FAQ
How effective are APP rolls for moisture control from foundations into floor slabs?
APP rolls are effective in controlling moisture rising from foundations into floor slabs. However, in structures exposed to severe hydrostatic pressure or high water tables, a single-ply system may be insufficient. In such cases, a double-layer application is recommended to enhance performance.
Additionally, where upward water pressure is significant, a structural counterweight may be needed to resist buoyancy such as additional floor layers, this is typically determined by a structural engineer.
It is also important to differentiate between waterproofing (which resists water under pressure) and damp proofing (which controls upward moisture migration without pressure).
Are APP rolls good against negative pressure?
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing refers to the process of making a basement or crawl space resistant to water intrusion.
Methods:
- Interior Waterproofing: Involves sealing walls and floors with waterproof coatings and membranes.
- Exterior Waterproofing: Includes excavating around the foundation and applying waterproof membranes.
Importance: Effective basement waterproofing prevents water damage, mold growth, and structural issues, enhancing the usability of basement spaces for many years to come.
What is Bitumax Waterproofing?
Bitumax Waterproofing is a high-performance bitumen-based waterproofing product designed for various applications, including roofs, basements, and foundations.
Advantages:
- Flexibility: Adapts to structural movements and temperature changes.
- Resistance: Offers excellent resistance to water, UV rays, and chemical exposure.
- Ease of application: Can be applied using various methods, including brush, roller, fire spray, and others.
Ideal Applications: Suitable for both new construction and renovation projects, providing long-lasting protection against water intrusion.
What is Bitunil?
Bitunil is a premium bitumen waterproofing membrane from Kenvee Building Materials. known for its exceptional waterproofing properties and ease of application.
Characteristics:
- Self-adhesive: Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for additional adhesives.
- Robustness: Offers superior resistance to water, weathering, and mechanical stress.
Applications: Ideal for use in flat roofs, terraces, and high-grade waterproofing projects.
What is the durability of mineral-surfaced waterproofing rolls?
Mineral-surfaced waterproofing rolls are designed for exposed waterproofing systems and are highly durable, especially in areas with limited access. The mineral layer protects the bitumen from UV rays and mechanical wear. These minerals are typically imported from specialized suppliers and come in natural gray by default, though other colors like green, red, and white are also available via pigmentation.
Color selection can be influenced by desired solar reflectivity and performance. For instance, white has the highest solar reflectance but is also the most expensive. Over time, all colors tend to appear gray due to atmospheric impurities and exposure. Mineral-surfaced membranes should be inspected annually, and re-mineralization may be necessary in areas showing visible wear.
what is Insucoat Liquid Primer?
Insucoat Liquid Primer is a specialized primer designed to enhance the adhesion of waterproofing membranes and coatings to various surfaces in a construction project.
Features:
- Quick-drying: Allows for faster project completion.
- Compatibility: Works well with multiple waterproofing systems.
- Durability: Provides a robust base layer that enhances the performance of subsequent applications.
Usage: Ideal for use in both residential and commercial projects, ensuring a strong bond between surfaces and waterproofing materials.
What about the practice of torching the membrane surface directly?
Over-torching, i.e. applying the flame directly to the membrane surface, should be avoided. Instead, the substrate beneath the membrane should be adequately heated to activate the bitumen for proper adhesion. The goal is to create a firm bond between the membrane and the surface without damaging the membrane’s integrity.
It is also very important to verify the membrane adhesion the next day and adhering to the “3S” rule: Smooth, Sound, Substrate—ensuring a clean, stable surface is key to successful application.
What are Kenvee Building Materials?
Kenvee Building Materials includes many building material brands, primarily focusing on waterproofing solutions, including membranes, primers, and glass sheet mirrors.
Key Offerings:
Roflex Waterproofing: High-performance membranes designed for various applications, providing exceptional water resistance and durability.
Bitunil Waterproofing: Premium bitumen membranes known for their self-adhesive properties and robust protection against water intrusion, ideal for flat roofs and high-grade applications.
