Slated sheath

Technical features

More and more frequently we decide to make small improvements or changes to home structures to make the environment in which we live safer. To carry out these activities it is therefore necessary to use materials of a certain type which can be both economical but also absolutely reliable. This is why when we need to cover and insulate a floor the most suitable solution for many is the slated sheath . It is a material that is made up of a thin membrane capable of ensuring excellent waterproofing and thermal insulation . The reason that usually leads to choosing this covering is the fact that it is built with a particular surface finish which gives resistance to the passage of time. In addition we will also have a beautiful aesthetic effect, which other materials do not allow. In fact, it is possible to purchase rolls of slated sheathing in various shades of color on the market to obtain enchanting chromatic effects. Among the available colors we have green , black , gray and white which allow you to adapt the cover to any environment.

Walkable sheath

In reality, the slate sheaths can be walked on but without exaggerating as frequent and continuous passage could cause the surface flakes to break. If, however, you want to make the surface walkable , you can cover everything with a self-locking pavé or a layer of concrete . Usually a roof of this type is left exposed for easier maintenance, without the obligation of having to remove the flooring. Alternatively, to improve its consistency, it is possible to overlap one or more rolls of slated sheathing to be placed in the opposite direction to the first. Furthermore, to protect the sheath from bad weather and the sun, it is advisable to cover it with a thin layer of acrylic paint which will preserve the product. For those who need greater resistance, it is also possible to opt for some variants of slated sheathing which ensure specific walkability or the possibility of tiling the surface.

Prices for purchase

Each roll of slated sheathing weighs approximately 4kg per square meter and is 4mm thick. This type of material is very resistant as it is not crossed by any type of foreign element, whether solid or liquid. Another advantage is the relatively low cost since the average price per square meter is between 5 and 6 euros. The figure instead fluctuates between 8 and 9 euros if we decide to buy a colored slated sheath, which will however have the same thickness.

Self-adhesive slated sheath

Another type of slated sheath is self-adhesive, i.e. covered with a layer of adhesive on one of the two sides. This version of the product is often used to cover wooden floors while it is to be excluded in places with a cold climate for which membranes to be laid hot with the help of a torch are more suitable. The self-adhesive sheath is especially appreciated by DIY enthusiasts for its ease of installation, even if the price is slightly higher than the traditional slated sheath and can generally reach up to 15-16 euros. The cost is therefore actually a little more expensive but on the other hand it allows you to save on the materials needed for hot installation.

How to lay slated sheathing

The installation is extremely easy and can be carried out by those who have a minimum amount of manual skills and practicality with masonry work. It is often preferred to apply the slated sheath with the help of a gas torch but it is advisable not to flame the visible area too much which must remain intact and undamaged to carry out its insulating task. However, you must remember to place the covering only when the surface is completely dry in order to avoid sealing problems. To complete the installation we will have to obtain some rolls of sheathing, the number of which will depend on the extension of the surface to be covered. We will therefore need a vacuum cleaner, a gas torch , a trowel , safety shoes, gloves and protective glasses. First we will have to use the vacuum cleaner or a broom to carefully remove any possible residue of dirt from the surface to be covered. Subsequently we must cut the roll of sheathing into strips of a length at least 10 cm wider than the extension of the surface to be made waterproof so as to overlap them along the junction points. After having obtained the strips from each roll we must roll them up again quite precisely and we will thus be able to place each of these rolls at the end of the flooring to be covered. We will then stand behind the roll itself in a central position and unroll it with one hand while with the other we will have to flame the part of the sheath that must adhere to the floor with the gas torch before placing it. Finally, it is a good idea to also slightly heat the visible part of the slated sheath. Once we have finished unrolling the strip, simply flame the ends (trying not to burn them) and after having overlapped them, simply press with a trowel to make them adhere well. If one of the ends of the floor ends against a wall or another surface, it will be important to create a flap of about 20 cm which we will place against and fix to the wall in question. In this way we will avoid the convergence angle between the floor and the wall becoming a weak point subject to possible infiltration and stagnation. In conclusion, we can safely say that the slated sheath is convenient and of high quality but it is also necessary to install it in a serious and punctual manner to avoid unpleasant surprises. In fact, many times we tend to "blame" the material but generally the main problem is precisely the covering phase which must be carried out by people who have a minimum knowledge of the facts. Specifically, it is essential to be aware that to obtain a good result it is essential to make the flooring "ready" to receive the sheath. Another aspect not to be underestimated is also the creation of the joint points which must be cut precisely and pressed uniformly. Furthermore, once the work is completed, we absolutely must not drill or cut the surface covered with the slated sheath because this may not ensure the correct waterproofness, thus frustrating our efforts.