By admin 
Soft roofing is one of the most popular and versatile types of roofing coverings. It is widely used on both residential and commercial buildings due to its reliability, flexibility, and relatively low cost. However, to ensure that a soft roof serves long and effectively protects the building from weather conditions, it is necessary to strictly follow the installation technology. Improper installation can lead to leaks, rapid wear, and expensive repairs.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine all stages of proper soft roof installation, material selection features, base preparation, installation methods, and important nuances that help avoid mistakes and extend the roofing lifespan. This guide is useful for both professionals and those planning to do the work themselves.
What Is Soft Roofing and Its Types
Soft roofing is a roofing covering made from flexible materials that provide waterproofing and protection from external influences. Unlike rigid coverings (tiles, metal sheets), soft roofing has high elasticity and can be used on roofs with minimal slope.
The main types of soft roofing include roll materials (bituminous, polymer membranes) and torch-applied coatings. Bituminous materials, such as roofing felt and its modern analogs, have a multilayer structure and are impregnated with bitumen with additives to increase elasticity and UV resistance. Polymer membranes (PVC, TPO, EPDM) differ by high strength, resistance to aggressive environments, and durability.
Each type of soft roofing has its own installation features and operational characteristics. Material choice depends on climate conditions, roof structure, and budget.
Base Preparation for Soft Roofing
Proper base preparation is the key to successful soft roof installation. The base must be flat, strong, and dry. Usually, the base consists of solid wooden decking, plywood, oriented strand boards (OSB), or concrete slab.
Before installation, the surface must be carefully inspected for defects, cracks, protrusions, and contamination. All irregularities should be eliminated to avoid damage to the roofing covering. It is especially important to ensure sufficient base rigidity to prevent deformation under load.
For wooden bases, treatment with antiseptics and fire retardants is recommended. For concrete bases, waterproofing and leveling are necessary, often using special mastics.
Waterproofing and Vapor Barrier of the Base
Waterproofing is a mandatory stage when installing soft roofing, especially if the base is exposed to moisture. Waterproof materials prevent water penetration into the structure and protect insulation and load-bearing elements.
Waterproofing is often performed with roll membranes or mastics applied with overlaps and carefully sealed. It is important that waterproofing is continuous and free of damage.
Vapor barriers prevent water vapor from internal spaces from penetrating into the roofing system, reducing the risk of condensation and insulation damage. Vapor barrier films are installed on the inner side of the structure and carefully sealed at joints.
Material Selection and Preparation for Soft Roofing
Material choice depends on many factors: climate, roof slope, building purpose, budget. Bitumen-polymer materials are popular due to ease of installation and affordable price, while polymer membranes provide higher durability and resistance to extreme conditions.
Before installation, materials must be properly stored. Rolls of soft roofing should be stored horizontally in a dry place at temperatures recommended by the manufacturer. This prevents deformation and premature aging.
It is also important to prepare materials correctly for installation: cut rolls to size, heat torch-applied coatings, check for integrity and defects.
Soft Roof Installation Technology: Stages and Features
Soft roof installation begins with surface marking and determining the roll laying direction. Rolls are usually laid from bottom to top with an overlap of at least 10-15 cm to ensure waterproofing.
Torch-applied materials use a gas burner to heat the bitumen layer until molten, ensuring reliable adhesion to the base. It is important to maintain the correct heating temperature to avoid damaging the material and reducing its properties.
When laying roll materials, seams are carefully rolled with a special roller to ensure tight contact and waterproofing. Avoiding folds, bubbles, and tears is crucial.
Special attention is given to junctions with parapets, pipes, and other protruding elements where additional sealing materials and metal elements are used.
Features of Soft Roof Installation on Different Roof Types
On flat roofs, soft roofing is installed with mandatory slope formation and drainage systems to avoid water stagnation. Drainage layers and sloped insulation are often used.
On low-slope roofs, soft roofing provides reliable protection but requires more thorough control over seam and joint waterproofing.
For complex roofs (multi-level, many junctions), soft roof installation requires high professionalism and the use of additional sealing elements.
Protection of Soft Roofing from Mechanical Damage and UV
Soft roofing is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which over time can degrade bituminous materials. Protective layers such as mineral granule coatings or special protective coatings are used.
Mechanical damage occurs from foot traffic, falling objects, or wind impact. Protective coatings and special walkways are installed in high-traffic areas.
Regular inspection and timely repair of damage significantly extend the soft roof service life.
Quality Control and Maintenance of Soft Roofing
After installation, a thorough inspection is necessary to ensure no defects, damage, or waterproofing breaches exist. Visual inspection is complemented by seam and junction checks.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning debris, inspecting and repairing damage, cleaning drains, and monitoring protective coatings.
Scheduled maintenance helps identify and fix problems early, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and expensive repairs.
Comparative Table of Popular Soft Roofing Materials
| Material | Service Life (years) | UV Resistance | Elasticity | Installation Ease | Price (per m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing Felt (Ruberoid) | 5-7 | Low | Low | Easy | Low |
| Bitumen-Polymer Rolls | 15-20 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| PVC Membrane | 25-30 | High | High | Medium | High |
| TPO Membrane | 25-30 | Very High | Very High | Medium | High |
| EPDM Membrane | 30-40 | Very High | Very High | Medium | Very High |
Conclusion
Proper installation of soft roofing is a complex and responsible process that determines the reliability and durability of the roofing system. It is important to carefully prepare the base, correctly select and prepare materials, follow installation technology, and pay attention to protection from external influences.
Regular quality control and timely maintenance help avoid most problems and extend the roof’s service life. Following the recommendations outlined in this article will help create a reliable and long-lasting roofing covering.