How are rubber mats and tiles laid on roofing felt, bitumen membranes or single-ply membranes?

Rubber tiles and mats made from rubber granules are loose-laid on roofing felt, bitumen membranes and single-ply membranes. Nothing is bonded or screwed down, so the waterproofing to balconies, terraces, roof terraces, flat roofs and carports remains intact. Individual tiles can be lifted whenever required. Any damage to the waterproofing must be repaired before laying begins.

Floor coverings made from rubber granules are water-permeable. Rainwater passes through the surface and runs across the waterproofing towards the outlet, following the existing fall. Depending on the product range, it may also run through drainage channels on the underside of the tiles. A fall of 1 to 2% has proved effective. Where water collects in depressions, precisely cut pieces of roofing felt are laid into them before the covering is installed.

Whether the covering can be laid directly on the waterproofing depends on the type present. Roofing felt and bitumen membranes contain no plasticisers, so the tiles can be placed directly on them. The same applies to plasticiser-free EPDM membranes. With plasticised PVC membranes, a thin separation layer of polyester or glass-fibre fleece is placed between the membrane and the covering. This is necessary because plasticisers can migrate from the membrane into the covering, causing the membrane to become brittle over time. The rubber granule covering is not harmed by this process. The membrane manufacturer or roofing contractor can confirm whether an existing membrane contains plasticisers.