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What to use to cover bitumen rubber on roof?

Cedes

I need to choose which one of the following to use over the bitumen paint on the roof.

Bunnings AI

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Bunnings AI

Need help deciding if the Gripset Betta 1L Waterproofing Membrane Bitumen Rubber is right for your needs? Ask me anything.

Is it suitable for outdoor use?Can it be painted over?How long does it take to dry?
Can it be painted over?
Bunnings AI

Yes, the Gripset Betta 1L Waterproofing Membrane Bitumen Rubber can be painted over. It is a versatile product that can be used as both a waterproofing membrane and a bitumen paint. If you are planning to use it as a paint, you should dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio as per the instructions.

If you need guidance on the best type of paint to use over this membrane or advice on proper application, please let me know! Would you like more details on the painting process or have any other questions about this product?
Yes. What paint can be used
Bunnings AI

Could you please clarify what type of paint you're looking to use over the Gripset Betta Waterproofing Membrane Bitumen Rubber? Are you interested in exterior paint, interior paint, masonry paint, or another specific type? This will help me recommend the most suitable options for your project.
Roofing paimt
Bunnings AI

Here are some search results for roof paints, roof spray sealants, roof waterproofing coatings, and roof treatment concentrates you might like:

Selleys 310g Translucent Roof And Gutter Silicone Sealant

4.6

(32)

$14.45

Fastfix Wet Shield 1kg One Coat Instant Waterproofing

4.1

(8)

$41.92

Ametalin 1500mm x 30m SilverSark HD Reflective Roof and Wall Insulation

5

(2)

$94.82

Selleys 315g Roof and Gutter Spray Sealant

3.9

(18)

$24.50

30 Seconds 5L Roof Treatment Concentrate

4

(25)

$55.49

View more
Can i use these on top of bitumen?
Bunnings AI
Some roof paints and coatings are suitable for application over bitumen-based membranes, but it's important to check product compatibility for best results and longevity.

Here’s what you should consider for the products listed above:
- Selleys Roof and Gutter Silicone Sealant: Designed for sealing gaps and cracks on various roof materials (metal, tiled, concrete, etc.) and can be used over bitumen, but it is a sealant rather than a paint or coating. It may not provide an even, paint-like finish.
- Fastfix Wet Shield One Coat Instant Waterproofing: Suitable for most common roofing surfaces, including bitumen. This is a reinforced waterproofing compound and can be used as a protective top coat.
- Crommelin High UV Resistant Roof and Wall Waterproofing: Crommelin membranes are typically compatible with bitumen and can be applied over existing bitumen membranes (confirm with manufacturer guidelines for the specific surface prep required). Once cured, they can be overcoated with acrylic paints.
- Dulux Weathershield Exterior Paint: Generally designed for direct application on masonry, concrete, and metal. If you wish to use it over bitumen, ensure the membrane is fully cured, and confirm with Dulux or test a sample area first as adhesion may vary.
- Other products (spray sealants, cleaning treatments, insulating foils): These are not designed as top coats or paints for membranes and may not be compatible.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Cedes

Your other query in regards to using the shellac-based coating is more promising than the ones you have mentioned here in your discussion. I highly suspect these products will not be able to cover the surface of the bitumen paint and its black rubber-like substance will stain the surface of these products.

In regards to Fastfix, Crommelin and Dulux Weathersheild, I can only suggest doing a sample test to see if it will adhere properly and is compatible with the bitumen surface.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

MitchellMc

Hi @Cedes,

According to the manufacturer, the Gripset Betta waterproofing membrane is not to be finished over with tiles, renders, paints or other surface finishes. So, it's not suitable to be painted. Could you tell us a little more about your project, like what you are trying to repair, and we can look for solutions that are able to be overcoated with paint?

Mitchell

Cedes

I have filled a roof join 18 feet long with bitumen paint. Now I need to paint over the bitumen paint .

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58484#Comment_58484

I'm so sorry, but after contacting a number of our paint suppliers, I haven't been able to locate a system that would allow you to paint over the bitumen on a roof @Cedes. The next best option I can think of would be to add a cover strip over the roof join and paint it to match your roof instead. Something like the Metal Mate 50 x 3mm 2m Galvanised Steel Flat Bar might suit. It could be installed by running a thick bead of Sikaflex11FC down the join and pressing the cover strip into it. This would also add another layer of water penetration protection to the area. The galvanised bar can then be painted with Dulux Weathershield.

Mitchell

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91609#Comment_91609

I tried flashing already but it rusted between layers. I had to remove it.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111798#Comment_111798

Hello @Cedes

Have you considered using flat aluminium bars as a cover? There is also the Grunt 50mm x 10m Flashing Tape which is a flashing with an aluminium foil surface and a bitumen sealer at bottom.

