August 2020

Adhesive systems also rely heavily on the skill of
the installer. The correct weight of adhesive
bonding agent per square metre must be applied
for each of the AVCL, insulation, membrane and
other layers required. If not performed correctly,
the membrane will need to be reinstalled, adding
unnecessary time onto the job.
Risks and difficulties with retrofit
applications
Installers may also hit snags on retrofit roofing
installations. Here, roofers will often face existing
layers of membrane and insulation. Typically,
these will be overlaid with new membrane and
insulation layers. However, if adhesive is used to
attach these new layers and the existing and
aging layers are not secured, this risks potential
failure of the roof.
Additionally, new or existing cut to fall systems or
existing tapered screed layers will lead to a
variation in the build up at any single point.
Therefore, traditional mechanically fastened
systems need installers to use a variety of
fastener lengths across the roof, which again
makes the installation more difficult and adds
more time on the job.
Mechanical fixings can make haste
All these challenges can be conquered with
innovative mechanical fixings, which can
securely fix every layer of the roof, provide
reliable performance and long life warranties.
In comparison to adhesive systems, mechanical
fastening systems are less weather dependent,
and can be used in all exposure zones. For
refurbishment and new build concrete decks, pull
out testing will assist in calculating the
appropriate fastener design load. When used in
conjunction with the project wind load
calculation, the correct fixing pattern can be
determined to ensure a safe and secure
installation.
To get around tapered insulation challenges on
concrete decks, installers can use the TIA system
from SFS. This height adjustable insulation
fastener solution is specifically designed to selfadjust
to the insulation
thickness, as the fastener
engages with the
telescopic sleeve and
the result is a
considerably simplified
install.
The TIA system also
reduces drilling time as it
requires just 35mm deep pilot
holes for all settings. This equates to
60% less drilling when compared to the
conventional practice of drilling up to 100mm
deep pilot holes for tapered schemes on concrete
decks.
Turn up the heat and use heat induction
A final area where contractors can speed up jobs
is by using heat induction welding technology,
such as the patented isoweld system from SFS,
to install single ply membranes. Since its launch,
more than 15 million square metres of single ply
membrane has been successfully installed.
This technique welds the membrane to a
specially coated metal stress plate located
underneath by using electric heat induction,
resulting in an extremely secure fix without
penetrating the waterproof layer.
Each plate only requires three seconds to weld,
and the SFS isoweld system is also easy to set up
and calibrate. The heat induction technology can
be used in conjunction with PVC, TPO and EPDM
single ply membranes, and is suitable with PIR,
EPS and mineral wool insulation types.
The membrane fasteners are installed in field fix
patterns in comparison to the traditional lap fixing
and therefore significantly fewer fasteners are
Opposite page: isoweld from SFS. Above,
left: Cladding project. Above right and
below: The TIA system from SFS.
required. Up to 50%
fewer fasteners are
required and the isoweld
field-fix system allows
installers to use the
widest membranes
available which substantially
reduces the extent of seam-welding
required.
The TIA fastener system can be used in
conjunction with isoweld to offer a faster and
more cost-efficient install for concrete decks.
A secure roof, a secure future
To help the construction industry recover quickly,
it is imperative that we embrace new and
innovative opportunities such as TIA and isoweld.
By utilising new roofing technologies, site
productivity increases, a roofer’s efficiency goes
up, and ultimately profit increases too.
SFS is doing all it can to help installers and
contractors during these difficult times not just to
secure roofs, but to secure futures as well. From
maintaining the supply of product from our
factories, through to the provision of office and
site support, we will continue to go that extra mile
and provide the industry with assistance where
required, including efficiency savings through
product innovation.
Contact SFS
0113 2085 500
www.sfsintec.co.uk
AUGUST 2020 TC 39