- 01.11.2023.
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INTRODUCTION
As stated in the brief introduction of the company ‘DVS Izolacija‘, our primary field of work is in the execution of thermal and waterproofing systems.
For the installation of waterproofing materials, we have opted for the Swiss manufacturer ‘Sika‘, as their branch in Serbia, ‘Sika Srbija‘, offers excellent technical support and on-site guidance.
In the past two years, we have also started cooperation with the German company ‘Bauder‘, which produces synthetic membranes (PVC and FPO), bituminous membranes, and PIR thermal insulation. Their subsidiary ‘Bauder’ Serbia is equipped with professional technical personnel who are always available to distributors and contractors.
As the most reliable manufacturers of thermal insulation materials, several companies have distinguished themselves in the domestic market. In the production of stone wool, ‘Knauf Insulation‘ and ‘Rockwool‘ stand out, while for polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, the most common choices are ‘Fragmat‘ and ‘Austrotherm‘. The choice of insulation and manufacturer depends on the position within the building being insulated.
During installation, there is also a need for specialized fastening elements (screws, anchors, rivets, etc.) designed specifically for waterproofing system assembly. A proven manufacturer in this field is ‘Ejot Tehnika Spajanja‘, the Serbian representative of the German company ‘EJOT SE & Co. KG‘, which has proven to be a reliable partner in practice.
As the old saying goes: ‘Craftsman is only as good as his tools‘, which has proven true in every field of human endeavor, work, production, and research. Without quality tools, equipment, accessories, and a knowledge base, it is impossible to achieve good results in any area of work.
For welding waterproofing membranes, we have selected the world-renowned Swiss manufacturer ‘Leister‘, which produces all the necessary tools, accessories, welding machines, and hand-held hot air guns.
For electric and battery-powered hand tools, we use tools from the Japanese manufacturer ‘Makita‘. For rivet tools, we rely on the American brand ‘Milwaukee Tool‘, and more recently, we have opted for specialized tools from the American manufacturer ‘DeWALT‘. Their tools meet all needs for system installation and construction work, offering an optimal price-to-quality ratio.
To better understand the seriousness and product quality of the mentioned companies, their history and longevity in the market are best illustrated on their official websites.
Company Histories:
Sika
Bauder
Rockwool
Knauf Insulation
Austrotherm
Fragmat
Ejot
Leister
Makita
DeWalt
Milwaukee Tool
We are open to cooperation, and all companies in our field are welcome to contact us. We invite all interested parties to get in touch so we can establish mutually beneficial business collaborations.
I. WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS
This publication aims to introduce clients—both legal entities and individuals—to flat roof systems, so-called ‘layered roofs’, where thermal and waterproofing layers are applied over the primary roof structure.
Depending on the sequence and type of layers, there are different classifications. The most common flat roof systems can be seen in the gallery with 3D representations.
1. WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS – Useful links:
Sika – Waterproofing Materials and Systems
2. FLAT ROOFS – Useful links:
Sika – Flat Roof Systems
Sika – Application Guide – Manual for Waterproofing Installers
Sika – Brochures
Bauder – Flat Roof Systems
Bauder – FPO Membranes – Installer’s Manual
Bauder – PVC Membranes – Installer’s Manual
Video Clip – Sika-Sarnafil
Video Clip – Sika-Sarnafil Over 60 Years of Use
Bauder – Brochures
3D Models of Layered Flat Roof Systems:
3. FOUNDATION, BASEMENT, AND UNDERGROUND WATERPROOFING – Useful links:
Sika – Below-Grade Waterproofing
Sika – Brochure Waterproofing Systems for Underground Structures
Sika – Video Clip SikaProof
4. LIQUID WATERPROOFING COATINGS – Useful links:
Sika – Polyurethane Coatings – Liquid Membranes
Sika – Waterproof Mortar Coatings
Sikalastic 641 – UV-Stable Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
Sikalastic 614 – Polyurethane Liquid Membrane for Load-Bearing Roofs
Sika – Video Clip Sikalastic Liquid Waterproofing Application Technology
II. THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEMS
Thermal insulation depends on the design specifications, the purpose of the building, the type of construction, and specific requirements that the insulation must meet.
1. FLAT ROOF INSULATION – Useful links:
Austrotherm – Flat Roof
Austrotherm – Pitched Roof
Knauf Insulation – Flat Roof
Knauf Insulation – Pitched Roof
Rockwool – Flat Roof
Sikatherm PIR GT
Sikatherm PIR AL
Sikatherm PIR – Brochure
Fire-resistant parts of the structure are insulated with non-combustible materials, usually stone wool or PIR.
Parts of the building protected by the roof or façade cladding can be insulated with EPS (expanded polystyrene) or XPS (extruded polystyrene).
2. INSULATION OF GREEN AND LOAD-BEARING ROOFS – Useful links:
Austrotherm – Inverted Roof (green, gravel-covered, terrace, dual-use, etc.)
Knauf Insulation – Green Roof
Fragmat – Flat Roof
3. SLOPED INSULATION – CREATING ROOF SLOPES
‘DVS Izolacija’ has developed the technology for producing sloped thermal insulation to achieve roof slopes of 1% to 2%.
For each project, a customized cutting list and slope plan are created using high-compression EPS A120 or EPS A150 boards.
