Waterproofing
Discover our wide portfolio of waterproofing systems and find the solution that perfectly meets your specific project requirements.
Waterproofing a building is crucial to preserving the structure, enhancing longevity and ensuring the ultimate occupant comfort.
At SOPREMA, we are committed to advancing our expertise in waterproofing technologies for both buildings and civil engineering. With over 300 BRoof(t4) compliant systems and customised solutions, you can trust SOPREMA to deliver the perfect solution for your needs.
Our warranties extend up to 40 years, with the 40-year warranty available exclusively for complete system build-ups, providing comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
Applications
View our waterproofing solutions suitable for all applications and requirements.
Bituminous Waterproofing
Bituminous waterproofing has been SOPREMA’s core activity for over a hundred years now. Our offer has been continually evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry, and various systems are available to provide solutions for all types of flat roof constructions.
Benefits and Applications
SOPREMA’s bituminous waterproofing membranes come with an impressive array of advantages, such as excellent strength, resistance and adherence; minimising the chance of leaks. Moreover, we owe our presence in bitumen membranes to our membranes’ longevity and the fact that they are unaffected by building movement. The waterproofing material absorbs stresses and can stretch without affecting underlying layers like insulation. It even remains supple under extreme temperatures of up to -30°, making it exceptionally easy to apply. SOPREMA’s bituminous membranes do not contain any toxic substances and are completely pH neutral. This makes the material very suitable for rainwater recovery with retention roofs.
Our bituminous waterproofing products are available in various thicknesses, as well as in countless finishes and a wide range of colours, ensuring the necessary aesthetic appeal. As BBA approved and B ROOF(t4) compliant solutions, SOPREMA’s waterproofing systems are sure to perform well under any circumstances. Flame-free waterproofing options are also available for projects where hot works are restricted and to comply with Safe2Torch.
Through new technology and countless finishes, our bituminous membranes complement all forms of architecture, constituting an excellent choice for both new build and refurbishment projects involving flat roofs.
A typical bituminous build-up starts with an approved substrate, to which a primer is applied. Subsequently, the vapour control layer is installed, followed by the insulation material and the underlay. A capsheet completes the build-up. Lastly, our bituminous range ensures a seamless finish of upstands and complex detailing.
Modified Bitumen: 2 Types
SOPREMA offers various types of roofing made of modified bitumen: elastomer (SBS) and plastomer (APP). SBS modified bitumen has proven to be one of the most reliable technologies in the waterproofing industry. Indeed, most of SOPREMA’s roof waterproofing membranes are SBS waterproofing membranes, but our APP roofing systems are not without their merits either.
SBS Bitumen
SBS modified bituminous roofing membranes consist of styrene butadiene polymer resins modified with synthetic rubber. Our SBS membranes have a high content of SBS. This ensures they are easy to install and perform over the lifetime of the product. Compared to the plastomer (APP) range, SBS bitumen takes less heat to install and allows for faster application. It can even be installed with cold adhesives in situations where open flames are not permitted. Lastly, SBS-bitumen is more flexible when compared to the plastic used in APP, and therefore perfectly able to withstand the challenges of hot and cold climatic weather conditions year after year, as well as building movement.
APP Modified Bitumen
APP modified bitumen, in turn, is a plastic bitumen blend modified with plastic in the form of atactic polypropylene (APP). APP bitumen requires more heat to install due to the product modification (this type of plastic melts into a liquid wax when torch-applied). This makes it ideal when installing products in hotter seasons. APP bitumen is a more free-flowing liquid than SBS, making it more user-friendly, too. Thanks to the ease of melting, APP-modified bitumen is also popular for smaller roofs. And because the product is less heat sensitive than SBS, it is an ideal choice for distributors and merchant stockists.
Installing Bitumen Membranes
SOPREMA bituminous membranes can be installed in four ways:
Mechanically Fixed
Firstly, they can be mechanically fixed. To help you determine the necessary amount of fixings per square metre, SOPREMA offers a calculations service per roofing area (from the perimeter area to the corners).
Torch-Applied
Torch-applied remains the most popular method when it comes to installing bitumen. This option obviously requires the substrate to be free of any fire hazards or combustible materials.
Adhesive
SOPREMA also offers cold-applied adhesives for use on substrates where the use of a flame is prohibited.
Self-Adhesive
Lastly, there is our self-adhesive membrane technology: safe, easy to use and quick to install. Like our cold-applied adhesives, this technology provides significant advantages in terms of reducing the exposure of the substrate to flame.
Synthetic Waterproofing
SOPREMA’s 2007 acquisition of FLAG, a worldwide specialist in high-performance synthetic waterproofing, allowed us to expand our waterproofing offer with membranes that are lightweight as well as fully recyclable. We are continually working on new generations of synthetic waterproofing products for a wide range of applications.
