LRWA to Launch Drying of Roofs Guidance Note
The LRWA Technical Committee is currently developing its Guidance Note 13 – ‘Drying of Existing Roof Substrates Prior to Installation of Liquid Waterproofing Systems’ – following the official launch of the NFRC’s ‘Safe2Torch’ campaign.
The LRWA’s new guidance will provide best practice advice for drying a roof prior to the application of a liquid system, and explain the alternative cold methods to using torches or naked flames.
The guidance note will also cover the safest methods of working, making reference to the NFRC Safe2Torch Guidance Note.
Terry Wain, Technical Secretary of LRWA explains the reasons behind the launch of the new, Guidance Note 13.
He said: “The LRWA still firmly believes in minimising risk and demonstrating best practice in all areas of cold-applied liquid waterproofing. The safe use of torches has been a key issue for the roofing industry and even though the majority of LRWA members’ disciplines are cold-applied liquid, there are times when a contractor may decide that a torch is needed to dry a roof off; this can be after inclement weather, power washing or even morning dew.
“We have to be realistic as an association and know that in some cases, a naked flame may be used and this guidance will offer alternative ways to dry a roof, the safest methods to undertake and risk assessments. We’re also looking at incorporating various methods of drying existing roofs into future Basic Competency Programme (BCP) training.”
All members will be kept fully informed of when the LRWA Guidance Note 13 – Drying of Existing Roof Substrates Prior to Installation of Liquid Waterproofing Systems, will be launched. For more information, please contact Steve Cookson or Terry Wain cookson.steve@uk.sika.com or terry.wain@virgin.net.