This method is advantageous as it allows easy creation of slope on flat roof elements (RC roof slabs, terrace slabs, trapezoidal steel sheets, etc.) for effective water drainage.
Useful Links:
Austrotherm – Sloped Thermal Insulation
Knauf Insulation – Brochure
Fragmat – Sloped Insulation
Rockwool – Brochure
4. FOUNDATION, BASEMENT, AND UNDERGROUND WALL INSULATION – Useful links:
Austrotherm – External Basement Walls
Austrotherm – Foundation Slabs and Footings
Austrotherm – Plinth Insulation
III. FASTENING AND CONNECTING ELEMENTS
As stated in the introduction, installation of thermal and waterproofing systems requires various fastening components including special screws, anchors, washers, rivets, and more.
Useful Links:
Ejot – Roof Anchors
Video Clip – Installation of “Ejot” FDD Anchors on Concrete Substrates
Video Clip – Installation of “Ejot” HTK+TKR Telescopic Anchors on Trapezoidal Sheet Substrates
IV. TOOLS FOR WELDING WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES
Given the specificity of hot-air welding technology for synthetic membranes, specialized tools have been developed for welding PVC and FPO waterproofing membranes.
Official distributor of ‘Leister’ in Serbia is ‘Marcom-Plast’.
The ‘Sarnamatic 661’ is manufactured and distributed by ‘Sika Srbija’.
Useful Links:
Marcom-Plast – Tools for Flat Roof Waterproofing
Video Clip – Leister Varimat V2 Semi-Automatic – Hot Air Welding
Video Clip – Leister Uniroof Semi-Automatic – Hot Air Welding
Video Clip – Leister Triac ST Handheld Hot Air Gun – Welding Procedure
Video Clip – Sika Sarnamatic Semi-Automatic – Welding Procedure
V. HAND-HELD ELECTRIC AND BATTERY-POWERED TOOLS
As mentioned earlier, hand-held electric and battery-powered tools are essential for waterproofing system installation. Most tools used by our team are made by ‘Makita’.
Official distributor and service provider in Serbia with whom we have a partnership is ‘Inap-Alati’.
Useful Links:
‘Inap-Alati’
‘Makita Serbia’
Video Clip – Review of “Makita” Cordless Impact Drill
Video Clip – Makita DHP458
VI. LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Once thermal and waterproofing work on flat roofs is completed, it is necessary to install external lightning protection systems. Special attention is given to installing lightning protection on flat roofs to safeguard the building.
‘DVS Izolacija’ has developed technology for mounting flat roof-specific brackets, aluminum lightning wires, and connecting the entire system to grounding points.
Useful Links:
Hermi – Bracket for Flat Roofs
Hermi – AL Wire ø8mm – ø10mm
VII. DRAINAGE SYSTEM SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT
Flat roof drainage systems can be executed using standard (gravitational) drains or specialized ‘Pluvia’ type drainage systems.
Standard drains are manufactured by waterproofing membrane producers, while ‘Pluvia’ drains are made by companies specializing in water supply and drainage materials.
Our installers have many years of experience in installing and replacing traditional drains. For ‘Pluvia’ drains, servicing typically involves cleaning and reseating the drain basket if leaking occurs at the flange connection.
Clients often request the replacement of worn-out ‘Pluvia’ baskets with new ones, which our team installs quickly and efficiently.
Useful Links:
Sika – Accessories Catalog
Geberit – Pluvia Drains
VIII. SOLAR POWER PLANTS ON FLAT ROOFS
With advancements in technology and material production, renewable energy sources have become increasingly accessible.
Photovoltaic (solar) panels are increasingly present in our region due to more affordable pricing of components for solar power plant installation.
The economic feasibility is growing as equipment costs decline and maintenance becomes more cost-effective.
Solar power plants now have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance.
Their benefits are numerous, particularly from an ecological standpoint, as fossil fuels are limited and pollute the environment.
Installing solar plants on flat roofs with waterproofing membranes is highly suitable due to the large surface areas that can accommodate high-capacity solar panels.
‘DVS Izolacija’ has developed systems and technology for mounting solar panel supports on flat roofs.
More on this topic can be found in the article Solar Power Plants on Flat Roofs.
Installation Requirements:
- Adequate load-bearing capacity of the primary roof structure
- Sufficient substrate hardness (thermal insulation)
- Durable waterproofing membrane type (FPO) and membrane thickness (1.8 mm or 2 mm)
‘Sika’, the waterproofing manufacturer, provides standardized ‘Sikaroof Anchor’ mounts, which are quick and easy to install on flat roofs.
These mounts can be used to install solar panels, accompanying equipment, as well as other rooftop systems (air conditioning units, electrical equipment, cable trays, piping, HVAC systems, etc.).
CONCLUSION
With this text and the provided links, our goal was to bring together a vast knowledge base and demonstrate that we are open to cooperation with all companies in our field. We equally value the quality of waterproofing materials and specialized tools. Our intention is not to promote or exclude anyone—the list of partners we collaborate with is continuously growing.
For any questions or clarifications, feel free to contact the material or tool manufacturers, their technical support, or reach out to us via the contact page.
We will gladly answer your questions and help you find the optimal waterproofing and thermal insulation solution for your project.
We remain at the disposal of designers, architects, and investors for consultations regarding waterproofing system design and the resolution of project-related details.
