Whilst still in the early stages of a planned, 18 month, major refurbishment programme of this iconic Grade 2 listed retail site in Bloomsbury, London, RAM Building Consultancy were called upon to offer expert advice. The complex issue entailed understanding not only how the existing roof screeds had become saturated, but how that water may be removed, without interrupting the ongoing retail performance at the centre.
The Challenge:
The roof at the Bloomsbury retail site was very complex, with screed laid over screed and multiple layers of differing waterproofing systems. Add to this a myriad of expansion joints and inherent poor detail arrangements that created difficulties in pinpointing the source of the water ingress. The building was a Grade 2 listed site, so any solution had to be sensitive to the structure and the ongoing retail operations.
The Solution:
RAM Building Consultancy's first option for dealing with roof saturation was to use the De-Watering Vacuum (DWV®) system, a service we have extensive experience with. However, due to the complexities of the structure and the specific challenges presented by this project, it was decided that DWV® might not be the most effective solution in this case.
Instead, RAM’s experts put together a robust, alternative technical specification that differed from the original proposal. This solution addressed the roof's long-term needs, provided a cost-effective repair strategy, and reduced contract periods by up to 30%, allowing the project to stay within budget without compromising the building’s safety and integrity.
The Benefits:
-
Tailored Solutions: RAM’s alternative technical specification ensured a tailored approach that focused on the building's unique structure and needs.
-
Reduced Disruption: The solution minimised disruption to the retail operations, allowing business to continue with minimal interference.
-
Cost and Time Savings: The revised approach led to reduced contract periods, making the refurbishment process quicker and more cost-effective.
Conclusion:
At RAM Building Consultancy, we specialise in providing bespoke roofing solutions for complex projects like the Grade 2 listed retail site in Bloomsbury. With our deep understanding of roofing systems, including De-Watering Vacuum (DWV®) and other advanced techniques, we ensure that each project is handled with care, precision, and expertise.
If you're facing roofing challenges on a complex or heritage building, trust the experts at RAM Building Consultancy to deliver the right solution. Contact us today to discuss your next roofing project and get expert advice tailored to your needs.
