case study

Case Study:

2,200m² Flat Roof
Overhaul – Harrogate.

Location: Harrogate
Product Used: Westwood Liquid Applied Waterproofing System
Completed by: Pioneer Solution Services

2200m2 Flat Roof overhaul

Product- Westwood

The existing single ply and warm roof construction had failed across the main roof area to the main building. The insulation was found to be consistently saturated wherever a core sample was taken.

The more exposed southern half of the main roof was a quicker area to address due to a smaller amount of M&E, cabling and ductwork being present. That said, there were still elements which needed to be coordinated with the M&E contractors as AC units were moved and reinstated once the waterproofing had been installed. Keeping a live building watertight whilst stripping up the existing warm roof proved to be a challenge with all the various detailing and items on the roof.

The works were completed in conjunction with the M&E team. All concrete support slabs were removed and replaced with a Big Foot system. Various detailing had to be agreed upon around the equipment and where it was impossible to remove some of the existing single ply from the upstands. Robust details also had to be agreed upon where the existing warm roof construction could not be reached, such as underneath large AHU’s. The vast majority of the roof space within the congested plant area was either covered with plant, air handling units, pipework, cabling, or ductwork. The presence of all this equipment made for a slow and painstaking job in stripping up the existing build up and replacing it with a new warm roof. Long lasting robust watertight terminations had to be achieved around numerous awkward details.

Due to the significant amount of damage to the original single ply membrane within the main plant compound, once the new warm roof and waterproofing had been installed, the entire area was coated with Wecryl 420 Textured Coating to provide a protective robust non-slip finish.

Due to the significant amount of damage to the original single ply membrane within the main plant compound, once the new warm roof and waterproofing had been installed, the entire area was coated with Wecryl 420 Textured Coating to provide a protective robust non-slip finish.

To the more exposed part of the roof, the existing rigid insulation had become crushed in places, in particular, where the pinch points of the walkways were located. This was more noticeable at both doors which led into the main plant area as well as the walkways around the large central atrium. To address this the thickness of insulation was reduced slightly directly underneath the new walkways to accommodate a cement board which was installed above the new PIR insulation. This was then waterproofed and finished with Wecryl 420 Textured Coating which provides a non-slip finish that will homogenise with the main waterproofing membrane. Becoming an integral part of the waterproofing ensures the walkway will remain in place and at only around 2mm thick will not present a trip hazard.

Keeping the building watertight whilst stripping up the existing warm roof proved to be a challenge with all the various detailing and items on the roof. All the while the project was being undertaken, the large office space below was being occupied. The large AHUs within the plant area fed the entire building, so working in close proximity to these was a concern. Air flow was also limited due to working within an enclosed screened off space. To combat these concerns mechanical air flow was introduced as well as using Weproof 264 low odour waterproofing system.

Outcome
A seamlesswaterproof system with a 30 year guarantee. Oneof the reason Pioneers solution services are an advocate for Westwood liquid technology. The technical support on site is second to none and one of the longest guarantees in the industry.

Project Overview

Pioneer Solution Services was appointed to deliver a full roof refurbishment to the main building at Temperance Street, covering a total area of approximately 2,200m². The existing single-ply warm roof system had failed extensively, with saturated insulation present wherever core samples were taken. This presented significant challenges in maintaining a watertight environment for the fully operational building below throughout the duration of the works.

We partnered closely with M&E contractors to ensure smooth coordination during the relocation and reinstatement of rooftop plant equipment, including AC units and ductwork.

Scope of Works

The southern section of the roof, being less congested with mechanical services, allowed for more efficient progress. However, careful coordination was still required to strip and replace the roof covering while keeping the building operational.

Key elements included:

To manage issues where the original insulation had been crushed under walkways and door thresholds, insulation thickness was adjusted, and cement board overlays were installed and waterproofed to deliver a seamless, flush finish with the surrounding roof membrane. This solution maintained safe access routes without introducing trip hazards.

Logistical Challenges

One of the key challenges was ensuring the building remained fully watertight throughout the works. The roof housed numerous critical services, including large AHUs feeding the entire building, and work was carried out above occupied office spaces.

To ensure occupant comfort and air quality during the project:

Project Outcome

The project was successfully delivered, resulting in a seamless, durable waterproofing system with a 30-year guarantee.

Pioneer Solution Services continues to advocate for Westwood Liquid Technology, not only for its long-lasting performance and non-slip finishes, but also for the exceptional on-site technical support provided throughout installation.

Why WestWood?
Why Pioneer?

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