01 June 2010

UNIVERSAL Paint and Chemical Industries (Chemipaint), one of the leading manufacturers of coating and waterproofing materials, has launched a new-generation of waterproofing products that are designed to protect buildings in the region from water seeping into the structure.

Known as Roof Shield, it is a new material that is the first of its kind in the market and was developed following 20 years of scientific research, according to E Wolf, a German engineer who has recently joined the Abu Dhabi-based company as a waterproofing consultant.
“Buildings in the Gulf region, particularly the high-rises with underground parking, need to be protected from aggressive water passage and corrosion,” says Wolf. “The region is characterised by its harsh environmental conditions and aggressive ground water which takes its toll on buildings. Hence, an effective waterproofing system is vital to ensure the integrity of structures in the region.”
Wolf continues: “There are a number of waterproofing materials in the market such as bituminous membranes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and other waterproofing materials. Our material is based on a special modified acrylic polymer, unlike other waterproofing products that come as sheets or liquid form.”
Chemipaint’s waterproofing, he says, offers a range of benefits being a seamless membrane. Since it is a special liquid waterproofing, it can be applied to any shape and does not need angle fillers grooves or clamping rails with sealants. The system is suitable for various application areas – right from low-risk areas such as vertical surfaces through to the medium risk ones such as roofing and high-risk areas like building basements. Roof Shield protects from the main causes of waterproofing failure, according to Wolf.
He elaborates: “Waterproofing systems normally fail due to the choice of unsuitable material,  poor execution, improper installation of the system, and storage of the material without protection. Our system can be reinforced with special non-woven polyester to increase its puncture-resistance when required, unlike other conventional systems that cannot perform without auxiliary reinforcement. Moreover, Roof Shield is special because of its extraordinary elongation, which exceeds 400 per cent.”
Safety is achieved through ensuring an adequate thickness. “For example, vertical surfaces, which are not trafficked and do not have water loads, require a thinner layer that is watertight. For horizontal surfaces and basement areas, one has to take precautions as they are trafficked and exposed to stresses caused by construction works soon after application. We increase the thickness and the grade of the puncture-protection layers depending on the requirements. The thickness ranges from 0.3 mm up to 2 mm for roofs and up to 4 mm for basements,” he says.
“Another major advantage of Roof Shield is that even if there is a puncture and water may penetrate, it cannot travel as the system is fully bonded to the surface unlike with other products where water can travel long distances. Roof Shield bonds to all known surfaces, providing safe integration of penetrations into the waterproofing system,” Wolf continues. “And in case of damage, repairs can be easily executed even in areas with limited access, as the waterproofing system does not need preparation, welding or testing. Just apply the liquid waterproofing (Roof Shield), which will bond homogeneously with the damaged material of the repair area.”
Roof Shield is also an eco-friendly product, from the production stage and throughout the  time of use – there is no aging and no change of the physical or chemical characteristics. “It is UV (ultraviolet) resistant, does not generate emission or poisonous gases during installation or later, and doesn’t pollute ground water or harm plants unlike bituminous products, for example, on green roofs or planters. In addition, the material is recyclable,” Wolf points out.
Wolf has recently moved to the UAE from Germany to oversee Chemipaint’s projects.  “We do not just produce materials but also ensure that they are applied properly and expediently. We aren’t selling waterproofing material – we provide the client with the required solution. We do not work with applicators and have our own 120-strong trained workforce,” he says.
The company’s plans for the current year include launching natural paints and a new range of products offering waterproofing with thermal insulation.

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