Backflow-protected flat roof sealing based on self-healing sealing membranes

Abstract

Backflow-protected flat roof sealing based on swelling agent sealing membranes (e.g. Briposan), whereby the swelling agent sealing membrane is to be installed below a commercially available plastic sealing membrane for flat roof use.

Description

1. Title of the invention: Backflow-protected flat roof waterproofing based on self-healing sealing membranes (swelling membranes) 2. Prior art

[0001] State-of-the-art flat roof waterproofing systems are predominantly constructed with bitumen sheets or plastic roofing membranes (e.g., EVA, PVC, or FPO membranes), which do not have a self-healing effect when the waterproofing layer is damaged. In the event of damage, even small perforations can allow significant amounts of water to penetrate the roof structure, spread across the entire surface below the waterproofing layer, and thus lead to extensive damage within the roof structure and in the areas below. Due to the widespread distribution of water, leaks are often difficult to locate, so large areas of the roof regularly need to be opened up to pinpoint the source. The service life of flat roof waterproofing systems is typically around 25 to 40 years, depending on material quality, installation, and maintenance.

[0002] Swelling membranes are commonly used for sealing building components in contact with the ground. These membranes, also known as swelling geotextiles, consist of a polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric coated with water-reactive, swellable polymers and combined with a film layer. Upon contact with water, the fabric swells, automatically sealing minor leaks or cracks and largely preventing water from seeping behind the waterproofing. These systems are primarily used as fresh concrete composite and substrate waterproofing in building construction, civil engineering, and tunneling, and are not specifically designed as part of a watertight flat roof system with a top-mounted plastic roofing membrane and targeted leak detection. 3. Task / Goal

[0003] The aim of the invention is to provide a flat roof waterproofing system that significantly increases the durability and safety of flat roofs and facilitates repairs in the event of damage by making the damaged area easily identifiable, thus making them technically and economically more cost-effective. 4. Solution (invention) • Substrate of the backflow-protected flat roof waterproofing depending on the roof structure (e.g. reinforced concrete ceiling, insulation layer, etc.) • Fixing layer of the swelling agent sealing membrane (possibly not necessary) • Expanding sealing membrane • Standard flat roof waterproofing made of plastic • Further roof structure as usual / desired (e.g. ballast layer of gravel, roof greening, light protection coating, etc.)

[0004] The novel sealing layer (green) is potentially planned as a composite material with, from bottom to top, an adhesive layer, the swelling agent sealing membrane and a plastic sealing membrane. 5. Technical advantages

[0005] Increased robustness and durability, more cost-effective maintenance and refurbishment 6. Summary / Description

[0006] The novel, backflow-protected flat roof seal based on a self-healing sealing membrane is a flat roof seal with a central component of a swelling agent sealing membrane made of superabsorbent fibers.

[0007] The material is breathable and very light when dry; upon contact with water, it swells and forms a waterproof barrier layer.

[0008] If a sealing layer containing the swelling agent sealing membrane is locally damaged or punctured, it swells at the point of leakage, thereby preventing water from passing through and spreading over a large area ("self-healing effect").

[0009] The membrane is to be combined with commercially available plastic waterproofing membranes for flat roof use and attached to the underlying level of the roof structure via a suitable adhesive layer beneath the plastic waterproofing membrane.

[0010] This novel application of the swelling agent sealing membranes (Briposan) known from earthworks and the sealing of building components in contact with the ground leads to a significantly increased robustness and longevity of technically conventional flat roof sealing systems and, in the medium term, cost savings through easier maintenance and renovation.

Claims

Backflow-protected flat roof sealing based on swelling agent sealing membranes (e.g. Briposan), whereby the swelling agent sealing membrane is to be installed below a commercially available plastic sealing membrane for flat roof use. The system can be secured using a suitable adhesive or bonding agent. Production of the backflow-protected flat roof waterproofing as a composite material made of swelling agent sealing membranes and plastic flat roof waterproofing membrane plus possibly but not necessarily also an integrated adhesive / bonding layer. Coating the plastic sealing membrane with a suitable sun protection layer. Adaptation of the surface of the plastic sealing membrane with a view to easier / improved application in combination with green roofs.