Technical Service
Delamination of self-protecting membranes with copper or aluminium leaf
faq_08

For many years, with the aim of providing an aesthetically pleasing polymer bitumen membrane, self-protecting metallic membranes have been produced with a metallic leaf. This leaf can be in natural or coloured aluminium or copper. These products are surely high quality but require some particular attention in order to guarantee their longevity.

  1. Who should carry out repairs and maintenance?
  2. Why can't aluminium or copper covered membranes be applied above insulation panels?
  3. Why do the natural aluminium membranes show the thermal effects less?
  4. What should be checked during inspections?

Who should carry out repairs and maintenance?

All repairs, regarding both bitumous laminate membrane laying and maintenance should be carried out by technicians who are specialised in these kinds of products.

Why can't aluminium or copper covered membranes be applied above insulation panels?

No membranes covered in aluminium or copper can ever be placed above insulating panels. Both due to the possible instability of the insulation itself and due to the high temperatures that coverings of this type can reach. 
A copper covered membrane can reach very high temperatures (70°C/80°C) during the summer months and such temperatures could compromise the metallic membrane’s adhesion to the bitumous mass provoking a delamination.

Why do the natural aluminium membranes show the thermal effects less?

The membranes which show the least thermal effects are those made of natural aluminium. As they are photo-reflective they keep the membrane/system temperature lower.

What should be checked during inspections?

During periodical inspections the areas which are beginning to show signs of delamination should be checked (and, if necessary, repaired). A badly timed intervention can worsen the situation due to the effect of wind or the presence of dust which can come between the laminate and the bitumous mass, which would increase the risk of short term damage.

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