Briefly defined, cold-applied systems are waterproofing or roofing applications that utilize a cold adhesive (solvent-based or water-based) in the adherence or fusion of the felt.
Cold-applied roofing and waterproofing systems have been available in the U.S. markets for more than 50 years. Briefly defined, cold-applied systems are waterproofing or roofing applications that utilize a cold adhesive (solvent-based or water-based) in the adherence or fusion of the felt. These systems were designed primarily to eliminate concerns associated with hot bitumen application by substituting asphalt cutbacks for the hot-mopped bitumen as the interply and surfacing bitumen. Although variations of these systems have been used in the United States for many years, they have never seriously contended with hot-applied built-up systems for market share. Predominately, the use of cold-applied systems has been restricted to repair and maintenance of hot-applied built-up systems.
In recent years, the market share of these systems has expanded due to increased environmental regulations of hot-applied systems, new material developments and technology, and an ascent of situations where conventional systems prove impractical. Current industry data indicates that nearly 10 percent of all BUR and modified-bitumen systems are cold applied. This growth trend is expected to continue.