Sussex Asphalte renewed the asphalt to St Paul’s Cathedral Stone Gallery replacing asphalt laid in 1906 (416m2). At 53m the Gallery’s exposure to the elements and surface deterioration caused water ingress damaging artwork inside the Dome.
Successful project management and asphalt installation (in accordance with BS 8218:1998) were key to conserving one of the most important architectural structures in the U.K. Works were phased to enable continued public access to Stone Gallery sections.
The height and highly sensitive fabric of the building meant that all materials were transported to the Gallery via three hoists, requiring careful operation and management.
Asphalt was stripped and re-laid in sections to ensure watertightness. Stripping enabled the client to view the condition of the Portland Stone paving beneath the asphalt – this work revealed a disused stairwell that was made safe by operatives.
The Stone Gallery includes a central gutter covered by iron grills that were removed, cleaned and refitted on the new asphalt (122lm). To ensure the correct width of asphalt was applied a gutter template was fabricated and used as a guide by the asphalters, requiring skilled precision work. Other detail asphalt works involved adjustments to rainwater outlets to improve drainage, and vertical upstand into a chase, including a double angle fillet around the Galley’s circumference (286lm).
Through excellent project management, the works were completed ahead of schedule. Given the conservation and architectural significance of St Paul’s, Sussex Asphalte hosted a successful site visit by a large group of surveyors to promote the roofing profession and asphalt installation by highly skilled craftsmen.
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