The Elevate brand presents its new self-adhesive waterproofing membrane “RubberGard EPDM SA”. Although this new solution presents numerous advantages for waterproofers, some limitations remain. Explanations.
The new self-adhesive waterproofing membrane from the Elevate brand, formerly Firestone and owned by the Holcim group since 2021, is the pride of its leaders. Jean-Luc Roudaut, regional technical and prescription director France, and Alain Krebs, regional sales director for Southern Europe at Holcim Solutions and Products EMEA BV, presented this new roof waterproofing solution.
Saves time for waterproofers and almost instantaneous handling
Simpler and quicker to install, this new EPDM solution (for ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) self-adhesive will complement the existing range of products of this type, which governs most operations in Europe for the Elevate brand.
Unlike its cousin, the RubberGard EPDM non-residential EPDM roof waterproofing membrane, the glue applied on site is directly applied to the underside of the membrane of the RubberGard EPDM SA solution. The acronym SA, for Self Adhesive, justifies the appearance of the product.
This feature has many advantages. The presence of glue directly applied to the membrane makes it possible to overcome the difficulties of implementation due to the weather. This can also solve the problem of a lack of qualification of the installation teams. Finally, the absence of solvents spares professionals from all harmful products.
Other advantages may lead many companies to opt for this new solution. The absence of glue to apply, and de facto the absence of waiting for the latter to dry, leads to implementation up to 2.5 times faster than the classic RubberGard EPDM range.
A less restrictive and more environmentally friendly solution…
Robert Forster, director of EMEA and Asia at Holcim Building Envelope, wishes drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the group’s construction activity. This objective can notably involve reducing waste. A point which is part of the argument of the leaders of Elevate to promote their solution.
The RubberGard EPDM SA solution minimizes the quantity of waste on site. The plastic film that covers the adhesive part is the only waste to remove. Furthermore, the fact that glue is already applied to the membranes avoids ending up with a multitude of glue seals on the site. The rollers used to apply it to older solutions, and which end up wearing out over time, mean less waste on construction sites.
Sven Lewtschik, Technical Manager at Holcim Building Envelope EMEA
Glues and other chemicals can also be dangerous or restrictive for customers or professionals. With glue already applied to the membrane, everyone is spared from odors which can be annoying. This solution also allows for simpler encryption. There can be no last minute surprises with glue consumption for example, depending on the porosity of the support.
Even if many limitations persist
Despite installation 2.5 times faster, and construction sites free of several kilos of waste, the RubberGard EPDM SA solution still has certain limitations. The installation of this product is possible on these supports only (sous ETN) :
insulation PIR Firestone (in progress) covering panel Isogard HD covering panel DensDeck Primesupport wood CTBH or OSB3-4
The RubberGard EPDM SA solution, like the traditional RubberGard EPDM version, has a lifespan of more than 50 years, and resists ozone, UV and significant temperature variations. Arguments that weigh, even if certain questions deserve to be asked.
Composed essentially of plastic made from petroleum, the RubberGard EPDM SA solution is in fact not the best in terms of respect for the environment. Its longevity can be explained by the material from which it is produced. The question will then arise, after more than 50 years, of the recyclability of the solution.
The example of the building Cotton wool factory »
In 2020, the town of Herzele located west of Brussels used the services of Elevate for the roofing of the building “ Cotton wool factory “. Built almost 100 years ago, this building was originally a cotton mill, before being transformed into a multi-use building in the early 2010s. The building now houses a library, a performance and visual arts academy, spaces for socio-cultural activities, a local radio, offices and housing.
The Herzele town hall, owner of the building, therefore called on Elevate in 2020 following a violent storm which had damaged a large part of the high roof terrace, covered with PIB waterproofing. Elevate recommended the installation of ISOGARD HD cover panels to stabilize the support and RubberGard EPDM SA self-adhesive waterproofing membranes (1.5 cm thick).
Thanks to the various advantages of the solution, only two waterproofers were needed to install 600 m². The absence of a blowtorch and odors also ensured safety and comfort for the occupants of the building, as well as for the professionals.
Jeremy Leduc
Photo de Une: Cabinet-Verley
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