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We managed to ensure that the suppliers were fully on board and in a position where they were happy to provide long-term warranties , core sampling , adherence and crosshatch testing , so we were then able to provide the client with a range of specialist products that would achieve their goal of waterproofing the roof areas whilst also providing a reassuring warranty .
Over the course of 18 months , from initial discussions to finalising the scope and bringing all relevant parties on board , the client was ready to move forward with the project and the full strip-up and replacement of the roofs could begin .
Our Work Included
• An initial full roof condition survey with localised leak investigation , collating the correct information to allow the client to understand which options were suitable moving forwards and would provide them with long-term peace of mind and protection .
• Production of an all encompassing roof condition report , that was presented to and reviewed with the hotel and its owners .
• Test trials with the product manufacturers to identify the roof build up and suitability for overcoating or replacement , ensuring that the correct way forward and products were specified and would provide the client ’ s desired level of cover . The tests included cross-hatch , adherence and core samples , avoiding the potential for early failure and any future warranty issues .
• Communication and negotiations with the local council and Building Control to ensure that all changes aligned with and were designed to meet current regulations .
• The design and implementation of a fully tapered insulation scheme to ensure that any water on the roof would fall to the outlets and avoid ponding .
• Working methodically across the roofs by breaking them down into sections , initially the current substrate was completely stripped back to the deck , with the old system carefully transported to ground level and disposed of . Where possible materials were sent for recycling to help improve the project ’ s sustainability .
• With the substrate now exposed , any anomalies and defects were repaired , providing the best possible surface to which the new system would adhere .
• To the areas where the deck was exposed the initial vapour layer is fitted , forming a waterproofed layer over which the new system can then be laid . With this first phase in place , the tapered system was then laid based on the specific design for each roof , ensuring that water would be encouraged to run towards each outlet .
• The initial primer coat can then be applied to all areas where the insulation has been successfully fitted , followed by the reinforcement which helps to bind each phase whilst also providing flexibility for thermal movement .
• Finally , the top coat can be applied throughout the system and built-up the manufacturer ’ s desired thickness based on the warranty provision , providing the outer layer of the full system and the initial defence against the harsh British weather .
• With the hotel undergoing a full refurbishment , many other trades were already onsite when the project began . This led to close communications with the hotel , the other trades and ourselves in order to avoid conflicts , delays and allow a smooth delivery for all parties .
• As with many of the buildings we work on , the hotel had numerous telephone masts that would affect the area we could work in . Through our proactive planning and communications with our telecoms specialist , where work was programmed in front of the masts we were able to ensure that each mast was turned off for the duration of our works , allowing our teams to work safely .
• In 2 areas of the roof , the phone masts were mounted directly on the deck and required moving before that section of the roof could be completed . The process for ‘ lifting and shifting ’ these masts is much more involved that shutting them off and requires months of preparation and discussion with the telecoms providers . With our experience and understanding of this process , as well as where the telecoms companies can delay or cause issues for the project , we were able to successfully deliver the works in the areas where masts were on the deck and no delays occurred .
• The current system was completely stripped up , taking the roof back to the exposed deck , from which we could then begin replacing the manufacturer ’ s approved coating system .
• Through the initial trials , we were able to get an understanding of which areas were damp and any areas that were dry , with the ultimate decision being to replace all areas of the roof , thus ensuring a full warranty throughout .
• As is the case with any internal or external project that required the removal of coatings , we could not be sure that 100 % of the substrate would be sound until it was removed and we advised the client accordingly . Thankfully , during the initial strip-up of the current system , no adverse issues were found and the substrate was intact .
• With the size of the roof and its height , much discussion took place around whether to build a scaffold and temporary roof to protect the building whilst the deck was exposed . With feedback from our trusted scaffold suppliers indicating that the cost of the temporary roof would equate to roughly 35 % of the overall project cost , we were able to programme the works and successfully deliver the project without the need for the temporary roof , saving the client from having to needlessly spend the money on the structure and instead invest it elsewhere to benefit the building .
• With the successful delivery of the 2 initial roofs , we are now in further discussions regarding the other roofs and additional specialist building envelope services for the hotel .
Project Challenges
As with all projects , one of the most important factors of the delivery was the health and safety of our operatives . Working 12 storeys above the busy London streets , working closely with the hotels employees and their day-to-day operations , as well as all of the other contractors that were on site , planning accordingly to minimise any disruption to ensure that the hotel could operate as normal was key . Along with these factors , we encountered various challenges throughout the project , including :
• As with many of our projects , the replacement of these roofs which included the application of roofing and coating products , had to be undertaken within strict manufacturer guidelines . The works in this case were delivered through the summertime when it was anticipated that temperatures and rainfall would provide the best climate to align with those guidelines . The British summer can be unpredictable , but through a flexible approach and programming , as well as bespoke delivery schedules for the hotel , the project was delivered with minimal delays and product application within the manufacturer ’ s specified guidelines at all times .
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