Kemper System’s Kemperol 2K-PUR solvent-free and odourless waterproofing membrane has been used to refurbish the 1,000m2 penthouse roof area above an oil refinery, at a food processing plant in Erith, London.

Working closely with Northfall Design Associates, Kemper System helped to devise a successful conservation programme at the ADM Milling penthouse to address water ingress caused by severe deterioration of the 40-metre high roof area.

The oil refinery is housed within the ADM penthouse building and is more than 100 years old. The flat roof area which required refurbishment sits above the oil refinery with steeply pitched mansards, dormers and concrete gutters which also needed repair.

A quick yet durable waterproofing solution was required as the food milling plant was occupied and needed to remain fully functioning throughout the project.

Roofing contractors, Garhigh Southern Ltd, were able to install the Kemperol 2K-PUR system in a single, wet-on-wet process after removing, cleaning and priming the existing concrete substrate.

Concrete repairs were also required on the steep mansards and dormers prior to installation, and on the flat roof area to address disused venting outlets and to obtain optimum thickness of the concrete substrate prior to installation of the Kemperol 2K-PUR system.

The Kemperol 2K-PUR liquid waterproofing was then applied using a roller, with a reinforcement fleece laid directly into the wet resin, immediately followed by more resin on top to ensure complete saturation of the fleece.

The cured solution then forms a seamless, elastomeric waterproof membrane that cannot delaminate and is UV stable – directly addressing the issues of water leaking into the building.

The works also demanded complex detailing around the disused vents, several outlets and plant on the main roof area.

Gary Buckman, director at Garhigh Southern Ltd, said: “Kemper System was an ideal choice on this project for many reasons.

“One main challenge was access to site as not only was the complex roof area 40-metres high, but the client requested for there to be no scaffolding from the ground and up the building. Therefore, we devised a plan to erect hanging scaffolding out of the dormer windows.

“Therefore, we devised a plan to erect hanging scaffolding out of the dormer windows. The ease of application of Kemper System ensured installation ran as smoothly as possible.”

Kemper System was also specified to refurbish an 85-metre high food silo at the same site in 2017.