SOPREMA UK
SOPREMA HOUSE
FREEBOURNES ROAD
WITHAM
ESSEX CM8 3UN
Tel: 0330 058 0668
Fax:
Suppliers of: Waterproofing roofing membranes, Structural waterproofing membranes, flat roof waterproofing, green roof waterproofing, liquid waterproofing membranes, liquid membranes, metal roof decking, waterproofing systems
SOPREMA is an international manufacturer, offering innovative and cost effective waterproofing, insulation and soundproofing solutions and services both directly and through our network of distribution partners – enabling our customers to Build Better Buildings
WATERPROOFING PRODUCTS:
SOPREMA has over a century of experience manufacturing and developing highly efficient and reliable waterproofing systems in line with the ever-changing demands of the construction industry. One of the leading innovators in our field, we offer waterproofing solutions that range from bituminous waterproofing and liquid waterproofing to PVC waterproofing and TPO waterproofing (synthetic waterproofing). Our DUOFLEX Hot Melt structural waterproofing system is characterised by low lifecycle costs, self-healing properties and unrivalled waterproofing performance for inverted flat roof and podium deck applications.
BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFING
Protection against the elements. Our modified bitumen APP or SBS reinforced membranes have a high resistance and long service life.
SYNTHETIC WATERPROOFING
Synthetic TPO and PVC for innovative roofing structures, underground works, flat, inverted, cool and ballasted roofing applications.
LIQUID WATERPROOFING
A popular solution for roofing and sealing of roof details, terraces, balconies and parking garages. Aesthetic finishing options available.
STRUCTURAL WATERPROOFING
A bituminous hot melt system, designed for longevity and low life cycle costs. Applications include inverted roofs, ballasted and green roofs etc.
INSULATION PRODUCTS:
SOPREMA is not only recognised as a global leader in waterproofing, but also in insulation. Insulating buildings with durable, efficient and high-quality products and systems becomes increasingly important to help the current housing stock become futureproof, making it more energy-efficient and sustainable, and to adapt it to the changing climate. SOPREMA manufactures both thermal and acoustic insulation systems. We offer a wide range of XPS roof insulation boards of varying thickness, as well as PIR insulation. In addition, we lead the way in natural insulation with PAVATEX, a range of wood fibre insulation products with excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
PIR INSULATION
A wide range of PIR Insulation Solutions for all types of construction.
SOPRA XPS INSULATION
An extensive range of XPS Insulation Boards in a variety of thickness and specification.
ACOUSTIC INSULATION
Our range of Acoustic Insulation provides excellent sound absorbing as well as thermal qualities.
PAVATEX WOOD FIBRE INSULATION
A wide range of wood fibre insulation products with excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
MINERAL INSULATION
A range of natural products avaialble as loose fill and additives.
SOLUTIONS FOR WATERPROOFING BASEMENTS:
From ready-to-use emulsion primers and cold applied bituminous primers like AQUADERE STICK and ELASTOCOL 600 to waterproofing membranes such as COLPHENE: SOPREMA provides high-quality and easy-to-apply solutions for waterproofing basement walls and floors. The COLPHENE waterproofing range offers premium performance and durability for any below-ground waterproofing project. The bitumen membranes in our range for waterproofing basements are renowned for their innovation. COLPHENE BSW H and COLPHENE BSW V membranes, for instance, feature a unique SOPREMA technology called DUO SELVEDGE that guarantees safer installation. COLPHENE®1500, in turn, is an anti-root waterproofing membrane with excellent mechanical resistance and ditto adherence to an exceptionally wide range of substrates.
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS:
Extensive green roofs (or sedum roofs) and intensive green roofs offer plenty of advantages. Turning mineral surfaces into green oases and creating new ecosystems, they reduce the urban heat island effect, increase biodiversity, improve water retention and filtration, and have excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation qualities. We provide regular green roof solutions that can easily be installed on all SOPREMA roofing and waterproofing systems, as well as inverted green roof systems with standard insulation or eco insulation. SOPREMA’s solutions for green roofs are specially designed with light weight, low maintenance, and ease of design and installation in mind.
