September 2020

Low Pitch Focus
MEMBRANE CHOICE IS CRUCIAL
Nick King, Area Account Manager at Klober, shares why roofing contractors must specify
specific product solutions for low pitch roofing applications, or risk their reputation with a
poorly performing low pitch roof.
To avoid problems with low pitch roofing
performance, the right membrane solution
needs to be specified and installed correctly.
If a contractor does cut corners, then a poorly
constructed low pitch roof can become problematic
as water can collect, and with nowhere to drain the
likelihood of water ingress is increased.
Roofing contractors can change the way that low
pitch roofs are perceived if they raise the roofing
standard by only using low pitch specific roofing
application products, including low pitch
membranes.
Why choose a low pitch membrane?
There are many practical and even financial
reasons behind the decision to choose a low pitch
roof, which depending on the roof covering could
be lower than 15 degrees. Usually, for residential
extension projects such as side extensions like
kitchens or bathrooms, a low pitch or a flat roof is
necessary in order to finish beneath second-storey
upstairs windows. Furthermore, opting for a low
pitch roof solution can also save money on the
upfront material costs and reduce the installation
time, when compared to other methods.
For a low pitch roof, a high quality membrane
solution is the key to safeguarding any roofing
investment.
Membranes explained
To explain, roofing membranes are strong
weathering barriers installed underneath the
roofing covering to protect against wind driven
rain and snow. The most common types of
pitched roofing membranes fall into two types –
breathable and non-breathable membranes. Both
provide the essential secondary barrier needed to
protect the property from unexpected water
ingress, but latest innovations have seen Klober
develop a membrane that is
capable of serving as a primary
barrier as long as it is covered
by a UV stable covering, such as
slate or tiles.
Other low pitch weathering
options do exist, but generally these will be more
costly and time consuming when compared to
using a specific low pitch membrane (a
membrane will need to be installed in most
situations anyway). A secondary build-up layer,
like a thin decking, can be used, or alternatively
some systems are available that incorporate
weathering devices which need to be installed
underneath every single tile or slate. With these
options, however, it is often mandatory to install
them alongside the manufacturer specific
membrane, which decreases flexibility and limits
the product choices for roofing contractors.
Innovation
Over the years, membranes have become more
technical and specific in design. This is especially
true for low pitch applications that need specific
membrane solutions to succeed or will otherwise
fail. To solve the challenges represented by low
pitch roofing, Klober’s Permo Extreme (above) has
been developed to precisely deliver solutions
where other membranes can’t and caters for
pitches as low as 12.5º for interlocking tiles, 15º
for slates and 22.5º for plain tiles. Permo Extreme
is also much stronger than the average underlay
on the market, in order to greatly reduce the risk of
ripping and tearing whilst installation takes place.
To complement the strides taken to improve
membranes, significant investments have been
made into the development of accessories such
as membrane tapes, and this has also improved
roofing performance. One example of such
innovation is Klober’s Permo
Extreme, which comes with double,
self-adhesive strips to provide a
guaranteed permanent seal of
overlaps, and in the case of
Klober's Butylon tape should also
be used to seal around any batten
nail penetrations. It is important to choose wisely
and recognise that not all tapes are made equally.
Failure to use tapes compatible with the chosen
membrane can lead to subsequent failures.
Why it’s important
The correct low pitch roofing membrane will
ensure that roofing contractors can overcome low
pitch roofing installation challenges with both
confidence and security that the roof will perform.
This cannot be underestimated, as even with all
the right precautions taken in terms of water
drainage and overall roofing performance, low
pitch applications represent a particularly unique
challenge. This is why selecting a highperformance
membrane solution can make all the
difference in such applications.
Roofing contractors can now complete projects
with the peace of mind and reassurance that in a
low pitch roofing application, performance doesn’t
have to be compromised when the correct
products have been chosen. With the help of
manufacturers who continue to innovate
membrane performance and target specific
project applications, building and roofing
contractors can be supported with the most up to
date roofing product solutions, specification
support and installation guidance.
Contact Klober
01332 813 050
www.klober.co.uk
@KloberLtd
28 TC SEPTEMBER 2020