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As liquid roofing systems surge in popularity, more and more products become available on the market. It is important to recognise not all liquid waterproofing products are created equal. There are a variety of different types of liquid roofing systems available. And each of these different sub categories provide products of varying qualities.
Most products will have their own combination of benefits and weaknesses. However, it must be noted some products are just superior to others. So, how do you asses the quality of a liquid roofing product, and make sure you select the right one for your project. Below we will list the steps you can take to understand what makes a high-quality liquid roofing product. This will help ensure whichever liquid roofing product you select, you end up with one which is both effective and long lasting.
Factor 1: Durability. The primary requirement of any roofing system is to protect the building below. It must be durable enough to both meet its day to day requirements and stand up to the weather conditions it will face. Factors to consider here are the ability to have top coats for added hardness and to provide anti-slip properties. High elasticity to cope with thermal movement. And the provision of insurance backed guarantees.
Factor 2: Quality of Materials. The components used in unison to create a liquid roofing product play a key role in the longevity of any roofing system of which it is part. High-grade resins, polymers and reinforced fabrics will lead to a product giving superior performance than those without. Key differences in such systems will be the elasticity and consequently the ability of the system to withstand thermal movement. Whilst also impacting the ease of installation as we will look at next. The way in which good quality materials lead to an easy to install roofing system is they give a liquid coating with anti-slumping properties.
Factor 3: Easy Installation. An easy install leads to faster completion times, reduced contractor risk and less disruption for the building owner. A variety of factors combine to make an installation easy. This includes a fast curing liquid product, with anti-slump properties, with a manufacturer who provides quality training and on-site technical support
Factor 4: Adhesion. Without good adhesion to the substrate being waterproofed a liquid roofing system is useless. It is important to ensure whichever liquid roofing system you choose will adhere to the substrate. The way to do this is to do a peel test before installation. Ensuring the liquid product, you choose will adhere well to the substrate of your building is vital in minimise the chance of installation defects which can cause issues such as water ingress and leaks in the future.
Factor 5: UV Resistance. UV radiation causes damage to all roofing systems. Over time UV rays lead to the roofing membrane degraded. This leads to the effectiveness of the membrane deteriorating. Liquid roofing systems with UV resistant properties built in to the waterproofing product itself. Or those which make use of a solar reflective paint top coat, will last longer and require less maintenance over their service life. The reason for this is the effects of UV rays will be significantly reduced. This will extend the time it will take for UV rays to damage the waterproofing membrane.
Factor 6: Energy Efficiency. A liquid waterproofing product with inherent properties which help to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption can provide energy efficient benefits. This allows for the building it protects to keep cooler in summer. This can vastly reduce air conditioning bills in the summer.
Factor 7: Warranty Length. The length of warranty offered is a good insight into the quality of the liquid roofing system. If a manufacturer is prepared to give a long warranty you can be confident the product is of a good quality. 10 years is the very minimum length of warranty you would want with any liquid roofing product. You would also hope to see the possibility of a 20-year warranty (even longer in some cases). Such warranties which cover a range of issues will give you both confidence in the liquid roofing product you are using. And provide you with peace of mind your investment in the liquid roofing system is protected long into the future.
The factors above will go a long way in helping you select a high-quality liquid roofing product. It is important to keep in mind not all liquid roofing products are equal and by comparing them going through the 7 factors above you will be able to make an informed decision as to which product is right for your own project.
If you are a building owner, contractor or property manager who would like any advice on the choosing the correct liquid roofing product, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us through our web form or by calling us on 01277 503 110, one of our liquid waterproofing specialists will be happy to assist you.