Conren International of the UK plans to showcase its wide range of surfacing materials at the Big 5 show this month.

These include its Rooftex liquid waterproofing membrane, which has proven itself in use over the past 35 years, as well as the more recent additions to its portfolio such as WD Aquatect damp-proof membrane, Aquasol water-based epoxy coating and Highseal joint sealants.
Veronica Dawson, export manager at Conren, states: “Conren is known in the region mainly for its liquid waterproofing membrane — Rooftex — which has been manufactured in the UK to the same formulation since 1971.  We supply this material to more than 20 countries worldwide, and have enjoyed success across the Middle East, notably in Dubai, where our exclusive agent Al-Shirawi Contracting Company has been very successful in the promotion and application of the membrane.”
“We are firmly ensconced as a leader in the waterproofing field, and have been working with our agent to adapt our system for use in ‘fast-track’ installations to give us the edge over our competitors,” she adds.
Conren also manufactures WD Aquatect, a damp-proof surface membrane, which has recently been independently tested by the BRE (British Research Establishment) and has passed the criteria for BS EN 1504-2:2004, which tests the system for compatibility to wet concrete, she says.
WD Aquatect is used as a special moisture-suppressant primer for use on new concrete, allowing fast-track installation of coatings and screeds.
“In recent months, the research and development (R&D) department at Conren’s headquarters in the UK has been testing the compatibility of WD Aquatect when used with the Rooftex liquid, and I am pleased to report that the tests have been 100 per cent successful,” Dawson says. “WD Aquatect can be applied after just seven days of the concrete being poured, provided there is no ‘puddling’ on the surface, and Rooftex can be applied just 24 hours later.”
“With the speed of construction in Dubai, and indeed the entire region, we believe that this fast-track system will prove invaluable to both our agent and potential clients.”
Conren will be exhibiting this product at the Big 5, alongside the many other quality surfacing materials it currently manufactures. Its extensive range of products include epoxy and polyurethane coatings and screeds; high-friction, anti-skid surfacing for highways; decorative surfacing for external use such as pedestrian access, walkways,  children’s play areas, car-park decks and materials for the aviation industry.
Another product which has immense potential is Conren’s water-based epoxy coating Aquasol, which has the UK’s WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) potable water approval, and can be used in many types of installation, both for floor and wall applications. 
“We believe that there is massive potential for this product in the market, particularly in waste water treatment facilities, plant rooms and food and pharmaceutical plants.  It has low odour during application, is non-tainting, and can be used in stairwells, underground car-parks and other communal areas in high-rise developments,” she comments
Also showcased at Big 5 will be Conren’s products for use in the aviation sector, including Highseal, a heavy-duty, cold-applied dressing to protect bituminous/asphalt surfaces — described as being ideal for use on airport aprons and taxiways, fuel depots, petrol forecourt and parking areas — and Highseal F1, a hot-applied PVC-based elastomeric joint sealant for pavements and airport runways.
“The two complementary products have generated a lot of interest and we have won a number of projects this year, the largest of which is the new International Houari Boudhemi Airport in Algiers, where we supplied more than 100,000 m of joint sealant.  We also supplied over 150,000 kg of Highseal to Algeria for use on a number of military airports,” she says.
“We are bidding now for jointing works at both the new Doha International Airport, and Bahrain International Aiport. This year alone, will have supplied in excess of 500 tonnes of Highseal for airport refurbishments worldwide,” she points out.
Both materials have been tested to ASTM standards by independent testing laboratories, and also meet military specifications, according to Dawson.
Conren will be exhibiting as part of the Welsh delegation, and can be found at Stand E121 in Hall 3.