Since 1908, Soprema has been specialising in bitumen waterproofing systems for both new build and refurbishment projects. Our bitumen roofing systems are well-known for their exceptional durability, ensuring a long lifespan for flat roofs and other applications. In this article, we will give a brief overview of the bitumen waterproofing solutions we offer, highlighting our roofing accessories, including the Mini-Mammouth – an automated bonding machine for an even faster and safer installation of our bituminous membranes and SOPRASAFE – a fall protection system. In addition, we will discuss the compatibility of our bitumen roofing solutions with roof gardens and underline the extensive technical service we offer.
Bitumen waterproofing solutions
With over 100 years of expertise in bitumen waterproofing solutions, Soprema is a renowned global manufacturer of high-quality, long-lasting bituminous waterproofing membranes, which boast excellent tensile strength and high resistance and adherence, minimising the chance of leaks and ensuring a long service life. The waterproofing material absorbs stresses and can stretch without affecting the insulation or other underlying layers. It even remains supple under extreme temperatures of up to -30°, making it exceptionally easy to apply. Our bituminous waterproofing systems are FM approved and BROOF(t4) compliant.
Installation of Soprema’s bitumen membranes
Our bitumen membranes can be installed in different ways including:
- Torch-applied
- Cold-applied adhesive
- Self-adhesive
Meet the Mini-Mammouth from Soprema
The Mini-Mammouth is an automated bonding machine of both SBS and APP bitumen membranes developed by Soprema. This self-propelled bituminous membrane installation machine peels, welds and presses the bitumen membranes in rolls of lengths up to 10m. It can be used for projects of all sizes, and it comes with many advantages, such as:
- Reducing the risk of human error, as well as reducing strenuous labour and the risk of injury for the installer(s)
- Minimising the risk of fire
- Ensuring consistent bleeding and a full even bond (more specifically achieving a bond rate of 97% – which is far more than the 60-80% that is achieved with traditional torching methods)
- Significantly reducing gas consumption, as the Mini-Mammouth uses only a third of the gas required when the membranes are torched by hand
- Speeding up the installation process: the machine installs 800m2 per day on average, compared to a two-person team that would manually cover approximately a fifth of that surface
SOPRASAFE fall protection
At Soprema, we put safety first. SOPRASAFE is the complete fall arrest system we specially designed and developed to provide all-round permanent roof fall protection and guarantee workers’ safety at all times. The SOPRASAFE design consists of a patented shock absorber and offers impressive mobility as its traveller runs smoothly over the lifeline, allowing roofers to perform maintenance or construction services in a simple and risk-free manner. SOPRASAFE fall arrest system can be implemented on most bitumen and synthetic roof systems, including one-layer systems and bitumen-on-steel, concrete or wooden roofs.
Bitumen waterproofing and roof gardens
Soprema’s bitumen waterproofing systems are fully compatible with our roof garden solutions. Our bitumen membranes are able to carry the load of a green roof composition while also offering the necessary long-term root resistance. Soprema’s green roof solutions have been used on many well-known projects, including 1 Molesworth Street and 40 Molesworth Street LEED-certified buildings, Blackpitts Student Accommodation, Aloft Hotel Blackpitts, Grant Thornton Head Office, MISA Building, St James’s Hospital, and Trinity Business School to name a few.
Soprema’s extensive technical service
When opting for a bituminous roofing system, you can count on our skilled technical team to put their extensive knowledge and expertise to use on your project, providing specification and design development; roofing condition surveys, such as visual inspection reports, core sampling, moisture testing, thermal imaging surveys and leak detection surveys, and so on – all to ensure that our bitumen roofing products are installed to the highest standard.
Get in touch
Do not hesitate to get in touch with our technical team for more information on our bituminous roofing solutions and the accompanying services that we offer.