Atactic Polypropylene (APP) and Styrene-Butadiene Styrene rubber (SBS) are two kinds of polymers that are used to modify bituminous roofing membranes with the aim of extending the life of the membranes.

• APP ensures that the rolls are more UV-resistant and less heat-sensitive.
• SBS provides flexibility at low temperatures.

Both types of modificators, due to their intrinsic differences, cannot be combined into a single roofing membrane.

Which of both types should be chosen depends on the climate zone in which the project is located, national preferences, the roofer’s installation habit or even the ambient conditions at the time of installation.

IKO nv, in view of its sales all over the world in all possible climates, has both types in its product range and, therefore, is an expert in both techniques.

PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation is an improved version of PUR (polyurethane) insulation. Thanks to a different ratio of raw materials, PIR attains distinctly better insulation values, a better fire rating and greater compression strength than the PUR variant.

The aim of a vapour pressure distributing underlay is to distribute any vapour tension between the base (insulation or existing roofing) and the first layer, thus preventing blistering.

A vapour pressure distributing underlay is necessary if welding is carried out on PIR insulation or in case of renovation.

IKO has a proprietary integrated vapour pressure distributing system. The “Quadra” technology with diamond profile on the underside of the membranes provides the perfect ratio between wind resistance and vapour pressure relief. The IKO roofing rolls with “Quadra” profile are perfect for renovations and allow one to work quickly.

Roofing and insulation products made by the same manufacturer have the advantage that the products are perfectly matched to each other, offering a complete system for the flat roof. They are specifically created to be installed “together”. The knowledge and experience built up over many years is combined here to generate the best possible compatibility.

1 package – 1 manufacturer – 1 responsibility!

The IKO warranty can only be issued by an IKO-certified roofer. These IKO-approved roofers not only have extensive experience in installing IKO systems, they also take annual training courses regarding the latest advances in technology. Additionally, often they are financially sound family businesses drawing on many years of experience and with a proven track record in their field.

Traditionally, bituminous roofing membranes are torched together or to the substrate. The bituminous coating is softened by heating it, after which it is allowed to cool down and harden in order to obtain solid and waterproof bonding. This is a safe method of installation provided that the roofer takes a few simple and obvious precautions. The torching of bituminous roofing membranes is a technique that proved its effectiveness a long time ago and also provides the highest level of security.

Nowadays, if desired, by applying IKO roofing systems, one can largely limit the use of the open flame technique. Indeed,…

• IKO shield vapour barriers can also be installed using the self-adhesive technique
• The IKO enertherm insulation is glued by means of PU adhesive
• The IKO base underlays, in turn, can be laid using the self-adhesive technique but, to provide optimal security, the overlaps have to be welded using the soft flame technique.
• The top layer is welded in the traditional way

If required, IKO bituminous roofing membranes can also be installed completely flame-free through the so-called cold bonding technique or mechanical fastening. These methods of installation are used primarily in high-risk environments, for example for waterproofing operations in gas-fired power stations or oil refineries. IKO has designed very specific products both for the mechanical fastening technique and for cold bonding. The overlaps of the roofing rolls, in the case of a flame-free technique, are welded together using hot air instead of a soft flame.

Some industrial principals search for solutions to reduce the calorific value of the roof package. Here, too, IKO has the solution: by combining IKO shield low-fire load vapour barriers (DIN 18234) with single-layer mechanically fastened roofing systems, such as IKO powerflex Mono, the calorific value can be reduced substantially.

Not only the installation must be fireproof, but the products too. In this respect, too, the IKO systems provide optimal security.

• External Causes of Fire (the so-called incipient spread of fire):

As for external causes of fire, the resistance to the incipient spread of fire of the top layers in particular will play a role. The IKO top layers always meet the minimum national fire safety requirements.

Since 1997, IKO uses graphite technology to achieve better fire reaction results and to be able to meet higher standards (tests with wind and additional heat) without toxic substances being released in the event of fire, as is the case with traditional flame retardants (halogens).

The IKO top layers IKO carrara, IKO carbon and IKO pantera all comply with the more stringent Broof T2 and T3 tests and, therefore, can be applied worldwide.

• Internal Causes of Fire:

In the event of a fire whose cause is located inside the building, the roof floor (concrete, steel,…) in particular will play a role in the fire resistance. IKO enertherm insulation, in end-use tests, obtained fire rating B, class-s2, d0. The board displays extremely low smoke development, does not melt and does not drip. The flame-retardant properties are typical to the chemical structure of the IKO insulation board. Additionally, the board is very light, thus putting less strain on the underlying structures when these are deformed by the heat.