A free, online tool that enables users to quickly assess the suitability of liquid roofing systems has been launched by the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA).
Aimed at specifiers, distributors and contractors, the Product Register compiles information from third-party certifications, including agrément and European Technical Approval (ETA) certificates, into an easy-to-read format.
It allows the user to search for a preferred manufacturer via a drop-down list or a product name if known. Alternatively, if the user is unsure about which liquid roofing system to use, they can carry out a search using six filters, which will create a random list of potential products.
The filters include the material, for example, polyurethane; the type of roof that needs waterproofing such as inverted, pitched or a terrace; the level of foot traffic; the required lifespan of the roof area; what type of substrate will be coated; and whether it is a newbuild or refurbishment project.
Every product in the Register is listed with key features and a link to further information, such as approved applications, evidence of durability, and properties in relation to fire. There is also a function that allows different liquid systems to be compared.
Sarah Spink, chief executive officer of the LRWA, said: “Selecting an inappropriate product can result in a project failing, so verifying the performance of a liquid is essential.
“The data in agrément and ETA certificates will confirm whether the system will meet specified requirements, but this information can be difficult to understand, and one of our biggest concerns is that people don’t read it properly. This can lead to inaccurate assumptions or a reliance on manufacturers’ product claims, some of which can be misleading.
“The Product Register has been designed to overcome these issues. It brings verified product data into one place, which is easy to search and navigate, enabling anyone seeking to install or specify a liquid waterproofing solution to make an informed decision.”
Available on the LRWA’s website, the Product Register will be continually updated and contains the details of more than 80 liquid systems offered by the association’s members.
The tool forms part of the LRWA’s wider aim to help specifiers, distributors and contractors make the right choice and ensure liquids perform as expected.
In 2020, the association launched a Design Guide for Specifiers, which offers extensive technical information and advice to help specifiers correctly select liquid products and systems.
The LRWA is also a member of the Marketing Integrity Group (MIG), which was set up by the Construction Products Association in response to recommendations outlined in Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report.
The MIG is involved in a number of initiatives to tackle misleading product claims, including the proposed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).