SOLUTIONS FOR SOLAR ENERGY MANAGEMENT:
From photovoltaic mounting systems to coatings and primers for cool roofs: SOPREMA has you covered when it comes to solar energy management on flat roofs. Our cool roofing products include ALSAN REFLECTROOF PRIMER, a white pigmented, fast‐curing PMMA-based primer, and ALSAN REFLECTROOF COATING, a stable, abrasion- and UV-resistant, pigmented methyl methacrylate-based resin formulation that is fast-curing, solvent-free and helps increase the reflectivity of bitumen and asphalt substrates. For solar panel roofing or solar roofs, our SOPRASOLAR FIX attachment system (with its rail protectors, support clips and speed clips) helps create a solar roof system of rigid photovoltaic panels directly on top of a waterproofing membrane.
WATERPROOFING CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES:
SOPREMA’s synthetic waterproofing (FLAGON) and bituminous waterproofing (ANTIROCK) product lines are suited to any type of civil engineering project, no matter its size or complexity. When it comes to synthetic waterproofing, we offer both TPO and PVC membranes that are bound to meet your project requirements, such as high resistance to wearing, tearing and puncture. Looking for solutions for waterproofing road bridges, rail bridges, basins, parking decks, dams, tunnels or other civil engineering structures? SOPREMA has got you covered with a product offer ranging from engineering membranes to primers and sealers, and even installation equipment. In the latter category, we have the MACADEN, a fully automatic machine with two hot air nozzles for installing thermofusible bituminous rolls on bridges and carparks, and the MINI-MACADEN, a smaller, self-propelled and self-guided machine for laying bituminous membranes.
Knowledge sharing by SOPREMA - SOPRAVOICE
SOPREMA’s reputation has been built on product quality, innovation and technical expertise. Sopravoice is SOPREMA’s waterproofing and insulation knowledge sharing platform. In this section of the website you will find tips and tricks from our experts, advice and thematic articles discussing important topics related to the waterproofing & insulation industry.
Further technical information is avaialble to download from the BPi Download Libraey or directly from the Manufacturer’s own website.
Soprema UK - Unicorn Packing Centre, a much needed roof refurbishment project.
Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC), Stockport
ROOFING CONTRACTOR: Holloway Cook
Sq. M: 3,200 sq. m.
SECTOR: Commercial
PRODUCTS: Soprema Elastocol 600 Bitumen Primer. Sopravap Stick ALU S16, Sopratherm G, Soprema Soprastick Venti FF, Sopralene Flam 250 AF
Soprema ensures the safe delivery of a much-needed roof refurbishment at a busy and prestigious packing centre in Manchester.
In the dynamic refurbishment landscape, the Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC) in Stockport, Manchester, stands as a testament to innovation, quality and transformative power of Soprema’s advanced roofing solutions.
Photo credit: Holloway Cook
Leading contracting firm, Holloway Cook, approached Soprema to design and deliver a solution which would restore and modernise this 50-year-old building, to ensure it was functional for the busy and essential contract packing facility, based in the North West.
Product Specification
The scope of works undertaken by Halloway Cook encompassed the meticulous removal of existing roof coverings, and the installation of a new roof structure.
The existing bitumen roof was experiencing leaks, and the fire performance rating was causing concern for the client. Central to the refurbishment was the specification and installation of Soprema’s cutting-edge and BBA-certified bituminous waterproofing membrane, renowned for its high quality, excellent resistance and superior service life.
Scope of Works
Once the existing roof system had been removed, Halloway Cook first installed Soprema’s Elastocol 600 bitumen primer to the existing structural metal deck, before Sopravap Stick S16 self-adhesive modified bitumen membrane was laid as a vapour control layer (VCL). Contractors then installed Sopratherm G Glass Tissue warm deck roof installation, prior to the Soprelene Flam 250 AF polyester-reinforced cap sheet as the top layer.
Speaking of why Soprema were specified, Dave Raw, Business Development Manager at Holloway Cook, said: “We have used Soprema products in the past and we know the exceptional quality and ease of installation of the waterproofing systems. Soprema’s products are always readily available, which means timely execution of projects.”
