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 |
| 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 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 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 |
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 |
