Bitunil’s Nilo Sticks ... easy application, high flexibility.
Self-adhesive system does the trick
01 November 2010
WITH global safety and environmental issues playing a leading role in the choice of roofing materials and application methods, Bitunil has launched a new self-adhesive membrane system that address these requirements.
“Self-adhesive membrane systems address these issues, since they counter safety concerns associated with hot bitumen and torch applications and environmental issues regarding solvent-based cold adhesive applications,” says a spokesman for Bitunil.
Bitunil’s Nilo-Stick, a self-adhesive polymer-modified bituminous waterproofing membrane, is designed to combine the ease of application with superior mechanical properties and is aimed at fulfilling the needs of both local and international markets, he adds.
Nilo-Stick comprises SBS-modified bituminous waterproofing membranes with polyester or fibreglass reinforcements for different waterproofing applications above and below grade such as protected and exposed roofing, bridge decks, footings, foundations and substructures. The product range has an optional surface finish of polyethylene film, cross-laminated polyethylene, or mineral granules.
Elaborating on the application process, the spokesman says: “The membranes are easily applied by peeling back a release film covering the bottom adhesive side, and pressing firmly against the substrate using a small wooden/rubber roller.
“The product is highly flexible, and accommodates structural movements, and protects substructures against corrosive ground water and salts.”
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According to the spokesman, the Nilo-Stick self-adhesive product range is particularly suited for the waterproofing of:
• Buildings where use of flames is prohibited, such as renovation of historical or high security buildings; or those containing easily flammable materials, such as petrochemical facilities.
• Combustible material, such as wooden surfaces; and
• Buildings where residents are sensitive to fumes and odours such as schools and hospitals.
It is also recommended for use in areas where poor ventilation conditions exist during installation, as it eliminates the use of solvent-based coatings with high volatile organic content (VOC).
To ensure proper installation of the membranes, all surfaces that will receive the membrane must be clean, dry, and free of any oils or loose material, and must receive a coat of primer. The ideal application temperature is between 10 and 40 deg C, however for lower temperatures, it is essential to heat the primed surface prior to application using a torch or hot air. At above 40 deg C, it may be difficult to remove the release film and hence the material must be moved to a cooler area.
The membrane should always be protected to avoid damage caused by other trades, backfill material, tools, or earthmoving equipment.
Membrane rolls must be kept in their original packaging, stored in cool, dry conditions, and protected against weathering until they are to be laid out.
Nilo-Stick self-adhesive membranes are currently being applied in prestigious projects in Egypt such as Rasheed for Natural Gas, roofing of the planetarium at The Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport, maintenance works at Alexandria for Petrochemicals, and at Gasco Al America.
Bitunil is a leading manufacturer of modified bitumen membranes in Egypt and Africa.
The company was founded in 2000 by a group of Egyptian, Arab, and European well-established firms, with wide professional and industrial business experience, and international exposure. “The credibility of the founding group including Al Zamil Group, El Banhawi Group and The Egyptian Petroleum Sector set the course for Bitunil to be a leader in the roofing industry in the Middle East,” the spokesman says.
Its plant is located in Alexandria and is equipped with state-of-the-art production lines for the manufacture of high-quality products, in strict compliance with internationally-recognised standards. It has a design capacity of 25 million sq m of modified bitumen membranes (MBM) per annum.
Bitunil products comprise a wide range of torchable and self-adhesive MBM, designed to meet the requirements of most construction applications for various building types.
The company is expanding its product range to include complementary products to enhance its service to customers through integrated roofing and waterproofing total solutions.