Bitumax Waterproofing: A high-performance bitumen-based waterproofing solution that offers flexibility, excellent resistance to UV rays, and ease of application, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
Insucoat Waterproofing Liquid Primer: Enhances adhesion for waterproofing systems, ensuring a strong bond between surfaces and membranes, and is quick-drying for efficient project timelines.
Glass Sheet Mirrors: High-quality glass mirrors used in construction and interior design, offering aesthetic appeal and durability, perfect for enhancing spaces while also providing functionality.
Commitment to Quality:
Kenvee ensures that all products meet industry standards and provide reliable performance
What are Kenvee Materials?
Kenvee Materials includes different brands of building materials. As a leading supplier of construction materials in Nigeria, we specialize in waterproofing solutions, including waterproofing membranes, primers, and glass sheets.
Mission: To provide high-quality, reliable, and innovative building materials that meet the needs of distributors, site engineers, and applicators while ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Commitment: Kenvee is dedicated to supporting its partners through exceptional service, training, and access to cutting-edge products, making it a trusted choice in the building materials sector.
What are Kenvee Products?
Kenvee’s products include a wide range of building materials, primarily focusing on waterproofing solutions, including membranes, primers, and glass sheet mirrors.
Key Offerings:
Roflex Waterproofing: High-performance membranes designed for various applications, providing exceptional water resistance and durability.
Bitunil Waterproofing: Premium bitumen membranes known for their self-adhesive properties and robust protection against water intrusion, ideal for flat roofs and high-grade applications.
Bitumax Waterproofing: A high-performance bitumen-based waterproofing solution that offers flexibility, excellent resistance to UV rays, and ease of application, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
Insucoat Waterproofing Liquid Primer: Enhances adhesion for waterproofing systems, ensuring a strong bond between surfaces and membranes, and is quick-drying for efficient project timelines.
Glass Sheet Mirrors: High-quality glass mirrors used in construction and interior design, offering aesthetic appeal and durability, perfect for enhancing spaces while also providing functionality.
Commitment to Quality:
Kenvee ensures that all products meet industry standards and provide reliable performance
How are the membranes applied in on-grade and subgrade systems?
There are three primary methods for applying torch-on membranes:
- Loose laid: Membranes are not bonded across the full surface, only at the perimeter and detailed areas, which are torched and primed. This is commonly used in subgrade systems where the top layer is protected by an additional layer (e.g., screed or insulation).
- Partially bonded (spot-bonded): Primer is applied, and the membrane is bonded in spots using a torch. This method is also used in subgrade systems, especially where a counterweight or overburden is placed over the membrane.
- Fully bonded: The entire membrane is torched and adhered to the substrate using bituminous primers. This method is required for exposed areas or sloped roofs, particularly in regions with snow or high wind exposure.
For loose-laid and partially bonded systems, SBS membrane variants can also be used. While SBS membranes are better suited to colder climates, they can be used in warm climates like Nigeria for subgrade applications.
Is reconditioning possible for loose membranes at end laps or other areas?
Torch-on membranes are repairable, which is one of their key advantages. Where a membrane is loose but not damaged, the area should be reprimed and the membrane re-torched into place. If the membrane is damaged, the affected portion should be cut out and patched with a new section, ensuring a minimum overlap of 15 cm on all sides to maintain waterproofing integrity.
What is Roflex?
Roflex is a brand of high-quality waterproofing membranes offered by Kenvee Building Materials, designed for various applications in the construction industry.
Features:
- High performance: Provides excellent waterproofing capabilities.
- Durability: Resistant to punctures, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.
- Versatility: Suitable for roofs, foundations, and other critical areas.
Why Choose Roflex?:
Its reliability and effectiveness have made Roflex a preferred choice among contractors and applicators.
What is the difference between fiberglass and polyester reinforcement, and why would a client select either?
