projects > roofing systems > Manchester Airport

When Manchester Airport Group (MAG) decided to upgrade Terminal 1 of the Airport, they selected Weatherproofing Advisors based on their track record of safety, value for money, quality and the proven ability to manage challenging projects and logistics.

Weatherproofing Advisors had recently completed the 63,000m2 roof upgrade for Leyland Trucks which was the largest flat roofing project undertaken in the UK during that year.

Manchester Terminal 1 consists of 107 check-in desks, 24 pier served aircraft stands, 18 air bridges, restaurants and a shopping mall together with a footfall of over 20 million passengers. When re-roofing a project of this magnitude, everything had to be carried out without interference to the smooth operation of the Airport's commerce and functionality.

An ambitious six month contract programme was decided on which commenced throughout Autumn and Winter 2004 and into Spring 2005.

John Kelly, MD of Weatherproofing Advisors, explains "When Weatherproofing Advisors checked in to commence work on Manchester Airport's roof we had a plan that included raising the industry benchmark in terms of meeting logistical challenges and successfully delivering a major project whilst thousands of travellers below us continued with their journeys oblivious to the fact that the roof overhead was being completely overhauled"

Marley Waterproofing are a key supplier within Weatherproofing Advisors supply chain and were approached to provide 17,500 m2 of built up roof waterproofing. Marley Waterproofing also has a track record of quality plus decades of experience in the manufacture and supply of high performance roofing and waterproofing materials.

Weatherproofing Advisors, part of the Marley Waterproofing Approved Contractor Network, installed a High Performance specified built up roofing system, finished with the revolutionary new Quikflo Capsheet. Marley Waterproofing's Quikflo product is an advanced torch-on system with many benefits that made it ideal for this project.

The project required fast, energy efficient and safe application, particularly during the adverse weather conditions experienced during the programme.

Quikflo more than met the criteria. It is a high performance product with fast application, excellent puncture and foot marketing resistance, superb adhesion and sealing qualities together with impressive membrane flexibility and easy handling characteristics. The optimisation of energy transfer from the torch flame ensures activation of the bonding process, resulting in a safer low flame application.

As well as the monumental challenge of refurbishing a roof the size of Manchester Airport's Terminal 1, other key considerations were airport level security, health & safety and a critical deadline.

42 tonnes of scaffold was used as access, edge protection and bridges providing a safe working environment for employees and the users of the building. All site staff were subject to enhanced security vetting with clearance to work airside. In addition, there was zero tolerance on wind blown debris, security violations, roof leaks and health & safety infringements.

The project (42 roofs in total) was completed four weeks ahead of programme and within budget.