Q: What is Special 1 and why is it unique?

A: Special 1 a pure MS (Modified silane) polymer-based resin. The technology that has been developed into Special 1 makes it unique as the product is a true one coat system as it can be applied to most substrates without the need of a primer and it can even be installed with moisture present.

Q: Where can Special 1 be installed?

A: The limits are endless with Special 1 and where it can be used. Special 1 can be used on both domestic and commercial new build and refurbishment projects. From something as small as a porch, through to apartment blocks, leisure centres, hospitals, box gutters, timber framed buildings and right up to factory roofs which can be 1000’s of sq. metres without the need of expansion details. Due to the properties of Special 1, it can also be used on vertical faces without any slumping occurring.

Q: Can I use Special 1 over my existing flat roof surface?

A: Yes, Special 1 can be installed directly onto existing and old roof surfaces without the need of a primer. We would recommend a survey to ensure the structure is suitable for overlaying prior to installing (check condition of subdeck, etc.).

Q: What substrates can Special 1 be applied onto?

A: Special 1 can be installed onto most surfaces, such as felt, asphalt, concrete, metal, OSB3, plywood, foil faced carrier membrane, GRP, EPDM, PVC single ply plus many more with the additional benefit of not needing to use a primer, so no waiting around. It can even be applied onto wet surfaces.

Q: Can you walk on a Special 1 roof without it getting damaged?

A: Yes, a Special 1 roof will withstand foot traffic. You can also add slate granules to the finish to give it a non-slip finish and more hard wearing.

Q: What other application can you use the Special 1 system for?

A: Special 1 can also be used for irrigated green roofs or roof gardens, inverted warm roofs and zero fall roofs applications. Paving slabs and decking can also be installed onto a fully cured Special 1 roof.

Q: Do I need to use reinforcement with Special 1?

A: Special 1 has been certified for 10 years without the need for reinforcement (except for on joints and seams) but we do recommend a reinforcement is used to ensure the correct amount of resin is used. A 225gm chopped strand mat or 100gm fleece can be used.

Q: Do I need a catalyst to make it cure?

A: Special 1 is fully moisture cured, so no catalyst is required.

Q: How long does it take to cure?

A: Special 1 skins over and watertight after approximately 40 minutes and can accept foot traffic after 24 hours to apply the topcoat. These timings are weather dependent; in colder weather it can take longer and in summer it can be quicker.

Q: It sounds like Special 1 is very easy to use and anybody can install it, do I need training?

A: Special 1 is extremely easy to use and most practically minded people can use the system after following the instructions. If you are unsure, you should contact a competent person to carry out the work.

Q: Is Special 1 a safe system to install?

A: Yes, very. Special 1 is a cold applied system which requires no hot works, making it very safe to use. It does not require mixing with a catalyst and is simple to apply with a roller or a brush. This not only allows for fast application; it eradicates the risk of human error caused by incorrect mixing ratios. This is in addition to it being solvent free, with no strong odours and isocyanate free.

Q: Why would I use Special 1 instead of other cold applied liquid systems.

A: You would use Special 1 over other systems such as GRP for a number of reasons, such as: it can be applied to substrates that GRP cannot be used on, no primers required on any surface (money and standing around time saved), no catalysts required (money saved) and there’s no separate basecoat and topcoat required (time saved waiting for coats to cure before applying the next one). One of the main advantages is that it can even be applied if there is moisture present on the surface. So, on those damp days when you would normally be rained off, you can still work.

Q: Does Special 1 have fire certification?

A: Yes, Special 1 has achieved B Roof (t4) in accordance with EN 13501-5: 2016. Test method: CEN/TS 1187: 2012 Test 4.

Q: How long is Special 1 guaranteed for?

A: The length of guarantees available are 10 and 20 years dependent on the requirements of the project and budget. In addition to the materials guarantee, a Special 1 roof is backed by a workmanship guarantee which runs concurrently with the materials guarantee.

Q: Can a Special 1 roof be repaired, should it become damaged?

A: Yes, in the unlikely event of damaging the roof membrane, the repair of minor damage to the system can be achieved effectively by cleaning back to the unweathered material and recoating the damaged area with the Special 1 system.

Q: What are the other benefits of a Special 1 roof?

A: Firstly, it is totally seamless, there are no joints, seems or welds meaning there are no weak spots on the roof with the potential to fail. It is resistant to temperatures of over 90°C for long periods. Special 1 is also a fully bonded system, which means it is resistant to wind uplift.

Q: Is Special 1 compatible with GRP edge trims?

A: Yes, all our systems are compatible with standard GRP edge trims.

Q: What temperature range can you use Special 1?

A: Supermax Flex can be used between 5°C and 35°C.

Q: Is technical support available?

A: Most issues and enquiries can be dealt with by phone or email. However, in some cases we understand that a site visit may be more viable. Here at Supermax Solutions, we pride ourselves on the technical support that we offer to our contractors, architects, specifiers, surveyors and other construction professionals including their clients. If you require any technical assistance, you can contact us on 01744 304305 or by email info@supermaxsolutions.co.uk