As a building’s first line of defence, a roof must maintain long-term, maximum performance, writes Martin Bidewell, Head of Technical at Sika Roofing. When it comes to specification, paying close attention to small details will go a long way to ensuring a roof remains watertight and problem free during its lifetime. Design and technical support have a vital part to play abetting this vital aspect of waterproofing process.
As with most, if not all roofing projects, selecting an appropriate waterproofing system is crucial in applications involving a plethora of plant materials. PV panels, air conditioning units, rooflights and the like require regular maintenance. Therefore, great care should be given to the type of protection installed if the roof is to perform as required and remain watertight. This is also true of other details such as perimeters, penetrations and upstands, which if not properly accounted for, can compromise a roof’s watertight performance.
Specialist engagement
The specification of a single ply system can help alleviate risk when it comes to roof installation and accompanying details. This outcome is easiest and best achieved in conjunction with companies such as Sika, which works closely with customers on the selection of a suitable system for a wide range of roofing applications. Engaging with a specialist roof manufacturer at the start of the roof specification process minimises the risk of future problems. Oversights in relation to insulation or rainwater outlets, for example, could lead to water-ponding and premature wear and tear.
Single ply can provide one of the best all round solutions to achieving cost-effective, durable and sustainable roofing systems. Single ply roofing membranes generally have a design life of in excess of 30 years, Sika-Trocal offers over 35 years, ensuring whole life performance is maintained whilst minimising the impact on the environment.
Saving cost and time
Single ply ensures today’s fast track programmes can be met on site. Providing a quick and clean approach, they achieve initial waterproofing rapidly so that the concrete groundworks can commence very early and minimise disruption on site by avoiding hot melt adhesives.
Mechanically fastened roofs are generally the fastest and most economical to install and because of their lightweight nature, will often enable savings to be made on the supporting structure. The Sika-Trocal disc fixed method secures both membrane and insulation with one fixing, reducing labour costs and minimising the amount of fasteners by up to 50% when compared with traditional single ply mechanical fixing methods.
As well as providing speed of installation, single ply membranes offer many other benefits. The selection of a high performance, low maintenance single ply roofing system helps to prevent heat loss, as well as water and air penetration, to create a waterproof, thermally- efficient building envelope. This will add value where it matters – on the bottom line.
Proven to perform
Once the single ply membrane and installation method has been specified, the relationship between the manufacturer and the roofing contractor becomes absolutely crucial. Sika-Trocal operates a Licensed contractor scheme that will assure the client that their roofing system will be installed by a high quality and trusted applicator.
By utilising the expertise of the manufacturer and producing highly detailed plans before the project begins, you can get the job right first time, every time. Whatever the project, specifiers, contractors and their clients must turn to manufacturers and designers they can trust to ensure a quality specification that meets the very highest standards.
Whether mechanically fixed or adhered, lacquered or not, single ply still provides one of the best all round solutions to achieving cost effective, durable and sustainable systems. For high levels of performance, a fast and clean installation, long term guarantee, industry standards and versatility, a single ply waterproofing membrane will always win out. Furthermore, by enlisting the expert services of a company such as Sika, clients can be assured of an installation that meets the very highest standards. It will also minimise potential for a project falling foul of the unseen devil in roofing details.
