{"id":113453,"date":"2025-07-29T16:03:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T16:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/how-to-waterproof-an-old-damaged-bituminous-membrane-on-a-flat-roof\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T09:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:52:48","slug":"how-to-waterproof-an-old-damaged-bituminous-membrane-on-a-flat-roof","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/how-to-waterproof-an-old-damaged-bituminous-membrane-on-a-flat-roof\/","title":{"rendered":"How to waterproof an old damaged bituminous membrane on a flat roof"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Restore and protect: waterproofing damaged flat roofs with liquid systems<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to waterproof an old damaged bituminous membrane on a flat roof?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading --><\/p>\n<p>The proper scheduling of <strong>maintenance work on flat roof waterproofing<\/strong> allows effective protection to be maintained by intervening meticulously in the various cases of <strong>membrane deterioration<\/strong>. The use of the most <strong>innovative solutions<\/strong> such as <strong>solvent-free adhesive sealants<\/strong>, <strong>leveling pastes<\/strong>, <strong>water-based bituminous membranes<\/strong> and <strong>liquid reflective membranes<\/strong> is the winning strategy to achieve <strong>guaranteed and long-lasting results<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>The topic of <strong>environmental sustainability<\/strong>, provided as it is with a vast number of meanings, sees construction at one of the top ranks for opportunities for virtuousness, just by knowing how (and wanting) to seize them. The case of the <strong>maintenance of flat roofs<\/strong>, generally waterproofed with <strong>bituminous membranes<\/strong>, is among the most striking, because modern technology not only makes it possible to effectively intervene on the deteriorated surfaces without necessarily having to remove (and thus destined for the landfill) the old covering, but is also able, essentially giving new life to the old covering, to <strong>prevent future problems<\/strong>. It is immediately apparent that this operation-which must certainly be entrusted both to the expertise of skilled workers and to technologically advanced products-means <strong>saving time and money<\/strong>, as well as damage to the environment.  <\/p>\n<p>At the heart of the <strong>project of restoration of old sheathing<\/strong> is the verification of the state of preservation of the surface and thus the subsequent <strong>preparation of substrates<\/strong>. In fact, new waterproofing products are not limited to protection from water and moisture, but in the case of <strong>repair<\/strong> work also manage to perform a &#8220;restorative&#8221; \u0438 <strong>protective<\/strong> action. <\/p>\n<p>Coming to the main causes of degradation, it is worth mentioning that the<strong>waterproofing of a flat roof<\/strong> is constantly put to the test by <strong>temperature fluctuations<\/strong>, which are also referred to as &#8220;<strong>freeze-thaw cycles<\/strong>,&#8221; the action of <strong>wind<\/strong> and <strong>rain<\/strong> as well as <strong>ultraviolet rays<\/strong>. Over time, the main consequences of these natural occurrences go to compromise the coating and thus the tightness of the protection. The result is the formation of <strong>cracks and fissures<\/strong> that allow water to carry out its slow but inexorable corrosive action. To realize how dangerous poor surface maintenance can prove to be, one need only check the condition of what are considered the most vulnerable points of membranes, especially if they have been laid with a flame. These include the butt <strong>welds and also the side welds<\/strong>, where the action of water, especially <strong>stagnant<\/strong> water, which is often composed of acidic elements, corrodes the bituminous membrane. It thus happens that the welds detach, leaving room for cracks and holes that procure as an immediate effect the <strong>loss of the continuity<\/strong> and uniformity of the<strong>waterproofing<\/strong>.     <\/p>\n<p>It is universally recognized that periodic <strong>maintenance<\/strong> makes it possible to take timely action to <strong>repair<\/strong> damaged parts through targeted interventions. When, for example, it is necessary to <strong>restore<\/strong> and at the same time regularize the <strong>slopes<\/strong> of bituminous substrates, both in the case of normal bitumen-polymer and <strong>slated<\/strong> membranes, the application of a <strong>leveling paste<\/strong> &#8211; there are ready-to-use, <strong>single-component<\/strong> products on the market that are easy to work with &#8211; composed of <strong>water-based<\/strong> bitumen is recommended. These are, as is easy to imagine, high value-added solutions that can also be used for the creation of joint shells on the <strong>wall-floor corners of<\/strong> the roof. In the case of <strong>sealing overlap joints<\/strong> in the cold laying of polymer bitumen membranes, on the other hand, it is recommended to use bitumen-based <strong>adhesive sealants<\/strong> and top-quality polymers.   <\/p>\n<p>Modern intervention techniques, in many cases true complete &#8220;systems&#8221; that offer guarantees and certifications to the complete advantage of both applicators and clients, offer very high-performance solutions that are therefore destined to last. They are <strong>water-based<\/strong> products, thus <strong>without the harmful solvents<\/strong>, formulated to ensure maximum performance but also to protect human and environmental health. <\/p>\n<p>For example, for the covering of <strong>old membranes<\/strong> and the related renewal of the roof surface, very <strong>elastic<\/strong><strong> water-emulsion bituminous membranes <\/strong>are used today, which<strong> resist aging<\/strong>, cold-hot cycles, and remain unaffected by both low and high temperatures. As for <strong>slated membranes<\/strong>, where in addition to not having to alter the aesthetic appearance of the roof it is also desirable to prevent and limit the detachment of slate flakes, special <strong>water-based<\/strong>, <strong>transparent elastomeric liquid membranes<\/strong> are used that provide maximum protection for this type of bituminous covering. <\/p>\n<p>And because you can never do too much to protect the environment, <strong>water-based<\/strong> products containing special fillers and additives are already available to professionals that enable the roofing to provide a significant <strong>barrier to infrared rays<\/strong> through effective <strong>reflectivity<\/strong>, without losing in the least their waterproofing properties and resistance to water, even <strong>stagnant<\/strong> water. When planning the <strong>maintenance of a flat roof<\/strong>, it is always a good idea to carry out all the actions that serve to concretely limit the buildings&#8217; cooling energy expenses, especially in the warmer months, with <strong>reflective products<\/strong> guaranteed to last. Today you can.