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Many schools and local authorities have discovered the benefits of specifying liquid applied waterproofing systems, which provide a protective shield against mechanical, physical and environmental damage in combination with vastly improved aesthetics. Whether used in refurbishment or new build in the education sector, a liquid applied system will both prolong building life and add value to the structure.
Liquid waterproofing can be used on flat, pitched roofs, balconies and walkways, encompassing all typical school structures. Being liquid applied, these coatings are highly versatile. With traditional resurfacing materials, such as felt and asphalt, it can be difficult to achieve a 100% waterproof surface especially in areas where detailing is difficult. Protrusions such as pipes and surface-mounted rooflights cannot be easily protected by these materials alone. By contrast, liquid waterproofing can be applied anywhere where one can reach - providing total, fully adhered and seamless protection. A long-term solution to the problem of water ingress, liquid-applied coatings are highly durable and long-lasting, offering up to 25 years' protection.
The system will bond to a great many substrates, allowing its use for a broad range of specifications often without having to remove and dispose of the existing roof covering. This saves time and avoids the cost of removal and environmental issues associated with disposal. In many cases the cold applied roof system can be installed or repaired without the need for special arrangements, offering a further cost saving that also minimises disruption on the site. This can represent a major cost benefit to schools, causing little disruption to the learning environment. Also, the superior robustness and durability of cold applied waterproofing compared to other systems makes life cycle costings particularly attractive for facilities within an education/local authority portfolio. Today there is increasing acceptance of the use of liquid systems, which now account for a substantial, and rapidly increasing, proportion of the waterproofing market, offering many benefits for the schools and education sector in particular. Liquid waterproofing will tackle structural deterioration, due to a breakdown of the existing waterproofing or, in the case of new build, its omission altogether. These can include cracking of concrete, spalling, sag, corrosion of metal, rust, moisture traps, blisters and general aesthetic problems. The solutions available tend to be cost effective and are long term, offering offer high levels of fire and impact resistance and provide a hard wearing, skid resistant finish. Providing correct preparation is carried out, systems are capable of bridging cracks and coping with movement joints. Furthermore they are easy to keep clean and aesthetically pleasing as intended. This system avoids the use of heat or flames and instead uses specialist cold liquid resins to impregnate a fleece-based substrate which then cures to provide a waterproof membrane. Solvent-based systems are rapid-setting but may give off fumes whilst curing. Compared to hot-applied methods there are no fire risks or associated insurance, health and safety and operator restrictions – a huge consideration for specifers working on an education scheme. Cold applied liquid waterproofing systems are often vapour permeable allowing the building to breathe whilst the solvent-free options enable work to proceed without the need for evacuation or special arrangements.
When the time comes for first full maintenance, cold applied waterproofing can be easily refurbished usually by the application of an additional coat. Through development and improvement of the systems through the years, cold applied liquid waterproofing systems have been designed to withstand the toughest climatic conditions and are compatible with the majority of roof and balcony substrates. Some six million square metres of liquid applied roof coatings are installed in the UK each year. The movement away from hot works in roof refurbishment means this figure is rising as an increasing amount of specifiers and contractors are adopting this proven technology. A spokesman for ELWA said: “Cold liquid applied waterproofing is an ideal solution for maintenance and refurbishment waterproofing works, or as part of a new build programme, for schools. “It is a safe, fast action, versatile and highly robust system that satisfies the specific demands faced by specifers and contractors carrying out works on an education project. “In an uncertain economy, we as an industry are seeing a greater demand for our products and systems, by customers keen to utilise the significant benefits that liquid waterproofing offers. Further information regarding ELWA can be found at www.elwassociation.org.uk
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