The winners of the 2018 Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards have been revealed at a gala dinner in Liverpool.
A total of six liquid roofing and waterproofing champions were crowned at the event, which attracted more than 200 people from across the industry, including contractors, manufacturers and suppliers.
The winners were selected from five finalists in four main categories, including Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1000m2, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year over 1000m2, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application, and Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year.
Each winner was selected by an independent panel, including specifiers and technical experts, with projects judged against strict criteria, including complexity, standard of workmanship, evidence of problem solving and aesthetics.
Reflecting the LRWA’s commitment to training, there were also awards for Trainer of the Year and Student of the Year.
The Titanic Hotel played host to the awards, which were backed by a number of sponsors, including headline supporter WestWood Liquid Technologies.
Sarah Spink, chief executive officer of the LRWA, said: “The event proved to be another great success, shining the spotlight on the huge amount of talent across the liquid roofing industry.
“Involved in projects ranging from impressive newbuilds through to the refurbishment of historic properties, the winners reflect the growing strength, diversity and skills of the sector, so should be really proud of their success.
“We would like to thank our sponsors for supporting the event and congratulate all those that made the final. The competition was exceptionally strong this year, setting the bar even higher for next year.
“We look forward to hosting the event again in 2019, which is set to be even more memorable as will coincide with the LRWA’s 40th anniversary.”
The winners of the 2018 LRWA awards are:
Liquid Roofing Project of the Year <1000m2:
- Woodholm: Polyroof Products & L K Roofing
Located on the Solway Firth shores in Scotland, this new residential property features a curved roof, designed using an oak frame.
Initially, a zinc roof was favoured, but because of the property’s coastal location, a polyester liquid waterproofing system was recommended, which technically also had to meet the Scottish Building Warrant for a Warm Roof.
As part of the installation, which was carried out in severe weather conditions, including snow, an aluminium membrane was used to provide a watertight working cover.
For the warm roof, the insulation was installed in two layers, ensuring it could be mechanically fixed appropriately and that the boards could follow the curvature of the roof.
The liquid waterproofing had to be applied with military precision including fixing pre-formed standing seam trims to the deck, which were flexible enough to follow the roof contours.
Liquid Roofing Project of the Year >1000m2:
- Kew Gardens: Tor Coatings & Full Metal Jacket
The Grade I listed Temperate House at Kew Gardens is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. Built between 1859 and 1899, it is home to more than 10,000 plants. The restoration took five years and involved painstakingly dismantling, restoring and re-installing unique components, including the original cast iron gutters that extended around the perimeter of the multi-tiered roof structure.
The paint was removed from sections of the original cast iron guttering in a shot blasting facility and then an anti-corrosive, adhesion promoting primer was applied. The sections were then treated with the embedment layer before being transported back to site.
Once back in situ, the gutter joints were treated with a localised reinforcement layer before the topcoats were applied. The heavy-duty liquid system delivered incredible tensile strength and water resistance and included proprietary components to encapsulate bolt heads and bridge joints, thereby ensuring a seamless waterproof finish.
Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application:
- The Flower Bowl: Sika Liquid Plastics & W Hughes and Sons
This project has been developed as part of an existing garden centre in a semi-rural location. Designed around sustainability principles, the new building features a curved green roof, reflecting the local landscape of rolling hills and will enable sheep to graze on top.
The insulation was mechanically fixed to the profiled metal deck, creating the contours for the hill-shaped roof, which falls in multiple directions to aid drainage.
The whole roof area was then coated with a specialist liquid system and the exposed edges coated in a colour mixed to match the fascia and the grass.
Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year:
- 44-54 Onslow Square: WestWood Liquid Technologies & London Seamless Flat Roofing
Located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 44-54 Onslow Square is a Grade II listed Georgian property.
Repairs were needed to one roof above a dwelling, portico roofs and a balcony that extends the length of the entire building featuring more than 100 ornate railings.
A range of different PMMA resin layers was installed creating a robust waterproofing solution as well as a stunning tile effect. Carried out in severe weather conditions and in very narrow spaces, the project also required the contractor to sculpt reinforced putty around each individual railing to ensure a watertight junction.
Trainer of the Year:
- Mark Monk – Sika Liquid Plastics
Student of the Year:
- Jordan Page – A R Page Roofing.
