A new Alumasc Euroroof waterproofing system has been installed on nine refurbished roof areas at Brownmead Primary Academy, providing an effective long-term solution for this Junior and Infant school in Shard End, Birmingham.
Following numerous historic patchwork repairs to the school’s previous waterproofing system, Educational Support Services West Midlands (ESSWM) commissioned Alumasc to perform a detailed site survey of all flat roof areas.
The resulting Roof Condition Report stated that the original system integrity was seriously compromised, with high levels of entrapped moisture identified within the insulation to the main roof area.
Varying levels of deterioration across the roof areas were recorded and clear recommendations for how these would be addressed were given within the site-specific specification.
ESSWM appointed Clarendon Roofing to refurbish 1,200m² of existing roof areas with Alumasc’s Euroroof BUR (built-up roof) waterproofing system, to deliver high-performance waterproofing and a fully engineered Cut to falls insulation scheme.
All internal drainage locations were also to be refurbished with the Roof Pro PRODRAIN refurbishment RWO (Rain Water Outlet), to ensure effective water management was maintained throughout.
The waterproofing system also included the refurbishment of the original roof lights with Alumasc Type A Roof lights – to provide a fully Part L2B compliant system.
The first step was the complete strip and removal of the deteriorated waterproofing system from the concrete screed beneath. Appropriate surface preparation to the screed was then undertaken prior to the installation of the Euroroof Torchtite Vapour Control Layer; providing immediate protection against water ingress into the main hall, classrooms and kitchen below.
Areas identified as suitable for “upgrade” received necessary preparation works and surface conditioning, prior to the application of the proposed specification.
The Alumasc Cut to falls scheme was designed to enhance and overcome the existing design falls to each respective roof area. The design brief for the drainage plan was to utilise the existing drainage locations, remove standing water from all roof areas and meet the target u-value of an average 0.18W/m²K.
Clarendon Roofing then applied the Euroroof waterproofing system, which comprised a Hi Ten Universal Torch-applied underlay and Euroroof MG4 capping sheet.
During the material installation, the areas of potential risk, up-stand to cladded elevations, were identified and detailed in a “Flame Free” manner to mitigate potential risk – as set out in the Alumasc “Flame Free” policy document.
Effective planning and teamwork was essential, as all of the work had to be completed without disrupting the functioning of this junior and primary school for 4-11 year old children from the Shard End and Castle Bromwich areas of Birmingham.
Mr Ashley Winters, head teacher at Brownmead Primary Academy, commented: “I am delighted we now have a brand new waterproofing system which will help protect the school from the elements for years to come. Importantly, even though some of the work had to be undertaken during term time, there was no material disruption to the safe and efficient running of our school either”.
