Quartz sand is one of the materials we often come across in roof insulation, yet it is rarely analysed with technical precision. It appears as a surfacing on bitumen membranes, as reinforcement for liquid-applied waterproofing coatings and as a base for tiling.
Quartz sand is a natural inorganic material obtained by crushing and processing quartzite, a mineral made up exclusively of silicon and oxygen (SiO₂). It is graded into particle sizes according to its use. For roof insulation applications, a particle size of 0.1–0.5 mm is usually used.
Unlike ordinary sand, quartz sand is:
In roof insulation, quartz sand never acts as a stand-alone waterproofing material. It is always used as a supplementary material that reinforces or prepares other waterproofing systems. This is the key difference from mineral granules, which can form the final exposed surface of a bitumen membrane. Its use varies according to particle size:
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In roof insulation, quartz sand appears in three different applications:
The most common use. Many bitumen membranes are supplied with quartz sand as the top or bottom surfacing instead of mineral granules or aluminium.
How it is used:
See our SBS bitumen membrane waterproofing in detail and the materials we use
Once Hyperdesmo has fully cured (24–48 hours), quartz sand can be broadcast over it to:
In some applications where a cementitious adhesive is required on top of a waterproofing membrane, quartz sand is applied as an intermediate layer to create the necessary roughness and adhesion. This use is more specialised and requires a technical assessment of material compatibility.
At Goumas Insulation we use only 6 kg SBS bitumen membranes with a white mineral granule surfacing (Dien Energy++) on exposed roofs, because mineral granules offer superior UV protection and a longer service life. Quartz sand is used to reinforce Hyperdesmo on roofs with frequent use. With bitumen membranes, the choice of surfacing has a significant effect on the performance and service life of the insulation:
| Surfacing | Advantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral granules | Excellent UV protection, heat reflectance, appearance | Exposed roofs, long-term protection |
| Quartz sand | More economical, good adhesion for subsequent layers | Roofs that will be covered with another material |
| Aluminium | High reflectance, appearance | Special applications — requires a perforated base layer and vents |
For detailed prices by waterproofing method and material, see the 2026 roof insulation price guide
Choosing the right materials for each roof insulation application requires a technical assessment. If you are considering roof waterproofing with bitumen membranes or Hyperdesmo, an on-site assessment is the right first step.
With 25+ years of experience, certified crews and a written guarantee for every project, Goumas Insulation will make sure you get the right solution for your roof.
Quartz sand is a natural inorganic material made from processed quartzite (SiO₂). It is characterised by high hardness (6–7 Mohs), chemical inertness and UV resistance. It is graded into particle sizes; for roof insulation, 0.1–0.5 mm is usually used.
Quartz sand is used mainly as a bottom surfacing or on bitumen membranes that are intended to be covered with another material. Mineral granules are used as a top surfacing on exposed roofs because they offer superior UV protection and heat reflectance. The bitumen membranes we use (Dien Energy++) have a white mineral granule surfacing for maximum protection.
Yes, but only once it has fully cured (24–48 hours). A quartz sand dressing increases the mechanical strength of the membrane and creates an anti-slip surface on trafficable or frequently used roofs. See our waterproofing with Hyperdesmo in detail.
Quartz sand is chemically pure (SiO₂ > 95%), chemically inert and has a uniform particle size. Ordinary sand contains a mix of minerals, can react chemically with insulation materials and does not have consistent characteristics. Only quartz sand is used for insulation applications.
When used as a dressing on Hyperdesmo, it may need renewing along with the protective top coat every five years. When it forms the surfacing of a bitumen membrane, it needs no separate maintenance.
The cost depends on the method and materials. See detailed prices by method in our 2026 roof insulation price guide.
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