Viking Enviroclad has been successfully installed on over 6,000 buildings in New Zealand and the South Pacific; proving it to be a world-class waterproofing system. As the construction industry has continued to become more sophisticated, the number of substrate options for waterproofing membranes has increased. If inadequately tested, alternative substrate options to plywood, concrete, and rigid insulation can pose a threat to adhesion. Likewise, low temperatures can affect adhesive performance which can cause work-scheduling delays, causing frustration during the winter when construction timetables are tight.

Despite mechanical fastening of membranes being an accepted method to counter this — especially in the USA, it hasn't been embraced in this part of the world. The main reasons for this include the preference for a 100% bond, the thought of penetrating the membrane (despite the fasteners being under the lap of the neighbouring sheet) and the potential for membrane flutter in windy conditions.

In 2011, Viking introduced an alternate method of membrane securement that involves no membrane penetration and yet renders a maximum bond without the use of adhesive: RhinoBond Technology.

How it works:

Special TPO-coated metal washers ('plates') are secured to the substrate in a grid pattern; usually 600mm apart. Viking's Enviroclad membrane is loose-laid on top of these plates and positioned as per a standard installation. A RhinoBond electromagnetic induction welding machine is then placed above where the metal plates are located under the membrane. In less than five seconds an electromagnetic charge emits through the membrane and activates the TPO coating on the plate, welding it to the underside of the Enviroclad membrane. Weighted magnets are then placed on top of each plate to cool the fused materials and complete a robust weld.

For images and a visual animation of this process and the finished product, see the photos and video above.

Advantages:

No Adhesives Required

The electromagnetic induction welding technology negates the need for adhesives, thus eliminating cold temperatures as a limiting variable and/or adhesion issues with alternative substrates that haven't been tested with adhesives. Additionally, the removal of adhesives means no solvent fumes which is beneficial for all installations; but especially those involving the proximity of children and the elderly. Eliminating adhesives and replacing solvents with an electromagnetic charge to carry out the bond is obviously a lot better for the environment.

No Membrane Penetrations

The traditional method of mechanical fastening involves penetrating next to the welded seam on the underside of the neighbouring sheet of membrane. Fastening is also restricted to the location of the seam area only, with the body of the membrane unfastened and therefore susceptible to flutter in strong winds. Rhinobond technology used with Viking Enviroclad, does not penetrate the membrane thus minimising risk and maximising watertightness.

Enhanced Wind Uplift Resistance 

By positioning the TPO-coated plates in a grid pattern over the entire roof area, the stress on the membrane caused by wind uplift is distributed evenly over the full body of the membrane sheets as opposed to just the seam areas.

Track Record

RhinoBond Technology using Viking Enviroclad has been successfully used on dozens of projects in New Zealand including schools, nursing homes, prisons, hospitals, temples, factories and people's homes.