What is ECB (ethylene copolymer bitumen)?
ECB stands for Ethylene Copolymer Bitumen, a roofing membrane made from a blend of bitumen and ethylene copolymer that is laid as a single layer on flat roofs. ECB combines the waterproof properties of bitumen with the elasticity and UV resistance of plastic, and is used mainly on large commercial roofs and parking decks.
Properties
ECB membranes stand out for:
- Single-ply application — sheets 2.0 to 2.5 mm thick replace the classic two-layer bitumen build-up
- High elasticity — flexible under temperature change, stays supple in frost
- UV resistance — no separate protective layer needed (although gravel or paver ballast is recommended)
- Root resistance — suitable as a base under a green roof
- Long service life — 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance
Installation
ECB can be attached in several ways:
- Loose-laid with ballast — sheets overlapped and held down with gravel or pavers
- Mechanically fixed — screws or nails through the laps
- Adhered — cold or hot bonded to the substrate
- Ballasted with a green roof — substrate and planting as the top layer
Laps
- Lap width — usually 80 to 100 mm
- Lap weld — hot-air welding from around 280 °C
- Detailing — upstands, penetrations and corners are finished with the same sheet
Application
ECB is best suited to:
- Commercial buildings — large flat roofs of schools, offices and factories
- Parking decks — trafficable when given a wearing surface
- Green roofs — root-resistant as a base layer
- Tunnel and hydraulic work — as a buried waterproofing
- Refurbishment — as an overlay on existing bitumen roofing
Pros and cons
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Fast single-ply install | Requires skilled lap welding |
| Long service life | Higher material cost |
| UV- and root-resistant | Repairs need specialist know-how |
| Recyclable | Limited number of suppliers |
Related terms
- Bitumen
- EPDM
- Roof covering
- Flat roof
- Green roof
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