Berger's Weatherflex elastomeric crack-bridging coating has decorated a number of prestigious projects in the Gulf and is gaining increasing popularity. Weatherflex has been extensively used by the Ministry of Housing in Bahrain and on a very large housing complex in Sharjah, UAE.

"Weatherflex 1000 is a 100 per cent acrylic high-performance elastomeric coating," says Wahid bin Omar Al-Khawaji, sales manager, projects, with the Dubai-based company. "Its special formulation ensures a high degree of elasticity and elongation to cover live cracks of up to 2 mm in the masonry surface. The degree of crack-bridging varies with the DFT (dry film thickness) of application."

Al-Khawaji continues: "Due to the very aggressive climatic conditions prevailing in the Gulf countries, the concrete or cement plaster of buildings often develops hairline cracks.

"The saline, humid air penetrates through these cracks and gradually make the cracks bigger. This not only makes the building look unsightly but also weakens the structure and, therefore, reduces the life of the building.

''It is here that Weatherflex, with its excellent elasticity, stretches to keep the cracks covered, thereby preventing ingress of saline, humid air. Its proven anti-carbonation properties, certified by the internationally-reputed testing authority, Taywood Engineering, provide outstanding concrete and plaster protection.''

It is available in a smooth as well as textured finish.

Berger Stoneshield, yet another innovative coating, gives homes and offices the distinctive, look of elegance and class that only marble can give. Says Al-Khawaji: "It has excellent weather and UV (ultra-violet) resistance. It is ideal for villas, hotels, mosques, shopping malls, schools and hospitals. It is a very cost-effective alternative to natural stone or marble."

Berger Stoneshield's unique features include excellent anti-carbonation properties, high compressive strength, high tensile strength, low expansion co-efficient, excellent adhesion and low weight.

For roofs, Berger offers Flexidex Waterproofing Roof Compound. "It is a thick acrylic elastomeric compound which forms a seamless coating, thereby preventing leakage and seepage of water. Because of its special formulation. Flexidex not only provides long-term protection, it also ensures minimum heat absorption through the roof to keep the interior cooler, thereby reducing electricity costs for air-conditioning," he explains.

Berger, one of the world's oldest and most respected names in paints and specialist coatings was established in London more than 240 years ago.

Berger Paints Emirates' state-of-the-art-facility in Dubai has introduced pioneering technology to the Middle East. Drawing from its world-wide pool of expertise, Berger's Research Centre in Dubai has been involved in product development ensuring that Berger's world-class products are adapted to the unique requirements and standards of the Middle Fast market.

Commenting on business levels, Al-Khawaji says: "The market has slowed down a bit, but the forecast looks phenomenal because of a number of mega projects coming up in Dubai."

Some of the prestigious projects the company has executed or is currently involved with include the 50-storey 'The Tower' project, expected to be the highest residential Tower in Dubai when completed, 84 three-storey luxury villas in Mirdiff, the 47-storey Fujairah Tower, the tallest building on the coast of UAE and a four-tower residential project comprising 896 luxury apartments for Juma Al Majid in Sharjah. "We have already been awarded many other large projects but work has not started yet," he adds.