Does waterproofing need to revisit the 1760’s?
The Industrial Revolution saw the transition from production of goods by hand to using machines. Does this apply to waterproofing today?
The Industrial Revolution saw the transition from production of goods by hand to using machines. Large factories and mills sprang up across Europe, creating better quality goods with greater efficiency and lower cost.
But how does this apply to waterproofing today?
Typically, flat roof waterproofing relies on 2 fundamental techniques. Either:
- Waterproofing membranes jointed together by hand, or
- Waterproofing coatings applied by hand
Most single ply membranes are jointed every metre by hand with hot-air welding, which requires a high level of operator competency, and needs consistent electricity supply to run the welders. Generators often are insufficient.
Liquid applied waterproofing, although well suited to complex detailing, demands commitment from installers to ensure 100% accuracy in coverage rates and evenness. Inclement weather causes delays.
Thus, unless carefully monitored on site by the product manufacturer, failures often emanate from the “hand-made” areas of these roofs.
Can an entire roof be made in a factory?
Not quite! However, todays’ manufacturing processes can eliminate ambiguity and issues at the usual problem areas for flat roofs:
- Large format membranes, minimising on-site seams
- Factory-made jointing strips, for any onsite seams that are required minimising on-site seams
See www.rooflock.com/eighteen for further details.
Rooflock Eighteen membrane:
- Consistency with excellent aesthetics
- No heat-welded seams – faster and more consistent
- Factory made jointing technology – no ambiguity
- Reduced reliance on perfect weather (unlike liquid applied coatings)
