FLEXISTOPTM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Because an ingredient added to the formula prevents it curing to a fully rigid state for many, many decades, expanding and contracting along with your property in heat and cold, providing a strong, waterproof seal. Almost every other roofing product goes rigid and brittle, cannot cope with movement in the building caused by heat, cold and external causes, then cracks and fails, allowing water through.
In many cases, such as when repairing a leaking felt roof, home-owners have carried out their own repairs. More complicated jobs can be done by competent handymen with experience in the building trade. If you contact us and tell us your own situation we will advise you as to your best course of action.
A roofer has described working with FlexiStopTM as “the low-tech application of a high-tech product”. Very often over the years, the answer has been “Yes”. Again, call or email us and we will advise you.
FlexiStopTM is like a thick paint and is applied with a brush or roller.
No. FlexiStopTM cures in about two hours, and gives you plenty of time to work with. Some products need to be worked super fast, or go off on the brush or roller. This will not happen with FlexiStopTM.
All surfaces to be coated must be clean and perfectly dry – despite claims to the opposite you will never achieve a long-term¬ waterproof membrane using any product that is applied to a damp or wet surface. FlexiStopTM is designed to last a minimum of 35 years in almost every known climate. Remove all loose debris and dirt, any oils and grease by vigorous scrubbing or power-washing. Then dry the clean surface, using towels or heat if necessary.
? FlexiStopTM has been successfully used on concrete, felt, asphalt, slates, fibreglass, tiles, asbestos, timbers, corrugated iron, steel, lead, metal profile, copper, aluminium, etc. Some substrates, such as uPVC and EPDM membranes require the use of a self-etching primer beforehand. Some of the metals listed above may need a light sanding in order to provide a “key”.
Yes. See answer above.
Yes you can, but you should first use a sealer primer (we recommend “WeatherStopTM”) which will both seal the timber, provide a good “key” for FlexiStopTM to adhere to, and should reduce the quantity of FlexiStopTM needed by lowering the absorbency of the timber.
No. FlexiStopTM can be permanently submerged in water for decades without any defects occurring.
FlexiStopTM should best be applied at 5oC or above. If applying in low temperatures first ensure all frost related moisture is removed and the surface is dry.
A good skin should typically form in about two hours, although this will vary depending on temperatures and humidity. Once it has been applied for an hour or so a light rain-shower should not affect it. It is recommended that you allow 24 hours before recoating. Do not apply FlexiStopTM if heavy showers or persistent rain is imminent.
Standard available colours are Grey, Black & Clear. FlexiStopTM can be applied in any colour, to order, if a minimum quantity of 100 litres is ordered.
No. It can be also used on sloped roofs, and can actually be painted on to vertical surfaces, such as parapet walls and on gable walls adjoining flat roofs, forming a seamless membrane from the wall across the roof. Like a thick oil paint it will “run” if applied too thickly, so two or even three very light coats might be recommended, depending on the circumstances.
Typically, two coats of FlexiStopTM, or one thick coat, will be achieved using 1 Litre per Msq (a single 5 Litre can should therefore cover about 5sqM). This varies from substrate to substrate, depending on porosity or what you want to achieve. Call us or email us and we will give you an estimate of the amount of product required.
If you do the mathematics, that coverage rate provides a coating that is 0.025mm thick. FlexiStopTM, applied at the rate suggested in No. 14, above, gives a coating 40 times thicker – and stronger.
Simply replace the lid tightly, using the clamp provided, and the product should be still good to use for up to twelve months.
No. FlexiStopTM is UV resistant and is not affected by temperatures from -60oC to + 200oC. It remains flexible and pliable almost anywhere on planet Earth.
You will neither be able or need, to paint FlexiStopTM. See the answer to Question 15.
Yes. FlexiStopTM is completely vapour permeable, allowing any moisture in the building or substrate to evaporate, while preventing any dampness penetrating from the exterior.
Yes. Gaps can be masked using duct tape or masking tape, for example between sheets of ply. When so doing, apply a separate coat of FlexiStopTM to the taped area before coating the roof as a whole. Larger gaps can be bridged using a fleece that has been embedded in a prior coat of FlexiStopTM and then coated along with the rest of the surface to be treated.
