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Hi-tech ... equipment from Glas-Craft.
Desert Roofing and Flooring Group, one of the Middle East's pioneer waterproofing contractors, will launch a new range of energy-saving coatings and hi-tech spraying equipment at the Big 5 show.
The coatings, called Aquathon, are manufactured by Thermo/United Coatings of the US, while the range of hi-tech spraying equipment is from Glas-Craft, a leading American manufacturer of equipment and technology for the composites industry.
Desert Roofing was established in 1978 and the company currently markets ISO-certified insurance-backed world-renowned waterproofing products from Index of Italy as well as specialised coatings.
The new products were chosen keeping in mind the construction requirements of the Middle East, says a company spokesman.
Describing the features of the coatings, he says: "Aquathon is a specialised single-component coating that provides outstanding waterproofing and thermal insulation, and can be used on roofs, exterior and interior walls to reduce the influx of heat.
"The high-solids water-based acrylic elastomer coating incorporates heat-reflective, borosilicate ceramic spheres, a specialised additive that increase its heat reflectivity beyond that of typical white reflective coatings. The brilliant white pigments protect the substrate by reflecting in excess of 90 per cent of solar heat from the surface.
"Aquathon provides elastomeric waterproofing protection over a wide variety of substrates. In utilising the latest advances in acrylic technology, 100 per cent acrylic emulsion polymers are combined with reinforcing laminar pigments, powerful biocides and non-migrating fire retardants, resulting in excellent physical properties, adhesion, durability, weatherproofing, mildew resistance and fire retardancy. The fire-retardant chemicals are permanently locked into the cured coating and will not leach out upon extended weathering. Aquathon is a 'breathing' membrane, allowing moisture vapour to pass through the film while remaining impervious to mass water penetration and eliminating condensation.
"Aquathon CR was especially developed for extending the life of metal roofs, concrete roofs, conventional built-up, modified bitumen and sprayed-in-place polyurethane foam and composite single roof substrates. It forms a monolithic, waterproof elastomeric seal, uniformly covering the textured profile of these substrates, providing protection from weathering, aging and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
"Aquathon CR can be used to extend the life of virtually any type of roof surface. Due to its reflectivity and waterproofing abilities, indoor temperature are reduced by up to 30 per cent, dramatically lowering energy costs. In addition, it reflects up to 90 per cent of the sun's radiant heat, decreasing expansion and contraction and thus the development of cracks in the substrate. This permanently elastomeric waterproofing membrane also contains non-migrating fire retardants. Aquathon CR can be applied to new or existing roof surfaces and is suitable for use on concrete roofs, tiles roofs, metal roofs, wood and single-ply roofs.
"Aquathon CE was specifically developed to protect concrete, stucco and masonry building exteriors. It has the ability to uniformly cover the profile of textured substrates, forming a continuous membrane resistant to all forms of weather and airborne pollutants. It effectively covers existing hairline cracks and hairline cracking caused by further building movement. It provides long-term, aesthetically-pleasing waterproofing on all types of concrete and masonry surfaces. Aquathon CE is also effective over wood and hardboard substrates. It is available in a smooth or in a wide range of textured finishes in 36 standard toned colours. A wide range of custom colours are also available for specific application.
"Aquathon CE coatings are extremely resistant to the transmission of heat and mass water through concrete and masonry walls. This can result in up to 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption, significantly lowering energy costs.
''The coating system remains permanently flexible to expand and contract, effectively bridging current and future hairline cracks. Light colours reflect up to 90 per cent of solar heat, minimising thermal movement within the substrate. Aquathon CE can be easily applied to a wide range of surfaces, including all types of concrete, masonry, wood and plaster."
"To sum up, Aquathon CR and CE coatings:
Moving on to the specialised spray equipment, the spokesman says: "Glas-Craft is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of equipment and technology for the dynamic composite industry. It was the first company to manufacture a 'production-use' spray-up system in 1959 for the fibreglass reinforced plastics market.
"Glas-Craft has produced mixing and metering dispensing machines that have enhanced the quality of the ever-changing materials depending on the application. It recently introduced its new INDy dispense gun featuring a non-atomised nozzle, which is the the newest technology in polyester dispensing. Additionally, Glas-Craft continues to market its external-mix LPA Series spray-up and gel-coat systems that feature AAC (air assist containment) technology.
"Glas-Craft also manufactures a complete line of polyurethane foam, and coatings and polyurea coatings dispensing machines. These machines can spray or pour environmentally-friendly polyurethane foam, specialised polyureas and a wide variety of coatings materials. Normally, the materials are 1 to 1 ratio, but when an odd ratio material is required, Glas-Craft offers excellent variable-ratio systems. Every system features its patented air purge Probler gun."
Desert Roofing will be marketing more than 10 different Glas-Craft models throughout the Gulf, backing them up with guarantees and after-sales service, the spokesman says.
Another product from ABE Construction Chemicals, a South African manufacturer of cementitious products, epoxies, grouts and waterstops, will be launched by Desert Roofing early next year.
Desert Roofing - which is currently busy working on contracts for the Dubai Marina towers, Madinat Jumeirah and the Dubai World Trade Centre's (DWTC) convention centre hotels - will be at stand 3 C 143 at the show.
