29 September 2009 – Trelleborg Waterproofing introduces Electrobond, a new and revolutionary method based on a state-of-the-art induction heating technique, for fixing Trelleborg Waterproofing’s advanced Elastoseal roofing system to buildings. As the system is maintenance-free with exceptional durability, it proves extremely economical over a long service life.
Welding technique of the future
“Developing the Electrobond technology was challenging,” says Markus Arvidsson, Product Manager for rubber membranes at Trelleborg Waterproofing in Sweden, where the Elastoseal product is fabricated. “Elastoseal is based on a thermo-set EPDM, which means it cannot be melted, so we needed to adapt our welding technique Thermobond to overcome this.”
“Thermobond is a welding technique developed and patented by Trelleborg. It is used with all our EPDM roofing products,” continues Arvidsson. “Electrobond is an adaption of Thermobond developed in cooperation with Afast BV, a company that specializes in fasteners. It produces the Centrix induction heating machine which we have adjusted for use with Thermobond coated washers to make sure that adhesion can be made to the Elastoseal membrane.”
Fixing patterns can be optimal to the roof
Electrobond metal washers are coated with Thermobond, TPE and fixed to the roof deck with screws and sleeves. Not restricted to where the roofing membrane overlaps, the pattern of the fixings can be made optimal to the shape and form of the roof. As much, or in some cases all, of the welding and detail work of the Elastoseal roof panels is done in the factory, so once the washers are fixed, the Elastoseal panels can be set in place to provide immediate protection.
The fixing of the Elastoseal to the Electrobond washers beneath takes just seconds. Portable hand-held Centrix equipment utilizes magnetic fields to induce heat to the magnetic metal of the Electrobond washers, anchoring Elastoseal panels with non-penetrating Electrobond fasteners that are not visible after installation.
Elastoseal Roofing Gives Long-Term Durability
Elastoseal is a unique light-weight non-reinforced elastomeric thermo-set membrane roofing system based on Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) polymer that provides long-term durability; independent tests demonstrate an expected service life exceeding 50 years. Fabricated into large panels to provide fast and secure installation the system demonstrates outstanding performance characteristics. Elastoseal is chemically and thermally stable, providing exceptionally long-life and weathering ability. The system is proven to show no changes in strength or elasticity over a broad temperature range from -30°C to +120°C/ -22°F to +248°F.
The elastic properties of the membrane mean that Elastoseal absorbs all movements in the substrate. The Elastoseal system is therefore not stressed by or is its fit affected by temperature fluctuations, wind load, snow, UV-radiation, ponding of water or other common phenomena influencing the long-term performance of roof waterproofing.
Low impact on the environment
In addition, Elastoseal has low impact on the environment. It contains no contaminants such as plasticizers or additives that can leech out. This means that it does not need the extra glass fiber layer in the roof construction to prevent this. Its lightness in combination with its durability gives a favorable Life Cycle Analysis and the product can be recycled or burned to reuse energy content. Elastoseal is also approved for use as a waterproofing membrane under vegetation and green roofs.
Elastoseal roofing systems are supplied as a complete package and is installed by authorized roofing contractors who receive full technical support from Trelleborg Waterproofing AB. Elastoseal roofing system is compliant with numerous standards including Austrian ÖNORM B 3700, Netherlands KOMO Attest No.CTG-408/1, Polish ITB Technical approval AT-153783/2006 and the US ASTM D6134. It is CE marked according to EN 13956 Flexible sheet for waterproofing and meets different fire classifications like BroofT1.
For more information, please visit http://www.trelleborg.com/waterproofing.
