Leaking roofs can be successfully repaired with protective coating systems, says Technicoat International Factory (TeknCoat) of the UAE.

Since its launch last year, the protective coatings specialist has been in the forefront in the fields of thermal insulation and waterproofing and has executed a number of projects in the UAE, says managing director Hathem Al Sayegh.

"TeknCoat's systems are designed for the treatment of pile heads, basements, wet areas, water tanks, swimming pools and roofs," Agnel A George, general manager for Dubai-based firm. "And the coatings can also be used treat leaking roofs which have conventional bitumen membranes with mosaic or cement tiles or screeds as the finished surface."

Elaborating on the repair process, he continues: "The surface to be treated should be made totally dry and dust free, as this is vital to successful treatment. Any joints or cracks are filled with Technofiller and allowed to cure for 24 hours. A base coat (R1) is evenly applied with a roller brush and allowed to cure for 24 hours, followed by a second coat (R2), also evenly applied and allowed to cure for 24 hours.

"In the areas of movement joints, the existing sealant is completely removed and filled with the highly-flexible and expandable Technofiller over a backing rod and then allowed to cure for 24 to 48 hours.

"Fresh coatings (R1 and R2) are applied and a polyester fabric (Fybex) is fixed while the coat is still tacky, then allowed to cure for 24 hours. A final coat (R2) is applied over the treated surface and allowed to cure for 24 hours."

TeknCoat, he says, will guarantee such treatment for two to five years, depending on the type of building, the existing system and the cost involved. However, all systems are designed on a case-to-case basis based on various factors that can affect it.

TeknCoat has achieved a one hundred per cent success rate so far in solving leakage problems in the existing roofs, George says.

TeknCoat also recommends the use of its protective coatings on inner and exterior faces of air-conditioning ducts to help increase energy efficiency.

Detailing this process, George says: "A coating (W1) is evenly applied over the inner surface of the duct and allowed to dry for six to eight hours prior to installation. Two coatings (W1 and W2) are then applied over the exterior - after it has been covered by insulative material such as rockwool or Foster cloth. This will help the air-conditioning system operate more efficiently and reduce operational costs. The same process can be used on air-conditioning units and blowers to reduce condensation."

TeknCoat systems can also be used in laboratories - in combination with other components such as barium sulphate - to protect against ultraviolet, infrared and x-rays, on cement pipes and on galvanised surfaces, as they are compatible with most paints available on the market, according to George.