\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A practical example of how to have quick waterproofing and protection for building roofs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading --><\/p>\n<p>The<strong>waterproofing of a building roof<\/strong> in Milazzo, in the province of Messina, was recently optimized thanks to the advanced technology offered by the <strong>Winkler 2000 Fast System.<\/strong> This system makes it possible to <strong>immediately protect the bituminous<\/strong> membrane without having to wait for the traditional 6 months required for the membrane itself to oxidize; the contractor&#8217;s primary need, therefore, was to immediately provide protection for the roof.\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Problem and innovative solution<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading --><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>protection of a bituminous membrane<\/strong> required a 6-month wait to avoid problems of detachment and yellowing of the protective, due to migration of the oils contained in the membranes. This wait was eliminated in the intervention in Milazzo because the innovative <strong>Coverextra<\/strong> membrane composed of distilled bitumen modified with elastoplastomeric polymers, including attactic and isotactic polypropylene, synthetic compatibilizers and stabilizing inert fillers was used. This composition ensures thermal stability, flexibility at low temperatures and excellent mechanical properties.\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Winkler 2000 Fast protective system<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>protective system<\/strong> used, <strong>Winkler 2000 Fast<\/strong>, includes two main components:  <\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>2000 Fast Primer<\/strong>: Based on high-quality polymers and additives, this <strong>primer<\/strong> stops oils from rising up from freshly laid <strong>bituminous membranes<\/strong>, preventing problems with peeling and yellowing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2000 Fast<\/strong>: An <strong>elastomeric protector resistant to water stagnation<\/strong>, formulated for the protection of smooth and <strong>slated<\/strong> <strong>asphalt surfaces<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the advantages?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading --><\/p>\n<p>The combined use of <strong>2000 Fast Primer<\/strong> and <strong>2000 Fast<\/strong> ensures <strong>immediate and long-lasting protection of bituminous membranes<\/strong>. This system stops the oxidation process, preserving the protective and reflective characteristics of the membrane, which remains as good as new even after years. In addition, immediate application <strong>optimizes labor costs<\/strong>, reducing intervention time.\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading --><\/p>\n<p>The adoption of this technology for<strong>waterproofing and protection of building roofs<\/strong> represents a significant step forward in the industry. <strong>Innovative water-based solutions<\/strong> not only improve the effectiveness and durability of interventions, but also respect human and environmental health, offering a <strong>sustainable, high-performance approach<\/strong> to modern building needs. <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Come-impermeabilizzare-una-vecchia-membrana-bituminosa-danneggiata-su-un-tetto-piano-galleria.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Come-impermeabilizzare-una-vecchia-membrana-bituminosa-danneggiata-su-un-tetto-piano-galleria&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Come-impermeabilizzare-una-vecchia-membrana-bituminosa-danneggiata.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Come-impermeabilizzare-una-vecchia-membrana-bituminosa-danneggiata&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/impermeabilizzazione-di-una-copertura-edile-galleria.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;impermeabilizzazione-di-una-copertura-edile-galleria&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/una-impermeabilizzazione-di-una-copertura-edile-galleria.webp&#8221; title_text=&#8221;una-impermeabilizzazione-di-una-copertura-edile-galleria&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size\">FAQ<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">If a flat roof\u2019s bituminous membrane is old and deteriorated, does it need to be completely replaced or can it be repaired?<\/h4>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t always need to be completely replaced. The most innovative technologies make it possible to restore and give new life to an existing bituminous membrane. By using a system of water-based liquid products, a new protective layer can be created directly over the old membrane, extending its lifespan and avoiding the cost and environmental impact of removal. <\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background is-style-wide\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Besides repairing leaks, do these liquid systems offer other benefits, such as energy savings?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes, absolutely. In addition to standard waterproofing, special reflective liquid membranes (\u2018cool roof\u2019 technology) can be applied. These products create a barrier against solar rays, keeping the roof cooler in the summer. This not only further protects the membrane but also helps to reduce energy costs for cooling the building.  <\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background is-style-wide\">\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":4,\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} --><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Is it possible to repair a slated membrane without altering its appearance?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. Specific solutions exist for this type of roofing, such as special transparent, water-based elastomeric liquids. These products strengthen and waterproof the membrane without altering the original aesthetic appearance of the slate chippings.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Increasing the life-span of an existing, but deteriorating bituminous membrane on a flat roof, whilst at the same time adding extra protection to the system has never been easier to do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[126],"class_list":["post-113453","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-user-guide","tag-impermeabilizzazione-tetti-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113453"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113453\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":113757,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113453\/revisions\/113757"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklerchimica.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}