The Renolit Waterproofing business unit is a leader in the European market for synthetic waterproofing membranes.
Renolit’s wide range of products, one of the largest in the sector, meets the many demands and needs of the market. Over a period of more than thirty years, it has produced more than 300 million m² of synthetic flexible membranes and bi-oriented rigid PVC sheets for roofing, civil engineering works, swimming pools and garden ponds.
The development of single-ply membrane has changed the face of roofing.
Manufacturers have made frequent changes to their products and installation methods to meet the performance demands of architects, maintenance managers, building owners and other roofing-system specifiers.
This innovation has done more than simply lower costs, we now have increased design flexibility and improved system reliability.
Against this backdrop of change, there is an obvious need for specifiers to continually evaluate the products that single-ply manufacturers bring to market.
A recent example saw Renolit working with Leeds City Council, which was already aware of the versatility of the Alkorplan membranes on new build projects. A new project at West Oaks Primary school was different in that it was a refurbishment of a very poor low level roof that as leaking badly.
Original specification asked for another felt overlay which had been attempted previously but failed and brought ‘hot working’ problems with the material as well as fire loading issues. The school would be occupied by children, so noise and site maintenance were a major issue.
After visiting the site with the contractors the scale of the leaks and what had happened in the past repairs was soon obvious. A core sample had to be made to determine what damage had happened to the insulation from the water ingress and if it needed upgrading. The roof was covered in indentations that caused water to settle.
Chippings on the roof would have to be removed to determine an attachment method for the new roof.
As first thought the roof was so poor a bonding to the old roof would not be possible. A specification was issued based upon a mechanically fixed plywood deck that would provide a level surface and a means to attach the membrane by bonding to keep the noise down.
The fact that Renolit Alkorplan has a BBA certificate for in excess 30 year life made it the right choice.
