Abraham Moss Centre - Single Ply Roofing

Background

Abraham Moss Centre, is situated in the Crumpsall area of north Manchester. The centre is a multi-use facility providing accommodation for Abraham Moss High School, a district library, a city learning centre, a leisure centre, a theatre, City College Manchester, and a variety of other groups and agencies. The underlying ethos of the centre is to become the main focal point for the surrounding community. As a result, development of the centre and its various functions and services has continued over several years. Icopal initially became involved during works to the Abraham Moss High School and were subsequently asked to provide advice on the next phase of development which involved the refurbishment of the existing single ply roofs to the remainder of the centre..

Challenge

The renovation project had to take place without interruption to the internal functions and services of the centre. As a result the speed of installation, site management and watertight night joints were all important factors in the specification of the new waterproofing system. Existing falls in the plywood deck were adequate, however the tight budget did not allow for the introduction of a new tapered insulation scheme to improve the falls requiring the contractor to remain aware of the danger of standing water during detailing and installation. This was important particularly on the lower level roofs, as water drained from the higher level roofs onto these areas increasing the volume of water flowing across the roof areas.

Solution

The existing PVC single ply membrane was left in place and overlaid with the new single ply warm roof system comprising Monarflex reinforced polyethylene VCL, Thermazone Roofboard glass tissue faced insulation and Monarplan FM PVC single ply membrane.

On this project the insulation was mechanically fastened to the roof structure, securing the vapour control layer. Atypically, the Monarplan FM single ply roofing membrane was adhered to the insulation using Monarplan Contact Adhesive. The Monarplan FM membrane installed in this manner permitted the project to progress on schedule and allowed secure night joints to be made between the old and new membranes at the end of each working day.

The finished project has provided an aesthetically pleasing and functional waterproof roof permitting the on-going development and use of the centre.