2021
Slough, United Kingdom
An existing podium deck situated above an indoor swimming pool at a large residential property in Fulmer Park, Slough was leaking and required refurbishment.
Following appointment by the homeowner, specialist waterproofing installer Pikehaven Ltd turned to Sika to identify a robust waterproofing solution for the project.
Project Requirements
Without a product specified, longstanding Sika partner Pikehaven Ltd contacted the manufacturer to discuss the requirements of the project with Specification Sales Manager, David Collins.
Pikehaven Ltd explained the original waterproofing membrane had failed and that the client needed a robust solution which could be quickly and easily applied over the surface area; this needed to be compatible with an existing membrane which had been installed on an adjoining area.
Sika Sarnafil® single ply roofing membranes are designed for flat roof waterproofing. Known for their performance and longevity, the systems are made to be reliable in every conceivable climate with some of Britain’s best-known buildings featuring Sika Sarnafil® roofs.
Alongside a product which was compatible, the project needed to be competed in a short timeframe, cause little disruption and take into account inclement weather conditions, with the works needing to take place during February.
Sika Solutions
Sikalastic®-800 HA, a two component, polyurea-based waterproofing membrane was proposed for the project because of the speed of application it could offer.
One of Sikalastic®-800 HA unique properties is that it can be hand applied, and because of this doesn’t require specialist equipment, heat or naked flames.
Firstly, the existing membrane was removed with a mechanical planer, followed by the need to mechanically prepare the surface and install fillets to all podium and parapet junctions before applying the Sika system.
Following suitable preparation, the application of Sikalastic®-800 HA was completed within just one day, meaning other trades could commence shortly after and work could be completed on time.
Sikalastic® polyurea systems are ideally suited to the waterproofing of podium deck slabs and are compatible with other Sika solutions for below-ground waterproofing, thereby offering a one-stop- solution for waterproofing the entire structure.
Sikalastic®-800 HA is solvent free, highly elastic and virtually odourless making it the perfect solution in this instance. Because of the interface with the existing Sika Sarnafil® membrane, Sikalastic®-800 HA was agreed upon by all parties as the best method for waterproofing the decking.
The main challenge of this project was the time of year the work was to be carried out.
It was important that the weather was suitable as moisture in the substrate needs to be low for the polyurea system to be applied. This meant Pikehaven Ltd needed to plan ahead, checking the weather forecast a week in advance and then booking dates for requisite work.
In addition, it was critical the area around the swimming pool which the podium deck covered was dry.
"We needed something proven for this project and something with a guarantee. We’ve worked with Sika on a great number of schemes and agreed that Sikalastic®-800 HA would be the ideal solution for this job. Sika’s credibility as a supplier, as well as the technical input they offer when needed, are just two further aspects why we were happy to progress with this, alongside the main reason - speed of application. We knew by using Sikalastic®-800 HA we’d be able to work quickly with a tried and trusted product to waterproof the decking in a time-effective manner. It didn’t let us down and the total project was completed in five days, something the client was happy to see." Tom White - Director at Pikehaven Ltd
Project Participants
Specialist Waterproofing Installer – Pikehaven Ltd
