Client: The Barts & London NHS Trust
Type of works: Bailey Atlantic 401 and Bailey Atlantic 303 specified for a 900m² roof.
The existing asphalt roof at the Royal London Hospital was showing signs of deterioration and in need of replacement. Atlantic 401, a 2mm thick membrane, which is unaffected by UV light and lasts in excess of 40 years, was chosen for its durability, sustainability and compatibility with other building products.
Bailey Roofing Systems conducted a full roof survey and core-sample to assess the existing construction. Following this, a detailed specification outlining Bailey’s recommendations was issued together with photographs and drawings for a cut-to-falls insulation scheme. This had the dual benefit of improving the existing falls and upgrading the insulation to current regulations.
The manufacture of Bailey Atlantic does not include any chlorides, fluorides or plasticisers, resulting in an environmentally-friendly product which is fully recyclable at any time in its life. Due to its composition, Atlantic is bitumen-compatible, enabling many old roofs to be overlayed rather than stripped. Stripping-up can cause considerable disturbance to occupants, further waste, and the possibility of water ingress.
Bailey Roofing Systems’ solution for the Royal London Hospital was to use the asphalt layer as a vapour barrier, thus enabling all areas of the existing roof to stay intact and prevent water ingress into the building during the contract period. The cut-to-falls insulation scheme was then bonded to the asphalt using Bailey Sure-bond adhesive. The adhesive was used to bond the final waterproofing layer of Bailey Atlantic 401 fleece-backed membrane in Grey.
All laps and joints were then welded with hot-air guns, set at 500 to 600°C, greatly reducing the risk of fire as no naked flames, gas cylinders or boilers were required on site.
Bailey Atlantic was an ideal solution to a project in such a sensitive hospital environment. The fully-bonded system minimised noise disturbance and the occupants were able to continue using the building whilst the roofing works were undertaken.
Liaison between Bailey and the contractor ensured a successful installation in accordance with the specification. Maintenance walkways were installed using an additional layer of Atlantic 303 un-backed membrane, in a contrasting Red colour. Site inspections were conducted at regular intervals, and reports produced. Upon completion and final inspection, with confirmation that all parties were satisfied with the result, an insurance-backed guarantee for 15 years was issued.