CPD Specifier May 2015 issue September 2015 | Page 27

Roofing

Moving forward with new innovation
By Martyn Holloway, Business Development Manager - Flat Roof at SFS intec
Innovation is an essential component required
to ensure that an industry can keep pace
with changing technological and commercial
needs. SFS intec’s Business Development
Manager, Martyn Holloway, argues that roofing
contractors should grasp new innovation
opportunities to additionally realise increased
operational efficiency, installation cost savings
and to also assist reduce corporate risk.

Within the UK, single ply membrane is most commonly installed using
adhesive or mechanical fastening methods, with in-seam fastening
remaining the most popular application for flat roofing.
THE INNOVATION
Just over twelve months ago saw the launch of a new generation induction
welding system for the attachment of single ply membranes. Suitable
for both PVC and TPO membranes, the isoweld® system uses heat
induction to weld the membrane to a specially coated metal stress plate
located underneath the membrane which is mechanically fastened to
the substrate. The heat induction welding method provides an extremely
secure fix, without penetrating the waterproof membrane.
The isoweld® coated stress plates are installed with a range of thermally
broken sleeves which ensure that the heat loss through the fastener is
negated and thereby a correction factor is unnecessary.
The polyethylene Vapour Control Layer (VCL) and insulation boards
are loose laid onto the deck following manufacturer’s instructions. The
specially coated stress plates (and sleeves) are fastened through the
insulation layer in a pattern required in accordance with the wind load
calculations. The single ply waterproofing is then rolled out and the
membrane is seam welded in the usual manner. The isoweld® 3000
machine then is used to weld the membrane to each stress plate through
the method of induction. Each weld takes less than 7 seconds and
following this a magnet is applied to the surface of the membrane to
secure the weld and assist the cooling process.

COST SAVINGS
For the reasons indicated above, experience has shown that new
generation induction welding can offer significant cost saving opportunities
in comparison with established in-seam and adhesive membrane
fastening systems. This is enhanced appreciably where locations are
severely exposed, for example on high rise buildings or coastal locations.
Since launch more than 500,000m2 of single ply membrane has been
successfully installed with isoweld® across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Applications have been for new build, refurbishment, high and low rise
projects. Feedback from contractors has been very good and extremely
positive with respect to the ease of application and to the significant extent
of measurable cost saving benefits.

BENEFITS VERSUS IN-SEAM INSULATION
Using the new generation induction welding, field fix system enables the
installer to use the widest membranes available and thereby significantly
reduce the amount of seam welding required. Additionally because
fixing is not in-seam then less overlap is required offering increased
membrane coverage. Up to 40% fewer fasteners are required using new
generation induction welding. For metal deck applications, the direction of
the membrane installation may be either at right angles or parallel to the
crown direction, which can offer more efficient installation. For exposed
locations, the new generation induction welding field fix system offers both
further reduced numbers of fasteners and linear metres of seam welding
whilst evenly distributing the wind load over the membrane surface.

REDUCED RISK
The contractor should ensure that the entire fastening system is fully
covered under warranty and in the case of new generation induction
welding that means both the fastener and the weld. If the fastener
alone is covered and the weld fails, contractors could find themselves
in real danger and footing expensive rectification costs. Suppliers of
new generation tools, such as SFS intec with isoweld® can provide such
warranties due to the multiple safety features which ensure that achieving
an optimum fixing quality is virtually independent of the operator or
working environment.

THE BENEFITS VERSUS ADHESIVE APPLICATION

CONCLUSION

Using new generation induction welding permits the use of a loose laid,
polyethylene VCL below the insulation layer. There is no need to prime
the deck nor need to use more expensive, adhered bituminous or foil
faced bituminous VCL’s for non, high humidity projects. Adhesive bonding
of the insulation and membrane layers can also be avoided. Essentially
using new generation induction welding requires fewer components and
additionally there are no wind load restrictions for exposed locations.

SFS INTEC

The roofing industry