Kemper System delivers roof refurb to Art Deco gem

The roof of an occupied 1930s art deco municipal office building, situated in Blackpool, has had Kemper System’s Stratex Warm Roof system, using its Kemperol V210, specified for it.

The building was experiencing standing water on a largely zero falls roof with only four drainage outlets, meaning water was beginning to leak into the occupied offices below.

The Kemperol V210 is a polyester-based resin, applied wet-on-wet that forms a permanently elastic, seamless, yet highly durable waterproofing membrane; it was used on the 1,200 square metre roof area, where it offers exceptional performance and was supplied as a complete integrated system of matched components.

The roof was very complex, with detailing around air-conditioning units, raised steelwork and cable trays in close proximity. Contractors also removed and replaced eight rooflights and boxed-in others that were no longer required.

All existing steel work on the roof was treated and encapsulated with plywood and waterproofed with Kemperol to ensure additional life span.

Contractors had to clean the roof prior to the application of Kemper System’s Kemperol V210, as the lack of drainage meant power washing would have created extra ponding on the roof; therefore, contractors used a vacuum wash and dry system that automatically extracted the waste water and pumped it directly down the drainage outlets.

After cleaning, contractors applied Kemper System’s Kempertec D Primer over the Kempertherm F insulation as part of the warm roof build-up. 

The cold-applied Kemperol V210 liquid resin saturates a non-woven reinforcement fleece that is tailored to the exact contours and details of the roof.

The waterproofing is installed in a single process and cures to provide a robust waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate and is UV stable.

Mark Atherton, managing director at Castle Contractors, commented: “There were three main challenges to overcome on this project – the safe removal of the existing ballast, cleaning of the roof prior to application, and the creation of drainage channels to carry water to the outlets.

“Due to budget constraints preventing the use of a full tapered insulation scheme to improve the drainage, it was agreed by the client, Blackpool Council, for us to create a 50mm deep channel system in the warm roof build-up to route all the water to the four drains that serve the entire roof.

“Because Kemper System is applied wet-on-wet, we were easily able to waterproof the entire roof area including the new drainage system, and execute complex detailing around the roof lights with ease.

“Access to site was extremely challenging so the simple yet effective equipment required on site was ideal.

“Thanks to the successful application of Kemperol and on-site technical guidance, we were able to develop a good relationship with the client for future projects.”

Stuart Hicks at Kemper System said that despite the challenges Castle Contractors faced, the project was finished ahead of schedule, thanks to the quick and easy application of the Stratex Warm Roof system and the Kemperol V210 liquid waterproofing system.

He added that the project was shortlisted for the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Awards, because of the complexity of the roof, which made it an ideal project for a liquid applied membrane, the technical solution offered, and the difficulties experienced with site preparation and logistics.

Contact

Stuart Hicks
Email: enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk

KEMPER SYSTEM LTD
Kemper House, 30 Kingsland Grange
Woolston
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 4RW
Tel: 01925 445532

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