Explore answers to frequently asked questions about Protan systems, materials and applications. Here you will find practical information related to roofing, waterproofing, blue roofs, green roofs, vacuum systems and other membrane-based solutions.
A roof membrane provides a continuous waterproof barrier that protects the building structure from moisture. It also contributes to durability, energy performance and long-term roof protection.
The most common types of roofing membranes are PVC, TPO/FPO and EPDM membranes. Other systems include bitumen membranes and liquid-applied membranes, depending on the roof design and project requirements.
A single-ply roofing membrane is a flexible sheet material manufactured in a single layer and installed across the roof surface to create a waterproof barrier. These membranes are typically delivered in rolls and welded or bonded together on site.
A roofing membrane is specifically designed for roof systems exposed to weather and UV radiation. Waterproofing membranes are used below ground or in structures such as basements, tunnels and foundations.
PVC roofing membrane is a thermoplastic material reinforced with polyester. It offers high flexibility, durability and strong welded seams that create a watertight roofing system.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane designed for durability and energy efficiency. It typically has a light surface color that reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption.
PVC and TPO are thermoplastic membranes with welded seams, while EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane typically joined with adhesives or tapes. Each material has different characteristics related to durability, chemical resistance, flexibility and installation methods. Protan offers PVC and TPO thermoplastic membranes.
The best roofing membrane depends on the building design, climate conditions and project requirements. Factors such as durability, installation method, environmental exposure and maintenance requirements all influence the choice. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
High-quality roofing membranes can last several decades when properly installed and maintained. Service life depends on the membrane type, installation quality and environmental conditions. Our SE products has a documented lifespan of 50 years in the nordics.
Factors such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, mechanical stress, installation quality and regular maintenance all influence the lifespan of a membrane roof.
Yes. Modern roofing membranes are designed to withstand long-term UV exposure and maintain performance even in harsh climate conditions.
Our membranes are designed to resist punctures and mechanical stress. We conduct frequent puncture tests in our local laboratories. Watch a video of the testing here.
Yes. Quality roofing membranes are engineered to perform in challenging environments, including strong winds, heavy rainfall (using Blueproof stormwater management) snow loads and temperature variations.
Modern PVC roofing membranes are designed to remain flexible in low temperatures. At Protan, cold flexibility is an important performance characteristic in roofing systems used in Nordic and other demanding climates.
Yes. Roofing membranes must be able to accommodate movement caused by temperature changes. At Protan, flexible membrane systems are designed to absorb thermal movement in both the membrane and the roof structure.
Roofing membranes are installed in large sheets across the roof surface and joined using welding, adhesives or fastening systems to create a continuous waterproof layer.
Common installation methods include mechanically attached systems, fully adhered systems, ballasted systems and specialized systems such as vacuum roofing.
In mechanically attached roofing systems, the membrane is fixed to the roof structure using fasteners and plates placed along the seams.
In many refurbishment projects, roofing membranes can be installed over existing roofing systems, provided the structure and substrate meet the necessary technical requirements.
Yes, but maintenance requirements are generally low. At Protan, we recommend routine inspections and cleaning of gutters and outlets to ensure long-term roof performance.
At Protan, we typically recommend inspections once or twice a year, depending on the roof type and local conditions. For blue roof systems, regular checks of outlets and drainage components are especially important.
Minor damage or leaks can usually be repaired by welding or bonding a patch of compatible membrane material over the affected area.
The cost of a membrane roof depends on several factors, including roof size, insulation requirements, installation method, and local labor conditions. If you are a business, you can register as an eShop user and access prices here.
Many roofing membranes are designed with reflective surfaces that help reduce heat absorption and contribute to improved energy performance in buildings, especially if solar panels are installed on the roof.
Modern roofing membranes are developed with a focus on durability, recyclability and reduced environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle. Protan works continuously on this through our PROcycle programme. Read more about this here!
Through our PROcycle programme, we recycle Protan SE roofing membranes from existing roofs, as well as surplus material from installation.
An EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration, is a standardised document that summarises the environmental profile of a product based on lifecycle assessment data. At Protan, EPDs help customers compare products objectively and make informed material choices.
At Protan, EPD documentation is available for selected products. This allows customers, specifiers and contractors to access verified environmental data when working on sustainability-focused projects. Check our documentation page.
BREEAM is one of the leading environmental assessment methods for buildings, and BREEAM-NOR is the Norwegian adaptation. At Protan, this is relevant because documented product performance and environmental information may support sustainable building projects and certification work.
Yes. Certain roofing membranes are specifically designed to be root resistant and suitable for green roof systems with vegetation layers. Find out more about green roofs here.
Yes. Roofing membranes are widely used on buildings with solar installations and can serve as a reliable waterproof base for solar mounting systems. Here, it is important to ensure that the substrate is designed to withstand the load of the solar panels.