Benefits and Applications
Waveform roofs, curved structures and mono-pitch roofs are amongst the many and varied profiles that FLAG can deliver watertight systems for, utilising a completely flame-free application on site. Our synthetic range of systems is suitable in both new build and refurbishment scenarios. Any RAL colour can be matched with our synthetic membranes, as well as graphic elements such as symbols and logos. The number of finishes that can be achieved mean that designers and architects can be creative whilst providing a functional, versatile and stunning project.
Two Types
Synthetic or single-ply membranes come in two types: PVC and TPO membranes.
TPO: Benefits
TPO waterproofing membranes utilise thermo-plastic polymer technology. One of these membranes, FLAGON EP-PR, was the first TPO single-ply membrane to receive a certified BRE Green Guide A+ rating, making it particularly suited to green roof and sustainability driven projects.
TPO: Key Characteristics
TPO membranes are characterised by their excellent weldability and flexibility, exceptional dimensional stability and high weather and UV resistance. They are non-toxic, providing a perfect solution for waterproofing brown roofs, living roofs and other applications where potable water collection is required. Also important for living roofs, is TPO’s high resistance to puncturing, root growth and micro-organisms.
In addition to being resistant to a wide range of chemical attacks, TPO waterproofing membranes are compatible with most insulation materials, including EPS and XPS, as well as with oxidised bitumen; they are adaptable to structural movement and environment and user friendly. Approved by both the BBA and FM, and their life expectancy exceeding 30 years, our TPO membranes offer precious peace of mind as well as ease of use . Last but not least, our TPO range is available in two RAL colours: RAL 7012 (dark grey/black) and RAL 9016 (white/black), with solar reflectance index 95, according to the ASTM E 1980 standard.
PVC: Benefits
Flagon PVC (polyvinylchloride) systems are particularly suited to roofing applications such as stadiums, supermarkets, distribution centres, production facilities and complex profile designs.
PVC: Key Characteristics
PVC waterproofing membranes remain flexible at low temperatures, unaffected by hot-cold cycles and offering high mechanical resistance and resistance to static and dynamic puncturing. The membranes are vapour permeable, adaptable to structural movement and rot proof, as well as resistant to weathering and UV radiation. Other attractive features of our PVC waterproofing membranes include their life expectancy (+35 years) and wide range of colours (almost any RAL colour available), as well as the fact that they are all BBA approved.
Our products are available in mechanically fixed and adhered options, providing versatile application features and benefits whilst retaining the 35-year life expectancy.
Copper and Silver Art
Our COPPER & SILVER ART PVC waterproofing membranes contain copper or aluminium particles, combining the advantages of synthetic roofing (such as reduced costs and improved performance) with the benefits of traditional metal roofing (the stunning look of copper or silver).
Installing Synthetic Waterproofing
Synthetic waterproofing membranes allow for simple, and perhaps even more importantly, flame-free installation. This exceptionally safe product can be fully adhered, loose laid, hot air welded or mechanically fixed with the laps hot air welded to ensure integrity.
Mechanically fixed
Mechanically fixed TPO or PCV membranes usually involve a build-up consisting of a vapour layer and an insulation layer, followed by the waterproofing layer.
Fully adhered
Opting for a fully adhered system requires, first of all, a primer and vapour layer, followed by an insulation adhesive and the actual insulation, again followed by an adhesive and, finally, the waterproofing layer.
Loose laid/ballasted
TPO and PCV waterproofing membranes are also often loose laid, and ballasted with, for instance, green roofing components.
Hot air welded
Lastly, hot air welding is always used to secure the overlaps. This can be performed by the use of hand welders or automated welding machines. The laps are then probed with a seam probe to check integrity post-application.
Liquid Waterproofing
When it comes to liquid waterproofing, SOPREMA offers a superior solution in the form of our ALSAN range of cold applied liquid resin systems.
Benefits and Applications
ALSAN proves its worth in both new build and refurbishment projects, especially when waterproofing using traditional membranes is difficult or even impossible, such as is the case with walkways, gutters, wet rooms, showers, stadia, parking decks, ramps and stairways. In addition, our liquid waterproofing membranes are used on (flat) roofs, in areas where joints are prohibited, for projects where the use of a flame is prohibited, and in buildings difficult to access with bulky equipment. The product is also ideal in complicated upstand scenarios where it proves difficult to apply a sheet form product. It is compatible with all of our other waterproofing systems, making it seamless in appearance and providing longevity, peace of mind and a single-point warranty. Lastly, ALSAN is the go-to solution for balconies and terraces, and surfaces exposed to a wide range of harsh chemicals. Our cold applied liquid resin systems are, for instance, an ideal surface for car parks and similar facilities.