Fiberglass reinforcement is dimensionally stable, meaning it does not elongate significantly when exposed to temperature changes or during torch application. This makes it suitable for small buildings (typically less than 100 m²) and ideal as a base layer. However, its limited elongation capacity (not exceeding 3%) makes it unsuitable as a top layer in large-span buildings where flexibility is needed to accommodate structural movements or cracking. Additionally, fiberglass has a lower tear strength compared to polyester, meaning it can be torn easily by hand. This is a disadvantage in areas requiring high durability, such as complex roof details and structures exposed to mechanical stress—e.g., buildings near railway lines.
In contrast, polyester reinforcement offers superior mechanical properties such as higher tensile strength, better tear and puncture resistance, and greater elongation capacity. These properties improve as the weight of the polyester reinforcement increases (measured in grams per square meter). Polyester is more flexible and robust, making it suitable for both old and new buildings of all sizes. It can be used in single or double layers with appropriate overlaps and is better suited for structures exceeding 100 m² or those subjected to more mechanical stresses.
It is also possible to combine the roll types to achieve both dimensional stability and high mechanical properties. This can be done by using a base layer of 2 mm or 3 kg fiberglass with a top layer of 3 mm or 3 kg polyester to provide an economical and effective system.
What is a Touch-applied Waterproofing Membrane?
A “torch-applied” waterproofing membrane is a method of waterproofing, using a bitumen-based membrane that is melted and bonded to a surface with a heat torch. This process creates a strong, watertight barrier, making it a popular choice for flat or nearly flat roofs, balconies, and other areas where water penetration needs to be prevented.
Why It’s Needed:
Waterproofing membranes are essential in construction to prevent water from seeping into buildings, which can cause structural damage over time. By using a touch-applied membrane, builders can achieve precise coverage, ensuring even the smallest cracks and crevices are sealed against water infiltration.
Touch-applied waterproofing membranes are a practical and efficient choice for ensuring durable construction projects that withstand moisture challenges.
What is a Touch-On Waterproofing Membrane?
A “torch-on” waterproofing membrane is a method of waterproofing using a bitumen-based membrane that is melted and bonded to a surface with a heat torch. This process creates a strong, watertight barrier, making it a popular choice for flat or nearly flat roofs, balconies, and other areas where water penetration needs to be prevented.
Why It’s Needed:
Waterproofing membranes are essential in construction to prevent water from seeping into buildings, which can cause structural damage over time. By using a touch-applied membrane, builders can achieve precise coverage, ensuring even the smallest cracks and crevices are sealed against water infiltration.
Touch-on waterproofing membranes are a practical and efficient choice for ensuring durable construction projects that withstand moisture challenges.
Should rollers or trowels be used for sealing overlaps?
No, rollers or trowels should not be used to press down overlaps, as this can damage the membrane surface or reduce joint thickness. The membranes are designed to self-seal at overlaps when properly torched. If adjustments are needed (e.g., lifting a corner to reapply heat), a trowel can be used gently for handling, but not for pressing or shaping the membrane.
What are Water Tables?
Water tables refer to the level below which the ground is saturated with water. Understanding the water table is crucial for effective waterproofing and construction practices.
Impact:
- Construction Planning: Knowledge of the water table helps in designing foundations and drainage systems.
- Waterproofing Needs: A high water table may necessitate more robust waterproofing solutions to prevent water intrusion.
What are Waterproofing Materials?
Waterproofing materials are specialized products designed to prevent water from penetrating buildings, structures, and surfaces. They are crucial in protecting against water damage, mold growth, and structural deterioration.
Types:
- Membranes: Sheets of material applied to surfaces to create a barrier against moisture.
- Coatings: Liquid materials that form a protective layer when applied to surfaces.
- Sealants: Products used to fill gaps and joints to prevent water intrusion.
Importance: Proper waterproofing is vital for buildings in regions with high rainfall or groundwater levels, as it helps maintain structural integrity and prolongs the lifespan of the materials used in construction.
