Problems waterproofing in cold weather
When waterproofing a flat roof and choosing the appropriate product, many factors need to be taken into account; the intended use of the roof, shape, size, slope, substrate condition and more.
But even when all the above are set up correctly, there are two other factors that tend to be unpredictable and very hard to control.
We are talking about humidity and water, and more precisely when it turns into ice.
Many waterproofing membranes, even the most prestigious, need to be applied over a completely dry substrate or with a very low percentage of humidity.
This is for two main reasons:
- The ice and humidity in the substrate work as a detaching agent creating a “meniscus” between the waterproofing membrane and the substrate, preventing the product from correctly adhering to the substrate.
- The water trapped in the substrate can’t evaporate. It stays in the substrate creating molds and efflorescence that may appear on the ceiling of the floor below. Moreover, in case of reinforced structures, it may speed up the corrosion process of the reinforcing bars.
What about with temperatures close to 0º C?
When temperatures are low, what’s mentioned above is still valid, but other factors need to be taken into consideration.
- The humidity will never evaporate if the temperature is very low. This means that in some areas it is impossible to waterproof a roof during certain periods of the year.
- Commonly used water-based waterproofing liquid membranes, reduce their workability or even risk freezing.
- Widely used bitumen membranes can’t be applied with low temperatures, as their elasticity is highly reduced.
The solution: Winkler One, an innovative waterproofing liquid membrane applicable in cold weather
So, how to waterproof a flat roof in cold and frozen temperatures?
Among the many waterproofing liquid membranes currently available on the market, Winkler One has unique features that make it the perfect solution for most kinds of extreme conditions
Winkler One consists of a mix of 100% hybrid resins, giving the product some outstanding features such as:
- High adaptability to humid or even wet surfaces
- High workability even at 0°C (32F)
- High breathability, this means that the humidity in the substrate can evaporate even after the product has cured
Watch this real case of an application under very extreme conditions:
Winkler ONE has been applied in the morning at 0°C with expected snow for the late afternoon.
The application has been made on a portion of the balcony and the adhesion checked 24 and 48 hours after application.
In both cases, with a lot of snow, the adhesion was 100%
Another check on the adhesion of Winkler One has been made after three months, checking conditions under a thick layer of ice.
