In accordance with BS6229:2003 the recommended finished fall of a flat roof is 1 in 80 (0.72⁰) however it should be designed to 1 in 40 (1.44⁰) to allow for material deflection and substrate inconsistencies to allow free drainage of rainwater.
FAQ
2. I have ponding water on my Armourplan/Spectraplan roof; will this affect the waterproofing performance or life expectancy?
Ponding water is not detrimental to the life expectancy or waterproofing integrity of the membrane and will not affect the guarantee offered. Ponding water should be avoided if possible as it can add loading to the structure, be visually unappealing and may cause a potential health and safety issue in colder weather.
3. What standard colours are available in Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes?
Armourplan is available in Mid Grey (RAL 7046), Slate Grey (RAL 7015) and Light Grey (RAL 7047) colours. Spectraplan is available in Light Grey (RAL 7035). Please note these are the closest RAL numbers.
4. Can you manufacture a special colour membrane for my roof?
Yes, Armourplan membranes can be manufactured to any RAL reference colour. Spectraplan TPE membrane colours are harder to formulate and you should check with your local Business Manager to find out what is possible. Minimum quantities apply to bespoke colour production runs.
5. Can Armourplan/ Spectraplan roofing systems be installed in adverse weather conditions?
Generally speaking roofing systems should not be installed in adverse weather conditions. It is not recommended to trap water within the roofing system and roofing materials should be kept clean and dry.
Generally adhesives, cleaners and sealants have a +5⁰C operating limit restricting their use in colder months. In cold weather conditions a mechanically fastened roof system may be more suitable for installation purposes.
Saying all that, IKO Polymeric has recently launched a new adhesive called IKOpro PUMA Zero. This adhesive can be used at temperatures as low as 0 c° degree and can be used for insulation attachment in addition to its use as a fleece backed membrane adhesive.
6. Can IKO Polymeric calculate the number of fixings required to secure the roofing system?
Yes, IKO polymeric can undertake wind uplift calculations in accordance with EN 1991-1-4 to design the fixing layout needed for a specific roof. This calculation must be carried out prior to installing the roof system to ensure it is adequately secured against wind uplift forces. Please contact our Technical Services team or your local Business Manager for this service.
7. Can IKO Polymeric calculate the U Value of the roofing system?
Yes, IKO Polymeric can undertake U Value calculations in accordance with BS EN ISO 6946 on proposed new build and refurbishment roof build ups to enable the correct thickness of thermal insulation to be used in accordance with current Building Regulations and building design criteria. We can also perform a condensation risk analysis in accordance with BS EN ISO 13788on the roof construction to ensure there will be no problem associated with interstitial condensation. Please contact our Technical Services team or your local Business Manager for this service.
8. Can IKO Polymeric calculate the number of rainwater outlets required to drain the roof area?
Yes, IKO Polymeric can undertake roof drainage calculations in accordance with EN 12056 on proposed new build and refurbishment roof build ups to enable the correct number of IKO rainwater outlets are used to successfully drain the roof areas. Please contact our Technical Services team or your local Business Manager for this service.
9. Can IKO Polymeric provide a specification for the most suitable roofing system for my project?
Yes, IKO Polymeric can provide a project specific specification based on the site and project specific requirements. The specification covers the entire roof construction from structural deck to the waterproofing and can include thermal, acoustic, wind loading and specific detailing requirements. Please contact your local Business Manager for this service.
10. How long can I expect my Armourplan/Spectraplan roofing system to last?
Armourplan and Spectraplan roofing membranes are independently tested and accredited by the British Board or Agreement (BBA) and have a service life in excess of 30 years. However if correctly maintained a longer life span is expected and IKO have existing Armourplan roofs over 40 years old that are still in service.
11. What are the maintenance recommendations for Armourplan/Spectraplan roofing systems?
General
Roof maintenance, as with any part of the building, is essential in order to comply with the waterproofing system guarantee and to ensure maximum performance and life expectancy.
Access
Access to the roof must only be allowed under supervision of the BuildingManager or the person responsible for building maintenance.All personnel given permission to access the roof must be instructed touse the dedicated access/walkways provided and be fully advised of thehealth and safety procedures required by the site or that of the individualroof concerned. Where roof working/access, other than light foot trafficis required, adequate protection must be provided.
Protection
During routine maintenance to plant or the building fabric, the flat roofingsystem must be protected against damage by point loading, spillages ofsolvents and sharp objects such as nails, fixings, trims, glazing panels etc.The roof must not be used as a storage area.Any materials used by following trades must be cleared on completion.
Alterations
Additional units, penetration or fixings that may be required should be referredto IKO Polymeric or the original roofing contractor prior to any works beingcarried out.Any approved additional waterproofing works must be carried out withthe full knowledge of IKO Polymeric and by the IKO Polymeric approvedcontractor.
