2. • Problems
• Solutions
• Specifying for performance
Today’s agenda
and learning aims
• Evolution
• Expectations
• Environmental
3. Why the roof covering is important
10% of value to build, 90% of problems
4. • Quality declined as more products
derived from crude oil
History of flat roof coverings
Asphalt – the original
• Original asphalt = excellent quality
5. • Degraded by heat and UV
History of flat roof coverings
Bitumen felts – the first systems
• Post war building boom
• Dangers from asbestos and hot bitumen
• Central heating shortened useful life
• CDM 2007
6. • Thermoplastic polypropylene – TPP
Future of flat roof coverings
Thermoplastic membranes – the modern answer
• Thermoplastic polyolefines – TPO
• Thermoplastic polyethylene – TPE
• TPE has better welding properties
7. • Durable
• Safe and easy to install
• Safe in use
The ideal material needs to be
• Environmentally efficient
• Repairable
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Sustainable
8. • DIN 38412 part 31
• Three Golden Orfe, 24 hours
• TPE (Bailey Atlantic) passes test
The Fish Test
A toxicity test
9. Achieving energy efficiency
Reducing embodied energy
• Energy used in manufacture
• Shipping distances
• Transport weight
• Energy used for installation
10. • Problems – how they have been overcome
• Performance requirements
• Evolution – how materials have changed
• Environmental concerns
Review of learning aims
Evaluation and current concerns
