FAQ’s
Q. Will technical data and MSDS’s be supplied at point of sale?
A. Yes. You should always make sure that your distributor passes you this important documentation before using these materials.
Q. Can I get installation advice?
A. Yes. See the installation guide in our brochure available from Scott Bader and all of our distributors.
Q. Do I need to allow for expansion joints when fixing?
A. Scott Bader recommend that you allow for expansion joints (see trim guide) every 50m2. If your roof is smaller than this then you do not need to worry.
Q. Can a GRP roof be repaired?
A. Repairs should be made by cutting out the damaged section and grinding the surrounding area to a roughened, feathered surface extending 100mm in each direction from the damaged area. The area to be covered should be thoroughly cleaned with a stiff brush. Glass mat and Resin should be used to make good the repair, left to harden and subsequently the Topcoat re-applied. Care should be taken not to coat existing areas of Topcoat.
Q. Can I catalyse resin or topcoat with Acetone?
A. No. Do not ever try to catalyse any resin or topcoat using anything other than Catalyst M50. Always follow the recommended guidelines in the installation guide depending on the weather conditions. If you do not do this the resin and topcoat will not set and stay wet and tacky.
Q. Can I lay a roof in the wet?
A. No. Always lay GRP roofs in dry conditions. If it has rained after laying the resin or the deck always make sure that the surface is fully dried before top-coating.
Q. Can I lay a roof below 7.5oC?
A. It is not advisable as the laminate will not cure correctly at lower temperatures and this could have a detrimental effect on the quality and surface finish of the roof.
Q. How do I make sure that I have put the topcoat down at the right thickness?
A. Make sure you weigh out the correct quantity of topcoat (600g per m2) to cover the roof before you start and apply evenly. Thin spots will be evident as the glass pattern will be visible and you may see a difference in colour.
Q. Which A trims will match-up with B trims to give a flush flat finish along the bottom edge of the vertical face?
A. The A170 and B240. The A200 and B260. The A250 and B300.
Q. Is the material covered by a warranty?
A. Yes. Speak to your distributor who will inform you of the material warranty guidelines.
Q. Can I add more than 4% catalyst for quicker curing?
A. No. Scott Bader recommend that you add between 1-4% depending on the ambient temperature. If you add more than 4% you will actually start to slow down the cure speed. Do not use these products below 7.5°C. Scott Bader always recommend that you keep the resin and the Top Coat indoors over night before using to keep it as warm as possible.
Q. Can I reapply a Topcoat at a later stage?
A. Yes. As long as you sand the existing topcoat to remove the waxy top surface and provide a suitable key before over coating.
Q. What if it rains whilst installing?
A. If it starts to rain, stop immediately and cover the roof with a tarpaulin or visqueen sheet. Keep the roof as sheltered as possible. The decking or the resin will need to be completely
dry before continuing. If you are unable to laminate over a prepared deck before it will rain, then coat the decking with catalysed resin and cover any exposed edges. This will seal the deck and prevent moisture ingress into the deck until the laminate can be applied. After rain stops, use cloths to soak up water, and speed up the drying process by wiping with acetone.
Q. Do I have to tape the joints of the OSB 18mm?
A. Yes. Scott Bader recommend that all joints are taped using 75mm width woven tape. Scott Bader also recommend using 50mm width tape to cover the joins in the trims and where they meet the board edge, this ensures a better appearance to the finished job.
Q. How do I fix the trims to the OSB?
A. Scott Bader always recommend that trims are fixed using the ‘glue and screw’ method, first apply 1 or 2 beads of an adhesive such as an MS-Polymer or Fix ALL adhesive (never a silicone)
then screw the trims in place, Scott Bader recommend that you pre-drill the trim to avoid cracking.
Q. How can I make an anti-slip surface?
A. Scott Bader recommend the use of Iron Silicate grade 3. Either add the Iron Silicate to the topcoat prior to use or tape off the area where the non-slip surface is required and sprinkle the Iron Silicate into the wet topcoat. For a superior lasting finish you should use Crystic 49PA Excel which is supplied pre-mixed with Polypropylene ‘chips’ (please ask for availability before placing your order).
ADVICE FOR SUMMER MONTHS / HOT WEATHER
• Do not use resin or topcoat in temperatures above 35°C
• Always mix smaller volumes, rather than full roof coverage – you need to be able to apply the material before it starts to cure
• Always lay the laminate across the shortest possible run – allows time to apply the resin before it cures
• Check the temperature of the laminate prior to applying the topcoat. The topcoat contains a wax that if gets too hot on application will not cure properly, leaving a tacky topcoat.
• We advise that you lay the topcoat late in the day to avoid the above problem on a hot day