Background 

Hospitals play a major role in society and are heavily relied upon to provide around-the-clock care to those in need of vital healthcare services. Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth is no exception to this, serving as the only acute general hospital in mid-Wales.  

Even the slightest disruption to a hospital’s infrastructure has the potential to cause major operational issues, which can ultimately have a detrimental effect on patient care. Therefore, when it came to conducting repairs to serious ongoing leakage issues at Bronglais Hospital, which is managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board, RM Polymers understood the implications around operational disruption, and therefore, looked towards long-standing partner, Polyroof, to provide a solution. 

The Challenge 

The hospital roof had succumbed to numerous leaks; however, the upper main roof area was in very poor condition, which consisted of an asphalt waterproofing covering and was coated with solar reflective paint. Additionally, the perimeter upstands and capping joints had significantly deteriorated, requiring serious attention. Upon conducting an inspection of the roof structure, it became clear that the solar reflective paint had completely worn away, thus exposing the failed felt system underneath, which contained cracks and blisters, along with numerous other defects. This in effect exposed the delicate felt system to further weather and UV damage. 

In relation to the upstands and cappings around the perimeter of the roof, the felt upstands had delaminated and subsequently left significant exposed gaps in the roof, leaving a void for water ingress. Further to this, the mortar holding the slate cappings in place had eroded away and in between the caps, several of them had migrated from their original set lined position. This was also contributing to water ingress; therefore, urgent rectification was needed to realign the loose cappings and fix them back into place before repairing the failed roof system.  

Despite previous liquid-applied repair procedures having been carried out by another party, leaks were still being reported within the hospital building. This resulted in the Meurig Ward having to be temporarily closed whilst works were completed. However, as the ward houses a cancer unit providing vital treatment to patients, the repairs needed to be completed quickly and efficiently in order to mitigate further disruption to hospital operations and patient treatment schedules. Whilst the emergency repairs took place, Ceredigion County Council provided temporary care for patients during the Meurig Ward’s closure. 

The Solution 

Working closely with Polyroof approved contractor, RM Polymers, it was decided that an overlay of the existing roof structure was the most viable option to rectifying the waterproofing issues, whilst ensuring minimal downtime for the hospital. The faulty cappings and sections of missing mortar were replaced, prior to the installation of new Polyroof Pre-Formed GRP 75mm Drip Trims to the outer edge of the roof. Following this, the existing felt was primed with Polyroof SA Primer in preparation for the application of the self-adhesive Polyroof SA Sand-Faced Carrier Layer, which is a high performance, self-adhesive, sanded faced bituminous membrane, that offers rapid and fully cold-applied application. 

Due to the sensitive nature of the installation environment, the extremely low odour Protec Evolve System was specified to overlay the existing roof system. Comprised of an advanced hybrid polyester methacrylate formulation, the low odour nature of Protec Evolve is the perfect solution for sensitive applications, including hospitals and emergency service sites, resulting in minimal hinderance. This was one of the prerequisites at Bronglais Hospital due to the live operational environment below, meaning it was especially important that the installed system didn’t cause disturbance within the hospital facilities.  

Blended with RapidCure technology, the Protec Evolve System beholds extremely fast application capabilities, with cure times as low as 30 minutes, making the System highly suited to the project’s strict time-bound requirements. The cold liquid-applied membrane provides highly durable, long-lasting waterproofing to a wide range of applications, including both refurbishment and new build, with a BBA durability rating of at least 30 years.  

In order to dress the waterproofing system up to the air conditioning vents present on the roof, RM Polymers inserted scaffolding poles through the unit lifting points and clamped the poles together securely. Following this, the air conditioning units were raised 150mm above the upstand to allow for the Protec Evolve System to be applied to the detailing.  

An anti-slip finish was also installed atop of the waterproofing membrane to achieve the designated maintenance walkways, achieved by incorporating an additional coat of Protec Evolve in conjunction with broadcast quartz sand. Once cured, any loose sand was removed before applying the Protec Evolve Low Odour Sealer.  

The Result 

The Polyroof waterproofing refurbishment project at Bronglais Hospital was a success, with RM Polymers achieving full encapsulation of the perimeter parapets along with installation of the Protec Evolve System, and quartz anti-slip walkway. Protec Evolve’s ability to perform overlays, negating the need for a full strip of the roof, is testament to the System’s capabilities of providing quick and efficient waterproofing that creates durable, long-lasting protection for many years to come. 

Speaking of the project’s success, Colin Richards of RM Polymers, said: “The installation at Bronglais Hospital was indeed a challenge, because of the extremely tight turnaround we faced in relation to the hospital’s crucial operational requirements. The effects of the water ingress, which had affected multiple areas of the main building, had resulted in one of the ward’s having to close until the issues were resolved, putting significant strain on the hospital’s ability to provide patient care. As such, we had to act fast in order for the ward to reopen and resume service.  

“Thanks to the RapidCure technology and low odour nature of the Protec Evolve System, we were able to refurbish the failed flat roof within Bronglais Hospital’s strict timeframe, resulting in minimal disruption and swift resumption of operations. Without the capabilities of Polyroof’s advanced liquid waterproofing technology, the ward could have been closed for significantly longer.” 

Craig Smith, Polyroof’s Regional Technical Sales Manager, added: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with our highly valued approved contractor, RM Polymers, at the refurbishment of Bronglais Hospital. The installation combined with the capabilities of our Protec Evolve System, meant the project has been completed according to the specification requirements, thus achieving high performing, long-lasting waterproofing that will futureproof the building and prolong its service life.  

“Polyroof’s cold liquid-applied flat roofing systems lend themselves exceptionally well to the requirements of the healthcare and emergency service sector, owing to their speed of application, non-disruptive qualities, and ability to achieve durable and robust waterproofing for long-lasting protection.” 

To find out more about Protec Evolve or how Polyroof can support your flat roofing project, get in touch with the team today.