Eric

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123372#Comment_123372

I tried flashing. It just caused more rust. And the flashing aluminium tape also did not stop the rain getting in.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130983#Comment_130983

Hi @Cedes,

I think Eric was referring to the flashing tape, not to prevent leaks, but to cover the black bitumen paint with a silver flashing. Perhaps the silver would look better than black on your roof?

MItchell

Cedes

I am actually after a Bitumen sealer. What's a good sealer for bitumen? That's what I am needing all along. A sealer to seal the bitumen rubber paint lol.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58570#Comment_58570

Hi @Cedes,

You actually don’t need a separate sealer. Bitumen rubber paint is already a fully waterproof, UV-resistant coating. It’s designed to seal itself, so applying another sealer isn’t necessary.

Mitchell

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91648#Comment_91648

I thought that too but it's bleeding a bit and still leaking in places. I wonder why? What do you think I should do?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111840#Comment_111840

Hi @Cedes,

Do you have any photos of where it is bleeding through?

It might just need another coat of bitumen paint. Usually, you'd use 2-3 coats of bitumen paint to ensure there are no splits or gaps in the coating that water can seep through, so adding another coat over these areas is likely the simplest option.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Cedes

I don't have any photos because I wiped it all off. I did apply 2 thuch coats though...

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58725#Comment_58725

Hi @Cedes,

Thanks for sharing the details so far. From what you’ve described, it sounds like there has been a leak on the roofing sheet, and you’ve applied two coats of bitumen paint to try to fix it. Bitumen paint is generally intended for minor surface repairs or very fine leaks. It is not designed to seal substantial leaks or fix areas where the sheeting or flashing has failed.

To give better advice, it would be really helpful if you could upload some photos of the repair you made and the areas where it was still leaking or bleeding through, even if you’ve wiped it off since. That will give us the context we need to understand what’s happening and offer practical guidance.

From your description, it seems the underlying issue may be with the roof sheeting or flashing rather than the bitumen coating itself. In most cases, the proper approach is to repair or replace any failed sheets or flashing, and then use bitumen paint as a protective top coat rather than relying on it to stop a leak entirely.

Once we can see the area and understand the situation more clearly, we’ll be in a much better position to suggest a solution that will work long term.

Mitchell

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123372#Comment_123372

Yes I did use that on the very first waterproofing attempt. It still leaked. I just don't get it. I can't for the life if me see how the rain is still getting in.

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135643#Comment_135643

The tape causes rust under it, I found, when I first tried it. I had to take ot off. It was really hard to remove. There was so much rust we had to use a grinder to buff it off.

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91727#Comment_91727

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111874#Comment_111874

You can see how the roof would fold down into a large suitcase type structure.

Cedes

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111874#Comment_111874

That last pic shows the front. That folds in to the free standing base and then the roof folds down onto it. That's why there's a gap. When it folds up, it's not quite flush. Almost, but 1/8 of an inch out.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123431#Comment_123431

Hello @Cedes

Thank you for sharing those photos of your roof. I propose using Selleys 310g Translucent Roof And Gutter Silicone Sealant to seal the surface of the bitumen rubber. This would be an alternative to putting more bitumen on the surface. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to track down the leak that is somehow bypassing the sealant you've already applied. I can only suggest giving it a try and see if it stops the leak coming into your house.

Eric

Cedes

@MitchellMc

Ahh ok, so the 1/8 inch gap along both sides is just too wide that even though it appears to have sealed it, it hasn't really?

It's not a roofing sheet. It's a gap which happens when unfolding the roof on a tiny home kit. It's like a drop shelf, the mechanucs of it. You just lift it up from being vertical and it becomes horizontal. That gap is then needing filling. It's got one on each side of the "middle" bit which they open up onto to form a roof. Like a square umbrella I guess.

@EricL

Thanks Eric. I ordered a bucket of clear sealant used on caravans which I plan to try over the weekend. Hopefully it'll do the trick. 😊

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58760#Comment_58760

@Cedes,

Yes, bitumen isn’t great at covering wide gaps like that. It’s probably done a reasonable job of trying to seal it, but there may be sections where it hasn’t quite been able to bridge the full gap and has developed fine cracks. I’d suggest going along that area and checking closely for any small splits that might have formed after drying.

Sometimes it looks like it’s sealed initially, but as the bitumen dries it can shrink slightly and open up small gaps again. You might find that applying another couple of coats will help build up the layer and create a more solid seal. I’d try adding up to five coats if needed. That should form a good, thick band of bitumen bridging from the top section down over the joint and onto the roof panel.

Mitchell

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