Stresses and strains on a flat roof

A flat roof is exposed to harsher conditions than any other part of a building. It has to withstand extremes of cold and heat, significant structural movement and also environmental challenges such as hailstorms. Only high-quality roof waterproofing membranes with outstanding functionality and durability are able to meet these demands.

Weathering and environmental influences can, of course, considerably accelerate the natural ageing process of the waterproofing material, so nothing must be left to chance: carefully selected materials and close attention to
every detail are essential for a long service life. To avoid premature damage, you need to have an exact understanding of all the various stresses that every flat roof is subjected to.

Temperature

• Temperatures can fluctuate from below –30°C to way above +90°C; heat build-up

• Extreme temperature differences within a very small space: at the boundary between sun and shade, and the margins of snow and puddles

• Temperature shocks (e.g. summer storms)

   

Mechanical stress

• Structural movements and large deflections in the load-carrying system

• Pressure stresses (with utilised roof areas)

• Oscillations and vibrations in lightweight roof constructions

   

Environmental influences

• Water vapour

• Rain, snow and hail

• Standing water

• UV rays

• Chemicals

• Dirt and harmful plant growth