The original asbestos cement sheet roof of the Iveco Ford Truck Limited assembly plant was showing signs of water penetration due to cracking of individual sheets and the delamination of a bitumen based roof coating previously used to make localised repairs. An elastomeric, weatherproof coating was therefore sought to encapsulate the roof and protect it against possible wind damage.

Decadex was chosen from a number of alternatives on the basis of its proven durability, which similar applications have shown to exceed 10 years. It was applied in solar-reflective white in order to reduce heat gain and to minimise thermal movement of the substrate.

In order to keep air containment levels in the dome of Reactor Building 1 well within stringent safety limits, Ontario Hydro sought a high performance coating that would prevent pressure dependent leaks through hairline cracks in the concrete roof dome. Exacting laboratory tests were conducted to examine properties such as ease of application, crack bridging, low temperature flexibility and resistance to air pressure up to 82 kPa(g) (-25 to 40ºC).

Of more than 70 products originally considered, only Decothane SP met all the necessary requirements and, after further testing, it was ultimately specified for the contract. A special system, incorporating five coats of Decothane SP, was used to produce a membrane with a minimal dry film thickness of 3.5mm. Following its application, further tests were undertaken and the project engineering team reported that the “pressure dependent leakage behaviour was completely eliminated.”

The mineralised felt roofs of the mining camp at Longyearbyen had deteriorated as a result of the severe Arctic climate. Heavy snow and rainfall, high winds and winter temperatures as low as -60°C demanded a highly durable, flexible system which could be applied over the existing roofs without disrupting routines in the buildings below.

Following a 12 month trial using Decothane SP on the three most badly affected roofs, inspections revealed no deterioration of either the coating or the underlying wooden structures. The Decothane Alpha 10 system was subsequently used to provide complete weatherproof protection for all remaining buildings.

The RAF sought a system that would offer long term resistance to water penetration whilst ensuring that the structures were protected from attack by aggressive airborne pollutants and carbonation in the reinforced concrete. The Decothane Beta system, based on a high performance polyurethane coating, was selected for the domed roofs and Monolastex Smooth, a water based copolymer coating, was chosen for all vertical end walls.

In accordance with the specification requirements, both exterior coatings were supplied in special colour batches of military green and applied by roller to achieve the necessary film thickness.

The Beta 10 system has a BBA-certified life span of at least 10 years, although systems are also available with life spans in excess of 25 years. Monolastex Smooth has also been certified by the British Board of Agrément, and offers durability of either five years as a one coat application, or 15 years as a two coat application. Like the Decothane systems, it is highly elastomeric and will not embrittle with prolonged exposure to ultra-violet light. The refurbishment contract was originally overseen by the PSA, and subsequently by Mowlem Facilities Management Limited.

For several years, Liquid Plastics has been engaged in a systematic refurbishment operation of the N.E.C. in Birmingham, which involves treating the existing felt roofs of exhibition halls, the main entrance and ancillary buildings with Decothane based systems.

The  N.E.C.  implemented the  long  term  preventative

maintenance programme prior to the development of any serious problems, as any failure of the existing felt would clearly present an unacceptable threat to routines and commercial events within the halls.

A durable, elastomeric roofing system was therefore sought in order to provide an effective barrier against water penetration. A key reason for the specification of the various Decothane systems was that they could be applied directly over the felt and that the roof decks did not have to be exposed at any time during the application. Another key factor was the proven durability of Decothane systems, which carry BBA-certification and offer minimum lifespans of 10, 20, or 25 years before their first maintenance. To date, halls 1, 2, 3a, 4 and the main entrance have been treated with Decothane systems, as well as the roofing on piazzas A, B, C, D and the link roof between halls 1 and 2.

The British School is a primary school which teaches children who originate from the UK. In order to make the building appear more attractive both internally and externally, the school's authorities sought a decorative, protective coating for application to both existing and new build walls and ceilings in both the classrooms and the exterior public areas.

Monolastex Smooth - a high performance, waterborne, acrylic based coating - was chosen because, as a two coat application, it will last at least 15 years before first maintenance is required. Other advantages are its excellent weatherproofing properties and active fungistatic system, which combats mould, fungus and algae on its surface, therefore ensuring the treated external walls retain a bright, clean appearance.

Monolastex Smooth is available in a range of attractive colours with special colours made to suit exact specifications. As the school's corporate colours are white and blue, the standard white was chosen and a special blue colour was also specifically created. As part of the same contract, the school's flat roof was also coated with one of LPL's advanced, fluid applied roofing systems - Decadex FL10 - in order to provide excellent waterproof protection for at least 10 years before first maintenance.