Since Safe2Torch was introduced in July 2017, specification writers have been faced with a more limited choice of materials. After all, the NFRC’s guidelines discourage or outright forbid hot works such as welding, torch-on roofing or bitumen boilers in areas at risk of fire. This is, for instance, the case with combustible substrates such as a timber roof deck or timber upstands, expansion joints filled with combustible fillers, hanging tiles or lantern rooflights, and membrane roofs adjoining a pitched roof. Thankfully, there are several premium alternatives to torch-on roofing solutions available from SOPREMA, such as self-adhesive and liquid waterproofing systems.
Self-Adhesive and Liquid Waterproofing
To prevent the need for hot works, SOPREMA has developed a number of BBA-approved self-adhesive solutions as well as cold-applied bituminous waterproofing membranes. They involve the use of a SOPRALENE OPTIMA capsheet and SOPRACOL, a cold-bonding adhesive. In addition, SOPREMA has an extensive range of liquid waterproofing solutions (ALSAN PPMA) that come with many advantages in addition to being Safe2Torch. ALSAN 770, for instance, is a BBA-certified, durable, rapid-curing and self-terminating resin that guarantees both speed and ease of application, even in the most challenging circumstances.
When it comes to selecting the best Safe2Torch solution for flat areas, the difference between bonding your waterproofing material to a horizontal or a vertical area is key. In the first instance, where gravity will help keep the material in place, both self-adhesive and liquid systems are perfectly suited. For vertical areas where the bitumen membrane cannot be activated with warm air, a liquid solution is the default recommendation to achieve a robust, seamless and hard-wearing detail.
Insulation and Drying Methods
If there is insulation on the roof, it is vital to remember that the use of a self-adhesive membrane requires an insulation layer with a different facing, too. When you have, for example, a torch-board in the centre of the roof that needs to change to self-adhesive in the flame-free zone (a minimum of 900 mm width around perimeters, details and areas where combustible materials are present, as specified by Safe2Torch), the insulation board has to change to tissue-faced as well. SOPREMA has recently undertaken an approval program of all of its waterproofing and insulation systems. This ensures that, along with the Safe2Torch requirements, the systems we offer all meet the requirements of BROOFT4 according to Amended Document B.
Lastly, Safe2Torch not only has repercussions for the installation of the waterproofing layer itself, but on the preparatory phase as well. For many types of waterproofing systems, the substrate needs to be completely dry. This drying out of the roof also has to be done safely, and the quickest and most effective tool remains a gas torch. In situations where handling a gas torch is potentially hazardous, alternative drying methods are in order, such as wiping with dry rags, wet vacs or mops, or the use of electricity-driven equipment such as hot-air blowers.
Having pledged support to the Safe2Torch campaign, SOPREMA helps specifiers select the best alternatives to torch-on membranes. Please contact us should you require more information on our Safe2Torch products and systems.