Rainwater outlets in flat roof design
A lot of rain is falling onto flat roofs, and from the dawning day of the flat roof, it always has done. So, the question is when dealing with the problem of flat roof drainage, why do some people still get it wrong? What do we need to consider when getting an efficient drainage system […]
Are single ply membranes suitable for use on roof terraces and ballasted flat roofs?
Single ply flat roof systems can be used to waterproof roof terraces or balconies, and ballasted flat roofs. The waterproofing should not be damaged by the installation of gravel ballast, concrete paving slabs or timber decking, and it may be necessary to install a protection fleece or separating layer before loading the roof with its […]
What standard colours are polymeric single ply membranes available in?
Single ply membranes are offered in a limited range of standard colours, usually a selection of greys. Non-standard colours are available subject to minimum order quantities and extended lead times. As well as naming the colours of their single ply membrane, waterproofing manufacturers commonly also use the closest matching RAL number, to allow for more […]
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 […]