DUOFLEX AND XPS FOR GREEN AND INVERTED ROOFS

DUOFLEX and SOPRA XPS come with many advantages. In what follows, we highlight the most important ones, such as the ease with which our bituminous hot melt system can be applied. Arizton’s Global Waterproofing Market Report for 2019-2025 cites “the ease of application over a wide range of construction surfaces” as the main reason for the continued growth predicted for the bitumen segment worldwide. Finally, we discuss the combination of DUOFLEX and SOPRA XPS into a durable system that is ideally suited for inverted roofs, green roofs and podium areas, and that is classed as unrestricted according to building regulations in relation to B_ROOF(t4) in the UK.

DUOFLEX: EXCEPTIONAL EASE OF APPLICATION

DUOFLEX structural waterproofing systems are BBA certified. Our hot melt solution bonds homogenously to the substrate yet remains flexible, allowing for structural movement. The result is a durable, monolithic barrier that has self-healing properties because it never fully cures. If the waterproofing gets punctured, water cannot track under the system.

Moreover, our bituminous hot melt system is ideal for phased works. Penetrations and details can be completed first, allowing other trades to finish their work before DUOFLEX is applied to the main roof areas.

One of the most important advantages is the ease of application, even in cold weather (up to -15 °C).

• DUOFLEX comes in solid blocks that are ready for on-site melting and require only a limited investment in terms of equipment. Contrary to other hot melt products, no mixing plant with agitators is needed to turn the 20 kg blocks into a liquid that easily spreads across the roof.
• DUOFLEX also melts quicker than other hot melt products on the market, saving time and reducing gas consumption.
• Finally, there is no need to use (expensive) neoprene strips at junctions when opting for DUOFLEX, where ELASTOPHENE 180-25 serves as an additional reinforcement.

Because it can be installed so quickly and easily, DUOFLEX is popular for waterproofing large areas.

CRADLE-TO-CRADLE CERTIFIED XPS

SOPRA XPS is a BREEAM A-rated insulation material, approved by the Green Guide to Specification. Being safe, circular, and responsible materials, SOPRA XPS SL, SOPRA XPS 500 and SOPRA XPS 700 have received a Bronze Cradle to Cradle Certificate. Next to climate-friendliness and recyclability, the SOPRA XPS range is characterised by excellent compressive strength, reliability and durability, among other advantages.

XPS is not UV stable, so it needs a facing when used as an upstand insulation material. Soprema provides ready-to-install SOPRA XPS upstand boards with factory-applied cementitious facing.

DUOFLEX AND XPS FOR INVERTED ROOFS

1.    APPLICATIONS

DUOFLEX and SOPRA XPS are often combined on inverted roofs, including green roofs. The insulation is installed on top of the hot melt layer and finished with slabs or ballast. The SOPRA XPS boards shield the waterproofing membrane from plant damage and mechanical damage, as well as enabling foot traffic (for green roof maintenance, for instance).

In addition, a DUOFLEX and XPS system is ideal for sites with podium areas, which contractors can then use as a loading bay. After applying the hot melt, XPS is installed on top, serving as a proactive layer so that construction materials can be unloaded onto the area without puncturing or damaging the waterproofing.

2.    B_ROOF(T4) APPROVED

While XPS in itself has a Euroclass E rating; combined with DUOFLEX and a ballasted finish, the system is classified as unrestricted in the UK, meaning that it can be installed on any part of a roof without restriction of boundaries, with no risk of flames spreading from one building to another. Similarly, a fire test is not always necessary providing the guidelines Annex of Commission Decision 2000/553/C is followed, in applications such as irrigated roof gardens, green roofs, blue roofs, and brown and biodiverse roofs.

SPOC AND SOPRACOVER

Under normal service conditions, DUOFLEX will provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the design life of the roof in which it is incorporated. Coupled with SOPRA XPS, DUOFLEX comes with a 40-year SOPRACOVER single point of warranty.

Partnering with a single manufacturer for both insulation and waterproofing not only ensures a single point of warranty, but also a single point of contact. Finally, we provide all the necessary inspections and trainings for projects involving a DUOFLEX and XPS system.

For more information on DUOFLEX AND XPS FOR GREEN AND INVERTED ROOFS talk to SOPREMA UK