SOPREMA UK
SOPREMA HOUSE
FREEBOURNES ROAD
WITHAM
ESSEX CM8 3UN
Tel: 0330 058 0668
Fax: 0845 194 8728
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 : Colphene foundation systems are now BBA certified
We are pleased to announce that our Colphene BSW products – both the pre-applied and post-applied membrane systems – have been awarded an Agrément Certificate. The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is globally recognised for product performance benchmarking and setting standards. Hence, a BBA certification indicates high quality, experience and reliability, offering both you and your clients peace of mind. Some of the key factors assessed were resistance to water, water vapour, hydrostatic pressure, underground gases and mechanical damage, next to adhesion and durability. Read on to discover the many benefits of the Colphene BSW range for your civils projects.
Colphene systems: applications and composition
Colphene systems are designed for sub-structure waterproofing in civil engineering projects, for below-grade slabs and walls. The bituminous membranes are compatible with all types of foundations (from piles to isolated footings with stitch slabs), they are fully bonded to structural concrete and are adapted to hydrostatic water head and construction methodology. Colphene BSW bituminous membranes for basements can be pre-applied (i.e., laid before the structural concrete is poured) or post-applied (i.e., installed after the concrete is poured) – depending on the construction method.
The exact composition of the Colphene BSW systems depends on the maximum level of water that is considered in the design of the structure, so preparatory studies are needed to establish the right solution for each zone, for details and for possible connections with other waterproofing systems.
Given that the state of the substrate is crucial for the quality of the overall waterproofing, general dewatering and thorough cleaning are in order; punctual or linear defaults of the substrate/support should be repaired; spalls and gravel nests must be patched; and any protruding elements must be removed.
Product overview
The Colphene range of pre-applied membranes consists of
loose-laid waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW Unilay HP (with BSW referring to Basement Side Waterproofing), Colphene BSW H and Colphene BSW H 3.5
self-adhesive waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW V and Colphene BSW V 3.0,
and protection membranes: Colphene BSW Protect’R, Colphene BSW Protect’R 3.0 and Colphene 3000 HT.
Colphene Pre Applied Membranes-BBA
For post-applied systems, the options are:
loose-laid waterproofing membranes: Colphene BSW Unilay HP, Colphene BSW H and Colphene BSW H 3.5,
self-adhesive waterproofing membranes: Colphene 1500, Colphene BSW V, Colphene BSW V 3.0, Colphene BSW Protect’R, Colphene BSW Protect’R 3.0 and Colphene 3000 HT.
and torch-on membranes: Protec Fondation and Colphene FLAM 30.
Colphene Post Applied Membranes- BBA
Exceptional strength and durability
The top surface of Colphene BSW membranes is covered with silicon dioxide crystals. When concrete is poured on the membrane in a pre-applied scenario, these crystals ensure full bonding as they become integrated in the concrete matrix. Moreover, the increase in temperature that comes with the concrete curing causes a light softening of the bitumen. In combination with the structural weight, this softening results in a strong, irreversible bonding of the membrane to the poured structural concrete, preventing any possible lateral migration of water between the membrane and the structure, and limiting the risk of water entering the structure. In a post-applied scenario, the membrane is bonded to the concrete support either by welding or self-adhesion.
When fully protected and under normal service conditions, Colphene BSW systems will provide an effective barrier for the life of the structure in which they are incorporated.
Resistance to gases and compatibility
When completely sealed and consolidated, Colphene systems are impervious to water and will resist the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure from the ground, enabling the structure to meet the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations. In addition, the Colphene BSW V membrane will restrict the ingress of underground gases such as radon, methane and carbon dioxide into buildings. Colphene BSW H will restrict the ingress of radon gas from naturally occurring sources. Colphene membranes can be used on their own or with other compatible systems, like ALSAN liquid applications.
Green building: SOPREMA leads the way with new XPS plant in Belgium
Technology and ecology go hand in hand at the new SOPREMA XPS plant in Tongeren, Belgium, which stands out in terms of both design and carbon footprint.
For their new plant in Tongeren, Belgium, SOPREMA presented architectural firm WIL-MA Wastiau with a well-defined task: to design a highly functional production and distribution centre that puts ecology first. The collaboration resulted in a fossil-free, nearly zero-energy industrial building with Corten steel accents and green roofs that effortlessly blend into the landscape.
