Bituminous membranes for non-roofing applications
Description
Bitumen (asphalt) based flat sections supplied in flexible rolled lengths. Also known as bituminous felt.
Used for weather and water proofing, and flashing applications.
Manufactured by impregnating or saturating asbestos felt with asphalt.
Non-ACM equivalents were similarly manufactured but with rag felt, paper, fibreglass or hessian.
Usually applied by rolling out the membrane onto a surface, lapped, and applying heat (flame) to partially melt the compound and provide adhesion to the surface being applied to. Cold bitumen emulsion may also have been used but hot bonding was preferable.
May be inserted into expansion joints.
Brands/products
Nurolite
Years of production/use
Prior to 2003
Residential uses
Paved areas, apartment block surrounds, moisture proofing of interior areas such as cellars and split level flooring.
Industrial uses
- External mezzanines, decks, upper floor walkways on commercial buildings, concrete pavements, driveways, brick wall expansion joints between extensions, flashing
Be aware
Exposed edging and sections subject to waterflow may be a point of increased deterioration, exposing fibres.
Learn the history of the site – asbestos containing bituminous membranes may have been encapsulated.
Non-ACM bituminous membranes were common and are still widely used. Sampling and testing may be required to confirm asbestos presence.
