M & G REAL ESTATE

Built in the 1970s, Manchester Arndale is the largest of the UK’s chain of Arndale Centres, and it attracts over 40m visitors annually. Everlast is a preferred roofing contractor for the centre and over the past 15 years we have been appointed as principal contractor by Jones Lang LaSalle (who manage the facility) to deliver many roofing projects, including the refurbishment of Roof 99.

Roof 99 is a flat roof area measuring over 3,500m² and it is located at the heart of the development’s footprint. Adjacent to an existing NCP car park, Roof 99 had the potential to be used as an overflow parking deck, offering a long-term return on investment in the resurfacing and refurbishment cost.

Working above a live shopping environment called for careful planning to mitigate against disruption to the client’s premises and their tenants. However, the biggest challenge was presented by Roof 99’s location which is not accessible by lift, this meant the removal of large quantities of ballast and delivery of seven tonnes of roofing materials all had to be done manually.

JJL’s survey of the existing roof and core sample analysis revealed that the deck was asphalt on concrete, without insulation. Polyroof, manufacturer of the BBA approved new roofing system, determined that the existing asphalt did not require stripping and was suitable for an overlay of its Protec Evolve liquid waterproofing system. 

Our first job was the removal of twenty tonnes of ballast – a big task which had to be done by hand. We then thoroughly cleaned the cleared asphalt deck and applied an anti-fungal wash, filled in cracks and minor tears and attached 18mm plywood and a self-adhesive carrier membrane to the face and top of the parapet walls, in preparation for coating with the Protec Evolve system. 

The system comprises a liquid application of two layers, with a reinforcement fleece installed in between. This forms a seamless waterproof membrane with no joints, no welds and no weak points. Since the waterproofing system is applied cold, it carries no risk of accidental fire during installation and its fast-curing properties allowed us to maintain momentum on the installation despite bad weather. 

The newly resurfaced deck has an extra-tough, impact resistant and hard-wearing finish, incorporating anti-slip materials on the pedestrian walkways. Parking bays are clearly marked out, and the area can accommodate approximately 50 vehicles. Polyroof monitored and approved the work of our workforce throughout the install and provided the client with a 25-year material and workmanship guarantee.

Everlast Group has worked on a variety of refurbishment and new build across all sectors