Challenge

The roof of an apartment complex in Auckland had a steel tray roof that was showing surface rust. The disillusioned Body Corporate mentally geared itself for a roof replacement, which would involve the hugely expensive and disruptive process of erecting a massive shrink-wrap structure and possibly relocating people while the roof was replaced. Fortunately, the architect recommended a more practical alternative…

Solution

A thorough inspection of the structural integrity and level of surface rust of the existing steel roof needed to be made. If the rust was excessive, it would be irresponsible to install on top of it and the Body Corporate would need to bite the bullet and pay for a new steel roof. It’s paramount that the substrate is structurally sound.

Several stakeholders, including Aquaproofing, agreed that the existing roof was sufficiently sound to install on and, with specific rust treatment, would remain so well beyond the warranty period of the Warm Roof assembly (20 years).

The architect specified the installation of a Viking Warm Roof. Aside from the significant thermal insulation benefits, the main appeal of Warm Roof is that the existing steel tray roof could remain intact, with the rigid insulation boards installed on top of the roof structure. This negated the need for a shrink wrap and for residents to be relocated.

Aquaproofing was the successful tenderer for this project and began installation of Viking’s Warm Roof system soon after.

After being installed on top of the roof structure, the insulation boards are then waterproofed with a sheet membrane. In this instance Viking’s Enviroclad – a 3m wide thermoplastic waterproofing membrane – was specified.

It’s important when working on an existing building with inhabitants living below to be considerate of their needs, making negligible construction mess and noise. But most importantly, the finished result needs to be completed to Best Practice standards and with quality materials so that the Body Corporate receives value and isn’t called upon to prematurely fund remedial work.

Results

The quality finish executed by Aquaproofing for this roof is an example of a true transformation from a ‘sow’s ear to a silk purse’. The contrast is like night and day and despite the Body Corporate choosing the Warm Roof based on expediency, the insulation benefits will also render significant comfort and financial benefits to inhabitants, saving them heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.