Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh

The Joseph Black Building, found in the King’s Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, houses the School of Chemistry and is one of the oldest buildings on the campus. But its existing copper roof covering had come to the end of its natural life.

This listed building needed a roof refurbishment in 2014 that was conducted in the minimum amount of time and with the least disturbance to the students and staff working in the building. The contract stipulated that the building must remain operational throughout the works.

Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants were appointed by The University of Edinburgh to survey the existing roof, provide solutions for replacement and procure the works. Summers-Inman consulted with the Sarnafil® Plus refurbishment team, to specify a Sarnafil® system as a replacement. Renowned for its high quality and exeptional performance, the Sarnafil® system was befitting this important refurbishment.

On behalf of the universitys’ estates department Summers Imman managed the project. The initial scope of the works covered a multitude of trades, the most complex of which was stripping more than 2000 m² of cooper roof covering.

Sika Sarnafil®’s flagship Sarnafil® Plus refurbishment offer was the perfect solution for this project. The Sarnafil® Plus dedicated surveyors conducted a comprehensive roof survey to determine which system was suitable for the roof. This included gutters, slopes, an outhouse and dormer roofs that presented new problems to overcome daily.

Sarnafil® membrane S-327-15EL in Patina Green was chosen to replace the old roof covering, as the local authority planning department advised that this product was an acceptable replacement for the original copper roofs on the listed building.

Listed Building Consent was obtained by Summers-Inman. Work to replace the roof included installing a new timber taper fall once the copper roof was lifted, to improve drainage, which was then covered with the mechanically fastened Sarnafil® system. The membrane was applied with standing seam profiles to replicate the original copper roof details.

The appointed main contractor was BriggsAmasco who had to effectively manage the project and make sure it was completed quickly and with minimal disturbance. Due to the time constraints, the company had to work smart. As the main contractor BriggsAmasco was able to apply the pressure to quickly develop, fabricate, install and weather details, as the stripping of the cooper roof progressed. Starting this work would be challenging at any time, but the commencement date of 6 January meant conditions were certainly tough.
 
BriggsAmasco also had to integrate the new bespoke Sarnafil® outlets with existing lead and cast iron drainage system, working closely with Sarnafil® Plus, Summers-Inman and the client to ensure the detailing was correct, approved and was in keeping with the heritage of the building.

The job was finished within budget and with minimum disruption to working labs below. A thorough final inspection as part of the Sarnafil® Plus package saw the roof receive a 20-year single point guarantee. This ensures that the client is protected against unlikely problems with the membrane caused by incorrect design, defective materials, or poor workmanship.

Flawless application of the Sarnafil® membrane across an area with complex detailing and upstands produced an added bonus for BriggsAmasco when they achieved victory in the Single Ply Roofing category at the tenth NFRC Roofing Awards. The project was recognised by the judging panel for the challenges that were overcome during the project and the wholly positive response from the client.

The University of Edinburgh was also impressed with the outstanding workmanship, as well as the aesthetic qualities of the roof, delivered by BriggsAmasco and Sarnafil®. With all parties working as a team great results were delivered, which were in keeping with the building’s heritage.

Roofing

Sarnafil® S 327-15EL in Patina Green