Building & Construction
Underlayer for Roofing Membranes
Protecting roofing membranes and supporting long-term waterproofing performance.
Geotextiles in Roofing
Roofing membranes play a critical role in protecting buildings from water ingress. Whether used on flat roofs, industrial buildings, renovation projects or protected roofing systems, the membrane must remain intact during installation and throughout the service life of the roof.
Our needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles can be used as an underlayer for roofing membranes. Installed between the membrane and the supporting surface below, the geotextile helps protect the waterproofing layer from puncture, abrasion and localised mechanical stress.
Without a suitable underlayer, roofing membranes can be exposed to rough substrates, uneven surfaces, sharp particles or movement between different materials. Over time, this can affect the integrity of the waterproofing system and increase the risk of damage.
By acting as a cushioning and separation layer, our geotextiles help preserve membrane performance and support durable roofing systems. Depending on the project design, they can also contribute to filtration or drainage where water management layers are included.
Key Benefits
- Protects roofing membranes from puncture, abrasion and mechanical damage
- Acts as a cushioning layer between the membrane and the supporting surface
- Helps reduce localised stress on waterproofing systems
- Separates materials with different technical or mechanical characteristics
- Helps compensate for minor surface irregularities in the roof build-up
- Contributes to durable waterproofing performance in flat and protected roof systems
Example of a Layer Structure
In roofing systems, a nonwoven geotextile underlayer is commonly installed directly beneath the waterproofing membrane. Its exact position depends on the roof design, substrate condition and membrane requirements.
- Roof finish or protection layer
Where required, this may include ballast, paving, vegetation, gravel or another protective surface layer. - Roofing membrane
The waterproofing layer designed to protect the building from water ingress. - Nonwoven geotextile underlayer
Installed beneath the roofing membrane to protect it from puncture, abrasion and localised stress from the supporting surface below. - Insulation, support board or prepared substrate
The layer that supports the roofing membrane and contributes to the thermal or structural performance of the roof. - Roof deck or structural support
The structural roof element that carries the complete roofing system.
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