What is a Liquid-Applied Roofing Membrane?

Liquid-applied membrane (LAM) is a monolithic, fully-bonded, liquid-based coating suitable for many waterproofing and roofing applications. The coating cures to form a rubber-like elastomeric waterproof membrane and may be applied over many substrates, including asphalt, bitumen and concrete.

Why Liquid-Applied Membranes?

  • Ideal for exposed roofs with large number of complicated details and penetrations
  • Cost-effective, especially for roof renovations and roof repair projects
  • Seamless, fills in cracks, gaps and voids in substrate
 
  • Easy and safe application
  • Durable
  • Rapid curing and excellent adhesion to all kinds of surfaces
  • Applicable for multitude of waterproofing needs, not only roofs

Benefits of Sika Liquid-Applied Membranes

Benefits Features
Fast, easy and safe application Liquid-applied

Extend life cycle of old or leaking roofs without interruption

Suitable for various types of structures and substrates

Many possible applications, for roofs, roads, bridges, basements, terraces and more

Versatile
Lower risk of roof failure even in cold climate and longer life expectancy

 

Highly elastic
Seamless
Fully adhered to substrate
High UV resistance
Retains flexibility even at low temperatures

Safety
Reduced fire risk
Zero flame technology
Entrapped moisture can evaporate, no blistering Vapor permeable
Design freedom with more possible applications
Variety of colour options
Improved energy efficiency for cool roofs and solar roofs
High solar reflectance index when applied in white colour

Our Liquid-Applied Membrane Technologies

Water-based liquid applied membranes

Water-based liquid applied membranes and roof coatings were one of the first technologies for liquid applied roof waterproofing, and still have significant importance in the market.

Due to their low hazards characteristics, excellent UV stability and ease of application, acrylic emulsions and polyurethane modified dispersions are becoming popular, particularly in warm and moderate climate regions.

Benefits Advantages Features
Non-disturbing application
Low health and safety risk
Virtually odourless
Low hazards classification
Eco-friendly
Solvent-free
Low-VOC
Constant energy efficiency performance Keeps high solar reflectance index (SRI)
UV stable and resistant to yellowing
Time saving in application
No risk of mixing errors
Easy and ready to use
One-component
Cost saving Economical Simple technology
Flexibility in application
Cost saving for site handling
 
Handy transportation
Easy handling
Convenient packaging
One-component polyurethane based liquid applied membrane

One-component polyurethane based liquid applied membranes and roof coatings were invented in the 1960s and represent an indispensable technology in today’s roofing industry.

Due to their high mechanical properties and flexibility, particularly at lower temperatures, as well their capability to cure under a wide range of conditions, polyurethane based liquid applied membranes can also be used in climatically challenging environments.

Benefits Advantages Features
More flexibility of application in unstable weather situation
Time saving
Rain resistant almost immediately after application
Fast overcoating
Fast curing
Constant energy efficiency performance Keeps high solar reflectance index (SRI)
UV stable and resistant to yellowing
Time saving in application
No risk of mixing errors
Easy and ready to use One-component
Flexibility in application
Cost saving for site handling
Handy transportation
Easy handling
Convenient packaging in tins
Two-component polyurethane/polyurea based liquid applied membranes

The demand for two-component polyurethane/polyurea (PU/PUA) based liquid applied membranes has risen in the last decade.

The fast and efficient application method by two-component spray machines makes it particularly suitable for large surface application and industrial application. Once the product is mixed in front of the application nozzle and applied to the surface it cures within seconds, allowing a fast over coating or early pedestrian traffic. Sika has adapted the two-component PU/PUA hybrid technology to cold applications and hand-applied systems, making it now possible to do installations where hot spray is not efficient, while maintaining the same performance characteristics.

Benefits Advantages Features
More flexibility of application in unstable weather situation
Time saving
Trafficable almost immediately after application
Rain resistant almost immediately after application
Fast overcoating
Very fast curing
Time saving
Fast project progress Fast application especially for large area
Economical waterproofing solution: very cost saving High material yield Solvent free and 100% solids

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