Inspections
The roofing should be inspected twice yearly, preferably in the spring andautumn, and/or after extremes of weather conditions.
It is important to check the following:
- Check that roof outlets are functioning and gratings arenot blocked.
- Check waterproofing to roof light kerbs.
- Check flashings to perimeter upstands, ensuring metal cappings aresecure.
- Check flashings to expansion joints and that cappings are secure.
- Check upstand flashings to support legs.
- Check walkways and around access points to ensuredamage/displacement has not occurred to walkway or concretepaviours.
Any algal growth or silt build up should be cleaned off using a soft bristlebroom and clean water.
Check condition of any flexible sealants in use that they still provide aweatherproof finish; arrange to replace any that are not.
Cleaning
Generally clean water and a soft broom should be used. A mild householddetergent can be added to the water. The area should be hosed with cleanwater on completion. Please contact the local authority for approval for the useof any detergents that may wash into the drainage system.
Accidental Damage
In the event of accidental damage occurring to the membrane, the installingcontractor and/or IKO Polymeric should be notified immediately in order that apractical solution to the problem can be agreed and any remedial actions taken.Failure to make contact with IKO Polymeric could invalidate any guarantees. As a temporary measure a self-adhesive tape can be applied to the surface of the membrane to prevent water ingress. Under no circumstances should a bituminous based tape product be used.
12. What is the difference between IKO enertherm MG and IKO enertherm ALU board?
IKO enertherm MG board is faced with a mineralised glass fibre and is specified when a torch-bonded underlayer is to be used beneath the cap sheet. IKO enertherm ALU board is faced with aluminium foil which further increases thermal efficiency and can only be used with self-adhesive underlayers.
13. What is the minimum upstand height required for a single ply roof?
The requirement of a 150mm waterproofing upstand is fundamental to reliable detailing. However, working with building insurers and the residential sector, SPRA is aware of the requirement for unimpeded access to balconies and roof-level terraces in many designs. In this situation only, the requirement has been reduced to 75mm at the opening, provided that the following conditions are met:
- Rapid removal or rainwater across the width of the opening, by including a proprietary drainage channel in front of the
- The waterproof membrane extends 150mm height in the door reveal and roof/abutment wall
- The waterproof membrane flashing extends fully below the door frame bottom rail and is sealed to
- A horizontal gap of minimum 10mm between frame front edge and drainage
For more detailed information, click here to read our blog article on flat roof upstand requirements.
14.. What products/materials are incompatible with Armourplan/Spectraplan membranes?
Generally speaking other Hydrocarbon based products are not compatible with the membranes these include the following common building materials.
- Bituminous products, membranes, tapes and solutions
- Solvents
- Extruded and expanded polystyrene when used beneath Armourplan SM and P membranes
- Liquid detailing/repair products
- Certain silicone and mastic sealants
- Paints
- Rubber based products – EPDM seals, rooftop plant mounting protection pads
- Other plastic membranes
- Petrol, Diesel and grease
In certain instances an IKOtex separation fleece layer or a SG/PSG fleece backed membrane can be used to provide a barrier between some of the items mentioned above. Please contact the Technical Services team for more advice.
15. Where the walkway membrane should be used?
Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes are suitable to receive occasional light maintenance foot traffic with no additional protection however the smooth surface finish can become slippery when wet or frosty so appropriate care should be taken. For more regular maintenance foot traffic embossed Armourplan or Spectraplan walkway membrane should be installed by hot air welding to the membrane surface in areas where the foot traffic route is likely to occur such as to roof top M&E plant or where cleaning of rooflights and gutters is to occur.
16. What are the recommendations for installing roof mounted plant and M&E equipment on to the roof area?
Large items of plant should be mounted on a steel frame supported on stub columns that penetrate the roof build up. Ideally the columns should be either circular of square sections to make waterproofing them as easy as possible for the roofing contractor. Cowls should be fitted at least 150mm above the finished roof level to provide protection to the detail. Consideration should be made to allow future access to the membrane beneath the plant for remedial works and inspections without decommissioning the equipment.
Smaller items can be mounted on either paving slabs with a sacrificial layer of membrane beneath them to protect the primary waterproofing layer or specifically designed plant support systems that are available. If these have rubber feet a layer of IKOtex fleece should be installed between the base of the foot and the waterproofing membrane to avoid any compatibility issues arising.
Cables and pipes that need to return back into the building through the roof should be taken through a swan neck pipe detail finished in accordance with the IKO polymeric standard pipe construction detail. If cables and pipes need to penetrate an upstand the penetration should occur a minimum of 150mm above the finished roof level and be waterproofed with an appropriate cowl.
17. In what instance should I use type D detailing membrane?
‘D’ detailing membranes should only be used where flexibility and stretch of the membrane is required. Typical applications would be forming external corners, pipe details and connecting membrane strips in gutters and coated metal upstands. D membrane should not be used to form upstands or other large areas where SM or P membrane variants would be more suitable.
