What is Liquid membrane waterproofing?
Liquid membrane is a generic term covering all types of materials that are in liquid or semi liquid (paste) form that are used for waterproofing. There are a very many different types of materials that fall under this category ranging from acrylic paint also known as Roof Compound to cementations compounds and Polymeric as well as bitumen based coatings.

What is Coper Cem Flex 2C?
Coper Cem Flex 2 C is a BUFFA product made of 2 component cementations compound that solidifies to a flexible and waterproof layer that has extremely high adhesion and high levels of waterproofing capability while retaining some vapour permeability.

What is vapour permeability?
This is the measure of how much a material allows water vapour to pass through it. Materials such as plastics are vapour barriers that is they allow very little or no vapour to bass through. Thus is water is present underneath it has very little capability of evaporation out, While materials with a decent vapour permeability allow the water present underneath to evaporate. This is important in Maltese flat roofs as otherwise the ‘Torba’ remains wet for a very long time.

What are the advantages of Coper Cem Flex 2C?
This BUFFA material has very high adhesion on almost all surfaces, including, concrete, stone, wood, metal, some plastics and aluminium. This means that it can be coated on nearly everything. When coated it sticks so well that is doesn’t peel off or create voids underneath such as bitumen membrane rolls tends to do. Since it is a homogenous coating it can cover any shape of surface without having any joints which are weak points. Since it is flexible it can expand and contract with the concrete roof. It is also very hard wearing and can be walked on without damage.

How do you treat expansion cracks and joints?
In areas of very high movement such as expansion cracks and joints BUFFA Coper Cem Flex 2C  can be applied together with a rubber strip BUFFA GIUNTO that makes it practically impossible for water to penetrate no matter how large the crack or expansion can be.

How long does waterproofing with Coper Cem Flex 2C last?
If the Coper Cem Flex coating is protected by tiles or a rubber paint or compound such as Coper Evolution or Coper Gum and maintained properly it can last as long as the building as being cementatious it has a very long lifetime.

How is Coper Cem Flex 2C applied?
Pour component B (liquid) in a suitable  clean container;  then slowly add, under mechanical agitation, the component A (powder), mixing for a few minutes with low rev stirrer, until the mortar paste  is smooth and homogeneous; the COPER CEM FLEX 2C should be applied within 40 minutes from mixing. Apply the second coat when the first is completely dry. For subsequent installation of porcelain stoneware tiles, ceramic tiles etc., you should wait for at least 5 days of maturation of the membrane. Use directly on the COPER CEM 2C our adhesives DURAFLEX or DURAFLEX IMPER, grouting COLORFILL 2-4  or  PAVIFIL 4-20. It is advisable to use our elastomeric latex additive for grouting FILL PLUS. Instead for unpaved surfaces, it is advisable for U.V. protection of the COPER CEM FLEX 2C to use our special elastic and waterproof coatings COPER GUM, COPER EVOLUTION

How do you tackle corners, joints and cracks with COPER CEM FLEX 2C?
To guarantee a total continuity and long lasting waterproofing, you must waterproof the corners, cracks and expansion joints with GIUNTO BOND (waterproof elastic strip) prior to the application of the COPER CEM FLEX 2 C on the flat surfaces. The system for application requires that the corners, cracks or joints are cleaned out properly. Then only on the cracks and joints a strip of masking tape is applied over the gap.
Then apply on each side of the tape the COPER CEM FLEX 2C to a width slightly wider than the GIUNTO BOND, circa 12cm. Then place the GIUNTO BOND onto the still wet COPER CEM FLEX 2C, pressing it down to make sure it has good adhesion. Once this is dry apply a second layer of COPER CEM FLEX 2C to the GIUNTO BOND covering it completely.
For corners there are special GIUNTO BOND pieces called ANGULAR B10 and B11. On corners no masking tape is needed. Once GIUNTO BOND is complete and dry you can start the flat surface application. Spread the COPER CEM FLEX 2C mortar thus obtained on the base with a smooth stainless steel spatula or float or a special squeegee in one layer of 1-2 mm approximate maximum thickness.

How do I use COPER CEM FLEX 2C on tiles?
It is advisable, in the case of case of tiles to submerge a fiberglass alkali resistant net in the first fresh layer of COPER CEM FLEX 2 C to give it further strength.  The edges of the net should be overlapped by at least 5 cm even with the GIUNTO BOND. However the net should not go over the GIUNTO BOND to allow movement of joints and crack unhindered.

Do you have to apply at one go?
No you can apply in different periods but make sure to overlap application by at least 10cm and clean the surface well. Any material that is mixed will however harden and will have to be thrown away.

What is COPER EVOLUTION?
Coper Evolution is a BUFFA waterproofing material that bridges the gap between roof compounds or rubber paints (usually acrylic) and cement based liquid membranes. It is a very high resistance material designed for waterproofing of Flat roofs using only a roller.

What are the advantages of Coper Evolution?
Coper Evolution is new technology material that is applied in a continuous coating without any joints. Due to its constituents is form a durable non slip water proof layer which is flexible enough to move with expansion of concrete roofs. On joints and cracks the COPER CEM FLEX 2C and Giunto should be applied underneath. It has the capability to last twice as long as any roof compound or rubber paint.

How is COPER EVOLUTION applied?
It is very easy to apply. Mix well the product before applying. Then apply with brush or roller horizontally with at least two layers.

Can you apply COPER EVOLUTION on walls?
Yes Coper Evolution can be applied also on walls.

Do you have to apply all the roof at once?
No you can apply in different periods but make sure to overlap application by at least 10cm and clean the surface well.

What is moffa?
Moffa is mould and is a type of fungus that likes to grow on walls and ceilings that are damp or wet. It is usually black or dark green in colour.

How do you kill moffa?
You can kill moffa using a biocide such as bleach, however if the damp conditions remain it may grow again as soon as the effect of the biocide wears off.

I have mould but the walls are not damp?
The walls may not appear damp but may have small droplets of water on them due to condensation (caused when inside is hot and wall is cold). The mould grows on this droplets. When this is the case the mould would be in the form of spots or specs spread over the upper area of a wall.

How do I prevent mould growing again?
Using a lime based paint and if possible aslo lime based plaster wil prevent condensation and mould growth.

I do not want to take of the old plaster and paint, will the lime paint work?
Yes it will, as although it may not stop the condensation it has a very high alkalinity such that the mould cannot grow on this environment.

Is lime harmful?
Lime is a natural material and is made from limestone, it may cause some irritation to skin and eyes due to its high alkalinity, therefore it is recommended to use gloves and eye protection. It is not to be ingested.

How long will the effect last on the walls/ceiling?
Lime remains lime for a very long time, thus the environment that prevents mould to grow will remain present for many years.

What is dusting?
When stone or concrete floors do not have a protective surface layer they are susceptible to have their surface crumble at a microscopic level. This causes dust to appear on the surface, hence dusting.

Does this process stop?
No this process will continue till the surface is treated, in the case of dampness this can also get worse.

How do you stop dusting?
Dusting of stone and concrete floors can be reduced and stopped by using a consolidant such as BUFFA Fondo Vita that is absorbed by the floor and strengthens the surface.

Does Fondo Vita make the floor waterproof?
Fondo Vita reduces the absorption capability of the floor and thus reduces the possibility of staining, however it is not a waterproofing material.

How do you apply the Fondo Vita?
Application is simple. The surface on which it can be applied must be perfectly clean and dry. Apply with a brush or spray and necessary give two coats or more. Between each coat leave at least 1-2 hours. WARNING do not apply on wet or humid surfaces.