Gulf Construction Online - Henkel’s TOM creates a stir

Manufacturers & Procurement

Henkel’s TOM provides excellent resistance to hydrostatic pressure.

Henkel’s TOM creates a stir

01 November 2017

Henkel Polybit Industries (Henkel) has added a whole new dimension to waterproofing with its Bituplus Ultra torch-on membranes (TOM), a product that is causing considerable excitement throughout the construction industry.

TOMs are polymer-modified bituminous membranes used as waterproofing for substructures and roofs. They are manufactured out of a mixture of bitumen and different polymers, such as APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), to influence cold temperature performance and elongation, and are coated onto a dimension-stable reinforcement (such as polyester) to influence mechanical properties like tear-strength and puncture resistance.

According to a spokesman for the UAE-based company, Bituplus Ultra products suit a variety of applications and have been developed with specially selected components and advanced technologies to offer premium quality and superior features and performance, even under extreme conditions. These include secured overlap joints sealing, resistance to high hydrostatic pressure, superior vertical adhesion, high strength and flexibility, ease of application, and excellent resistance to tearing and puncturing.

Elaborating on what gives this range its advanced features, the spokesman says: “The right blend of the high quality bitumen and polymers, coupled with various reinforcements, provides excellent resistance to high hydrostatic pressure, better flexibility, strength and heat resistance.

“In order to offer a superior sealing of the overlap joints, the polyester used as the carrier is positioned in a carefully chosen location, while the innovative, enhanced thermofusible film applied on the membrane has clear demarcation lines for proper alignment of the membranes with the recommended overlap area.”

A Bituplus Ultra TOM pack.

At Henkel Polybit’s state-of-the-art homogenising facility, the bitumen compound is enriched on its cohesive links at the microscopic level. This simply means a high-level close-knit interlocking between cells and uniform distribution of polymers that results in excellent adhesion of the molten bitumen compound during application, even on vertical surfaces.

Careful attention has been paid to the level of moisture, in order to offer a smooth finish. The pre-heated polyester rolls are dipped and squeezed in a coat of bitumen, to make them fully bitumen saturated. This saturation process not only enhances the bond of the bitumen compound with the carrier but also stops further absorption of water, during the cooling process.

In addition, Henkel Polybit has taken an innovative approach in communication for safety and easy use of its products. The Bituplus Ultra range of torch-applied bitumen waterproofing membranes are now manufactured with an enhanced thermofusible film, having clear visual features that aids the application of the membrane without any errors.

“With the revolutionary ‘Stick Timer’ feature embossed on the film, it will clearly define the time to the applicator to stick the membrane on the substrate. No more risk of under- or over-torching. A clear demarcation line leads to where there is proper alignment of the membrane with the recommended overlap area. This feature ensures the correct sealing of overlaps, together with elimination of wastage,” the spokesman says.

Henkel Polybit Industries can handle the most challenging waterproofing requirements from start to finish, providing a broad portfolio of industry-leading products that offer superior quality, ease and simplicity of application, and superior performance while preserving the Earth’s natural resources. The company’s philosophy especially highlights ecological leadership (SHEQ – safety, health, environment and quality) as one of its overriding principles.

The company is today one of the leading manufacturers of waterproofing products and construction chemicals in the entire Gulf region, with offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait and manufacturing facilities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It has a reputation for working hand-in-hand with leading consultants, architects and construction authorities in order to cater to the varied and constantly evolving needs of the construction industry.

“All over the GCC, craftsmen use quality products from Henkel Polybit to achieve excellent results with a high degree of application safety and reliability. Furthermore, due to the fact that the scope for product use varies according to regional conditions, all products and formulations are tested in and adapted to individual climates, even for extreme conditions,” the spokesman adds.

To strengthen its position in the region and offer the latest technologies and services to its customers, the company entered a joint venture in 2004 with Henkel, which is renowned worldwide for leading innovative brands and technologies in beauty care, laundry and home care and adhesives technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions, both in the consumer and industrial businesses, with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf, Loctite and Ceresit. With employees from more than 120 nations and locations around the world, Henkel has a strong presence both in mature and emerging markets.

The Adhesive Technologies business forms an integral part of its portfolio, providing tailor-made solutions in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings for consumers, craftsmen, building applications and industrial sector. The unit has a strong, well-balanced portfolio of international, regional and local brands, offering a multitude of applications to satisfy the needs of different target groups and markets. Henkel employs personnel working in research, product development and applications technology, generating a constant flow of new products and systems solutions.