Sika, one of the worldwide market leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, has introduced one of the industry's first-ever Thickness Guarantee Program. The company now guarantees that the thickness of all Sarnafil roofing membranes will meet or exceed the thickness indicated on the package label.
Current industry standards for various single-ply membranes, established by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), allow a manufacturer to produce a membrane 10 percent thinner (or thicker) than its labeled thickness, meaning that a membrane labeled 60 mils could actually be 54 mils and still meet the standard. Specifiers and building owners are generally unaware of this situation, even though it has a direct impact on product value.
Under the Thickness Guarantee Program, Sika will remunerate the building owner $0.05 per s/f for the amount of material measuring less than the labeled thickness to a maximum of $5,000 if, at the time of installation, the membrane measures less than the labeled thickness per the ASTM D-751 standard.
"Roofing membrane thickness is a key determinant to longevity, durability, and weldability," said Jay Thomas, vice president marketing, Sika. "The Thickness Guarantee Program for Sarnafil membranes ensures that architects and roofing consultants can specify with confidence, and that building owners will truly get what they pay for."
Roof surfaces have to withstand challenging climatic and meteorological conditions involving moisture, temperature, solar radiation, and wind. Over time, these forces combine to age membranes, resulting in part in a loss of thickness for all products. A thicker membrane withstands these forces longer. In addition, commercial roofs typically host HVAC and mechanical equipment, which entail foot traffic for maintenance and repair. Thicker membranes stand up better to punctures and abrasion, in addition to weathering and aging.
Sika AG, located in Baar, Switzerland, is a globally active specialty chemicals company. Sika supplies the building and construction industry as well as manufacturing industries (automotive, bus, truck, rail, solar and wind power plants, façades). Sika's product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring, as well as roofing and waterproofing systems. Worldwide local presence in 80 countries and more than 16,000 employees link customers directly to Sika and guarantee the success of all partners.