Alumasc has provided the new R1 building, designed by Maki and Associates, with the Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing system. R1 Kings Cross became the new home for a number of institutions founded by the Aga Khan, which aim to increase understanding of Islam in communities around the world.

For this project, Alumasc worked closely alongside Tilbury Contracts, an Alumasc Registered Contractor, who installed the specified system.

Alumasc assisted the project by supplying the tried and trusted Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing system which has had zero product failures in over 50 years of use worldwide. Its unique formulation guarantees lifetime performance and it is manufactured using 30% post-consumer recycled material. Hydrotech is fully warranted, BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA05/0152.

For Kings Cross R1, Alumasc’s system comprised Hydrotech with XPS insulation to insulate and prevent moisture from entering the roof. Hydrotech is a hot melt rubber bitumen membrane which is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer. Through prevention of weathering, the roof will remain intact for a lifetime.

A truly unique finish was achieved with R1. The Hydrotech system was completed with decorative marble and stone, allowing for a contemporary appearance without any compromise to the performance of the system. This ornamental finish provides a clean and modern look to the North London building, the likes of which have been rarely installed before.

For more information on Alumasc’s high performance structural waterproofing systems click here or for technical advice, please call 03335 771 500.

Gelliswick Church in Wales VC School required a roofing system that would provide inhabitants with a reliable solution for the longevity of the building. Alumasc’s fully warranted Mastergold warm roof system was the ideal solution for the project.

The voluntary controlled primary school was formed following the decision to discontinue two nearby schools, the new school entity was established on 1st September 2017, with the school operating across the three existing sites. It was of the school’s interest to quickly relocate the students and staff from the other two sites to the new build, which opened in January 2018. This Mastergold system offers a quick and easy installation process without compromising the long-term performance of the waterproofing, it also requires minimal maintenance – another reason why the system was the ideal solution!

2,200m² of the Mastergold system was installed by the Alumasc Registered Contractor, Nautilus. The warm roof system included only 5 elements. Alumasc’s Self-Adhesive Primer was used to condition the metal deck, then, to encapsulate the deck from flames the Euroroof Dual Bond Vapour Control Layer was installed. The Dual Bond VCL has a self-adhesive backing to the underside and a thermofusible upper surface which enabled the PIR BGT insulation to be bonded directly to the membrane. To complete the warm roof system Mastergold Underlay was bonded to the BGT insulation which is torch receivable and the Mastergold Black Cap Sheet was then torched to the underlay providing a highly durable and effective solution.

The waterproofing is backed with an Alumasc 25-year system warranty, providing added peace of mind. The Euroroof Mastergold membrane offers high tensile strength and pliability and excellent resistance to puncture and UV degradation. The Euroroof Mastergold membrane is fully BBA approved and is tested for wind uplift and fire performance to meet with the current British Standards.

For further information about the Euroroof Mastergold system click here or contact our Technical Team on 03335 771 500

Material Store will provide 189 buy to rent apartments with residents’ parking and a communal garden.

The Old Vinyl Factory is a compelling project and was one of the largest regeneration projects in West London, home to a new community of more than 630 apartments with commercial and leisure facilities including restaurants, shops, cafes and bars.

The four ‘warehouse’ blocks of Material Store rise above a central podium area and surround an oasis of private patios and a large communal garden space. Each of the four main blocks were landscaped using a variety of Blackdown Green Roof products and finishes with the aim of providing an extended living space or ‘outdoor rooms’ for the inhabitants of the building.

The aim was to provide added recreational space and a greener environment for adults and children living there.

These areas include large green spaces that have been landscaped to provide a natural setting. These areas are made up of small trees and shrubs to give a natural effect and attract local wildlife. Blackdown’s intensive green roof system was ideal for these key requirements. An intensive roof – akin to a traditional ‘roof garden’ – often replicates the features and benefits of a domestic garden or city park; providing space for recreation and amenity. Applications can range from outdoor roof space at restaurants and office blocks to ground-level landscaping above subterranean car parks at shopping centres or residential developments.

Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects says:

“I visited site on Tuesday and was really impressed with the completed Material Store development – the podium landscape and roof terraces are well installed and great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised – so well done to your team!”

Green Roof Recreation and Play Area

Also incorporated was an area aimed at providing children with green space for them to play, in an otherwise highly built up area, thus improving their health and wellbeing for the future. Blackdown provided bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs. Paved areas, benches, decking and artificial lawns were also installed.

The inclusion of a podium play area was of interest as the play and recreational equipment was included within the initial design. This included large pebble seats, bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment.

