Belfast’s Whitla Medical Building benefits from new Derbigum Flat Roof System

Another successful re-roofing project has been carried out for Queens University Belfast, located at the Whitla Medical Building (WMB).

Queen’s University Belfast was founded as Queen’s College in 1845, before becoming a university in its own right in 1908. Today, it is an international centre of research and education and a major part of the fabric of Northern Ireland and is a member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK research-intensive universities, alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

Queens University have been using Derbigum as their preferred waterproofing system for over 30 years. Alumasc Roofing Systems worked closely with the University and their consultants when this roof was refurbished as part of a major upgrade of the building during the summer of 2014.

The main challenges during this re-fit were the upgrading of the thermal value to 0.18W/m2K and redirecting the drainage to the perimeter of the roof, this was achieved by a special designed tapered insulation system.

The building was live during this refurbishment with important research being carried out on the floor below, which was a major challenge for the Alumasc registered Roofing Contractor who successfully completed the project without disrupting the day to day running of the building.

Prior to starting work and as part of the specification process, a full survey of the existing roof was carried out including taking test cores to establish the build-up. The Derbigum Roofing System that was chosen will extend the life of the roof by another 30+ years and the university have also received a 25 year warranty.

Derbigum high performance waterproofing membranes offer enhanced performance properties including flexibility, excellent fire ratings and strong reinforcement. The use of this system has helped give the building a better ‘U’ Value rating of 0.18W/m2K thus helping keep the facility’s energy efficiency levels to a good standard.

Alumasc Roofing Systems have worked closely with Samuel Stevenson Architects and Construction Services NI to ensure the smooth and effective installation of the products within the specified timescales.

Keith Martin Project Architect for Samuel Stevenson & Sons says:

“In the redesign and upgrade of the existing building envelope of the Whitla Medical Building for Queen’s University Belfast we incorporated a new parapet roof edge topped with a new Skyline aluminium coping to improve the perimeter detail and appearance of the roof. The use of tapered insulation falling to new perimeter gutters and outlets has transformed the tired appearance and under performance of the original flat roof. The Derbigum system and product warranty provides a durable and long lasting solution for our client.”

For further information or if you would like to discuss Alumasc Roofing Systems for your projects call Rob Lowry on 07713 644 640 or email: lowryr@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

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