projects > roofing systems > Chester Hospital

Chester Hospital Women and Children's' Maternity Block is the largest specialist centre in the North of England. When the roof underwent major refurbishment the nature of the building and its occupants posed new considerations for Marley Waterproofing to overcome.

The building had to be fully operational at all times. During the works, noise had to be kept to an absolute minimum and no fumes were allowed to enter the building. The maternity wards and theatres were in constant use, and no disruption to the day to day running of the building would have been acceptable.

The hospital was particularly worried about the risk of the 'aspergillus virus' being present in the dust on the old roof membrane. The dust-borne virus can be potentially hazardous and had to be a major consideration as work was being carried out above the maternity ward. The old roof membrane had to be carefully removed and transported to the enclosed waste skips without disturbing the dusty surface.

Due to the exposed nature of the roof a full bonded application was essential due to the exposed nature of the roof area. The Goldseal Plus roofing system which includes a high performance vapour control layer and insulations was well matched to the project. It is intended as a built up roofing system ideal for both flat and sloping roofs and comes with a 20 year guarantee.

The membranes used had exceptional strength and dimensional stability and were combined with other high performance system components to give the roof an enhanced life expectancy of 50 years.

Goldseal Torch-On membranes have excellent tensile strength, elongation and low temperature flexibility and can be formed around a 30mm mandrel at -20°C without rupture. The modified coating gives a softening point greater than 110°C. They also provide first-rate puncture resistance against trafficking during work operations and long life expectancy. The membranes can be installed over a wide temperature range and will provide high performance in all temperatures normally experienced in the UK.

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