The UPC site was still occupied during refurbishment works, so downtime had to be kept to a minimum. Thanks to the ease and speed of application of Soprema’s bituminous system, the project completed within the six-month timeframe and on budget, demonstrating efficient project management and adherence to the established timeline.
Dave Raw added: “Providing that extra peace of mind for us and the end client, Soprema’s robust warranty and 25-year guarantee gave assurance for the longevity and performance of the roofing system.”
Project Challenges
As with any ambitious project, challenges inevitably surfaced. The UPC is an operational industrial site, and the team had to ensure the building remained watertight throughout the winter months; a task made all the more challenging due to the busy access routes frequently used by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Navigating the intricacies of a landlocked site and providing safe access to the roof presented additional hurdles. Moreover, striking a balance between the needs of factory engineers and operational efficiency required adept management.
Thanks to transparent communication and collaboration between Soprema and Holloway Cook, their experienced and knowledgeable teams were able to tackle these challenges head-on.
Continued Dave: “Soprema made these tasks easy to overcome, thanks to their insightful and supportive technical team, who were on-hand at any time, including for site visits. All operatives were trained in the Soprema waterproofing system and knew how to safely execute the project whilst maintaining installation to a high standard.”
Thanks to correct product specification, industry experience and technical expertise, the UPC roof refurbishment was delivered successfully.
Soprema - The Key to Car Park Structural Protection and Surface Longevity
Liquid waterproofing is a durable solution for car parks, but the longevity of finish depends on proper preparation. If the substrate is not assessed and prepared correctly, issues may arise later, with potential liabilities down the line. Here, we guide on pre and post-installation care to ensure a high-quality finish that meets warranty requirements.
What is liquid waterproofing?
Liquid waterproofing is a dual-component resin composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) that’s flame-free, cold-applied and versatile. In the Soprema range it’s known as ALSAN PMMA and is not solely for waterproofing purposes but also a trafficable surface sealer and finish coat.
When to use liquid waterproofing systems?
The ALSAN system is ideal for sites where flame-based methods are prohibited, weight limitations prevent additional layers or space for equipment is restricted. Its quick application allows areas to be used directly without requiring additional slabs or paving, making it suitable for the refurbishment of car parks that have to remain open.
A full liquid waterproofing system, like ALSAN 700 and ALSAN 870 RS, quartz sand and a finish coat, would generally only be required for top decks or rooftop areas and not necessarily on the intermediate decks. Unless there is a requirement to integrate car washing valet services, in which case it would prevent water damage.
It can also be specified depending on performance requirements, such as slip resistance, structural protection and aesthetics like line markings. It is often used alongside bituminous systems. We offer guidance on the system build-up for a surfacing project.
Avoiding car park surfacing mistakes
This is especially the case in car park resurfacing projects. A recent Soprema survey of a council-owned car park highlighted some issues on the top deck where the asphalt had rippled due to heat and heavy traffic.
The client suggested applying a new product over the existing surface, but this is not recommended. Any underlying damage must be addressed first. Soprema advised the removal of the damaged asphalt and repair of structural issues in a thorough report.
Test to achieve a consistent finish
With the right specification and scope of work in place, contractors must ensure surface consistency during application. Technical data sheets outline important parameters like substrate and ambient temperature. Ignoring these can result in improper curing – either too fast or too slow. To achieve a proper bond, pull-off bond tests must be performed on the deck before installation.
Additionally, the consumption rate for the application of the product also needs to be consistent as it varies depending on the substrate.
Carefully considered installation
Weather plays a crucial role in the application process too. In summer, contractors should work during cooler hours to avoid heat-related curing issues. Similarly, rainy conditions must be avoided for proper adhesion.
Flexibility in scheduling helps to ensure applications proceed smoothly. PMMA is easy to apply across a range of temperatures and humidity. And, with the benefit of no critical overcoating time, it can be applied systematically to suit the schedule with minimum downtime and rapid turnaround.
How to ensure longevity
Once the work is complete and a warranty awarded, ongoing care is essential. Car parks are high-traffic environments, and damage is inevitable. Regular inspections and maintenance help to identify issues early. Collaboration between the client, contractor and manufacturer is key to ensuring warranties remain valid and car park surfaces last for years to come.
Contact us to find out more about our liquid waterproofing solutions.
