ALCHIMICA is a dynamic company specializing in the development and production of specialty polyurethane materials for construction and industrial applications. For over 25 years, the firm has successfully provided products and services to architects, engineers, home builders, contractors and building owners worldwide.
Their 1 and 2 part polyurethane systems have a proven track record of high performance in numerous prestigious construction works around the world. In addition, their industrial spray coatings are trusted as industrial waterproofing and insulating solutions, even in the most demanding of cases, for instance construction of health-sensitive water drinking reservoirs, restoration of aged buildings and waterproofing of bridge platforms.
Although flat concrete roofs are typically seen as rooftops for commercial buildings, with modern day architecture flat roofs are very common for private homes. Even though concrete has been chosen as a material for its longevity and a sleek appearance, it is exposed to the elements 24/7 and 365 days a year. UV, pollution, sea salt spray (at the coast), thermal shock and rain affect the structural durability of the concrete.
There are a few steps to be followed to ensure the longevity of the concrete: Design, construction and protection of the concrete.
All exposed concrete should be protected with a sealer to prevent moisture and build-up of mould due to moisture. A failure to use the right sealer, or to properly apply the sealer, increases the risk of concrete failure, leading to expensive maintenance, repairs and replacements down the line.
Protection the concrete with a waterproofing membrane is one way of avoiding damage from occurring earlier than anticipated and will inevitably help the concrete roof to last a lot longer. Typically bitumen torch membranes have been used worldwide but Alchimica Building Chemicals are leading the way with liquid applied polyurethanes and have been providing solutions worldwide for over 35 years.
Advantages of polyurethane over bitumen
The advantages of polyurethane over bitumen are numerous but the most relevant fact is that the polyurethanes are filly adhered to the concrete and they are maintenance free.
The compan’s HYPERDESMO®-HAA is a unique single component polyurethane liquid membrane, based on the successful combination of Hyperdesmo and Accelerator 3000 which throughout the years has provided applicators with a solution for a fast curing, bubble free thick layer membrane. Due to its unique formulation, it cures rapidly to form a completely defect free membrane with excellent mechanical and elastomeric properties. This product is ideal for use on any structure exposed to the elements and comes with a 10 year maintenance free guarantee.
HYPERDESMO can (and has successfully been) used in several types of applications as:
- Flat and inclined concrete roofs for exposed and non-exposed applications,
- Over polyurethane insulation foams,
- Verandas and balconies, under and over tiles,
- Bathrooms, wet rooms, saunas, etc.
- Hard traffic areas such as stadium stands, car parks etc.
Polyurethane liquid membranes
The last decades has seen the waterproofing community turn to new technologies based on high technology Liquid membranes. This new school of thought has abandoned the idea that only multi-layer systems guarantee water-tightness.
Liquid-applied systems, of which polyurethane waterproofing membranes are the prime example, offer decisive advantages particularly where seamless systems are desired; either structurally or aesthetically, and for geometrically complicated connections with ventilation outlets or upturns. Critical to success, is the correct material selection from the various alternatives on the market.
Alchimica has been providing solutions to waterproofing problems for over 30 years with its extensive range of polyurethane liquid membranes which are the most versatile and long term performing of the liquid applied membrane waterproofing category of products.
