We have previously devoted articles to the suitability of our ALSAN range to waterproofing flat roofs, thanks to the product’s flame-free application, fast curing times and limitless aesthetic finishes. Yet these characteristics also make ALSAN liquid waterproofing an ideal solution for many other applications. In what follows, we will focus on waterproofing car parks – both new builds and car park refurbishments – with ALSAN PMMA. Using the right primer, ALSAN is compatible with virtually any substrate. The range can, for instance, be matched with SOPREMA bituminous membranes, and both come with a single-point warranty.
Car Parks Versus Rooftop Car Parks
A point of attention we would like to start with is the difference between car parks and rooftop car parks. While the latter application generally calls for a full waterproofing system involving ALSAN 770 and ALSAN 870 RS, quartz sand and a finish coat, lower decks benefit from the rooftop waterproofing and do not usually require a waterproofing layer of their own. For those intermediate levels, a primer with ALSAN 870 RS and a finish layer suffice, or ALSAN 971 F textured coating.
Refurbishments: Fast Curing Times Are Key
ALSAN is quick to apply, which makes it perfect for projects where time is of the essence, such as the refurbishment of car parks that have to remain open. To minimise downtime, applying ALSAN is easier than taking old asphalt layers out and installing new asphalt. After all, ALSAN can be applied section per section (enabling you to close off certain areas but keep others open). Moreover, because the product guarantees rapid curing, it is no exception for car parks to reopen to full capacity only an hour after ALSAN liquid waterproofing has been installed.
In car park refurbishments it can be advisable and necessary to carry out a structural concrete survey to determine any required remedial works prior to the application of the new waterproofing. SOPREMA can provide this survey as a part of our service.
Liquid Waterproofing: Easy to Apply
SOPREMA installs ALSAN globally in extremes of cold and hot climatic conditions. Moreover, our liquid waterproofing range is easy to apply. It can be spray-applied to speed up applying the product to the substrate, yet a roller is still required to ensure an even coat of product is applied. Minor repairs can be carried out quickly and effectively with minimal disruption.
Markings in Any RAL Colour
ALSAN liquid waterproofing allows you to choose from a wide range of RAL colours in various finishes which provide a long-lasting solution with minimal maintenance. Markings, such as the designation of parking bays, disabled bays, arrows, exits and fire exits can be easily carried out with ALSAN PMMA, too.
Slip Resistance
Slip resistance is an important aspect in car park flooring. ALSAN 870 RS provides a non-slip surface and meets a PTV value of 55+, ensuring that safety is maintained even when the surface is wet. Especially on car park ramps, the surface needs to provide sufficient grip for cars going up and down, so we supply ALSAN 971 F in different grades.
BBA Certificate for ALSAN Car Park Deck Systems
For use as waterproofing and wearing surfaces on car park decks, ALSAN 770/870 RS have been BBA certified, meaning that the British Board of Agrément deems the systems’ performance fit for their intended purpose and up to standard in terms of:
- Weathertightness (the systems will resist the passage of moisture into a structure),
- Properties in relation to fire (the systems can contribute to a structure being unrestricted under the national Building Regulations),
- Adhesion (the systems will resist the effects of any likely wind suction acting on the structure),
- Resistance to mechanical damage (the systems will accept the traffic loads, and the effects of thermal and other minor movement likely to occur in practice)
- Durability (under normal service conditions, the systems have a service life of at least ten years).
SOPREMA’s Solutions for Car Park Repairs
The ALSAN range has quite a few advantages over asphalt, for instance providing better movement capability. But sometimes a complete car park refurbishment using liquid waterproofing is not in order. Therefore, SOPREMA also supplies solutions for spot repairs in asphalt car parks, for example in the case of manholes in the tarmac. After cutting around the manhole, you can fill it with Stratos 78 (a fast-repair mortar resin that is part of our civil engineering range), rather than having to redo the surface in its entirety. Stratos 78 is just one of a few products you could use for this purpose.
The versatility of Liquid Waterproofing
ALSAN PMMA is ideal for waterproofing structures that have to provide vehicular access roadways. Would you like to find out more about ALSAN’s various applications? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our liquid waterproofing solutions.