Gulf Construction Online - Decothane ‘best suited’ for the region

Waterproofing

Decothane ‘best suited’ for the region

01 November 2007

Liquid Plastics says its Decothane elastomeric, waterproofing membrane – which has a successful track record of applications around the world – is well equipped to withstand the extreme climatic conditions experienced in the Middle East.

“In harsh climatic conditions such as those experienced in the region, it is imperative that buildings are effectively weatherproofed. Extreme temperatures can also cause thermal movement within structures, causing some inferior waterproofing systems to crack and fail. Decothane affords the best protection in these conditions,” says a spokesperson for the UK-based manufacturer.
“This moisture-triggered, twin-pack, polyurethane system is cold-applied as a liquid, eliminating the need for any heat or flame during application,” he explains. “Not only does this make it extremely safe and simple to apply but also, once installed, Decothane meets the highest fire retardance standards available, including DD ENV 1187:2002 Test Method 1, 2 and 3; FM (Factory Mutual) approval; and approval by the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).”
Decothane is also independently certified by the BBA (British Board of Agrément) and has achieved ETA (European Technical Approval) to last at least 10, 15, 20 or 25 years depending upon the system specified, he adds.
Elaborating on the system’s advantages, the spokesman says: “Its liquid application means that Decothane can easily encapsulate detail work and upstands within its seamless, elastomeric membrane without the risk of joints and other weak points that can lead to earlier failure of the waterproofing system. It is also this elasticity that allows Decothane to absorb any structural movement without cracking. Furthermore, all work can be carried out with minimal disruption and without the need to close the building.
“Decothane is a highly durable waterproof membrane that is resistant to abrasion, impact damage and will tolerate foot traffic and attack by airborne pollutants. Nor will the membrane degrade as a result of prolonged exposure to ultra-violet light – a key benefit in areas such as the Middle East that experience intense sunlight for the majority of the year.
“When applied in solar reflective white, Decothane will reflect damaging UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun and emit the majority of heat that is absorbed. This results in a lower surface temperature on the roof and, in turn, decreases the amount of heat that is transferred into the building below. Ultimately, building owners can achieve cost savings through the reduction of energy use that is typically associated with cooling a higher temperature building. As a result, Decothane has earned the Energy Star accreditation from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a government-backed programme designed to help businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
“In addition to the Decothane waterproofing system, the membrane can also be used as part of a complete built-up system, either as a warm roof or an inverted roof subject to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.”
One recent example of this type of application is on the roof of the new Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, where 23,000 sq m of Liquid Plastics’ inverted roof system was used.