Sustainable product, sustainable building
For SOPREMA, taking the green road for its new XPS production plant and distribution centre in Tongeren was a logical thing to do. Sustainable building practices are not only the sole futureproof option available; they also tie in neatly with the sustainable character of SOPREMA’s XPS range itself, which is 100% recyclable and produced by climate-friendly CO2 technology – with Green Guide Ratings A for SOPRA XPS SL and XPS 500 as a result. For the new Tongeren building, SOPREMA ambitiously and successfully opted for circular construction, with the help of WIL-MA Wastiau and construction firm Cordeel.
Green roofing as ‘fifth façade’
“Integrating a functional logistical complex into its surroundings was the first challenge we faced”, W. Allen Zimmerman (Chief Architect at WIL-MA Wastiau) explains. “We were inspired by the rectangular farmhouses typical of the region. To make the building blend into the landscape, we experimented with green roofing, which is quite unique for industrial construction projects.” Because the SOPREMA plant is situated lower than the adjacent highway, the green roofs form a fifth façade, blending into the environment thanks to their green and earthy colours. As a living material, the Corten steel of the office buildings even strengthens the connection to the complex’s surroundings. Finally, by having the curves of the design refer to the trunk of the mammouth in the SOPREMA logo, the overall look underlines SOPREMA’s brand identity.
Completely circular building
“We went to great lengths to create a completely circular concept that aligns the flow of the products with the flow of the people working in the building”, Zimmerman continues. “On the one hand, there is the production site, where used XPS and EPS are recycled into new products. And on the other, you have the distribution centre, featuring a warehouse that ships other SOPREMA products to locations all over Europe. We also split the offices of both business units. A covered walkway in Corten steel connects the buildings, simultaneously creating a visual barrier that hides the XPS stored in the courtyard from view”, Zimmerman adds. “In this phase, the walkway also ‘completes’ the project, even though the building will only assume its final ‘rectangular farmhouse’ shape at a later stage”, says Kristien Olaerts, Commercial Director at Cordeel.
SOPREMA’s insulation and waterproofing solutions
The SOPREMA building covers an area of 23,000 m2. “To implement the design, we of course relied on SOPREMA’s insulation and waterproofing solutions whenever possible, for the roofs, walls and floors”, Zimmerman explains. “One of the things I like most about working with SOPREMA is that they are so closely involved in the selection of the materials. Thanks to the flexibility and resourcefulness of the SOPREMA team, we ended up with quite the unusual flooring choice for a large part of the 23,000 m2 offices, namely beautiful black polyurethane from the ALSAN liquid waterproofing range.” Olaerts adds that the floor of the 7,500 m2 production hall was insulated with SOPRA XPS, and that Cordeel used the same insulation material between the concrete panels of their own building at the Cordeel production site.
Various roofing shapes and build-ups
The design of the building is highly complex, with a wide range of roofing shapes and build-ups on various substrates, from steel deck to concrete. On the buildings along the highway, an intensive green roof with a substantial layer of substrate and thick vegetation (on the roofs of the office buildings) merges into an extensive green roof with more thinly planted vegetation (for the roof of the production site). The fire compartmentation is nearly invisible. IBIC, a sister company of Cordeel, took care of the green roofing and all the roof safety solutions.
“We are very proud to have been a part of this unique, complex project, which was quite challenging both in terms of engineering and technique.”
Kristien Olaerts, Commercial Director at Cordeel
Tight schedule for the (green) roofs
“The tight schedule we were on, combined with the high level of finishing that was required, did not make for the easiest working conditions”, Olaerts admits. “In April 2019, we were asked to have the production part of the building ready by September, so that the machinery could be installed. Fortunately (and for obvious reasons), we had swift access to the materials we needed. In addition, the thorough 3D planning, the prefabricated character of the building and the excellent collaborations (with all the parties involved in the construction process as well as with the authorities) ensured that we were completely prepared for the job.”
“We created a kind of ‘factory campus’ – a beautiful place to work that makes people feel right at home. That human touch was an important part of the ecological concept, too.”
Allen Zimmerman, Chief Architect at WIL-MA Wastiau
Durable, sustainable, fossil-free and nearly zero-energy
“At SOPREMA’s explicit request, the construction site was low-energy and fossil-free”, Olaerts explains. The use of heat pumps and heat recuperation has resulted in a nearly zero-energy warehouse and zero-energy offices. The green roofs not only create a stunning look but also act as a buffer and allow excess water to drain away. On some of the other roofs, in turn, solar panels were installed. Zimmerman clarifies that second life-principles were rigorously applied as well: “Though the building was designed specifically for SOPREMA, it is perfectly suited for a second life, too. Thanks to its durable materials and robust and functional character, the plant would make a great home for any company. We purposely created an industrial work environment with a human feel – a ‘factory campus’, if you will, that people love to spend time in and work in.”
