The Importance of Polyester Fleece for Reinforcement for Liquid Applied Membrane Systems
In recent years, liquid-applied membrane systems have become increasingly popular for roofing and waterproofing projects.
However, using polyester fleece for reinforcement is critical to ensure the long-term success of these systems. Without it, damage and failure can occur relatively quickly.
This blog post will explore why it is so important and the risks involved if it's not used.
Increased Strength and Durability:
It improves the strength and durability of liquid-applied membrane systems. This is because it provides an excellent surface for the application of liquid membranes, as well as exceptional bonding properties.
In addition, it is also highly resistant to tears and rips, making it an ideal material for reinforcing high-strength membranes. Moreover, it is also chemical resistant, further enhancing the durability of liquid-applied membrane systems.
Consequently, it is becoming increasingly popular in various industries due to its numerous benefits.
Improved Crack-Bridging Ability:
It is effective at bridging cracks in the base layer, which can occur due to thermal expansion and contraction, substrate movement, or other causes. This results in improved performance of the system overall. It is an important innovation that has improved the performance of liquid-applied membrane systems.
Enhanced UV Resistance:
It helps to improve the UV resistance of liquid-applied membranes, which is essential for exposed applications
In addition to these benefits, using it helps ensure that liquid-applied membrane systems are adequately bonded to the substrate. This is critical for preventing delamination and ensuring long-term performance.
Prevent the Formation of air Bubbles and Voids in the Membrane:
It helps to prevent the formation of air bubbles and voids in the membrane, which can cause damage and reduce the life of the system.
It also helps to ensure a smooth, even finish on the membrane, which is essential for preventing water infiltration.
Protect the Membrane From Damage Caused by ice and Wind:
It helps protect the membrane from damage caused by ice and wind and helps keep it in place. This makes the system less likely to fail or leak and increases its lifespan.
Polyester Fleece vs Asphalt-Based Systems:
One of the key reasons polyester fleece is so crucial for liquid-applied membrane systems is that it provides superior puncture resistance compared to asphalt-based systems.
As anyone who has worked with asphalt knows, it is a very brittle material that can crack and break relatively easily. This isn't just a cosmetic issue - those cracks and breaks can lead to leaks, which can cause serious damage to the underlying structure.
In contrast, polyester fleece is a much more flexible material that can withstand significant stress without breaking. This flexibility is because it's essentially multiple sheets of laminated fabric. This laminated construction gives the material added strength and durability.
The Importance of Bond Strength:
Polyester fleece is essential because it helps improve the bond strength between the membrane and the substrate. This bond strength is necessary to prevent water from penetrating behind the membrane and causing damage. The bond between the two materials must also be strong enough to resist wind uplift forces and any other external forces that may be exerted on the system.
It provides an ideal surface for bonding because it has a rough texture that promotes adhesion. In addition, the fabric-like nature of the material allows it to conform to irregularities in the substrate, creating a stronger bond than would be possible with a smooth material.
Conclusion
The use of polyester fleece for reinforcement is essential for ensuring the long-term performance of liquid-applied membrane systems. Without it, these systems can fail relatively quickly.
The good news is that many benefits come with using this type of reinforcement, including increased strength and durability, improved crack-bridging ability, and enhanced UV resistance. It can help ensure that your liquid-applied membrane system performs as intended for many years.