25 years as a technology leader in liquid roofing systems

Polyroof MD and ELWA chairman David Roberts comments on how the flat roof market has changed over the last 25 years. 

This year Polyroof Products Ltd is celebrating its 25 year anniversary. From small beginnings in Barrow in Furness, Polyroof now operates nationally and internationally from its base in Flint, North Wales. The company is run by David Roberts (Managing Director) and his brother Nick (Operations Director), both with extensive knowledge in liquid roofing. David has also recently been appointed chairman of ELWA (European Liquid Waterproofing Association).

Installed via a network of approved contractors, Polyroof is now specified by almost all of the UK’s local authorities, housing associations, airport authorities, construction firms and blue chip manufacturing, service and utility companies. Several years ago the company set up an operation in the USA to make inroads into this vast market for flat roofs. A number of notable projects have since been completed including work on the Empire State and other prestigious New York buildings (see below).

Here in the UK, the Polyroof brand is so well established that Polyroof has almost become a generic term for glassfibre reinforced liquid roofing systems. David Roberts looks back on how things have changed over the last 25 years and considers the future challenges:

“We’ve seen the liquid roofing sector grow substantially over the last 25 years. The flat roof business in the UK is now estimated to be worth over £1.3 billion per year and continues to grow as more buildings are constructed with flat roofs, and older systems - especially felt systems - wear out and have to be replaced. Flat roofs are now very much in favour with architects and specifiers thanks to the toughness and long term durability of modern liquid systems. Liquid applied membranes are also proving ideal for green roof waterproofing substrates as well as for heavy foot traffic balconies and walkways.

“Twenty five years ago the market for cold applied liquid roofing was in its infancy and flat roofing was dominated by bitumen felt systems. We estimate that the cold-applied liquid roofing sector now has about a 10% share of the flat roofing market in the UK. This share is growing year-on-year thanks to the superior performance and durability of this type of roofing system and increasing awareness amongst professional specifiers.

David Roberts, Managing Director of Polyroof Products Ltd

“Since the first liquid roofing trade association was formed in 1979, huge advances have been made in waterproofing technology. ELWA have been actively involved in the preparation of European Technical Approvals, as the official industry body, in conjunction with the British Board of Agrément and the European Organisation for Technical Approvals.

“We like to think that we, at Polyroof, have played a pioneering role in advancing the technology and markets for liquid roofing. For example 19 years ago years ago we achieved British Board of Agrément approval for Polyroof 185. This was the first time anywhere in Europe that a fibreglass roofing system had ever been awarded BBA certification, and it set a new benchmark for our future quality standards.”

“We’re developing new products and systems that meet the highest standards for performance, aesthetics and environmental qualities.”

“Polyroof 185 is now firmly established as the UK’s leading GRP system for new build and over-decking both in commercial and domestic sectors. Over the years we’ve also developed Protec and Elastex overlay systems for flat roof refurbishment. We’ve also invested in getting the required approvals for these products such as BBA, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and FM (Factory Mutual). So, unlike some competitors who just produce one product or system, our clients can choose from a range of waterproofing solutions tailored to their budgets or performance needs. Our technical services team will recommend the most suitable system and provide detailed specifications.

“We are continuing to reinvest profits into improving and developing new cold-applied flat roofing products and systems that meet the highest standards for performance, aesthetics and environmental qualities. This is what our customers demand. As well as a strong emphasis on research and development, we also pride ourselves on the high level of technical support that we provide. Polyroof has always been an innovative company and a technology leader. Over the years we have grown the company in a steady and responsible way giving us a very solid foundation for the challenging years ahead.”