Wind tightness in every corner

Surface wind tightness is realised using high quality roof membranes. Nowadays, diffusive membranes are increasingly being used. Although these products are vapour-permeable they are still waterproof and windtight. This apparent contradiction can be explained if we look at how monolithic membranes work.  Monolithic films allow the molecular transportation of vapour but, thanks to a waterproof layer, they  prevent any penetration by wind or rain.

With its three products Ampatop Protecta, Ampatop Secura and Ampatop Seal Ampack offers three roof membranes with this ground-breaking monolithic technology.

Surface installation

Roof membranes also have the same function as the windtight layer. They are generally positioned on the cold side of the construction. If they are fastened as tension-free and with as few creases as possible, suction and load effects on the areas of adhesion and connection can be avoided. This helps to avoid the splitting of the membrane at clip points and / or rupturing at the edge connections. The lowest membrane is introduced via the inlet sheet and the highest membrane is pulled over the ridge. Adhesive strips, liquid adhesives and  other adhesives ensure the wind tightness but do not act as a mechanical safeguard. Dirt, dust and ice on the  surface of the membranes can radically reduce the adhesion of even the best adhesives.

In order to ensure that the membranes are completely wind-proof, they must be bonded as soon as they have been placed in the area of overlap. The end laps must be bonded as well to ensure wind tightness. Ideally the  overlaps are bonded from the centre of the roof towards the edges, in order to minimise the risk of  creases.

Planning – the A and O

Good planning is essential for the successful construction of a perfect roof. The challenges to be overcome differ depending on the shape of the roof and the construction required. A roof in a mountainous region is clearly subject to greater stress than a roof in a flat area. It is therefore sensible to ensure that the construction method, the location and the needs of the building contractor have been aligned.

Preparation of unsuitable surfaces

Connections and adhesion to porous, dusty or rough surfaces such as masonry, concrete, bare wood, etc. must be pre-treated with the primer Ampacoll Airmax or Ampacoll Primax.

 

Seals in detail

The following details in particular must be observed when creating the windtight layer:

  • Nail and screw positioning in the counter battening must be sealed with nail sealing pads and / or band,  e.g. with Ampacoll ND.Band.
     
  • Edges to chimneys, roof windows and other installations must be built out and sealed to the height of 15  cm at least, e.g. with Ampacoll Superfix.
     
  • Connections to inflow sheets must be sealed, e.g. with Ampacoll Superfix.
     
  • Penetrations such as outlet vents, chimneys, etc. must also be sealed to make them rainproof and  windtight, e.g. with Ampacoll BK 535.

Roof windows and other surface penetrations are fitted using strips of the roofing membrane to ensure that they are rainproof and windtight. You will find the recommended combination of materials in our adhesives matrix.

Preparation of unsuitable surfaces

Facing-side water penetration

Pull up the membranes on the plank!

 

Rough surfaces

Clean surfaces so that the membranes are not damaged.

 

Pollution

Avoid pollution with chemical liquids.

 

Avoid creases

Lay the vapour retardant avoiding bulges and creases. However, make sure that there is room for expansion.

Windtight penetrations and connections

Penetrations and connections must also be windtight.

 

Water drainage

This must not be blocked. No chips or sawdust on the membrane!

 

Dirt, dust and ice

Materials, connections and surfaces to be bonded must be cleaned if necessary to ensure that they are clean, dry, and dust, grease and ice free.

Power and loadfree connections

Ensure the correct execution of power and loadfree connections.

 

Securing using counter battening

Do not leave the construction site until all the membranes have been secured with counter battening.

 

Hard base

In critical areas ensure that a hard base is provided.

 

Attaching wind seals

Attach the membranes to the underlying construction in the overlap area using staples. Be certain to use them liberally!

More about this topic

Wind tightness in every corner

Correct planning, installation and sealing.

 

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Ampatop Seal – weldable roof membrane

The roof membrane for special requirements. With Ampatop Seal and its accessories, you can seal any roof in no time!

 

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Ampatop Seal: product photo, weldable roof membrane

Roof membranes

Discover our versatile range of roof membranes.

 

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References

Find buildings constructed with Ampack roof membranes.

 

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