Sika South Africa recently announced its acquisition of Index Construction Systems, giving Sika South Africa the opportunity to add the very well know Bitumen range to is local range.
Index is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems and by acquiring them, Sika has expanded its bitumen product range globally, boosting our position both in South Africa and abroad. Index Bitumen membranes have gone from strength to strength during its 25 years in the South African market. Paul Adams, Sika’s MD added that, “it comes with extensive research and development competence. Sika acquired Index in 2018 and we felt the time was right for it to now form part of our existing roofing and waterproofing business in South Africa.”
Effective 01 January 2023, Index systems will be exclusively available from Sika South Africa for standard flat-roof waterproofing, decorative, below ground waterproofing and green roof waterproofing, all conforming to international standards. Sika are proud to introduce these products to its extensive range, and offer a little insight to their uses:
Sika Index Topgum Biarmato is a polymer-bitumen waterproofing membrane with a double reinforcement consisting of rot-proof, isotropic, thermally stabilized, “non-woven” polyester fabric strengthened fibreglass mat. The fibreglass mat gives the membrane optimal dimensional stability in both hot and cold conditions The long-lasting strength and elasticity at both high and low temperatures make Sika Index Topgum Biarmato ideal for use as a single or double-layer waterproofing membrane for new building work or refurbishments.
Sika Index Testudo waterproofing membranes are reinforced with high areal weight, isotropic, thermally fixed, rot-proof, “non-woven” single strand Spunbond polyester fabric. The reinforcement is very strong and has an optimal resistance to puncture and piercing. The Sika Index Testudo membranes are made up of distilled bitumen with a high content of elastomeric and plastomeric polymer additives, selected for industrial use. Sika Index Testudo membranes’ high resistance to puncture make them suitable for waterproofing systems where high mechanical resistance is required, such as: foundations, earthquake-proof foundations, car parks, water works, bridges, viaducts, tunnels, subways, geological works, etc., anti–acid protection, roofing with or without thermal insulation and renovation work.
The Sika Index Fidia polyester and Fidia/V membranes, produced in various thicknesses, are made up of distilled bitumen, selected for industrial use, with added elastomeric and plastomeric polymers. They are reinforced with a rot-proof “non-woven” polyester fabric composite, stabilised with fibreglass mat, which is very strong and elastic, thus reducing the problems of ‘the banana effect’ and the retraction of head lap joints. The long-lasting strength, elasticity and stability at high and low temperatures make Sika Index Fidia polyester membranes ideal for use as dam linings, and single or multi-layer waterproofing systems for new building work or refurbishments.
The Sika Index VIS P membranes manufacturing process uses polymer modified bitumen reinforced with a composite reinforcement. The Sika Index VIS Polyester 4mm membrane can be used as a single layer system or as part of a multi-layer in both the refurbishment and new building works market. The Sika Index Vis P 3mm should be used as an underlayer in a multi-layer waterproofing system.
The progressive trend to reduce cement in towns by greening up rooftops, has brought with it the problem of the root resistance of waterproofing layers not protected with cement screeds. Sika Index Defend Antiroot is a root resistant waterproofing membrane whereby direct contact of the layer with the soil implies intrinsic resistance of its membranes against the perforating action of roots. The antiroot properties are further enhanced by adding a specific ester agent to the polymer-bitumen compound, forming a continuous barrier against roots. The additive has been developed specifically as a root inhibitor, for both hot-laid bitumen and for torch-laid bitumen membranes. As it does not contain film or double-reinforced foils, Sika Index Defend Antiroot is more flexible and malleable during application. It is always applied as the last waterproofing layer in contact with the earth for gardens. When waterproofing roof gardens for instance, it is used as the top layer of a system, the first layer being a polymer-bitumen membrane reinforced with “non-woven” polyester fabric and the second being Sika Index Defend Antiroot polyester which is placed astride the overlaps of the previous layer and fully bonded with the torch. The performance of the bitumen is therefore increased, durability and resistance to high and low temperatures are improved, thus maintaining the bitumen’s already excellent qualities of adhesion and waterproofing. The reinforcement of the membrane with an isotropic, rot-proof, thermally fixed single strand Spunbond non-woven polyester fabric, affords high mechanical resistance, considerable ultimate elongation and excellent resistance to punching and laceration.
On-boarding these superior, durable, and high-performing products, alongside Sika’s already impressive range, Sika South Africa will become a comprehensive, full‐range supplier of cutting-edge technologies in the roofing and waterproofing market.
