Sika Sarnafil completes heritage roof refurbishment

Hotel, Sport & Leisure Tue, Nov 5, 2019 8:59 AM

A historic and archaeological treasure, the Royal Gunpowder Mills heritage site in Waltham Abbey, Essex, has been given a new lease of life with a stunning and sympathetic roof refurbishment.

Consisting of listed buildings, ancient monuments and natural aspect features, the site is a well-loved attraction. A busy hub of activity, it attracts thousands of visitors every year, with exhibitions and a programme of hands-on activities for school groups.

With previous roof coverings across the site’s buildings close to derelict, a new roofing system was needed that would both guarantee a durable solution and fit with the aesthetic of the heritage buildings. To meet those needs, Sika Sarnafil G410-15EL FSA Lead Grey was specified alongside Sarnavap 1000E air and vapour control layer.

The high-quality roofing system was chosen after the project’s main contractors Courtenay Builders Limited were impressed with the results from similar Sika Sarnafil projects. They also entrusted Contour Roofing with the specification and installation after seeing its award-winning track record with Sika Sarnafil.

As a site once home to tonnes of explosives and with visitors in throughout the refurbishment, the project proved challenging, requiring extensive attention to health and safety. A strict ban on naked flames and hot works meant that the plywood boards had to be primed immediately after installation and before exposure to any wet weather. The specification therefore considered this and the original system, which would have needed a completely dry substrate, was switched to a loose laid polyethylene air and vapour control layer that was more equipped for a faster installation in the expected conditions.

Further challenges were met due to the 45-degree pitch of the roof. Roof ladders had to be used to allow workers access to the complex angles and achieve a seamless finish, using Sarnafil membrane and bespoke Sarnametal flashings at abutments, changes of angle and ridge angles.

Although time consuming work that required the utmost skill to ensure the roofs were completed to the highest standards, the project was kept on track. With Contour’s contract manager making daily site visits, coupled with regular site visits from Sika Sarnafil Technicians, the project finished a week early.

Jonathan Woods, managing director at Contour Roofing, says: “This was a particularly interesting roof refurbishment with unique and complex challenges due to the nature of the site. However, by ensuring we had the right team in place with relevant experience, and the added support from Sika, we were able to complete the installation a week early while still providing an excellent finish that wowed the client.”

Securing a 20-year Sarnafil guarantee, the newly refurbished roofs have not only met the client’s need for a stunning aesthetic, but have also provided a durable weatherproof roofing system – upholding the heritage charity’s mission to conserve the site for the benefit of the general public.

Featured News

Specification news
TRANSFORMING HOTEL AND LEISURE FACILITIES WITH ZEST...

Bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms within hotels and sports and leisure...

Read More >>

Specification news
Senior brings light and shade to new hotel scheme

Dual coloured and slim framed aluminium fenestration solutions from Senior...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Mermet | Kibo Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Kibo Darken...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Karellis Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Karellis Da...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Flocké Darkening | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Flocké Dark...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Shadow 24 Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Shadow 24 B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

Mermet | Natté PES Basics | 2024–2027 | EN Brochure

Mermet | Natté PES B...
By Mermet UK

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>