Sika Sarnafil is celebrating success after one of its membranes was used by BriggsAmasco on a roof refurbishment project that went on to win the single ply category at the 2015 Roofing Awards.
The Joseph Black Building, which is part of the King’s Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, houses the school of chemistry. As its roof had come to the end of its natural life, the Sarnafil Plus refurbishment team was consulted by Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants to specify a Sika Sarnafil system as a replacement.
The initial scope of the works covered a multitude of trades, the most complex of which was stripping more than 2000m² of the existing copper roof coverings. As part of Sika Sarnafil’s flagship refurbishment offer, its dedicated surveyors conducted a comprehensive roof survey to determine which system was suitable for the roof.
Sika Sarnafil Membrane S327-15EL in Patina Green was chosen to replace the old roof covering, after the local authority planning department advised that this product was an acceptable replacement for the original copper roofs on the listed building. Work to replace the roof included installing a new timber taper fall once the copper roof was lifted, to improve drainage, which was then covered with the mechanically fastened Sika Sarnafil system. The membrane was applied with standing seam profiles to replicate the original copper roof details.
The building is home to many research and teaching laboratories, which presented a further challenge as it was stipulated that the building must remain operational throughout the works.
Raymond Wright, Glasgow branch manager for BriggsAmasco, said: “Due to the time constraints, we had to work smart. As the main contractor we could apply the pressure to quickly develop, fabricate, install and weather details, as the stripping of the cooper roof progressed. Starting this work would be challenging at any time, but the commencement date was January 6 2014 and conditions were certainly tough.”
BriggsAmasco also had to integrate the new bespoke Sika Sarnafil outlets with existing lead and cast iron drainage system, working closely with Sarnafil Plus, Summers-Inman and the client to ensure the detailing was correct, approved and was in keeping with the heritage of the building.
Mr. Wright added: “We were delighted to win such a prestigious contract from the University of Edinburgh and proud to work alongside Sika Sarnafil to produce such a high quality end result.”
The job was finished within budget and with minimum disruption to the working labs below. A thorough final inspection as part of the Sarnafil Plus package saw the roof receive a 20-year single point guarantee, ensuring the client is protected against unlikely problems with the membrane caused by incorrect design, defective materials, or poor workmanship.
Sika Sarnafil says flawless application of its membrane across an area with complex detailing and upstands sealed the victory for BriggsAmasco at the tenth Roofing Awards. The project was recognised by the judging panel for the challenges that were overcome during the project and the wholly positive response from the client.
George Boag, buildings and operations manager for the University of Edinburgh, said: “We were impressed with the outstanding workmanship, as well as the aesthetic qualities of the roof, delivered by BriggsAmasco and Sika Sarnafil. All parties worked as a team and delivered great results, which were in keeping with the building’s heritage and we’re confident will last for years to come.”
