Roofs play a vital role of shielding residents and their properties inside from sunlight, rain, and all the elements. With such a demanding duty, it is normal for roofs to become worn over time, especially with the roof of such a historic building like Luang Vichit-Vadakan House.

   Given its historical significance, any renovation to protect the treasure trove of objects of inestimable value inside is a project that requires utmost sensitivity and must be carried out with greatest care.

   Through extensive research and development, SCG Roof Renovation, a roofing professional with technical expertise, and Chemicals Business, SCG, a polymer specialist, have collaboratively invented PVC Sheet Sub-roof, a product designed to solve all issues that can lead to leaky roofs, from incorrect roof tile angles to years of usage. This innovation is also friendly to installation technicians because it is lightweight, tough, and durable, and can also be cut to any desired length for the installation. At the same time, home owners can rest assured that their renovation project will be convenient and safe for their structure.

Vichitra Vichit-Vadakan Rangsiyanon: Heir of Luang Vichit-Vadakan

   “My father commissioned the construction of this house, which was completed in 1940 or 78 years ago. It is home to paintings by master artists, so its significance goes beyond merely sentimental value for his descendants; it is a place of artistic and historical value for the country.

   “When the leaking problem first reared its head, I called upon technicians to deal with it on a piecemeal basis. I already resigned myself to the idea that the deterioration was natural given the age of the house. However, the problem grew so much worse that it began to damage several parts of the house and threaten the safety of the people living there. Finally, I decided to get in touch with SCG, albeit with very little hope that the house could be saved.

   “The SCG team began collecting data. Whenever there was a storm, I cooperated with them by reporting to them the intensity of the storm and the amount of leakage, so that they could solve the problem accurately. Eventually, the leakage problem has been completely eliminated.

            “I am thoroughly impressed and grateful to all the crew members, who carried out the operation with such systematicity from the initial survey right down to the actual installation.”

   When specialists bring their expertise together through discussion, experiments, and problem solving, a sustainable success is well within their reach.

   Mr. Songwut Pimsuwan, SCG Roof Renovation Manager of the Roofing Service Division at CPAC Roof Tile Co., Ltd., and Dr. Wilasa Vichit-Vadakan, Senior Partnership Manager, Open Innovation, SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd., recount their experience and impression towards this innovative collaboration.

   “It was through this project that I was introduced to the Chemicals Business team. Through an inspection, I discovered that previous renovation attempts relied on silicone sealants, which were only a stopgap solution. In addition, the angles of the tiles were off in a way that encouraged leakage. I discussed with the Chemicals Business team the possibility of installing a structure that would catch rainwater without compromising the historical value and the appearance of the house. That was how the idea for the PVC Sheet Sub-roof was born.

            “The sub-roof for this renovation project had to be lightweight, highly flexible, easy to install, 100% waterproof, resistant to sunlight, and as durable as roof tiles. Most importantly, the price had to be competitive.

   “The collaboration with Chemicals Business was an eye-opening experience for me. They provided me with a vast array of material options that went beyond just the concrete that I was familiar with. I only needed to explain the causes of the problem and propose a solution, and they would suggest the materials that would suit the task for me. This synergy would ultimately benefit our customers.”

   Dr. Wilasa Vichit-Vadakan, Senior Partnership Manager, Open Innovation, SCG Chemicals Co. Ltd., shares her experience of the collaboration. “The need of the project was clear, and it suited the material that we had. With our previous experience with PVC in construction projects, we believed it would be ideal for the task.

   “We brought along over 10 materials for them to test, and the SCG Roof Innovation team were ready to tackle the challenge to produce the best result. This demonstrated their openness and willingness to embrace challenges. That positive energy kept me working and moving forward.

   “Our primary job was to ensure the safety of the residents. The PVC sheet was developed to be durable and flame retardant. We learned details of the problem and requirements from the SCG Roof Innovation team.

   “Most importantly, we had to be able to assure the residents that the PVC sheet was safe and would not affect their normal life during the installation. This would inspire a sense of trust and reassurance in the homeowner towards the product.

   “We owed this success to the collaboration between different parties within SCG, which brought together specific sets of expertise and skills, created a synergy, and led to this satisfactory solution.”

   With the leakage completely eliminated, happiness is restored once again to Luang Vichit-Vadakan House. Also born out of this project was the PVC Sheet Sub-roof, which not only played a vital role in preserving this invaluable piece of history but is also now ready to vanquish leaky roofs in every home.

The underlayment system consists of the PVC Sheet Sub-roof laid over a layer of mesh and can be installed with incredible ease: simply remove a ceiling panel to allow a technician to install the sheets and screw them to the mesh layer under the roof. As no demolition is required, the installation will not disrupt the life of those living in the house.