New roofing technologies and underlayment without new bitumen

NEW ROOF OF LIVE SOUTH EXCELS IN SUSTAINABILITY

With Novitumen®, Derbigum is taking an important step toward a circular economy, in which waste materials in construction are given a valuable repurposing. The pioneering roofing technology - which makes full use of recycled bitumen - has now been applied in several projects. One of the firsts is for Verkoelen Dakspecialisten, which installed over 800 m2 of Novitumen® on the roof of the office of housing corporation Wonen Zuid in Roermond.

Verkoelen Roof Specialists realizes flat and pitched roofs in renovation and transformation projects. It also has a separate service, management and maintenance department. “In approximately 85% of the projects we do, we are also the consulting party,” says John Gooren, Manager of Flat Roofs at Verkoelen Roof Specialists. “We believe that every roof deserves a custom solution. That is why we tailor our systems to the specific needs of the customer as well as the future operating life of the building. For projects with a long operating life, we consciously choose Derbigum products, which have a proven quality. This way we guarantee durability, reliability and maximum performance.”

Well-insulated building

Verkoelen Dakspecialisten is one of the three cooperation partners of Wonen Zuid for roof renovation and roof maintenance, says Gooren. This is also how the project in Roermond came about. “Wonen Zuid had the ambition to make its existing office location at the Buitenop more sustainable. A well-insulated building is essential for this.” Verkoelen Dakspecialisten was asked to inspect the so-called ‘fifth facade’ for this purpose. What was present in terms of roofing and insulation? And what advice did they have for the future?

Sustainable solution

“Since this is a long-term investment, we looked for a sustainable solution. Both in terms of composition, life span and maintenance,” says Gooren. “Here we naturally ended up with Derbigum. We recommended Derbigum NT as the top layer, which contains approximately 25% of recycled content. For the carpet pad, we chose Derbicoat® NOVI P 2.5; the first innovative and circular bituminous carpet pad arising from Novitumen® (no-virgin bitumen) technology.” With a thickness of 2.5 mm, this product represents the first step in a new range, which Derbigum will continue to expand in the future. Derbicoat® NOVI P 2.5 consists of nearly 80% of recycled content, of which the bitumen is 100% recycled. “Combined with a partially biobased/biogenic PIR insulation and a circular roofing system from Derbigum, we have made the best choice in terms of sustainability.”

Loose laid system with ballast 

By choosing a loose-laid system with ballast, the loosenability and recyclability is guaranteed for the future. “This is why a take-back certificate is also handed over upon completion,” says Mike van Bussel, Rayon Manager South at Derbigum Netherlands.

Exactly the right time

Gooren has been working with Derbigum's products for more than 35 years. “Initially, I was a little hesitant about the Novitumen® technology,” he says. “Because what would this mean for processing? In this context, it is very good that Derbigum first applied 100% recycled bitumen in its bituminous underlayment and vapor barrier.” Soon his caution proved unnecessary. “Derbicoat® NOVI P 2.5 is just as easy, fast and pleasant to work with as Derbigum's regular underlays. Our introduction was very smooth and trouble-free.”

Continuous contact

“At the start of this project, we shared all the information about Novitumen®,” says Van Bussel. “Including the CO2 savings that could be realized based on the roof area and the products used.” Gooren: “Because Novitumen® is a new technology, we were in frequent contact with each other. For example, we looked together at the right roof structure. But also at the techniques that can be combined well with Derbicoat® NOVI P 2.5.”

Minimal ecological footprint 

Sustainability, ecology and environmental friendliness were at the heart of the development of Novitumen® technology, Van Bussel says. “Replacing new bitumen with recycled bitumen lowers the pressure on natural resources and significantly reduces the ecological footprint. Per square meter, Derbicoat® NOVI P emits 1 kg less CO2 because at least 1 kg of new bitumen is saved. This means a reduction of 42% compared to a traditional vapor barrier without recycled bitumen. In addition, 85% less fossil fuels are used, accounting for an energy saving of 7.1 MJ per m2 (see also the Derbicoat NOVI P brochure: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment).” In terms of waste management, the technology also makes a significant contribution to the circular economy. “Manufacturing waste, cutting residues from construction sites and carefully selected old demolition roofs are given a second life. And it doesn't stop there, because the bituminous membranes are fully recyclable again at the end of their service life. Thus, the circular cycle is completely closed.”