These elements required a wide range of fixing and mounting solutions that were not initially designed for a podium deck. To provide adequate health and safety, gates and fencing were also installed, all of which, used specialist fixing methods to not compromise the waterproof integrity of the waterproofing membrane below.

To find out more about Alumasc’s green roof systems Click Here. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss any of our products or services with the team call 03335 771 500.

Constructed by CCG, The Ellerslie Road Development is a new build, high rise residential project located in the Yoker district of Glasgow on the northern bank of the River Clyde and is the tallest CLT building in Scotland.

Cross laminated timber or CLT is a structural, prefabricated panel used to form environmentally sustainable, walls, roofs and floors across a wide range of structures. The gluing of both longitudinal and transverse layers, which reduces the movement of the wood, means that CLT more than meets the standards required by modern building materials. CLT allows for quicker construction adding further sustainability compared with traditional construction methods.

Alumasc Exterior Building Products sets itself apart within the marketplace by providing a single source solution for the full envelope of any building project by combining the products and expertise of Alumasc’s various systems. These key benefits include unparalleled, single point technical assistance, extensive warranties and ongoing post-project support in relation to the full exterior of the project. Mast Architects specified Alumasc’s Roofing Systems, Façade (Walling) Systems, Rooflights and Harmer Drainage Outlets.

Flat Roof System:

With sustainability being a key part in the construction of Ellerslie Road, a Derbigum Olivine warm roof system was installed to provide a highly effective insulation for the roof areas. Derbigum Olivine cap sheet is coated with natural granules that neutralise CO2 found in rainwater upon contact. Olivine is also a fully BBA Certified solution which includes a durability statement which includes a service life of more than 40 years.

Alumasc provided full technical support throughout, particularly when providing the cut to falls BGT Polyisocyanurate insulation system to help provide added drainage efficiency.

The combination of these elements helps make the building more energy efficient by achieving a 0.13 U-value and improve the atmosphere on the outside. Alumasc Rooflights were also installed around the roof to allow the desired daylight to enter the building. 510m2 was installed by Alumasc Registered Contractors Hugh L.S. McConnell Ltd.

Walling/Facades:

Due to Yoker’s Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) pre-fabricated construction, Alumasc Façade Systems’ Lightweight VBriQ Aricco was installed as it is specifically designed for use on timber frame constructions, providing a ventilated façade to protect the structure from the effects of moisture/water ingress. Again, the Alumasc technical team provided comprehensive support from start to finish. The ventilated cavity ensures that the timber substrate is kept dry in accordance with TRADA recommendations by allowing the building to breathe and prevents interstitial condensation.

The system provides aesthetically pleasing, UV resistant synthetic brick slips that can be replicated to almost any brick type – Sanctuary Scotland opted for Mid Brown, Traditional Brick Style (see pic). Furthermore, in keeping with CLT construction, VBriQ Aricco is quick to install (often upwards of 10 m2/day). With the inhabitants’ safety being of paramount importance this system provided the perfect solution having achieved an A2 fire-rating (A2-s1,d0). VBriQ Aricco is also backed up with BBA Certificate 15/5211. The system is also highly weather resistant in relation to wind driven rain, this was also key due to Ellerslie Road’s location alongside the River Clyde. 1100m2 was installed in total.

Benefits of Alumasc’s single source building envelope solution

Exploiting the combined expertise of Alumasc Roofing and Facade Systems allows a truly single source building envelope that we believe is integral to a system of this nature. Alumasc’s nationwide network of registered contractors combined with our own site monitoring team(s) ensures compliance with the warranty and codes of practice are observed through to completion.

The holistic approach to the design allowed for interfacing to be performed pre-contract allowing for installation on time, on budget and without compromise in terms of quality.

Split responsibility may result in the use of various trades and contractors, which in turn may lead to installation errors, damage to materials or negative warranty implications. The Alumasc Single Point Warranty limits this.

Alumasc’s single point warranties assure CCG and Sanctuary Scotland that if they require any further support in relation to this project in future it can be swiftly and efficiently provided from one single point of contact. This also includes details designed by Alumasc or any workmanship queries.

To find out more about Derbigum Olivine Click Here, for more Alumasc Facade Systems information Click Here. Alternatively to speak to our technical team call 03335 771 500.