ALSAN is flexible and easy to use, but those are not the only advantages this BBA-certified product has to offer. Other key characteristics include its fast curing times (allowing you to move from primer to finish in a matter of just a few hours), its resistance to chemicals and the possibility of low temperature application (as low as -5 °C). The low odour formulation of our liquid resins, the absence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and the fact that they are cold applied make them very mindful of the health and safety of their users. Furthermore, ALSAN systems are fully bonded, creating monolithic constructions. In refurbishment projects, they eliminate the need to remove and dispose of existing roof coverings, thus proving a very cost-effective and hassle-free solution.
In terms of finishes, there is a wide range available for non-slip and aesthetics, including many colour options that guarantee ultimate design flexibility. Lastly, ALSAN’s finishing coats are UV resistant.
SOPREMA's Liquid Waterproofing Range
ALSAN PMMA Waterproofing Membranes
Our offer of PMMA or polymethyl methacrylate liquid applied membranes is complete, including accessories and reinforcements cold applied in liquid form.
Various Decorative Finishes
SOPREMA’s PMMA range includes various finishes, including Deco finish (smooth), Deco finish+ (extra smooth), Deco protect (rough, non-slip), Deco protect+ (rough + ALSAN deco chips), Deco structure (mineral parging) and Deco mix (orange peel parging). To give the user total aesthetic freedom, these products are available in any RAL colour.
Possible Systems
PMMA waterproofing systems are suitable for a variety of applications.
- Thick reinforced structured waterproofing system for balconies, terraces, flat roofs or parking areas, consisting of
- an asphalt substrate
- ALSAN Fleece and an ALSAN hard-wearing layer for waterproofing
- a Deco structure finish, which is highly slip-resistant
- Non-slip aesthetic reinforced waterproofing system, for instance for balconies, terraces, flat roofs and parking areas, consisting of
- a concrete substrate
- ALSAN Fleece and an ALSAN wearing coat for waterproofing
- a Deco mix finish (non-slip with coloured sand or microchips)
- A decorative waterproofing system (balconies, terraces, flat roofs, parking areas, …), made up of
- an asphalt substrate
- ALSAN Fleece and an ALSAN hard-wearing layer for waterproofing
- Deco finish+ (smooth)
Structural Waterproofing
When we say structural waterproofing, we’re talking about DUOFLEX hot melt structural waterproofing: a bituminous hot-melt system that provides a strong, durable, flexible, lightweight, and self-healing monolithic barrier to the transmission of water and water vapour.
Benefits and Applications
A DUOFLEX system is designed to last the lifetime of the building, making it a sustainable and low life cycle cost option for clients. The membrane is self-healing: because it never fully cures, any minor penetrations to the membrane automatically heal during the usual temperature changes. This liquid applied system is 100% bonded to the structure, creating a monolithic construction that nevertheless retains its flexibility and can accommodate repeated structural movement. DUOFLEX has its optimum blend of polymer modifications to thank for this enduring elasticity.
Moreover, DUOFLEX is ideal for phased works, because there is no water tracking under completed areas. Upstands and complex detailing can be completed first, allowing other trades to complete their work before the DUOFLEX is installed on the main roof areas. Its liquid application further ensures a very simple and effective waterproofing of details and penetrations. In addition to enabling on-site mixing, DUOFLEX can be installed in temperatures as low as -15 °C and does not require plant with agitators for on-site melting. DUOFLEX is BBA-approved, and the current UK Building Regulations allow unrestricted use, with suitable ballast or paving above the waterproofing.
As a formulation of rubberised bitumen, modified with SBS styrene butadiene polymer resins, DUOFLEX comes in solid blocks ready for on-site melting. It is suitable for many different applications, such as:
- Protected and inverted roofs
- Green roofs (SOPRALENE FLAM GARDEN is a bituminous membrane that enables green roofs to be installed on top of DUOFLEX waterproofing systems)
- Plaza decks and podiums
- Water features
- Plant and equipment bases
- Zero falls in line with BS6229 (DUOFLEX’s fast track construction removes the need for a screed, also reducing costs)
In terms of build-up, a DUOFLEX system involves the following components:
- A structural deck
- Elastocol 500 primer
- A 3KG layer of DUOFLEX
- TR200 fabric reinforcement
- Another 3KG layer of DUOFLEX
- An access protection sheet
Stockist Range
SOPREMA’s special stockist range consists of underlayers (SOPRABASE), venting underlayers (SOPRAVENT) and capsheets (SOPRATORCH), in addition Texsa products MOPLY and MORTERPLAS.