Protan has donated its Vacuum system and fully compatible single ply solution to a community and sports club in Childwall, which has undergone an extensive redevelopment programme.
The Vacuum system was supplied to protect the refurbished section of the roof structure, while Protan’s fully compatible single ply system is being used to cover a new extension.
The work on the East Wavertree and Childwall Community Association (EWCCA) on the Dunbabin Road is being carried out by main contractor Adept Concepts UK, under a JCT MWD contract being designed and administered by Cass Associates.
A north-west based consultancy company has also been involved with the project team and suggested the use of the Protan solution, which included the system’s special vacuum vents and perimeter fixings.
Introduced to the UK in 1996 as a key addition to the Protan portfolio, the Vacuum system employs similar principles to an aircraft wing, making use of the pressure differential caused by wind movement over the roof to retain the loose-laid membrane in place: the stronger the wind, the more effectively the system works. Energy efficient and sustainable, the Protan Vacuum system offers a low maintenance working life in excess of 30 years.
Delivery of the Protan products to complete some 200 square metres of new and refurbished flat roof took place in early 2018; with installation being carried out by Adept’s own roofing specialist sub-contractor. With EWCCA being a local charity, Warrington based Protan supplied all of its systems and warranty free of charge in support of the good work being carried out at the association.
Mike Darling, the charity’s Chairman, commented: “The main building dates back to the sixties and has had several minor extensions added, as well as previous repairs being carried out over the years. However, when EWCCA received funding from a legacy, it was decided to take the opportunity to make the clubhouse – which serves the six tennis courts and other community facilities – fit for the 21st century. This has involved opening up the front of the building with glazing to offer a view of the tennis courts by removing the old toilets; and in turn allowing natural light to flood in. Building new showers and disabled facilities at the side, plus a new kitchen and store is also being carried out so it fulfils our current needs.
“The project has been challenging in terms of the planning issues and having to ‘teaspoon’ materials onto what is a very restricted site access-wise. This being done whilst keeping the rest of the site in use throughout has also been demanding. I contacted a local consultancy company to advise on the best solution for covering the roof and after a comprehensive survey, they recommended the Protan Vacuum system to go over the old straw-board and felt 10 degree slope flat roof.
“The beauty of the Protan Vacuum roof is not only could it employ the old felt as the necessary vapour control layer, but it can lap seamlessly with the single ply covering to the 100 m2 timber flat roof on the new extension - to help meet the planning restrictions.”
Although Adept had no previous experience of installing the Protan Vacuum system, the manufacturer was able to offer the company’s roofing contractor a place on one of its regular product training courses, to ensure the technical criteria were met. In addition Protan provided a level of continuing site inspection so that the warranty conditions were met.
Protan supplies high performance membranes for all types of roofs as well as membranes used for warehouses or other storage facilities, and specialist ventilation systems for mines and tunnelling.