The Brunswick Shopping Centre in London required a refurbishment to bring it into the modern era. This included providing the waterproofing solutions to all the main piazzas, walkways and podiums. With over 50 years zero product failures Hydrotech Structural Waterproofing was installed, this included a build up of XPS Inverted Insulation and the Hydrotech Hot Melt itself. Beneath these piazzas is a cinema and car park, therefore waterproofing integrity was vital. Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing is fully BBA approved.

Above the Retail Units are situated residential dwellings of which the walkway areas also needed refurbishing. The existing deck was removed and replaced with a Derbigum Warm Roof consisting of Vapour Control Layer, Underlay and Derbigum Mineral Bituminous Cap Sheet. These walkways run above the whole length of the retail units below. Again, Derbigum Mineral Cap Sheet is fully BBA Approved.

For further information click here or call our Technical Team on (0) 3335 771 500

Q1. Can we purchase an Alumasc Blue Roof outlet without the waterproofing?

Alumasc has developed the BluRoof system that benefits from the combined expertise associated with Harmer Engineered Drainage Systems and Alumasc Roofing Systems. The result is that Alumasc is ideally positioned to offer a single-source solution, fully warranted waterproofing and sustainable drainage solution that is integral to a system of this kind.

We do not offer drainage attenuation design as a standalone package to be used in combination with any non-Alumasc product.

Q2. What are the typical flow rates that can be achieved using an Alumasc BluRoof?

BluRoof is an engineered drainage approach that addresses the individual project requirements. Blue Roofs are calculated to a whole rainfall series not just a single value, as intensity will change with time and therefore providing a default flow rate without analysis is not practical.

Q3. What information is required to provide a Blue Roof calculation?

The following key project parameters should be assessed to ensure that they are taken into consideration within our calculation.

1. The total size of the applicable areas in m², and if any other areas are draining onto them, the size of them also. Roof plan
    preferably in .dwg format would be required if the size of area was not advised.

2. The plan size of the applicable void former area in m², if less than the total plan area.

3. Are there any height constraints that would restrict the depth of void former that can be accommodated within the
    proposed assembly.

4. Are there any project targets identified for the Blue Roof to achieve, for example:
    – A particular peak run off rate in litres per second (l/s).
    – The detention volume of water (m³) to be attenuated per roof area.
    – A particular % reduction in the site peak run-off rate

Alumasc offer a free Blue Roof design service and all enquiries should be sent to technical@alumascroofing.com

Q1. What is the fire rating of Alumasc Extruded Polystyrene?

Fire performance is declared Euroclass E under EN 13501-1. A flame retardant additive is also present that makes it capable to resist, for a short period of time, a small flame attack without substantial flame spread.

When ballasted with either 20/40mm grade aggregate (minimum depth of 50 mm) or fully-supported cast stone or mineral slabs of at least 40mm thickness, the roof may be considered to be of designation AA (low vulnerability in Scotland) and so is unrestricted by the national Building Regulations.

Q2. Are there any non-combustible insulations compatible with Alumasc roofing systems?

Two insulations rated separately as ‘non-combustible’ (i.e. class A1 to EN13501) are Foamglas and Rockwool Multi-Fix Dual Density Mineral Wool. Both products are compatible and available as a system within the Alumasc product offer as part of a warm roof assembly.

For further information about Alumasc’s insulations contact our technical team on 03335 771 500

Q1. Can Hydrotech 6125 Monolithic Membrane be installed to Plywood?

There are no issues with the installation onto a Plywood substrate. As part of the preparation works it will be necessary to tape substrate joints with approx. 100 to 150mm wide strip of Flex Flash F laid centrally, bedded into a thin skim coat of Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane 6125 prior to main works.

Q2. What are the differences between the Hydrogard Protection Sheets used as part of the Hydrotech 6125 system?

Hydrogard 20 Protection Sheet is categorised as the standard grade product for use within an inverted roof assembly. It is a polyester reinforced, oxidised bituminous protection sheet, with a sanded finish to the upper side. Not suitable for application where exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) light.
Hydrogard 30 Protection Sheet is a more robust product suitable for use where the imposed loads are expected to be much higher. It is a glass/polyester reinforced SBS modified bitumen membrane, with a black mineral surfaced upper side.
Hydrogard 40 Protection Sheet is a heavy duty product incorporating a root resistant additive making it suitable for use within a green roof assembly. It is a polyester reinforced, APP modified bitumen, root resistant membrane, with a charcoal mineral upper surface.
Hydrogard 50 Protection Sheet is an extra heavy duty product principally engineered to meet the specific requirements and stresses for civil engineering works. It is a dual glass/polyester reinforced APP modified bitumen membrane, with a smooth black finished upper surface.

