DURAble Waterproofing Solutions from Supreme Industries

Supreme's protective packaging division plays the role of a solution provider to clients in diverse industries, specifically in the application areas of Packaging & Cushioning, Insulation and Construction. The division is a part of Supreme group, who is an acknowledged leader of India's plastic industry, handling over 2,60,000 tonnes of polymers annually and having the group turnover in excess of Rs. 4,500 crores.

Supreme offers 'DURA and INSU range of products' for various applications in the areas of Construction and Insulation respectively.

The Construction Accessories Division of Supreme has developed customized solutions specifically for the construction requirements of various segments. All our products have been developed after continuous research and understanding the needs of the changing demands of the new generation constructions. Many of these products have been pioneered by Supreme. A case in point is the creation of a low compression set filler board (DURAboardHD100) especially for expansion joints application, to replace less effective bitumen board based solutions. The division offers new generation, better alternative products to conventional materials like rubber, metals, and wood, thus being cost effective. "The 'DURA' range of products are manufactured from virgin raw material and we do not use any CFC / HCFC gases. At every stage of the manufacturing process, a stringent quality check methodology assures the reliability of the products," said Ajay Mohta.

Supreme Industries, which has been offering durable, cost-effective and environment-friendly products for the construction industry for over six decades, counts its products - DURAboardHD100, DURAmem- brane, INSUshield and INSUreflector among its topline products.

The company believes in tailoring its innovative products to its clients and also constantly upgrades them to meet the current challenges in recommending the best solutions in the field. Being environment-friendly, all the products of the company help in reducing consumption of available resources thereby helping the environmental cause.

The DURA range

The DURA range of products are known for their durability for the simple reason that they have been developed after strenuous interactions with experts in the field, studying current requirements and emerging trends to cater to the fast-changing demand scenario in the sector.

DURAboardHD100 (formerly Silflex), which is a cross-linked, pre-moulded, high-performance joint filler for structural expansion of joints in concrete bricks and block works, DURArods (formerly Sil Seal) - expanded polyethylene foam rods as a backup to sealants, DURAroofil (formerly Sil Roofil), which is modern customised, light-weight, resilient, soft, polymer-based closed-cell profiles for PEB structures.

Apart from this, the company also makes available DURAvapourbarrier (formerly Sil Vapour Barrier), which is a high-performance multilayer microcell PE film for water vapour barrier applications. Similarly, DURAprotector (formerly Membrane Protection Board), another product of the company which is chemically cross-linked block foam for protection of waterproofing membranes, liquid applied waterproofing membranes in horizontal and vertical applications.

DURAfill (formerly known as Silfil) is an alkali-resistant, closed cell polymer-based board for black cotton soil barrier, weak soil foundation and the latest addition to the portfolio is the newly launched DURAmembrane for all types of waterproofing applications.

DURAmembrane

Among its various innovative products, the company has added Duramembrane, a new offering in the portfolio of competent and DURAble products for its Construction Accessories Division. DURAmembrane is a new generation, cost-effective solution for waterproofing of basements and roofs. It is a versatile material, capable of retaining the dryness of concrete, masonry, metal and wood structures. It is also resistant to salts, alkalis and various types of acids. In fact, the product is a high-performance, composite polymeric membrane offering a quick and easy-to-apply system, ensuring hassle-free maximum productivity. The most striking advantage of the product is that it can be used in new constructions and also at the time of repairing old structures.

Interestingly, the company is the only manufacturer of this type of waterproofing membrane in India, and it has plans to use DURAmembrane for applications including concrete roof waterproofing, basement waterproofing, waterproofing of bathrooms, and terrace gardens.

Striking features

DURAmembrane is a high-performance composite polymeric membrane, which is durable, lightweight, non-deteriorating, puncture-resistant, and is available in length stretching up to 50 metres. While bitumen disintegrates after contact with water and also catches fungi after which it starts melting during summer due to lessening of its puncture-resistant strength, Duramembrane has a very good puncture resistance of 199 N (Test method - ASTM E154: 1999) and because it is polymer based it will not deteriorate. That apart, none of the waterproofing solution systems provide any added advantage except waterproofing whereas Duramembrane is not only 100% waterproof but also an excellent insulating material. Other treatments have a tendency to absorb moisture and conduct heat but Duramembrane does not absorb water at all. Its 'K' value does not deteriorate because its inherent closed cell structure ensures truly effective thermal insulation and waterproofing for lifetime.

Excellent in extreme conditions

In view of the unpredictable climatic conditions in India where the ambient temperature varies between 0 to 50°C, the overlying treatment must withstand the corresponding variation in temperature from 1 to 65°C. Duramembrane meets these challenges with complete and effortless ease and can withstand temperature ranging from -40 to +115°C.

Any roof treatment has to contend with the unrelenting assault of surface expansion and contraction due to daily or seasonal temperature variations. Further, roof treatments have to withstand more than just surface expansion and contraction including structural movements during sudden drop in temperature resulting in thermal shocks. Duramembrane has an excellent elongation and tensile strength that enables it to take all movements in its stride. It is fracture-, crumble-, shatter- and abrasion-proof and resistant to most corrosive chemicals.

Demand scenario

Shortly after the onset of monsoons, problems like leakage and seepage in roofs, walls, basements, and bathrooms both in commercial and residential buildings including factories, is a common feature. After every shower of rain, structures tend to expose their limitations and flaw the monsoon rains, in fact, test buildings and reveal the defects that are not normally observed during sunny days. To avoid huge losses to the buildings and other structures, people increasingly pay attention to the leakage related problems prior to the next rains. As it is being the first-of-its-kind concrete roof and basement waterproofing product, specially designed to withstand the hot and humid Indian conditions, Duramembrane is a perfect blend to solve problems and avoid huge losses arising out of leakages to both individual and contractors. The entire construction industry in India will benefit because of the fact that the product will not only help them to overcome complex challenges, but also enhance their productivity and durability.

Amongst others, there are four primary reasons why the company's Construction Accessories Division is a strong choice with regard to durable solutions:

Quality: A methodical, systematic and stringent approach to quality ensures that the company's products are not only world-class but also durable. It adheres to international quality standards while manufacturing products. ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certifications and NABL accreditation for its plants is a testimony to its serious approach to quality.