Renolit Alkorplan, the Spain-based roofing specialist, has introduced a new slip-resistant membrane, the Walkway, which is designed to significantly enhance safety for workers accessing and maintaining flat and pitched roofs.

The Walkway is a robust, polyester-reinforced flexible PVC roofing membrane featuring a textured surface, specifically engineered to create safe access paths on roofs, including those with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The product leverages advanced advanced pool membrane technology initially developed for Renolit’s pool membrane division, a result of the company’s commitment to cross-functional innovation.

Walkway provides a dedicated path that offers superior grip while protecting the underlying waterproofing membrane from wear and tear caused by foot traffic.

Walkway stands out as a superior solution for ensuring enhanced safety and durability in roofing applications, whether they are new constructions or existing structures. The innovative product is engineered to provide slip-resistant access across roofs. Its design features a polyester reinforcement and a textured surface, making it well-suited for demanding environments where foot traffic is frequent.

With its robust design and compatibility with various Renolit Alkorplan waterproofing membranes, the walkway improves safety for roofing workers by providing secure footing, effectively minimising slip risks even in challenging weather conditions, says the company.

Steven Lamon, Technical Assistance Manager of Renolit Alkorplan roofing products, comments: “As we often support our partners in the on-site installation and maintenance of our membranes, we are fully aware of the risks to move and work on a roof. The usual solution is to create a contrasting walkway that protects the waterproofing membrane and that offers a surface with a low slip potential for those who need to go to the roof for maintenance.

“However, as a company that aims to establish new standards of safety and efficiency in the industry, we felt the need to offer a more optimal solution for those applications where frequent access to the roof is required, such as roofs with photovoltaic installations”, he adds.

The Walkway has been certified with the highest class of slip resistance according to DIN EN 16165, Annex B and C, demonstrating its capability to minimise slip risks even in challenging weather conditions. Its performance includes a pendulum test value (PTV) exceeding 36 (tested wet) and a class R13 rating, offering a low slip potential on roofs up to 35 degrees.

ADDRESSING SAFETY CONCERNS

The construction industry, a cornerstone of development in the Gulf, faces significant safety challenges. Citing data from Eurostat, Renolit Alkorplan says that construction had the highest incidence of non-fatal workplace accidents in the EU in 2022, and slips, trips, and falls account for a substantial percentage of both fatal and non-fatal accidents in the sector.

Workers performing tasks on roofs, whether maintaining existing structures or installing photovoltaic panels, face a multitude of safety challenges primarily due to the inherent risks associated with roofing work. Danger predominantly arises from fall hazards such as unprotected edges, fragile roof surfaces, holes, vents and other penetrations on pitched roofs.

The 2.0-mm thick, bright yellow Walkway provides a highly visible, dedicated path that offers superior grip while protecting the underlying waterproofing membrane from wear and tear caused by foot traffic. It is 82.5 cm wide, and available in 20 m rolls, each weighing approximately 41 kg. Its bright yellow colour not only enhances visibility but also adds a level of aesthetic appeal.

It is compatible with various Renolit Alkorplan waterproofing membranes, including the Bright, Smart, and Classic lines, and is also suitable for retrofit applications. The membrane is installed via hot air welding along the perimeter to the underlying waterproofing layer, ensuring a secure and lasting fit.

Part of the German Renolit Group, Renolit Alkorplan offers durable, versatile, and high-quality certified synthetic membranes for waterproofing roofs and covers, swimming pools, and civil engineering works.