water tight end laps. for an extended period .
 I l ,f·
..;

Roofing Systems App li cat i o n Roof i ng Sys tems App li cal·io n

SUBSEQUENT SYSTEM .ll.CCESSIBLE ROOF S

LAYERS Protected fl at roofs cove red with til es.

SEPARATION LAYER

1- Th e polyethylene sheet 150 micron

s hall be laid loose ly onto th e
membran e system

2- Overlaps shall be 150 mm , ballast NON ACC ESSIBLE ROO FS

th e "PE" sheet with bricks again st Protected fl at roofs wi th gravel ball ast
th e wind up-lift

INSU LATION BOARDS

1- Plan th e start point of laying th e

insulation boards to minimize th e
wa ste and cutting LIGHT SERVICEABLE ROOFS
Exposed roofs with minerali zed self-
2- Boards shall be loose laid, in a brick protected MBM.
bond pattern, with edges pushed
firmly together

FILTER FABRIC

1- The filter fabric shall be layed loosley

onto the insulation boards with min
150mm overlaps.

ROOF PROTECTION

The roof protection type depends on

the use of the roof area.

The following are different cases for

the roof top covering serving the
roof function .

II - Under G round Tan ki ng System A pplicati on s
Horizontally:
1- Blinding Concrete
2- MBM Waterproofing System
3- Seperation Layer
4- Protection Board I Screed
5- RC Raft
"The Basement Waterproofing System"
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
l,;•,l I I
r,
Under G ro un d Tonl<ing Sy stem Appl icotions
S fJ RFACE PREPA RA'll''!ON
SUBSTRATE CONDITION S
1- Th e surfaces receiving th e membrane system sho uld be smooth,
dry, and free from loose parti cles, grease and oil s.
2- Th e blindin g co ncrete should be smooth and well fini shed.
3- Th e RC retaining walls (or th e non- stru ctural masonary wall s) should
be pl astered.
4- Th e di aphragm wall should be treated with shotc rel e, smoothly
Fini shed.
DETAILS PREPARATION
1- All intern al corners shall be provid ed with 50x50 mm mortar cant
strip.
(NOTE: Tflis also applies to non- structural walls case rev ersf:<d tankin g)
Vertically:
A-RC walls 2- All external corn ers sh all be provided with 20x20 mm chamfer.
B- MBM Waterproofing System
C- Protection Board
0- Backfill
PRE- INSTALLATION MEETING
E- PVC Waterstop
A formal pre installation meeting is held on the job site for the same
objectives mentioned in "the roofing system" section .
MEMBRANE APPLICATION· HORIZONTAL
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION
1- Apply the two membrane layers
typically as described in roofing
works. slope is not applicable .
NOTE: Horizontal base layer will be fully
bonded to tile primed blinding concrete.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Under Ground Tanking System Applicalions
2- Horizo ntal membran e nwst be
extended min 200 mm beyond the
RC wa ll edge, in order to make th e
connec ti o n with th e vertical
membrane.
HORIZONTAL MEMBRANE
PROTECTION
1- The polyethylene separation 150
micron shall be loose laid on th e
membrane with 150mm (preferably
taped) overlaps.
2- A protection screed 30- 50 mm shall
be carefully applied. Avoid physical
damage to membrane.
MEMBRANE APPLICATION-
VERTICAL
PREPARATIONS
1- Remove the screed protection over
the extended membrane
2- Plaster the RC walls as noted before.
3- Apply the cant strip 50x50 mm with
sand/ cement mortar
EXPANSION JOINTS
1- A 20 x 20 mm chamfer at both
internal sides of joint shall be
provided
2- Same procedure is followed as in
treatment of horizontal expansion
joints, on page 13.
26 i .~··
Under Gwu nd Ton kin D Sys l·em Appli cation .
VERTICAL 1\PPLICATION
1- Al ign membrane with the lower edge
of horizontal membran e, shiftin g
overl aps 0.5 meter.
2- Start application from boltom
upword s. Th e membrane shall be
fu ll y bonded to ve rti cal wall .
3- Apply adjacent roll s with 1Ocm
overlaps.
4- If vertical membrane is applied in
two stages, the first must be secured
temporarily to wall, with wood
battens and nails. A 150mm lap will
be made when proceeding, in
addition to staggering th e side laps
of the two stages.
5- Second layer overlaps sha ll be
shifted 0.5 meters from the laps of
the first layer. and membrane is fully
adhered to base layer.
FOR REVERSED TANKING SYSTEM
Vertical membrane shall be semi
bonded to the earth retaining wall and
extending min. 150 mm above F.F .L.
The membrane is to be secured at top
edge of RC structural wall after casting.
For membrane laying, follow the
sequence shown to guarantee
"interlocking" of membrane layers and
get the optimum joint treatment.
Un der Ground Tonking Sys!·ern Application~

VERTICAL MEMBRAN E
PROTECTION

1- Apply th e approved protection

board,spot bonded to the membrane .

2- Stagger the boards joints , th ey are

preferably taped to prevent concrete
or backfill fines from entering
beneath

VERTICAL MEMBRANE
TERMINATION

1- Termination shall be made 150 mm

at least above the finish level

2- The top edge shall be secured into

the structural walls .