Yes. A light coat of FlexistopTM should be applied, a fleece embedded into this and, when cured a second coat of FlexiStopTM applied to that. This will provide an extremely strong, flexible surface.
Some substrates will require or benefit from a prior application of a primer/sealer. These, typically, are uPVC or EPDM membranes, and timber sheeting (see answers to question 5 & 7 above).
Yes. Surfaces should first have all traces of rust removed, and a rust kill/inhibitor applied. Then apply FlexiStopTM as recommended.
“Yes”, is the short answer. However, asbestos brings with it a whole range of hazards, requirements and regulations. Like any substrate, however, once asbestos is clean and dry, FlexiStopTM can be successfully used provided all recommended precautions are observed.
Yes. FlexiStopTM has passed all water leaching tests and can be used to harvest or contain water fit for human and animal consumption British Standard BS6920 (Test on Effect of Water Quality) applies.
Yes. Although nothing will adhere to FlexiStopTM, including moss, algae etc., it can be cleared of debris (bird droppings, etc.) by powerwashing, though the jet should not be applied too close to the surface. A simple brushing along with the use of a garden hose will be just as effective.
Yes. FlexiStop will withstand casual foot traffic, such as when a roof needs to be accessed by maintenance personnel. If an area of a roof is intended for use as a designated walkway, suitable matting should be laid there. Flagstones can be placed on top of FlexiStopTM without causing damage as long as care is taken that all sharp objects or debris that might penetrate the coating are carefully removed beforehand.
Yes. FlexiStopTM has been independently and scientifically evaluated for Fire Retardant Qualities (BS476 & BS6853), Vapour Permeability (6931), and Effect on Water Quality (BS 6920) and carries relevant certificates in these categories.
We have never come across a case of birds eating FlexiStopTM, but if an area of FlexiStopTM is damaged on a roof or other surface you should remove any loose product and paint the cleaned area again, continuing on to the undamaged surface for about 100cm/4 inches in all directions. The only thing that sticks perfectly to FlexiStopTM is FlexiStopTM!
Yes. FlexiStopTM will adhere to the substrates involved. Caravans and mobile homes are susceptible to movements caused by road travel and exposure to wind – because FlexiStopTM remains flexible for many, many decades it is ideal for use in this case.
We will offer training courses to selected candidates who have a proven history of providing quality service to the public in the roofing/construction/maintenance fields. If you feel you meet these qualifications, complete the form below or call us.
WEATHERSTOPTM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A thin coat of clear liquid silicone, it protects most surfaces from the ravages of climate – or the weather – preventing moisture entering.
By brush, roller or airless spray-gun to a clean, dry surface.
Porous brick*, plaster, render, mass-concrete walls and asbestos are all susceptible to penetration by damp and driving rain. Two coats of WeatherStopTM will prevent any moisture entering a treated surface. Asbestos fibres can be encapsulated with a coat of WeatherStopTM, and may save you the extreme expense of dismantling and removing old asbestos roofing/cladding. *See FAQ 7 below.
Yes, by eliminating the thermal “bridge” caused by saturated walls, heat loss is greatly reduced.
No. You must first paint your house in whatever colour you wish, and then apply two coats of clear WeatherStopTM. You should not need to paint your house again for some twenty five years. If you like you can leave the window sills and reveals untreated and you can then change the appearance of your home from time to time by painting them in different colours.
Yes. Two coats of WeatherStopTM, each diluted by 40% white spirit (2l of white spirit in each 5l can of WeatherStopTM) will do the job for decades.
Yes. Apply as per No. 6 above, but first it would be advisable to treat the stone with a coat of Non-Darkening Sealer, available from Mutishield Protection.
Yes. Dilute the WeatherStop with 30% white spirit, dip the top of the post into the WeatherStopTM, and when cured paint about 250mm of the post at the point where it will be meeting the earth when erected. This will greatly add to the life of your fence – for about €0.20 per post.