Why is choosing the right gutters so important?
Membrane lined gutters have now been used in the roofing and cladding industry for many years. These can be in the form of single skin, insulated and composite gutter systems. When designed and installed correctly, membrane lined gutters provide a secure watertight gutter solution especially at the gutter joints which historically have been the weakest […]
IKO Spectraplan TPE versus TPO single ply membranes
TPO’s (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) have been extensively used within the single ply roofing industry since the early 90’s and had been developed from Polyethylene membranes which were being installed in ground engineering applications such as tunnel, lake and bund liners. Newer versions of TPO are typically now manufactured using a Polypropylene formulation. The driving force for […]
The best practice to achieve outstanding aesthetic requirements in single ply flat roofs
There are several considerations to ensure that the client receives an aesthetically pleasing single ply roof. Some are more obvious than others. The contractor & trained experienced operatives. Substrate & attachment. Material tolerances. Membrane application. Manufacturers support. It is generally accepted that a single ply roof is only as good as the installer. The first […]
When to overlay flat roofs with single ply membranes
Is it possible to overlay an existing flat roof with single ply? Mostly the answer is yes, but each project should be taken on its own merits. The fact that a roof looks in good condition should not be the basis of installing a new roof covering. There have been many instances where new materials […]
What products and materials are incompatible with single ply flat roof membranes?
Single ply flat roofing membranes are typically incompatible with other hydrocarbon-based materials, including bitumen-based based products, solvents, paints, and other rubber-based products. Ensuring chemical compatibility between the single ply waterproofing and other components is vital to the success of a single ply flat roofing system. Using a roofing system with a manufacturer-backed guarantee is a […]
Life expectancy of single ply membranes
Single Ply Membranes are often considered to be new technology when in fact the first single ply roofs were installed over 6o years ago. The membranes have evolved since then with the introduction of PVC membranes in the 1960’s, the latest generation using longer lasting Phathalate Plasticisers and the introduction of TPO’s in 1990s which […]
Pipe detailing in single ply roof installation
Love them or hate them, there is no getting away from the pipe detail! It’s not often a roof doesn’t contain one, especially on refurbishment projects. They come in all shapes and sizes from small handrail posts, all the way through to large duct type pipes. When installed well, they can finish the roof off […]
How to choose the right adhesives for single ply roofing
Why choose adhered single ply roofing systems? Adhered single ply roofing systems are particularly popular in the UK flat roofing market. They are chosen for a myriad of reasons such as achieving a more aesthetically pleasing roof finish, avoiding the need to predrill into a concrete roof deck or the need for several fixing and […]
What is the fire rating of single ply membranes?
The fire rating of a single ply membrane is determined through standardised testing methods, which consider the complete flat roof system from the structural deck upwards. There are different fire ratings for construction products depending on what is being tested; for a flat roof system, the resistance of the roof to external fire exposure is […]
Are single ply flat roof membranes suitable for use on pitched roofs?
A single ply membrane can be used to provide the waterproofing finish for a pitched roof, and there is no limit on the slope of the roof for which it can be used. BS 6229:2018, the code of practice for flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings, even advises that many of its recommendations […]
