Manufacturing and Production

Waterproofing and Bituminous Products Manufacturing

A waterproofing product is bought on price and judged on whether a roof leaks five years later, which is a gap long enough that a manufacturer can sell a poor formulation for years before the market notices. This course covers making products that hold. Delegates work through bitumen grades, oxidation and the polymer modification with styrene butadiene styrene and atactic polypropylene that gives membranes their flexibility and heat resistance. Membrane manufacture follows: carrier selection, compound preparation, coating line operation, surfacing and the thickness control that determines service life. Liquid applied systems are covered across bitumen emulsions, acrylics and polyurethanes. Formulation for adhesion, elongation and ultraviolet resistance is addressed. Testing follows through softening point, penetration, cold flexibility, tensile and artificial weathering. Application requirements are covered so a manufacturer can support installers, including substrate preparation, priming and detailing. Storage and shelf life are addressed. The course closes on failure investigation, on warranty terms and on the difference between a product fault and a workmanship fault.