Self-adhesive bitumen membranes bond to the substrate with a factory-applied adhesive layer — no torch, no open flame, no hot works permit. That makes them the go-to choice for shed and timber roofs, occupied buildings, tight plant rooms and any site where flame is unwelcome. Here is how a professional installation runs, following the method used for Insutech’s InsuStick family.
Before you start: choose the right grade
| Product | Thickness | Cold flexibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| InsuStick | 1.5 – 2 mm | −12 to −15 °C | General details and underlays |
| InsuStick Plus | 1.5 – 2 mm | −15 to −20 °C | Colder service conditions |
| InsuStick Pro | 3 mm | −20 to −25 °C | Full roof areas, demanding jobs |
All three are SBS elastomeric membranes on a composite polyester carrier, so they stay flexible and follow substrate movement.
Step 1 — Surface preparation
Clean the deck of dust, oil and loose particles, and repair cracks or voids. The adhesive bond is only as good as the surface under it: dry, sound and smooth.
Step 2 — Priming
Apply a bituminous primer and let it dry to touch. The primer binds residual dust and gives the adhesive face a uniform surface to grip. Insutech’s Insucoat emulsions are suitable primers within the system.
Step 3 — Positioning
Unroll the membrane dry, align it against the layout lines, then re-roll one half. Never peel the release film before the sheet sits exactly where it belongs — repositioning after bonding is not possible.
Step 4 — Peel-and-stick application
Peel the release film back gradually while pressing the membrane onto the primed deck, working from the centre outwards with a roller to expel air. Continue with the second half the same way.
Step 5 — Overlaps and sealing
Keep side laps of at least 8 cm and end laps of 10 cm, and roller-press every lap firmly. In cooler weather a gentle hot-air gun pass on the laps improves the seal — still no open flame.
Step 6 — Detailing and protection
Turn the membrane up at parapets and penetrations, and finish exposed edges with termination profiles. Where the roof will be used, protect the membrane before loading it — see Insuboard protection boards.
A full application video is available on the InsuStick product page, and the storage rules before installation are in the membrane storage & handling guide.
Planning a flame-free waterproofing job? Request a quote and Insutech’s technical team will specify the right self-adhesive build-up for your roof.