Viking Roofspec Creates Chemistry on Uni Roof

Challenge

The redevelopment of the 45-year-old science precinct building at the University of Otago was way overdue, with the roof in desperate need of some serious TLC.

The existing building had a zero degree concrete slab roof with a leaking bitumous membrane. Weight concerns and significant plant and ventilation requirements meant the options were limited as to which system to install.

The roofing system needed to be robust and possess the design flexibility to successfully waterproof the 200-plus penetrations of various sizes made by the significant extraction systems used to ventilate the faculty’s precious equipment. Alternative cementitious screed systems were considered for creating the required falls, but they would have been too heavy and were considered less practical in terms of the application required in these circumstances.

Using clause E2/AS1 of the Building Code as a benchmark, the architect specified that the dead flat (zero-degree) concrete slab roof substrate be cladded with a roofing system sloped to a minimum of two degrees.

Solution

Viking Roofspec’s WarmRoof system provided the University of Otago with a fully-tapered scheme; specifically ‘shaped’ for this 1400m2 roof using Kingspan’s custom-tapered service from the UK.

Viking Enviroclad’s heat-weldable accessory range; with particular reference to its pipe seals and other penetration sealing system called ‘pourable pockets’, made Enviroclad the obvious membrane choice for the needs of this challenging roof. An added bonus is that Viking Enviroclad’s puncture resistance protected the polyiso sheets from the unavoidable large amount of foot traffic from other trades during construction.

One of the key reasons behind the success of this project was the skill and professionalism of the Approved Applicator Company installing the tapered warm roof system. Constructions materials only look and perform as well as their installation. As a materials supplier, Viking Roofspec aligns itself with the industry’s best contractors while having invested heavily in its three-staged licensing programme to ensure its materials are installed with pride and to specification.

Result

To ensure the success of this complex; tax-payer funded job, the communication required between the multitudes of stakeholders needed to be: frequent; technically correct; efficient; and positive. Stakeholders included: the University procurement staff; the architect; the construction company; project managers; council; shipping lines; storage companies; Kingspan NZ; Kingspan UK; the Approved Applicator and Viking Roofspec. The finished result would indicate that this was achieved and all stakeholders involved are extremely pleased with the overall finished product.