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Ballasted Roof Systems

Ballasted roofs are inverted or warm flat roof systems where the waterproofing membrane is secured against wind uplift and protected from other exposure and mechanical damage by a layer of gravel or paving - known as ballast. This roofing application has been used on flat roofs and structures for many years now due to its long service life and easy, cost-effective installation. IKO’s ballasted roof systems can be used with both cold and warm roof build ups. The compatible components of the IKO ballasted roof system work holistically together. This means easier installation, improved performance and longer life.

In ballasted roof systems, the waterproofing membrane is bonded or adhered but can be loose laid in some applications. The layer of ballast is laid on top and can act as an insulation layer. This helps to reduce the solar gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, increasing the energy efficiency of a building. These types of roofs are suitable for when pedestrian access is required, whether this is for maintenance or for recreational purposes.

Ballasted roof systems can be maintained effectively and when they come to the end of their service life, can be dismantled, and to a large extent recycled. As one of the most eco-friendly roof applications, ballasted roof systems can contribute to environmentally efficient and sustainable designs of a building and enhance the living space for occupants, adding commercial value to a development.

What are the benefits of ballasted roof systems?

  • An economical application that is practical, fast and easy to install
  • Sustainable solution that is easy and economical to repair and recycle
  • The fire resistance of the roof surface can be improved as gravel is non-combustible and can help prevent fire spread across the roof surface
  • Protection from seasonal solar gains and thermal loss can help improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions of a building
  • The roof membrane is protected from potential mechanical and environmental impact, extending the lifespan
  • Increased development value through the added usable footprint of a building

Considerations for installation of ballasted roof systems

  • The ballasted roof system adds considerable weight to the building load and the roof structure must be able to support the extra weight
  • Although maintenance requirements are low, visual inspection in case of a leak may be difficult and any repairs will require expertise
  • Ballasted roof systems are not ideal for taller buildings in regions where high winds could turn ballast into flying debris

IKO roof systems and products are manufactured in the UK from responsibly, and where possible, locally sourced materials in order to reduce our carbon footprint and help with the sustainability of your project. The majority of our roofing systems are also BBA certified

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Why Choose IKO
  • Single Source Supplier

  • Family Owned

  • UK Manufacturing

  • Full system available from IKO

  • National network of technical support

IKO Armourplan Ballasted System

IKO Armourplan Ballasted System

    Key Benefits to your project
    • Polymeric Single Ply PVC

    • Low maintenance lightweight system

    • 40 year BBA Certificate

    IKO Hybritech Inverted Roofing System

    IKO Hybritech Inverted Roofing System

      Key Benefits to your project
      • Cold Applied Liquid

      • One-component: simple and rapid installation

      • Solvent-free and odourless

      IKO Permatec Anti-Root System

      IKO Permatec Anti-Root System

        Key Benefits to your project
        • Hot Melt

        • BBA Approved (Cert No.03/4009)

        • Less waste to control and dispose of – Zero waste packaging

        IKO Permatec Podium System

        IKO Permatec Podium System

          Key Benefits to your project
          • BBA Approved (Cert No.03/4009)

          • Environmentally friendly – made with recycled content

          • Less waste to control and dispose of – Zero waste packaging

          IKO Permatec System

          IKO Permatec System

            Key Benefits to your project
            • Hot Melt
              Tough and resistant to impact damage thanks to its high…

            • Easily recyclable

            • Excellent low temperature flexibility

            IKO Roofgarden Hybrid System

            IKO Roofgarden Hybrid System

              Key Benefits to your project
              • Bituminous Felts
                Achieves FLL 4-Year Root Penetration Test

              • Purpose made roof garden waterproofing cap sheet

              • Specifically formulated ‘Anti-Root’ coating

              IKO Roofgarden System Torch-On

              IKO Roofgarden System Torch-On

                Key Benefits to your project
                • Bituminous Felts
                  Achieves FLL 4-Year Root Penetration Test

                • Purpose made roof garden waterproofing cap sheet

                • Specifically formulated ‘Anti-Root’ coating

                IKO Roofstar Plus System

                IKO Roofstar Plus System

                  Key Benefits to your project
                  • General purpose polymer modified mastic asphalt roofing available to all mastic asphalt installers

                  • Enhanced flexibility and laying qualities across a wide temperature range

                  • Complies with BS EN 12970:2000

                  IKO Roofstar System

                  IKO Roofstar System

                    Key Benefits to your project
                    • General purpose and economical mastic asphalt roofing available to all mastic asphalt installers

                    • Complies with BS EN 12970:2000

                    • Long term durability with resistance to movement

                    IKO Turbo Torch System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                    IKO Turbo Torch System – Merchant & Reseller Usage Only

                      Key Benefits to your project
                      • High performance/rapid installation

                      • Unique Turbo-Flow SBS modified bitumen coating

                      • Quick Torch” rapid dispersal backing film

                      IKO ULTRA Gold 20 Warm Roof Hybrid System

                      IKO ULTRA Gold 20 Warm Roof Hybrid System

                        Key Benefits to your project
                        • Bituminous Felts
                          BBA certified (91/2671), durability of at least 25 years

                        • Robust membrane with excellent tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance

                        • SBS elastomeric bitumen coating (low temperature flexibility -20°C)

                        IKO Ultra Prevent 25 Warm Roof Hybrid System

                        IKO Ultra Prevent 25 Warm Roof Hybrid System

                          Key Benefits to your project
                          • Bituminous Felts
                            Classified BROOF(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5: 2005 fire classification,…

                          • BBA certification (91/2671) – durability with service life in excess of 30 years

                          • IKO Prevent Graphite Fire Wall Technology with self-extinguishing properties

                          IKO ULTRA Prevent Hybrid System

                          IKO ULTRA Prevent Hybrid System

                            Key Benefits to your project
                            • Bituminous Felts
                              Classified BROOF(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5: 2005 fire classification,…

                            • IKO Prevent Graphite Fire Wall Technology with self-extinguishing properties

                            • Low temperature flexibility down to -30°C

                            IKO ULTRA Stick System

                            IKO ULTRA Stick System

                              Key Benefits to your project
                              • Bituminous Felts
                                Prevent Graphite Fire Wall Technology with self-extinguishing properties

                              • Classified BROOF(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5: 2005 fire classification

                              • Easy installation – self-adhesive/heat welding, no gas torches or hot bitumen required

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