Flat Roof Waterproofing and Renovation with ONE® System

Flat roof in NYC renovated with Winkler ONE®: cold-applied, flame-free waterproofing over existing bituminous membrane.

Project Context and Requirements

The building featured a flat roof finished with a traditional torch-applied bituminous membrane that had deteriorated over time.

The owners required a system that would:

• Restore the roof’s waterproof integrity
• Extend the life of the existing membrane
• Avoid costly demolition and disposal
• Comply with strict NYC safety regulations
• Reduce onsite material handling in a dense urban environment

Given the constraints typical of Lower Manhattan —limited accessibility, stringent safety rules, and the need to minimize disruptions — traditional hot-applied systems were not suitable for this project.

Challenges of the Existing Roof

The inspection revealed:

• Widespread membrane deterioration
• Cracks and localized ponding 
• Increasing risk of water infiltration
• The need to avoid expensive tear-off work

Additional constraints included:

Compliance with New York City fire and safety codes

Difficulty transporting bulky rolls and propane cylinders

A strong need to reduce construction time and environmental impact

The Winkler ONE® Solution

ONE® is a next-generation liquid waterproofing membrane developed after seven years of intensive research.It is a single-component, water-based system designed specifically for renovating existing roofs without removing the current.

Key Features

• Direct application over existing bituminous membranes
• Supplied in practical 20 kg buckets for easy transport
• No open flames, no propane gas, no separate primer 
• Works on damp, very damp, and even wet substrates
• Application temperature: 0°C to +45°C
• Rainproof in just 2 hours at 20°C
• Breathable yet resistant to negative water pressure up to 4 atmospheres
• Exceptional puncture and abrasion resistance

Operational Benefits

Seamless finish with strong substrate adhesion

Faster drying and shorter application time

Safe, emission-free work environment

Simplified logistics ideal for urban projects

Technical and Environmental Advantages

ONE® offers several advantages over traditional membranes:

• Cold-applied — no flames, no fire hazards
• Reduced labour and installation time
• Excellent adhesion to aged bituminous surfaces
• Water-based formulation aligned with WinklerSafe standards
• High elasticity and UV resistance
• Minimal waste and reduced environmental footprint

Results Achieved

The completed project delivered a roof that is:

• Fully waterproof and long-lasting
• Safe to install with zero flame exposure
• Lightweight and compatible with the existing structure
• Low maintenance
• A clean, durable surface integrated seamlessly into the NYC’s urban environment

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose ONE® instead of a traditional membrane?
ONE® is cold-applied, requires no open flame, reduces waste, simplifies logistics, and eliminates costly tear-off operations.

Can ONE® be applied over existing bituminous membranes?
Yes. It is specifically formulated for direct application on existing roofing systems.

How long does the installation take?
Because ONE® dries quickly and becomes rain-resistance 2 hours (at 20°C), projects can be completed much faster than with conventional systems.

What are the environmental benefits of ONE®?
The water-based, solvent-free formulation reduces emissions, eliminates gas cylinders, and minimizes waste.