NOx neutralising membrane specified for city centre development

A Manchester-based housing development has benefited from a new Icopal roofing system, which works to neutralise NOx particles in the city atmosphere.

After tenants at Woodward Place began raising issues of water leaks and stained walls, Great Places Housing Group targeted the development’s inadequate roof for replacement.

IGL Surveying was contracted to examine the establishment and assess the works necessary. Working in conjunction with Young & Co and D.J. Hughes, the company was then tasked with carrying out repairs, the removal of the existing roof and the installation of a new system; the project was to be undertaken whilst tenants still occupied the building.

Roofing installation

The existing system was removed down to the plywood deck, which was left in place to minimise damage to the surface and reduce the risk of hazards to the tenants.

Icopal’s Noxite capsheet membrane was then laid: the vapour control layer was bonded to the primed plywood, before the upper side of the system was torched to receive insulation boards. The installation was completed quickly to ensure minimal disturbance to Woodward Place’s tenants.

By working collaboratively with Icopal, the team responsible for the roofing installation were able to eliminate unnecessary delays. To overcome access issues, dedicated personnel took on responsibility for different elements of the project.

Noxite membrane

The Noxite capsheet membrane was specified based on its ability to reverse NOx particle air pollution. The system utilises the sun’s rays, producing an autocatalytic reaction which transforms nitrous oxides into nonthreatening nitrates.

Considering the government’s current emission reduction targets, IGL Surveying deemed the membrane particularly suitable for installation in an urban area, where there are higher levels of air pollution from NOx gases in the atmosphere.

The existing aluminium sheet system was recycled.