University of Bath

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Marlborough Court and Solsbury Court, part of the University’s student accommodation offerings, comprise ten blocks of housing over 450 first-year undergraduates in secure flats shared between five and seven students. Conveniently located on campus, these accommodations provide students with generous study bedrooms complete with mood lighting and ensuite bathrooms.

The accommodation’s previous concrete deck roofing system was holding water, necessitating a refurbishment project to strip and lower the existing roof before installing a new tapered roofing system to ensure effective drainage. Main contractors K.P Wilton and Son, along with contractors Felt Roofing Contractors (Avon) Ltd worked together to replace the 1100m2 roof.The project faced numerous challenges from the outset. Firstly, the existing roof design featured intricate details that the new roofing system needed to fit carefully to improve rainwater discharge. Additionally, nesting seagulls on the existing roof required careful planning to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

The roof needed to be completed within a very short timescale of 12 weeks, including the erection of scaffolding. This timeline was crucial as students would be moving into the accommodation at the end of this period. Adverse weather conditions, ranging from heavy rain to heatwaves and then strong winds, added further obstacles to the project, which needed to be overcome.

SIKA SOLUTION

To address the roofing needs of the Marlborough Court and Solsbury Court student accommodations, Sika created a comprehensive specification package, including its Sikaplan® SGK-15 single ply waterproofing membrane.

The Sikaplan® SGK-15 is a polymeric membrane based on premium quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with an inlay of glass non-woven and polyester fleece backing according to EN 13956.

This product was chosen for the University of Bath project due to its resistance to permanent UV irradiation, high water vapour permeability, and high dimensional stability thanks to the glass fleece inlay. It was also specified for its 25-year product guarantee, providing extra peace of mind that the roof will withstand the test of time.

The Sikaplan® SGK-15 system was an ideal choice for an application where health and safety were paramount, as its installation involved hot air welding rather than the use of open flames, reducing the risk of fire.

Sika conducted weekly site inspections to ensure its product range was being installed to high standards and to provide technical information as needed. Specialised equipment, such as bended metal machines, was used to navigate logistical obstacles, such as noise restrictions and maintaining university operations.

By carefully selecting high-quality materials, implementing stringent health and safety measures, and overcoming logistical challenges, the project was completed within the tight 12-week timeline. The installation of Sika’s products has not only addressed the existing drainage issues but also ensured long-lasting protection, allowing the University of Bath to provide top-notch facilities and