
Traditionally associated with maintenance and repairs, liquid waterproofing has a wide range of applications. It’s not only suitable for many kinds of roofing including flat roofs, but also balconies, tanking walls, floors and car parks. Add to this its speed of installation, ability to handle intricate detailing, and compatibility with other systems, and there’s every reason to consider liquid roofing systems for a variety of projects.
Soprema predominantly supplies two kinds of liquid waterproofing in the Irish market: PMMA resin and PU (polyurethane) systems.
Rapid speed of installation
PMMA resin is layered in its wet state and within just two to three hours, another trade could be working on the same part of the building. Polyurethane (PU)-based liquids become fully dry after just one day, giving installers a bigger window of working time. For construction projects where deadlines are a factor, liquids’ rapid speed of installation is worth keeping in mind.
Another advantage with liquids is they don’t require many tools on site. This keeps noise and vibrations to a minimum, which is useful when working on, for example, refurbishing an office building which is occupied. In addition, because liquids’ application is flame-free, there is lower risk which makes them suitable for ‘live’ sites such as pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Recent projects featuring liquid waterproofing
Liquid roofing systems are highly suitable for buildings with historical value requiring care with maintenance and upkeep. The GPO and the Custom House in Dublin are two projects Soprema has been involved with. Soprema also worked extensively on the project to redevelop Priory Hall as New Priory, where new balconies were installed with a warm roof construction which was finished with ALSAN liquid applied waterproofing.
Why liquid systems are suitable for new build projects
With all of that said, there’s every reason to consider liquid waterproofing systems for new build projects too; not just refurbishment projects. When Oisin House , the new design featured a stone-sculptured, multi-pitched and multifaceted roof. The project featured highly intricate details and accessories, including bitumen felt detail reinforced with ALSAN liquid waterproofing membranes.
Liquid roofing systems can be used for green, blue, brown and solar roofs, either warm roofs or inverted warm roofs. Soprema’s range (more details below) are fully compatible with bitumen and they’re often used as an accessory with synthetics. The beauty of liquid is that because it’s applied when wet, installers can mould it to work with tricky detailing such as curved surfaces, unusual shapes, or awkward pipe penetrations.
The Soprema range in detail
Soprema’s range of liquid waterproofing includes ALSAN FLASHING, a single-component, ready-to-use liquid bitumen-polyurethane waterproofing resin. Typically laid on traditional bitumen waterproofing, it’s used to waterproof upstands without requiring flame, on new building work or renovation.
ALSAN 770 and ALSAN 770TX are high-performance PMMA resins which are used in conjunction with reinforcement fleece to create seamless, durable and reliable waterproofing membranes. They can also be used to waterproof movement joints. ALSAN 770 and ALSAN 770TX are noted for their low-temperature flexibility. ALSAN 770 AB is the spray-on version of ALSAN 770, developed for airless spraying units which makes it appropriate for use on large surfaces. Visit our liquid waterproofing page to see the full range of products.
Get in touch
Want to find out more about Soprema solutions, our technical services, or how to incorporate our liquid waterproofing systems into a specific project? Don’t hesitate to contact our technical experts who can advise on the best solutions, delivered on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards.