Waterproofing systems and thermoplastic roofing provider Sika Sarnafil marks the 50th anniversary of the Sarnafil brand of commercial roofing membrane. The company has installed more than 15 billion sq.ft of thermoplastic membranes since 1962, when the first Sarnafil membranes were tested on a series of roofs. During EXPO 64 an architect discovered that this material can be used in roofs for tear resistance.
An architect for EXPO 64 in Lausanne, Switzerland realized he could use the new Sika Sarnafil tear-resistant material as roofing for the Expo’s large tent-like pavilions.
Soon after in 1975, Sarnafil was established as a company and the first installation was completed for the First United Methodist Church located in Laconia. Sarnafil is particularly popular for its innovations in terms of energy efficiency, watertight protection, custom colours and recycling ability. The company developed the Sarnamatic automatic hot air seam welder for welding the overlaps in the membrane. In 1978, the company developed its green roof, which had protection with the help of the Sarnafil G476 waterproofing membrane. During 1994, Sarnafil introduced the SarnaPad Roof Walkway Mat which was created from production trimmings that were recycled. In 1998, Sarnafil introduced the EnergySmart Roof System reflective membrane, which had specifications beyond the requirements of LEED, ENERGY STAR, Green Globes and the Building Energy code of California.
According to the Sarnafil’s representative for the Alpine School District in London, Justin Harris, the biggest advantage of the company is its impeccable track record. In 2008, the company’s roof membranes were tested independently by the British Board of Agrement. The board concluded that when Sarnafil membranes are used in accordance with the related BBA certificates, the roofing systems must have a life time of more than 35 years.
Source: https://usa.sika.com/sarnafil