Watertight even at the trickiest of angles

Liquid-applied waterproofing product comes into its own on industrial roofs

Industrial roofs present specific waterproofing challenges. Even during the planning and design stage, it’s important to adapt the material to the project-specific requirements. All the details – such as skylights, drains or connections to rising components – have to be integrated. Both complicated roof structures and elaborate geometries have to be reliably dressed. High-quality liquid-applied waterproofing products tick all these boxes. Tried-and-tested solutions provide the building structure with long-lasting protection against damp and moisture. The systems bond to a range of different substrates too. In addition to their functional implementation, they offer diverse design options due to their range of surface and colour variants – which can be used for both repairs and refurbishments as well as for new builds. Numerous sample projects illustrate how different roof types and roof shapes can be reliably waterproofed with a liquid-applied waterproofing product.

In most cases, functionality is paramount when it comes to industrial buildings: Being large-area facilities, they are constructed for the purpose of manufacturing or storing products or goods. Even the roof structure is built to meet this specific purpose. Largely flat-sloped roofs guarantee plenty of space. But in each particular case, the roof structure always depends on the operational requirements and the required use. Skylights or strip lighting can be used if maximising daylight is beneficial for production, for instance. As well as flat roofs, barrel-shaped structures or sawtooth roofs can be designed too.

Details are what really matters

When it comes to waterproofing roofs, the details in particular pose something of a challenge. Regardless of whether there are connections to vertical surfaces, penetrations on metal roofs, copper valleys, pipe ducts, drainage channels or other elements, if there are weak spots on the roof’s waterproofing product, the design, building structure and – in the worst-case scenario – people, machines or goods in the rooms below are put at risk due to the ingress of rainwater. And this is precisely why a waterproofing product that reliably integrates all the details and elaborate geometries is required.

The specific circumstances on industrial roofs go hand in hand with a variety of substrate materials too. Indeed, depending on the surface and the installed details, waterproofing technologies must be designed so that they are compatible with plastic or bitumen sheeting, concrete, glass or metal. Only when these technologies adhere sufficiently to these materials is long-term reliable waterproofing guaranteed.

Potential design and temperature-related movements are also decisive factors when choosing the waterproofing material. The waterproofing product should also be chemically resistant depending on what sector of industry the building is used in. Compatibility tests are performed in advance to ensure resistance to certain substances.

Fully compliant with all the regulations in the waterproofing rule book

Several standards must be observed even during the planning stage to ensure that industrial roofs are provided with reliable and long-lasting waterproofing protection. Both the Flat Roof Guidelines and DIN 18531 for non-utilised roofs form the basis of this. Industrial associations also set down roof waterproofing guidelines based on the standards and regulations for the design in question. For instance, the technical rules set down by the International Association for Lightweight Metal Construction (IFBS) state that rainproof roof coverings must consist of aluminium profile sheets, sandwich elements and coverings: “The joints, junctions, transitions and connections shall be designed such that flowing water, driving rain and drifting snow does not seep into the roof structure during wet weather conditions.” The Industrial Building Directive set down by the Unified Economic Area’s Working Group for Construction, Housing and Settlement (ARGEBAU) also applies. These rules and regulations particularly relate to structurally preventative fire safety. So, to name but one example, they refer to DIN 18234, which contains a section entitled “Fire safety of large roofs for buildings – Fire exposure from below – Part 1: Definitions, requirements and tests; Roof areas without openings”.

Liquid-applied waterproofing as a tried-and-tested solution

Both DIN 18531 and the Flat Roof Guidelines take liquid-applied waterproofing products into consideration. The waterproofing technology is classified as a rigid roofing structure and therefore abides by both the German regional building regulations and the Industrial Building Directive with respect to fire safety. Liquid-applied waterproofing products are thus a reliable way of waterproofing industrial roofs. They are particularly suitable for complicated details. In this regard, liquid-applied waterproofing products come into their own if and when there are penetrations on the roof.

From intricate connections to narrow joints – the liquid-applied waterproofing product coats any difficult structures like a skin. Systems developed especially for these challenging areas – such as Triflex ProDetail – can be put to flexible use. They can be used in all areas and at the trickiest of angles and provide long-lasting, durable protection. They also waterproof any building structure; in many cases, roofs can be recoated without any need to remove the existing covering. The material is characterised by the fact that it offers full-surface adhesion to a multitude of substrates, which makes it impermeable. Short curing and closure times mean that projects can be completed quickly. As they are weatherproof, UV-resistant and hydrolysis-resistant, the proven polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based technologies are attractive and functional solutions.

Liquid waterproofing products can be applied in a wide range of colours and designs to add an individual touch to the appearance of industrial roofs. Coloured coatings can also be created to match the façade. While, on the one hand, they make the surface more robust, on the other they create

a harmonious appearance.

Liquid-applied waterproofing products have proven their worth as waterproofing solutions when used both in new builds and roof repair operations. Tested and certified products extend the intervals required between refurbishments. This minimises follow-up costs and guarantees that buildings will remain cost-efficient in the long term. Customers, meanwhile, benefit from a reliable solution that provides long-lasting protection. Experienced manufacturers advise planners and architects on the various options from the initial design phase through to project completion and even coordinate the system components too. In doing so, they further develop customer requirements together and create the best solution for a property. What’s more, they work with trained partner contractors so as to guarantee a reliable implementation process. Numerous sample projects implemented in real-life situations show just what individual requirements the material satisfies.