Sika provides long-lasting solution to long-standing  college roof drainage problem

The exceptional waterproofing and durability properties of Sika-Trocal single ply roofing membrane has proved its worth on a highly challenging project to refurbish a number of roofs at a busy college campus.

MidKent College is one of the largest further education and training providers in the South East with an estimated 8,500 students enrolled at its Maidstone and Medway-based campuses. The roofs on five buildings at its Maidstone campus, housing classrooms, workshops, kitchens, TV studios and staff rooms had reached a state of disrepair due to wear and tear.

With water ponding on the roofs, leading to water ingress, a solution was required. Sika-Trocal S provided the solution. A total of 4,200m2 of 2mm thick Sika-Trocal S was specified by contractor K&S Construction for the project which was carried out during term-time and with minimum disruption to buildings on site.  The application of Sika-Trocal S was designed to minimise the standing water risk and ensure correct falls towards appropriate outlets and hoppers. This was achieved by over-roofing existing roofs consisting of a number of different bases including felt and asphalt.

Sika-Trocal’s vapour permeable membrane was mechanically fastened at the perimeters and around penetrations using the product’s innovative laminated metal disc system. This system sees the membrane fixed to the roof in a single process, ensuring a fast installation, minimising components required and reducing overall project costs. A 120mm thick, high performance rigid thermoset insulation was also applied to improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings.   Stuart Marris, Manager at K&S Construction commented: “The MidKent College project is one of the biggest in the firm’s history so it was imperative we specified the most reliable product for the job. Because Sika-Trocal S is amazingly versatile and easy to apply it meant we could carry out the work with little disruption and without the need for people to move out of the building.  “Of its many outstanding features, Sika Trocal’s reliability scores most highly with us.

It is vapour permeable so if there is any water trapped in the system it is possible to over-roof the building without having to worry about things such as condensation.”  Offering exceptional waterproofing, durability and a simple installation process, the cold-applied Type S roofing membrane from Sika-Trocal is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy of up to 30 years. As well as providing a single, comprehensive solution to the roofs’ drainage issue, it has brought a pleasing, aesthetic uniformity to the campus buildings.   Combined with an efficient installation that ensures an improved seal, the Type S waterproofing membrane delivers excellent performance and will provide buildings at MidKent College with safe, reliable all-weather protection for many years to come.