Firestone Building Products’ RubberGard EPDM roofing membrane has helped ensure a new wedding venue was ready in time for couples waiting to tie the knot this summer at Sandy Cove Hotel on the Devon coast.
Planning delays and adverse weather conditions meant that contractor, Custom Construction Group, had just six months to complete the 330m2 building, which includes a 200m2 function room, a bar, a commercial kitchen and toilet facilities, before the first pre-booked wedding celebration. The company worked closely with the project’s architect, Stapleton Green, to consider construction materials that would enable the project to be delivered on time while offering excellent performance and build quality, reportedly recommending the Firestone EPDM membrane for its ease of installation, service life and suitability for use with an extensive green roof.
John Martinelli from Custom Construction explained: “We always knew that the project would go right to the wire and snow in March didn’t help! However, we managed to hand over the day before the first wedding, thanks to close collaboration with the delivery partners and the supply chain.
“We have been using RubberGard EPDM membranes from Firestone for some time and knew the speed and ease of installation they offer would help us save time on the job while providing a robust, long-term solution for the project that works well under a green roof. After discussing it with the architect the specification was agreed, and it genuinely helped us save time on the build.”
Custom Construction used a Firestone vapour control layer on the 700m2 OSB roof substrate followed by PIR board insulation. The Firestone RubberGard EPDM membrane was then fully adhered to the roof and Custom Construction also formed a 30m long box gutter along two sides of the roof for a neat finish. A sedum roof was then installed onto most of the roof area, with a small section of artificial turf as the roof descended to ground level at the sides. The RubberGard EPDM membrane was also used to cover some of the vertical surfaces of the building along with the front façades.
John McMullan from Firestone Building Products added: “Our EPDM roofing membranes are ideal for a fast-track project like this, as the system is supplied on wide rolls, enabling faster installation with fewer seams. Our RubberGard EPDM membrane’s elasticity and flexibility make it a robust choice both during installation and throughout its service life. On an extension to a live hotel like this, flame-free and low noise installation also offer key advantages. We’re delighted that our system has played a role in helping happy couples enjoy their special day by the sea for years to come.”