18. Can only approved contractors and trained operatives install Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes?
Yes, IKO Polymeric only supply materials to our registered contractor network. This ensures that all contractors are conversant with our systems and the site operatives have been trained in the installation. In addition IKO Polymeric Field Engineers inspect all installations prior to issuing a project warranty to ensure that we are satisfied with the install. This approach ensures that a high standard of workmanship is received by the client and building owner giving a trouble free roof installation for years to come.
19. Is there a limit to how high I can bond an upstand?
Technically there are no limitations however the practicality of this can sometimes be prohibitive. Large upstands are difficult to handle and the working time of the contact adhesive may mean that it needs to be applied in small sections in windy or hot conditions where it will dry quicker.
20. Are Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes suitable for use on sloping roofs?
Yes there is no limit on the roof slope.
21. Are Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes suitable for use on ballasted / terrace roof areas?
Yes, IKO Polymeric membranes can be used to waterproof terrace roofs and this makes great use of a rooftop space as an amenity.Additional care should be taken when installing paving or stone ballast on to the roof to avoid mechanical damage to the membrane, we suggest that an IKOtex protection fleece is installed prior to loading the roof with its finish. Paving slabs should be a minimum of 50mm thick and installed on IKO paving support pads. Stone ballast should be 32-40mm graded river washed rounded stone installed in a minimum thickness of 50mm. If timber decking is used the membrane beneath should either be mechanically fixed or adhered as the weight of decking is not sufficient to be used in a loose laid membrane system. Care should be taken when treating the decking with a timber preservative, only a water based one is recommended to avoid any detrimental effect on the membrane beneath.
22. Are Armourplan and Spectraplan membranes suitable for use in green roof systems?
Yes, IKO Polymeric membranes can be used to waterproof green roofs. Green roofs are an ideal way to promote wildlife and fauna in an urban setting, make a building blend into the landscape or slow down rainfall runoff as part of a SUDS system. If the green roofing system used is lighter than 80Kg/m2 as a dry weight the membrane beneath should either be mechanically fixed or adhered as the weight of the green roof system is not sufficient to be used in a loose laid membrane system. It is a guarantee requirement that the IKO Polymeric membrane is electronically leak tested prior to installing the green roof system.
23. Do IKO Polymeric offer installer training, if so what is the cost?
Yes we train up to 6 operatives at a time at our specialist training centre in Chesterfield for our approved contractors. The training course runs between 2 to 3 days depending on the operatives experience. After they have completed the training course they are issued a fitters card and their work is monitored on site by our team of Field Engineers. Training courses are free of charge. Please contact our Technical Services team or your local Business Manager for more details on how to become an approved contractor.
24. My roof has been damaged. How can it be repaired?
In the event of accidental damage occurring to the membrane, the installing contractor and/or IKO Polymeric should be notified immediately in order that a practical solution to the problem can be agreed and any remedial actions taken. Failure to make contact with IKO Polymeric could invalidate any guarantees. As a temporary measure a self-adhesive tape can be applied to the surface of the membrane to prevent water ingress. Under no circumstances should a bituminous based tape product be used.
25. What is the best way of storing materials on site?
IMA – If PIR Insulation boards are to be stored on site prior to installation then, ideally, boards should be stored inside. However, if outside storage is the only option then boards should be stacked clear of the ground and covered with an opaque polythene sheet or weatherproof tarpaulin. Boards that have been allowed to get wet prior to installation should not be used unless they have been dried out and assessed fit for purpose.
SPRA – Insulation boards must be protected from weather whilst stored and during installation. The wrapping on boards as delivered is not a suitable weather protection. If internal storage is not possible, boards must be protected by waterproof sheeting secured against wind load and fitted such that some air movement below is possible to avoid accumulation of condensation.
BS6229 – 8.4 – Materials should be stored under cover, clear of the ground. The same protection should be given to materials temporarily stored outdoors or on the roof during construction. If materials become wet, measures should be taken to dry them out, before, during and, if possible, after construction, but wetted materials that are susceptible to weakening and distortion should always be replaced. Materials that’s can regain normal strength and stiffness on re-drying should be dried out before being used or subjected to load.
27. Is my guarantee affected if IKO Polymeric products are used in conjunction with non IKO Polymeric products?
We will not issue guarantees on projects where IKO Polymeric products have been installed with other manufacturer’s products, unless otherwise approved prior to installation by IKO Polymeric’s Technical Department.
28. What does IKO Polymeric roof guarantee cover?
We offer three different guarantees depending on our involvement in the project:
a. Product Guarantee
b. Product + Design Guarantee
c. Product + Design + Workmanship Guarantee
Please contact our Technical Services Team for information on each guarantee type.
