About Owl Waterproofing

Our Story

From Igoe International to Owl Waterproofing

1977Igoe International founded
1999Owl Waterproofing launched
27 yearsOf the Owl brand in 2026
Brendan C. Igoe, archive portrait
Brendan C. Igoe, Founder and CEO
Brendan C. Igoe, Founder & CEO, Igoe International Ltd., Owl Waterproofing Solutions

The Foundations

Owl Waterproofing Solutions is the waterproofing brand of Igoe International, founded in Ireland by Brendan Igoe in 1977.

Starting with one warehouse, we supplied engineering products, specialist coatings and building chemicals across Ireland, laying the foundations for nearly 50 years of growth.

The Owl Chapter

Our dedicated waterproofing research began in 1992, followed by our first manufacturing plant in 1995 and the launch of Owl Waterproofing Solutions in 1999.

In 2000, we introduced our 25-year system warranty following in-house testing. By 2003, more than 250 shops and merchants across Ireland were stocking the LAVA 20 System.

25-year system warranty

An International Future

The opening of our Slaney Road headquarters in Dublin in 2005 supported our next stage of expansion. We entered the UK in 2013 and the USA in 2023, while growing our European network across the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Today, our flagship LAVA 20 System has been used on 18 million m² of roofing worldwide. Our range includes primers, waterproofing coatings, detailing solutions, reinforcement and protective top coats, supported by ongoing product development, testing and technical guidance.

18 million m² of roofing

From Heritage to Innovation & Expansion

In 2025, we expanded our Dublin facilities with three additional units and opened our first dedicated training and demonstration centre, covering approximately two acres (8,094 m² / 87,120 sq ft).

This investment strengthened our capacity to supply products, deliver practical training and support our growing distributor network.

Through dedicated technical guidance, marketing support and reliable product supply, we help our partners protect buildings and grow their businesses.

Our History Roadmap

From one warehouse in Ireland to a growing international network.

1977 – 1992The foundations of our business
1977

Igoe International is founded

Engineering supplies, specialist coatings and building chemicals were our starting point. From our first warehouse, a company van took specialist construction solutions nationwide.

First warehouse and first company van
First Warehouse and First Company Van
1989

A second warehouse in Dublin

We expanded with a second warehouse at Slaney Close, Dublin, supporting the next stage of our supply business.

Second warehouse extension in Dublin
Second Warehouse Extension in Dublin
1992

Waterproofing research begins

Dedicated waterproofing research and development began, laying the foundations for the future Owl Waterproofing Solutions brand.

Owl Waterproofing research and development
Owl Waterproofing R & D
1995 – 2000Manufacturing and the Owl launch
1995

Our first manufacturing plant

Our first manufacturing plant launched.

Owl Waterproofing manufacturing plant
Owl Waterproofing Manufacturing Plant
1999

Owl Waterproofing Solutions launches

Owl Waterproofing Solutions launched with a full waterproofing range, bringing our research and manufacturing experience together under one brand.

Owl Waterproofing product range
2000

A 25-year warranty system

We introduced our 25-year warranty system, supported at the time by in-house testing and verification.

2003 – 2013From Ireland to the United Kingdom
2003

More than 250 Irish stockists

More than 250 shops and merchants across Ireland stocked the LAVA 20 System, bringing the range closer to contractors nationwide.

Owl Waterproofing branded POS shelf
Owl Waterproofing Branded POS Shelf
2005

New warehouse and Owl headquarters

Our third warehouse opened at Slaney Road, Dublin, alongside the new Owl Waterproofing headquarters.

Owl Waterproofing Dublin headquarters
Owl Waterproofing Dublin Headquarters
2013

A dedicated UK operation

Owl Waterproofing expanded into the UK with a dedicated branch and a substantial warehouse facility.

United Kingdom warehouse
United Kingdom Warehouse Extension
2017 – 2021The path to external approvals
2017

BBA application submitted

We applied for BBA approval for the LAVA 20 System. The assessment process led to approval in 2020.

BBA Agrément Certificate 20/5752 for LAVA 20 Systems
BBA Agrément Certificate 20/5752
2019

CE certification application

We applied for CE certification for the LAVA 20 System. After a two to three year assessment, approval was granted at the end of 2021 and the certificate was received in 2022.

European Technical Assessment ETA 22/0640
European Technical Assessment ETA 22/0640
2021

Netherlands and Belgium

The brand expanded into the Netherlands and Belgium.

Netherlands and Belgium warehouse
Netherlands / Belgium Warehouse Extension
2022 – 2024International growth accelerates
2022

Dublin warehouse expansion

Dublin's Slaney Road expansion marked our fifth warehouse milestone.

Dublin warehouse extension
Dublin Warehouse Extension
2023

USA journey begins

The US warehouse and representative distributor launched, initially serving the tri-state area. Miami-Dade NOA was submitted and received in 2025.

First USA warehouse
1st USA Warehouse
2024

New European and US markets

Expansion into Finland, Portugal and the Czech Republic, plus Florida, Texas and the US West Coast. CRRC rating received; ICC-ES application submitted, with approval following in 2026.

Finland warehouse
Finland Warehouse
2025 – 2026More space and closer support
2025

Three new units and a training centre

Three units were added (2 acres ≈ 8,094 m² / 87,120 sq ft) at Slaney Road, and our first Dublin training and demonstration centre opened.

Three new units at Slaney Road
Slaney Road site, aerial view
2026

Croatia and the next chapter

The brand expanded into Croatia and received ICC-ES approval following the 2024 application. Our international distributor network continues to grow.

The Journey Continues

From our first warehouse to a growing international network, we continue to develop our products, facilities and distributor partnerships.