Context and Objectives
The Encapsulation Project arises as a response to the technical and functional limitations of fiber cement sheets, often used in building roofs. In addition to the presence of asbestos in sheets produced until 2004 — in proportions ranging between 10% and 20% — these systems present significant weaknesses in terms of watertightness and thermal insulation.
The goal of the project was to develop an innovative encapsulation system capable of ensuring safe application, structural reinforcement, high thermal performance, and effective long-lasting waterproofing, while avoiding environmental and human health risks in the rehabilitation of fiber cement roofs containing asbestos.
Safer and more efficient buildings, under the motto: “We transform a potentially hazardous roof into a sustainable system.”
Project Activities
A1 – Definition of Requirements
This activity focuses on the R&D of a formal risk assessment methodology and the R&D of an advanced composite solution for fiber cement encapsulation, ensuring safety, environmental protection, and significant performance gains.
A2 – System Analysis and Selection of Applicable Materials
This activity involves analyzing and selecting materials and systems according to the requirements defined in the previous stage.
A3 – Solution Modeling
This activity encompasses a set of sub-activities:
- Systematization of all requirements, constraints, and best practices set forth in decrees, regulations, and standards
- Development of a risk assessment methodology
- Design and sizing of a lightweight metal structure for roof reinforcement and fixing
- Application of the encapsulating system, consisting of thermal insulation boards and a waterproofing membrane.
A4 – Application Testing and Validation of Results
This activity aims to apply the solution developed in the previous stage in a real context, specifically on fiber cement roofs.
Expected Results
The design and development of a fiber cement roof encapsulation system capable of delivering high performance in waterproofing, thermal insulation, strength, durability, and environmental and human health safety in the buildings where it is implemented.
Incentive System
Prudêncio received full approval for its application to the tax incentive system for business research and development, referring to the 2019 fiscal year, on November 16, 2020.
Learn more here.