Cold liquid waterproofing offers benefits that can enhance the quality and efficiency of your flat roofing projects. This post explains suitable projects for exploring the use of cold liquid roofing systems and the advantages and opportunities they present for contractors.
Complex detailing
A great choice for flat roofs with multiple roof penetrations, the seamless Triflex cold liquid applied waterproofing quickly waterproofs complex details.
Self-terminating, there is no need for formers or termination bars, so whatever the tricky penetration, be they soil vents, pipe pockets, cables, extraction ducting, or skylights and mounts, Triflex liquid waterproofing solutions are quickly and easily applied. With elastomeric properties they can easily accommodate movement brought about by varying coefficient of expansion of the materials they adhere to.
Existing Roof Overlays
Triflex cold liquid waterproofing can be applied directly over virtually all types of existing flat roof waterproof membrane, making it an excellent choice for refurbishing projects. With over 7000 substrates tested, Triflex solutions demonstrate excellent compatibility, enabling failed single ply, bituminus substrates and others including EPDM to be overlaid. So where the strip up of the existing waterproofing isn’t practical or desired, overlaying can provide a quicker, simpler and more cost effective solution with less waste.
Repairs & Localised Damage
If the existing roof has localised damage, such as leaks or areas where the waterproofing has deteriorated, cold liquid waterproofing can be used for spot repairs. It provides a reliable and long-lasting solution for addressing specific problem areas on your roof. With specialist van ready kits for emergency temporary repairs available too.
Flat Roofs
Cold liquid waterproofing systems work well on all different types of flat roof.
Warm flat roofs have the insulation placed above the structural deck, typically directly beneath the waterproofing layer. This keeps the structural deck on the warm side of the roof build-up, reducing the risk of thermal bridging. The precise build-up and insulation requirement is dependent on the desired U-value. Triflex provide bespoke project specifications which include condensation risk analysis ensuring a durable warm roof solution. Triflex can also assist with tapered insulation schemes where falls are incorporated into roof build-ups for improved drainage.
Cold flat roofs feature insulation placed either within or below the structural deck. This build-up can create a temperature differential between the waterproofing and the structural elements, and is no longer recommended for flat roofs. Existing cold flat roof build-ups can be compatible with cold liquid waterproofing, but they require careful consideration of ventilation and condensation risk.
Triflex PMMA cold liquid waterpoofing also serves as the perfect waterproofing solution for inverted flat roofs, thanks to its exceptional resistance to hydrolysis. This quality ensures that the waterproof liquid roof membrane remains intact, even when exposed to long-term standing and ponding water. The inverted system can be seamlessly integrated with a range of overburden options. These typical configurations may consist of a geotextile filter fleece, extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, a water-reducing layer, and various overburden materials such as paving, decking (with or without pedestals), and ballast.
Pitches and substrates
A flat roof is accepted to be one with a pitch of no more than 10 degrees to the horizontal. The flat roof construction includes any one variety of materials below the waterproofing layer, which is termed the substrate. This could be concrete, plywood, OSB board, or an insuated build-up. The form of substrate could be flat, sloping or curved. Triflex cold liquid waterproofing adheres to many different types of substrates and is perfectly suited to flat roofs of practically all types. Our expertise ensures that standards BS 6229:2018, Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings, and BS 5250:2021 Management of moisture in buildings, are carefully considered in any bespoke project specification for your project.
Green Roofs
Triflex cold liquid waterproofing solutions are exceptionally well-suited for green roof build-ups, as they are inherently root and rhizome resistant. The liquid membranes provide robust waterproofing protection without adding significant weight to the roof structure.
They quickly cure, even in winter temperatures and become rainproof within 30 minutes, allowing for the completion of subsequent installation stages. Hydolysis resisitent, they ensure long-lasting protection for the foundational elements of your green roof, impervious to standing water and erosion, delivering decades of resilience.