Hafod Eryri, Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon Summit

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The roof’s ballast layer needed to be carefully and methodically removed in sections in order to expose the failing rubber membrane before being replaced with a high-performance SikaShield® Reinforced Bituminous Warm Roofing System. This would ensure a robust and watertight solution capable of withstanding the harsh environment.

Given the visitor centre’s iconic but challenging location and the resultant extreme exposure to the elements, this was to be no ordinary project. Indeed, substantial challenges would need to be overcome, such as the transportation of materials and working within unpredictable mountain weather conditions that had the potential to cause unavoidable delays.

The roofing removal and replacement also took place directly above a busy and live café that was a popular destination for visitors at the summit. To prevent water leaks from entering the building during installation and avoid disruptions to guests, an extraordinary level of care was required, exacerbating the need for incredible precision, constant monitoring, and effective communication between all involved.

To meet the roofing needs of the visitor centre, Sika created an expansive and flexible specification package, including its SikaShield® Reinforced Bituminous Warm Roofing System. These membranes are formed of a reinforced polymer modified bituminous compound that provides a high-quality roof waterproofing solution.

This product was chosen for the Hafod Eryri project due to its durability, resilience, and proven waterproofing capabilities – essential given the location of the visitor centre. Given the challenges of working in such an extreme environment, ensuring the roof achieved its full design lifespan was imperative.

Following the safe and methodical removal of the roof’s ballast layer, a bespoke tapered insulation scheme was installed to improve drainage efficiency and reverse some of the existing falls within the building’s deck. 

Once finished, ballast was accurately relayed to restore the natural aesthetics of the mountain landscape, ensuring the visitor centre once again blended seamlessly into the Yr Wyddfa.

To ensure the roof installation adhered to specification, Sika regularly conducted site inspections throughout the project. The final guarantee was then released upon confirmation of compliance.

The close collaboration during the project, along with the durability and resilience of the SikaShield® Reinforced Bituminous Warm Roofing System will ensure the Hafod Eryri visitor centre is protected against the elements for the foreseeable future.