AAC Waterproofing has a rich history dating back to the 1970s when it was originally known as Anglesey Asphalt Company, specializing in mastic asphalt services for roofing, flooring, and tanking. Over the years, the company evolved, and by the 1980s and early 90s, we had expanded into bituminous felt roofing systems to better serve a growing client base.
A major turning point for AAC came when the Managing Director recognized the need for safer and more efficient roofing solutions. This led to our diversification into single-ply roofing systems, particularly EPDM synthetic rubber sheeting. To this day, EPDM remains a core offering, alongside our more recent addition of single-ply thermoplastic systems.
The move to single-ply roofing systems wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about safety. Traditional hot-works roofing methods, such as the application of bituminous felt using open flames or hot bitumen, posed significant risks of fires and burn injuries. Bitumen boilers, which heat bitumen to extreme temperatures of around 250°C, were notorious for causing accidents. While many roofing contractors have experienced incidents like pot fires, even more common were the injuries and property damage caused by hot bitumen.
Flame torch applications, which replaced the older pour-and-roll method, still carry considerable fire risks. Despite improved safety protocols, incidents of roofing fires due to flame torches continue to occur. Moreover, hot-works insurance policies often impose strict conditions on contractors, making it a challenge to secure coverage for projects involving open flames. Even when coverage exists, settling claims for fire-related incidents can lead to prolonged financial strain for contractors.
Recognizing these risks, AAC Waterproofing adopted a flame-free roofing policy many years ago. We exclusively offer cold-applied roofing systems, eliminating the need for open flames entirely. Our solutions include Prelasti EPDM prefabricated sheeting, hot-air welded thermoplastic membranes, and liquid-applied waterproofing systems.
Prelasti EPDM, a key product in our portfolio, is prefabricated into large sheets in our workshop. In many cases, these sheets are large enough to cover entire roofs in one piece. When jointing is necessary on-site, the process is done cold, using unvulcanized tapes, adhesives, and specialized mastics—completely flame-free.
Our single-ply thermoplastic systems, including renowned brands like Protan and Sika Sarnafil, are also installed using hot-air welding, a method recognized as safe and effective for flame-free waterproofing systems. Similarly, our liquid-applied waterproofing solutions are applied as a liquid and reinforced with fabric, creating a seamless, fire-safe waterproof layer as it cures in place.
While some argue that roofs need to be dried with a flame torch before waterproofing is applied, we believe that alternative methods like hot air blowers or mopping should be prioritized to avoid flame usage. If a flame must be used, it should be restricted to non-combustible surfaces and under strict safety controls.
At AAC Waterproofing, our commitment to flame-free waterproofing systems has enabled us to build a team of experts trained specifically in cold-applied techniques. This approach not only enhances safety but also strengthens our public liability insurance, reducing risks for both our company and our clients. Most importantly, clients can rest assured that their project will be completed without the fire hazards traditionally associated with roofing. That’s peace of mind worth having.