A typical single ply membrane flat roof system can be expected to achieve a service life of at least 30 years. Care should be taken to distinguish between the durability of the single ply membrane by itself, and the expected service life of the flat roof system incorporating the membrane. As the components are exposedRead more

The most suitable flat roofing system specification is different for every project, and depends on a range of factors. The building size and use, any site constraints, available budget, speed of construction, and whether the roof will be subject to foot traffic, all influence the choice of structural deck, thermal insulation and flat roof waterproofing.Read more

The number and location of rainwater drainage outlets for a flat roof system is calculated using BS EN 12056-3. The calculation takes into account rainfall intensity, the roof form, and the use of the building. Outlets can be external downpipes served by gutters, or internal downpipes. National building regulations also set out requirements for roofRead more

The thermal transmittance, or U-value, of the complete roof system is calculated in accordance with established international standards. For the majority of flat roofs – built up in a series of material layers, each of a consistent thickness and performance – the most appropriate calculation type is the ‘combined method’ detailed in BS EN ISORead more

The number of fixings required to secure a flat roof build-up varies by project. Fixings secure the flat roofing system against wind uplift, and the more a roof is exposed to wind, the greater the number of fixings required. Wind uplift calculations, carried out in accordance with EN 1991-1-4, determine the number of fixings required.Read more

Single ply flat roofing systems should not be installed in adverse weather conditions. While British weather can be unpredictable, working in the best possible conditions improves quality and avoids corner cutting or poor practice. Substrates are typically expected to be clean and dry, making wet weather work undesirable. Materials should be protected from rain asRead more

IKO is sponsoring Kieran Smith, son of Rob Smith who works at the Clay Cross Pre-fabrication Department. Kieran is a young cyclist making a name for himself on a National level. He first started training as a tri-athlete just before his 9th birthday. In less than a year’s time, as a junior athlete, he wasRead more

Single ply membranes for flat roof waterproofing can be manufactured in special colours. Manufacturers typically offer a limited range of standard colours, with anything else subject to minimum order quantities and/or extended lead times. ‘Polymeric single ply membrane’ is a catch-all term for the different polymers that can be used to make flat roof waterproofingRead more

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 moreRead more

Ponding does not affect the performance or life expectancy of single ply membrane waterproofing. Nor does it typically affect the guarantee offered by the waterproofing manufacturer. However, all efforts should be made to avoid ponding. When flat roof drainage falls are not properly designed or constructed, the roof becomes less effective at shedding rainwater. AnyRead more