However as with any form of construction, problems unfortunately exist and usually originate at the seams. The most common reason for failure is improper workmanship, particularly on smaller roofs where roofing contractors have to use several tools in order to navigate the small spaces.
A solution to this problem is the UNIROOF AT/ST, which is the complete roof welding tool offering high performance in a compact design. It enables roofing professionals to effectively weld thermoplastic membranes close to the roof edging, in confined spaces, on flat surfaces and on top of parapets.
Thermoplastic membranes and the problems with welding
Thermoplastic roof membranes are roof systems constructed using a Single Ply technology of strong and flexible membranes composed mainly of synthetic polymer. There are a number of thermoplastic roof membranes available, however Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) are the more popular options. These membranes are sealed by heating the membrane with hot air until it melts and fuses to the next membrane.
It is these seams between membranes that is the most common reason for failure in any roof system, and is generally caused by improper workmanship. For this reason the UNIROOF was developed and is considered by many roofing professionals as the most complete hot air welding machine for flat and low-sloped roofs (up to 30o).
UNIROOF AT/ST – one machine for three welding applications
Available in two options – AT (closed-loop control) and ST (open loop control), the UNIROOF is the most complete roof welding tool available on the market. Its innovative movable transport axis gives outstanding flexibility and means it can be used for welding seams close to the edge (within 100mm), at-or-over the parapet, and on flat surfaces.
No longer do roofing professionals need to carry around three different pieces of equipment and alternate between them. This is particularly important as a common reason for improper workmanship for fusing thermoplastics is where the heat welder changes from a machine welder to a hand welder at the ends of a run.
Another benefit of the UNIROOF is the compact, high-performance nature of the welding machine. It offers the roofing contractor an ergonomic, robust, durable, and easy-to-navigate unit with a consistent and controlled weld finish. Whereas hand welding is prone to fatigue which could result in wrinkles in the seams, the UNIROOF offers a more reliable and faster weld process – up to 66% faster than hand welding.
Finally, the direct-driven, maintenance-free pressure wheel on the UNIROOF means roof welders will benefit from a more reliable machine that is easy to maintain and requires fewer spare parts for optimised performance.
The UNIROOF has been used on various prestigious construction projects, including a 50,000m2 area of membrane on the Aldi Distribution Centre in Perlen - one of the most modern and sustainable logistics centres in Switzerland
Developed by Leister - the leading name in plastic welding applications, the UNIROOF is supplied to the UK by Welwyn Tool Group. Welwyn supply the full range of Leister plastic welding and industrial process heat equipment, and offers highly competent technical support by their team of dedicated engineers.
