Cold applied liquid membrane specified for Devon-based academy

Sika Liquid Plastics’ liquid waterproofing membrane, Decothane, was recently specified for a roof refurbishment project at Eden Park Primary School Academy in Devon.

The membrane helped to deliver a suitable roofing system for a sensitive education environment, whilst Sika helped the academy secure its funding for the project.

Bristol-based chartered building surveyors, Kenneth & Edwards, were contacted by Eden Park to manage the project due to its proven track record of securing money from the Condition Improvement Fund.

The surveyor worked with Sika Liquid Plastics to compile a detailed report on the original felt roof, which had reached the end of its life and was in desperate need of refurbishment. 

The report contributed to a ‘bid statement’, which is designed to prove best value and offer the greatest opportunity for the academy to obtain funding.

Paddy O’Conner from Kenneth & Edwards commented: “When it came to specifying a product for refurbishment, I was looking for a system that could cope with complicated detailing, as there was extensive work needed to make good around the roof lights. 

However, I was also conscious that if we used a traditional system with hot works, and the project overran the summer holiday period, there would be considerable disruption and risk.”

Cold applied liquid membrane

Decothane was chosen as it allows for ease of application around detailing and, as the liquid waterproofing membrane is cold applied, installation could be undertaken during term time without interrupting the education environment.

“The Sika Liquid Plastics system seemed to be the answer and was within budget,” added Paddy. “And what finally swung it was the quality of the guarantee. All components of the system are covered by a substantial 20 year guarantee, which even goes so far as to adopt the original waterproofing down to and including the deck.”

Stormforce Roofing and Maintenance, a Sika Liquid Plastics Quality Assured Contractor, completed the work in a number of weeks, overlaying the 1,500 square metre roof with the Decothane system, in addition to installing new insulation and Decalite roof lights.

Decalite roof lights do not require raising of builders kerbs and consequential making good of the reveals, and are designed so that during installation the classrooms below do not need to be cleared.

The system also allowed for a thermal upgrade, reducing both cost and work otherwise associated with stripping the original waterproofing to the deck.

Simon Kalas, Stormforce Roofing, said: “We’re always impressed with the products and services from Sika Liquid Plastics – it’s the whole package. The support they offer throughout the project is second to none. We say that Decothane is the Rolls-Royce of liquid membranes, while still offering great value to the client.”

Guaranteed performance

Sika Liquid Plastics will regularly inspect the roof during the guarantee period to ensure that the system is performing well.

David Holmes, Area Sales Manager at Sika Liquid Plastics said: “Our approach is simple, which is why it has become so popular. We help to get the funding, we offer safe, long term, cost effective roofing solutions which don’t interfere with the education environment, and we monitor the roof during its life to help reduce maintenance issues. The results are evident at Eden Park School – it’s a package we’ve worked hard to develop and are very proud of.”

Eden Park is part of the Coast Academies Trust. The refurbishment forms part of a wider investment in improvement works by Coast Academies to be carried out at the schools making up the trust.

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