Polyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times, was chosen as the ideal solution for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application the works could be carried out during the university’s term times, without having to wait for closure periods between semesters.

Works began with the existing asphalt and felt coverings being made good where required, including the levelling and filling of blow holes and cracks with Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. Next the surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased to provide a sound substrate for the new waterproofing system.

Many of the roof perimeters and junctions featured parapet walls and these were identified as a potential point of water ingress during the survey. The inner faces and tops were therefore boarded-over with 18mm Polyroof approved plywood which would allow these details to be fully encapsulated with the Protec system, meaning their waterproof integrity would be covered under the new system’s guarantee. Protec can waterproof vertical areas with the greatest of ease due to its thixotropic formulation, which means slumping and running is minimised during application.

Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced.  After priming surfaces where required, the first coat of Protec was applied and reinforced with PolyMat 450. With its RapidCure^TM technology, the Protec can be walked on and over-coated after only 30-60 minute after applications, meaning large roof areas can be made fully waterproofed within a matter of hours. After the second coat of Protec was applied to complete the waterproofing system, designated maintenance walkways were formed through embedding quartz sand aggregate into a third coat of Protec liquid.