New at Flag-Soprema

Changes within the Flag-Soprema group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of single ply waterproofing membranes, green roofs and structural waterproofing systems have been continuous over the past 12 months. Not only has the company moved its head office to purpose-built premises with a dedicated warehousing facility just outside Braintree, the product base has been increased dramatically too.

Pivotal to the changes is a new Managing Director in Steve Greaves. Formerly Sales Director, Steve commented: “2009 saw many changes at Flag-Soprema and the fact that we increased the size of our sales force at a time when most were cutting back reflects the company’s success with specifiers. Appointments of Ro Harper and Paul Evans to the roles of regional managers for the south and north respectively are good illustrations”.

As part of a focus on structural waterproofing, Shaun Williams has also brought 20 years experience to the specialised national role of business development. This has resulted in particular emphasis being placed on the Duoflex lightweight, self-healing system which is designed to last the lifetime of a structure. Specifications for high profile projects include the new John Madejski Academy in Reading and Aukett Fitzroy Robinson’s designs of Mercedes Benz World in Brooklands Surrey and the National Air Traffic Services Headquarters. Shaun commented, “Use of cold applied, liquid waterproofing solutions has continued to show a marked upward trend. The level of performance that Duoflex can provide illustrates the extent of the technological advances that we have been able to use in product development. This also extends to expansion joint waterproofing for which Alsan RS, a PMMA system, offers the very highest standard of flexibility”.

The company’s most recent development is the Thermshield range of CFC and HCFC-free, PIR and extruded polystyrene insulation boards for warm and inverted roofs. The range includes Thermshield EP LG-X, an extruded polystyrene board faced with a cementitious layer to provide insulation protection in exposed areas such as upstands.

Single ply and green roof systems, however, remain at the core of the company’s business. Flag-Soprema was among the earliest members of the Single Ply Roofing Association, with Steve Greaves having been a member of its Council since 2006. Products such as FLAGON TPO and TPO Plus offer exceptional flexibility, weldability and dimensional stability, their high resistance to puncturing and adaptability to structural movements combining with exceptional environmental credentials. TPO Plus offers far better light reflectance and, by virtue of remaining weldable throughout its serviceable life, greater design scope for intricate detailing.

Part of Flag-Soprema’s global agreement with IKEA has seen it supply single ply for new builds and refurbishments across the U.K. and Europe. The recently built store in Ballymun, Dublin is the biggest in Europe, but whether for large scale or domestic projects, warranties are based on the same underwriting standards.

The desire to create urban environments which contribute to biodiversity also continues to increase. Flag’s range of OPTIGREEN systems provides solutions for most roofing environments and as with its single ply systems, Flag-Soprema continues to stress the importance of installation by highly trained, approved contractors. Steve Greaves again - “Green roof specifications are among the most detailed that any roofing specialist will ever have to deal with, so the knowledge of structural implications and a host of factors such as drainage, water attenuation and aftercare adds to the pressure placed on warranties”.

We may have some way to go before the economic pressures affecting refurbishment budgets ease, but flat roofs requiring refurbishment will remain a fact of life. The roofing sector is undoubtedly experiencing greater scrutiny of warranties than ever before, but Flag-Soprema is one company at least that welcomes it.