Sika-Trocal S single ply roofing membrane provided a watertight solution to a new primary school in Brighton. Specified for its exceptional waterproofing and durability properties, its robust performance, yet flexible application ensured the roof was able to accommodate a solar panel system to increase the building’s energy efficiency and help reduce its running costs.
Started in 2012, the Brighton & Hove Bilingual Primary School opened at temporary premises at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy. Following the creation of a purpose built facility, designed by ECE Architecture and built by Kier Southern, the school is relocating its 630 pupils to a new permanent site near Hove Park. To create a watertight envelope that would also provide an attractive perimeter detail whilst providing the base for an extensive solar panel installation, ECE Architecture required a versatile roofing system with a proven track record – Sika-Trocal S met the brief.
Specialist roofing contractor, Robertson Roofing installed 2,100m2 of Sika Trocal’s Type S roofing membrane. Quick, lightweight and economical to install, the mechanically fixed Type S system allowed Robertson Roofing to secure the membrane and the insulation with a single, strong and reliable fixing to reduce costs and time on site.
Supplying a roof which was watertight and durable, as well as adding an aesthetic finish to the building was among the challenges faced by contractors Robertson Roofing. This was achieved by extending the Sika-Trocal S up and across a perimeter parapet ranging from 200 to 600mm high.
This was resolved by terminating the membrane at the top of the parapet with a 35mm deep Trocal laminated metal box profile mini kerb to the parapet outside edge. The Trocal metal mini curb profile provided a fixing point for a polyester powder coated RAL 7012 aluminium feature edge flashing which masked the Sika Trocal S finish externally and gave the impression that the parapets were capped with a full width traditional aluminium capping detail.
Mike Nicholls of Robertson Roofing commented: “By dressing the Sika-Trocal S membrane up and fully across the top of the parapet we were able to guarantee the long term water tightness of the detail, avoiding the reliance on the originally proposed butt-jointed traditional aluminium full width capping. It enabled us to include detailing within the 20-year guarantee required by the client on this project.”
Suitable for mechanically fastened roofs in both new build and refurbishment applications, Sika-Trocal Type S is one of the most rapid and economic systems to install. It also offers exceptional waterproofing and durability, and is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy in excess of 35 years.
The specification of Sika-Trocal S 2mm ensured contractors Robertson Roofing were able to complete the roof to deadline in just three months and to the client’s complete satisfaction.
