56
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2014
>
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The new product is Armodillo,
a
multi-functional
polymer-
bitumen membrane that offers
waterproofing, drainage and the protec-
tion of foundation walls in a single product
application. a.b.e., part of the Chryso
Southern Africa Group, signed an agree-
ment with Index in 1996 and recently
celebrated the sale of 2 million rolls of the
Index bitumen waterproofing membranes
in South Africa.
“Index’s new Armodillo Polyester
membranes – which incorporate anti-
root protection can solve the problems
of waterproofing, mechanical protec-
tion, and drainage – all in one product,”
says Lance Anderson, a.b.e.’s brand
manager: waterproofing.
“Armodillo’s upper face is armoured
with impact-resistant, elastic polymer-bi-
tumen ‘dimples’ or bubbles – similar to
the protective plates of an Armadillo’s
shell – that protect the membrane from
perforation when buried, and at the same
time form an efficient drainage network
that allows any water to quickly drain to
the perimeter drains, stopping hazardous
pooling. If the dimples are torched, they
become adhesive, making it possible to
bond insulating panels, non-woven fabrics
and other materials on to the membrane.
“The lower face of Armodillo mem-
branes is covered with Flamina, a plastic
film that can be easily torched. The
bubbles on the Armodillo membranes keep
the installer’s hands away from the torch,
making installation much safer and easier.
“Index Armodillo can be installed by
bonding the next membrane onto the
70 mm indented selvage of the previous
membrane ensuring that no raised,
uneven problematic laps are created,”
Anderson adds.
Armodillo can be used on both flat
and vertical parts of a building, and for
ground foundation walls as a protective
and draining layer. It was recently installed
at a roof garden test site at the University
of Cape Town.
“a.b.e. sees tremendous potential for
Index Armodillo as a simple-to-use water-
proofing solution for both roof gardens
and below-ground tanking areas. Its
multi-functionality substantially reduces
multiple product applications to reduce
time on site. The Armodillo multi-func-
tional membrane has far greater punc-
ture resistance than conventional
HDPE membranes,” Anderson states.
Armodillo membranes are covered
against product failure by Index’s 10-year
insurance-backed warranty that incorpo-
rates excess-free claims should a prod-
uct-related failure occur.
foundation walls and roof gardens
PROTECTING
a.b.e. Construction Chemicals
has launched a new,
unique bitumen heat-fused
waterproofing membrane
produced by the world-
renowned Italian company,
Index, with which a.b.e has an
exclusive agreement with for
product distribution in SA.
TOP:
a.b.e.’s new Armodillo multi-functional
membrane was installed at a roof garden test site
at the University of Cape Town.
ABOVE:
Armodillo can be used on both flat
and vertical parts of a building, and for
ground foundation walls as a protective
and draining layer.
BELOW:
A closer view of a.b.e.’s new Armodillo
multi-functional membrane at the UCT roof
garden test site.
>
