Building Fabric
Retrofitting Roofing Feature
Elevating roofing standards in social housing
Wayne Chissel of WestWood Liquid Technologies, discusses the urgent need to improve roofing standards in the housing sector and the role of PMMA liquid waterproofing systems
I
n the ever-evolving landscape of social housing, there is not only a pressing need for greater compliance but excellence in roofing and waterproofing standards. When refurbishing homes, durability and safety in social housing
should not be leſt to chance. Manufacturers appointed for these upgrades must be accountable and work with housing providers and specifiers to deliver products that exceed minimum requirements.
THE POWER OF PMMA When refurbishing a roof, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) liquid-applied waterproofing systems play a key role in raising both safety and quality standards. Although PMMA is not a new or emerging chemistry, it has significantly evolved. Tanks to ongoing research and development, PMMA provides a highly versatile and robust waterproofing system which can be used for various applications across the housing sector including flat roofs, balconies, walkways and car parking. PMMA-based systems, which are solvent free and cold applied, tend to have a
minimum of two components – the resin and a catalyst or activator. Contractors will mix the components together on site, starting an exothermic reaction to initiate the curing process. A polyester reinforcing fleece, which is first saturated within the
waterproofing layer, bonds the membrane to the substrate as it is applied in its wet state. Te surface layer is then installed onto the embedment coat while still wet to form a single, seamless membrane of uniform thickness.
34 | HMMApril/May 2024 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
SAFETY FIRST A key advantage of using a PMMA system is that it does not require an open flame to install on site, which is a huge health and safety benefit for the contractor, client and end user. To date, there have not been any incidents of fire recorded globally on a roof due to PMMA being installed. As with any construction site work, there are always risks associated with
building. At WestWood, our protocol is not to sell products to any contractor that hasn’t undertaken our mandatory contractor training. Tis is paramount to ensure the safe installation of our PMMA systems and guarantee a robust solution for the customer.
MINIMISING DISRUPTION Another reason why PMMA is so successful is that it can rapidly cure, making it ideal for occupied housing blocks. Te liquid membrane can be cured in as little as 15 to 20 minutes even at sub-zero temperatures. With variable amounts of catalyst added to the resin, the curing times can be controlled on site to suit the requirements of the installation team. Certain PMMA systems can also be applied in temperatures as low as -15°C.
Tis means projects can be completed in all weathers, reducing the risk of delays and further minimising disruption for residents. As a long-term solution, PMMA provides peace of mind too. With durable,
flexible and hard-wearing properties, PMMA ensures watertightness for up to 25 years. Tird-party accreditations such as BBA, ETA, and FM Approval
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