Liquid waterproofing membranes have long been a reliable solution for flat roof applications, largely owing to the abundance of benefits they offer to specifiers and surveyors working on projects across both the commercial and residential landscape. The capabilities of liquid flat roofing membranes lend themselves well to intricate, complex installations as opposed to other, less versatile solutions.
In this article, we explore some of the many benefits to specifying liquid waterproofing membranes for flat roofs, with a view to helping you make the correct choice for your next roofing project.
1. Enhanced Versatility
Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes boast high levels of versatility, enabling them to be applied across a variety of roof shapes, sizes, and complexities. The versatility of liquid systems makes them ideal for dressing complex detailing such as pipe penetrations, plant units, existing outlets, and safety systems, ultimately saving a significant amount of installation time when compared to alternative materials.
Polyroof’s range of advanced liquid waterproofing systems are no exception this, being ideally suited to a wide variety of installation environments, due to their ability to meet the requirements of the often-complex detailing found in flat roofs. The systems can be applied to all flat roof types, being suitable to both new build and refurbishment projects, in addition to applications within green roofs, blue roofs, balconies, walkways, and terraces.
Another benefit of utilising our liquid-applied waterproofing membranes, is their compatibility with Polyroof Built Up Roof (BUR) systems, including warm roofs where tapered and non-combustible insulation can be incorporated to achieve your thermal or fire performance requirements.
2. Robust – Durable and Long Lasting
To ensure the longevity of a flat roof structure, it is vital to ensure the installed system is robust and capable of protecting the wider building and its occupants. Polyroof’s liquid waterproofing systems ensure durable and long-lasting protection for flat roof structures, owing to their advanced resin formulation which works to create a robust finish to the roof area. The membranes provide full waterproof protection to the roof area, with a BBA certified service life of at least 25 years. The durability of Polyroof systems are bolstered through the inclusion of a reinforcement layer, which performs in conjunction with the liquid waterproofing membrane to increase the tensile strength of the system whilst maintaining the required elasticity, thus improving the overall performance of the membrane.
Where foot traffic needs to be taken into consideration, Polyroof offers a range of anti-slip finishes that contribute to a tough, impact-resistant surface that can be incorporated into balconies, terraces, and walkways. A number of Polyroof systems are bolstered with BBA durability ratings, which is a mark of excellence based on rigorous national and European standards that validate a construction product’s specialist formulation, capability, and uniqueness.
3. Seamless Application – No Weak Points
Another benefit to specifying liquid applied waterproofing membranes is their ability to create a seamless finish across the entire roof area. Polyroof’s range of flat roofing solutions are renowned for creating a seamless waterproof membrane that encapsulates your roof with no joints, no welds, and no weak points. Not only can this enhance the aesthetical appeal of the roof, but also the waterproofing integrity of crucial associated details, such as safety systems and important plat units. The flexibility of the membranes accommodates structural movement, reducing the risk of cracks in the roof system, contributing to a safe and secure structure that will serve the requirements of the building for many years to come.
4. Greater Control
The unpredictable British weather can become a hinderance to roofing projects, with adverse conditions and subsequent delays causing headaches for specifiers, installers, and building owners alike. Fortunately, catalyst-cured liquid membranes offer greater application control, keeping projects on schedule. Polyroof’s liquid waterproofing systems, created with RapidCure technology, are capable of curing extremely fast, in as little as 30-60 minutes, meaning the membranes can be installed around periods of poor weather to keep project delays to a minimum.
During the winter months, low temperature accelerators can be adopted to speed up the cure of the waterproofing membrane and allow for installations to be conducted at lower deck temperatures, resulting in more application days on site. Contrastingly, where installers face warmer than usual temperatures, summer inhibitors can be utilised to slow down the cure of the resin to achieve optimum application.
5. Cold Applied Installation – Zero Risk From Hot Works
Many traditional roofing materials require open flame hot works during installation, which in itself presents significant health and safety concerns, requiring more complex risk assessments on site. However, all of Polyroof’s liquid waterproofing membranes, and wider built-up roofing systems are fully cold applied, negating concerns around potential fires during installation and fostering a safe environment for those onsite.
Liquid Waterproofing Technical Expertise At Your Fingertips
Are you currently working on a flat roofing project and require assistance in selecting the most suitable system for your requirements? For more than 40 years, Polyroof has been a spearhead in the advancement of liquid waterproofing membranes, offering specifiers high performing systems that provide lasting protection. Take advantage of our free-of-charge technical expertise, including bespoke specifications, cut to falls schemes, as well as wind and thermal calculations. Polyroof is here to help you. Need expert advice? Contact Polyroof today for bespoke specifications and technical guidance.
P.S. You can easily specify Polyroof’s range of flat roofing systems via NBS Source, which contains a whole host of information, including product and technical data to corresponding BBA certifications, EPD, and more. Discover our range on NBS today.
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