Q3. Can EPDM overlap Hydrotech 6125 Monolithic Membrane?

The use of EPDM flashings typically as part of a façade or cladding assembly which are required to overlap the Hydrotech 6125 waterproofing is common and a widely acceptable detail. The critical factor is ensuring that the EPDM product and its method of application will not have any adverse effect on a bituminous membrane i.e. by using a non-solvent based bitumen compatible adhesive. In the first instance the supplier of the EPDM should be asked to confirm in writing that the product will not have any adverse effect on the primary waterproofing system, which can then be further evaluated for compatibility by Alumasc technical services following receipt of appropriate product data sheets etc.

The effectiveness and bond strength of the product to the Hydrotech 6125 waterproofing is the responsibility of the adhesive product supplier to establish (by test if necessary) and confirm. As with any third party supplied products, it must be noted that should the product have any adverse effect on the Alumasc waterproofing at any time, any costs for any remedial work found to be necessary would not be covered by the Alumasc warranty.

For further information about Alumasc’s Hydotech 6125 click here or contact our technical team on 03335 771 500

Q1. Can Alumasc provide written confirmation that concrete tolerance and deflections noted within structural engineers report are suitable?

The acceptability of the level of deflection of a concrete deck is a matter for the client, the main contractor and the structural engineer to determine in accordance with the prevailing standards, regulations and codes of practice as identified in the National Structural Concrete Specification for Building Construction. Standard construction tolerances for concrete surfaces are generally acknowledged as having no deviation of more than 9mm over a 3m length, or any abrupt irregularities of more than 3mm. Deviations in excess of this definition are the responsibility of the client or their appointed agent to rectify.

Where deemed unsatisfactory, correction of any slab outside tolerance resulting in a negative fall would be recommended to ensure that all design parameters are sustained throughout the lifecycle of the roof, and should ideally be brought within standard construction tolerance and noted.

Q2. Can Alumasc provide a solution for the localised correction of concrete tolerance and/or deflection?

Alumasc Monoscreed is a fast curing PMMA based compound screed specifically engineered for this purpose. The cold applied compound can be mixed at roof level and applied from 3mm to 50mm in order to bring levels back to acceptable tolerance. The system is unaffected by ambient temperatures, is rainproof within 15 minutes of being applied and will fully cure in circa 45 minutes, thus offering significant programme benefits when compared with more traditional screeds.

For further information about Alumasc’s Monoscreed click here or contact our technical team on 03335 771 500

With recent events in the UK highlighting the requirement for compliance with up to date and relevant fire test standards, Alumasc Roofing Systems have conducted further fire tests on the market leading Derbigum high performance bituminous membrane warm roof system.

Derbigum Mineral and Derbigum Black full warm roof built up systems including primer, vapour barrier, adhesive, insulation, underlay and Derbigum cap sheets recently underwent rigorous testing to CEN/TS 1187:2012 – Test methods for external fire exposure to roofs (part 4) and ultimately achieved the highest grade, BROOF(t4) in fire safety available in the UK, which allows unrestricted use under the Building Regulations (see Approved Document B Section 14: Roof Coverings – clause 14.5 table 16).

ENV1187 Test 4 is a test method used to determine the performance of flat roofs to external fire exposure, the two-stage test method replicating exposure to burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat.

Exova Warringtonfire Gent conducted the tests in their brand-new facility in Belgium, confirming not only the applicability of original Derbigum fire rating tests but also confirming the compliance of the current warm roof build-up using the latest BBA Certificated Derbigum system, to reflect real in-use performance.

Alumasc understands the importance of this issue, having previously achieved top fire ratings to the previous standard (BS 476 pt3) on these products, and we, therefore, took the initiative to ascertain the fire rating of our latest systems in anticipation of tighter regulations governing the fire resistance of construction products.

This certification underlines Alumasc’s reputation for quality, performance and reliability, our aim being to provide our customers with unrivalled peace of mind when utilising our products and take all the steps necessary to facilitate this, including this certification which is designed to protect property and life from fire.

Specifying certificated products, systems and services in support of fire safety and security of any facility demonstrates due diligence and shows consideration for those that invest, develop, design, manage and use Alumasc’s Roofing Systems.

Legislation and the requirement for compliance to enter new markets has never been tougher and Alumasc will continue to develop and test their products to ensure we provide the highest levels of safety to not only our customers but the inhabitants and users of the buildings our products help to protect.

For further information regarding Warrington Certification click here

For further information about Alumasc’s waterproofing systems click here