A good waterproofing product does not automatically create a good waterproofing system.
Every component has to work with the materials around it.
- Primer
- Membrane
- Liquid coating
- Adhesive
- Sealant
- Reinforcement
- Insulation
- Existing waterproofing
Each product may perform perfectly on its own.
But once incompatible materials are combined, the system can start failing before the roof is even finished.
Compatibility problems can damage the interface.
The consequences may include:
- Loss of adhesion
- Softening or swelling
- Delamination
- Poor curing
- Chemical reactions between materials
- Plasticiser migration
- Surface deterioration
- Premature failure of joints and terminations
Refurbishment increases the uncertainty.
An existing roof may already contain several generations of materials: old bitumen, PVC, EPDM, liquid coatings, sealants, adhesives and primers.
Applying a new product over an unknown existing material without checking compatibility can create a completely new problem.
Before combining materials, we should ask:
- What is already on the roof?
- Is the new system approved for that substrate?
- Is a primer or separation layer required?
- Are the membrane and adhesive compatible?
- Are the sealants approved for the system?
- Could one material chemically affect another?
- Has compatibility been confirmed by the manufacturer?
Using premium products does not guarantee a premium result.
The materials have to work together as one complete system.
Good product + good product
does not always equal a good system.
Compatibility matters.