COLPHENE FOUNDATION SYSTEMS ARE NOW BBA CERTIFIED

We are pleased to announce that our Colphene BSW products – both the pre-applied and post-applied membrane systems – have been awarded an Agrément Certificate. The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is globally recognised for product performance benchmarking and setting standards. Hence, a BBA certification indicates high quality, experience and reliability, offering both you and your clients peace of mind. Some of the key factors assessed were resistance to water, water vapour, hydrostatic pressure, underground gases and mechanical damage, next to adhesion and durability. Read on to discover the many benefits of the Colphene BSW range for your civils projects. COLPHENE SYSTEMS: APPLICATIONS AND COMPOSITION Colphene systems are designed for sub-structure waterproofing in civil engineering projects, for below-grade slabs and walls. The bituminous membranes are compatible with all types of foundations (from piles to isolated footings with stitch slabs), they are fully bonded to structural concrete and are adapted to hydrostatic water head and construction methodology. Colphene BSW bituminous membranes for basements can be pre-applied (i.e., laid before the structural concrete is poured) or post-applied (i.e., installed after the concrete is poured) – depending on the construction method. The exact composition of the Colphene BSW systems depends on the maximum level of water that is considered in the design of the structure, so preparatory studies are needed to establish the right solution for each zone, for details and for possible connections with other waterproofing systems. Given that the state of the substrate is crucial for the quality of the overall waterproofing, general dewatering and thorough cleaning are in order; punctual or linear defaults of the substrate/support should be repaired; spalls and gravel nests must be patched; and any protruding elements must be removed. PRODUCT OVERVIEW The Colphene range of pre-applied membranes consists of loose-laid waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW Unilay HP (with BSW referring to Basement Side Waterproofing), Colphene BSW H and Colphene BSW H 3.5 self-adhesive waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW V and Colphene BSW V 3.0, and protection membranes: Colphene BSW Protect’R, Colphene BSW Protect’R 3.0 and Colphene 3000 HT. Colphene Pre Applied Membranes-BBA For post-applied systems, the options are: loose-laid waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW Unilay HP, Colphene BSW H and Colphene BSW H 3.5, self-adhesive waterproofing membranes: Colphene 1500, Colphene BSW V, Colphene BSW V 3.0, Colphene BSW Protect’R, Colphene BSW Protect’R 3.0 and Colphene 3000 HT. and torch-on membranes: Protec Fondation and Colphene FLAM 30. Colphene Post Applied Membranes- BBA EXCEPTIONAL STRENGTH AND DURABILITY The top surface of Colphene BSW membranes is covered with silicon dioxide crystals. When concrete is poured on the membrane in a pre-applied scenario, these crystals ensure full bonding as they become integrated in the concrete matrix. Moreover, the increase in temperature that comes with the concrete curing causes a light softening of the bitumen. In combination with the structural weight, this softening results in a strong, irreversible bonding of the membrane to the poured structural concrete, preventing any possible lateral migration of water between the membrane and the structure, and limiting the risk of water entering the structure. In a post-applied scenario, the membrane is bonded to the concrete support either by welding or self-adhesion. When fully protected and under normal service conditions, Colphene BSW systems will provide an effective barrier for the life of the structure in which they are incorporated. RESISTANCE TO GASES AND COMPATIBILITY When completely sealed and consolidated, Colphene systems are impervious to water and will resist the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure from the ground, enabling the structure to meet the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations. In addition, the Colphene BSW V membrane will restrict the ingress of underground gases such as radon, methane and carbon dioxide into buildings. Colphene BSW H will restrict the ingress of radon gas from naturally occurring sources. Colphene membranes can be used on their own or with other compatible systems, like ALSAN liquid applications.

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