With alternative roofing solutions gaining market share, it is crucial for companies like Newton to offer a complete range of deck waterproofing solutions.

Basement extensions, loft conversions, balconies and flat roof developments are all on the increase, with many more people doing whatever they can to capitalise on the extra living space that can be created either by building upwards or burrowing down, in order to improve and extend their properties rather than move house.

Looking at planning data analysis by Halifax, Britain has seen a 183% increase in planning applications for basement extensions, whilst the number of planning applications for loft conversions has grown from 34,822 in 2012 to 49,649 in 2016.

The roofing market industry is currently performing well, and in a recent article Aaron Wright, head of infrastructure data at RICS, discusses the following market share of the various roofing materials available – ‘concrete is the largest sub-sector in both value and volume, tiles account for around 40% of the market by value, and the use of applied and flexible membrane, in terms of value and volume, is increasing year on year.’

With alternative roofing solutions gaining market share, in such a competitive market, it is crucial for companies like Newton to offer a complete range of deck waterproofing solutions. For example, in many instances the client’s desire to maximise the available space will mean that the below-ground structure extends beyond the footprint of the above ground building – it is therefore essential that these areas and the important waterproofing details at ground floor level are completely impervious to water ingress in order to form an effective part of the complete structural waterproofing solution.

The Newton range of externally applied liquid membranes, protection and drainage products interface both with the structure and with the other waterproofing elements in order to provide this protection.

However, as with all waterproofing systems, it is correct design and application that will ensure the products fulfil their design function and provide the required internal environment, whether this is for the waterproofing of inverted warm roofs, green/garden roofs, podium decks, or balconies.

Products such as Newton 408 DeckDrain Drainage Membrane incorporate a geotextile filter layer bonded to a polyethylene core to create a double-cuspated deck and flat roof drainage membrane for use above the primary deck or roof waterproofing. Depending on the scenario there are several options for the product that can form this primary waterproofing membrane, including:

1. Newton 107F, a tough, cementitious and elastic liquid membrane that can be spray applied to reservoirs, tunnels, water tanks, podium decks, flat roofs, balconies and terraces
2. Newton 114 Acriflex, an elastic and fibre-reinforced liquid membrane suitable for flat roofs, balconies, swimming pools, parking areas and terraces
3. Newton 706-HB, an epoxy/cement coating for concrete floors and decks which has been recently added to the range, combining advanced cement chemistry, fibres, epoxy and styrene acrylic copolymer technology to create an extremely hard and durable coating with excellent abrasion and impact resistance, and very high resistance to a wide range of aggressive chemicals

Environmental considerations are also coming under the spotlight when it comes to roofing, with an even greater focus in the construction industry on sustainability, carbon footprints and the ‘green credentials’ of buildings. Unsurprisingly, green roofs are therefore growing in popularity, both thanks to their role in achieving climate-proof construction and also due to their numerous social, economic and environmental benefits. By providing a rainwater buffer, purifing the air, reducing ambient temperatures, regulating indoor temperatures, saving energy and encouraging biodiversity in the city, the benefits associated with extensive green roofs are numerous without even counting the fact that they are virtually self-sustaining.

Creating an effective and healthy green roof is dependent on correct preparation however, and products such as the Newton 408 DeckDrain membrane have been specifically designed to be used as the drainage layer above a deck, balcony or as flat roofing waterproofing membrane to drain away water from an intensive green roof. The Newton 420 Reservoir membrane can also be used in the same way but with the further purpose of storing water for use by sedum in shallower build ups.