Case study – Unicorn Packing Centre, a much needed roof refurbishment project.
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Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC), Stockport
ROOFING CONTRACTOR: Holloway Cook
Sq. M: 3,200 sq. m.
SECTOR: Commercial
PRODUCTS: Soprema Elastocol 600 Bitumen Primer. Sopravap Stick ALU S16, Sopratherm G, Soprema Soprastick Venti FF, Sopralene Flam 250 AF
Soprema ensures the safe delivery of a much-needed roof refurbishment at a busy and prestigious packing centre in Manchester.
In the dynamic refurbishment landscape, the Unicorn Packing Centre (UPC) in Stockport, Manchester, stands as a testament to innovation, quality and transformative power of Soprema’s advanced roofing solutions.
Leading contracting firm, Holloway Cook, approached Soprema to design and deliver a solution which would restore and modernise this 50-year-old building, to ensure it was functional for the busy and essential contract packing facility, based in the North West.
Product Specification
The scope of works undertaken by Halloway Cook encompassed the meticulous removal of existing roof coverings, and the installation of a new roof structure.
The existing bitumen roof was experiencing leaks, and the fire performance rating was causing concern for the client. Central to the refurbishment was the specification and installation of Soprema’s cutting-edge and BBA-certified bituminous waterproofing membrane, renowned for its high quality, excellent resistance and superior service life.
Scope of Works
Once the existing roof system had been removed, Halloway Cook first installed Soprema’s Elastocol 600 bitumen primer to the existing structural metal deck, before Sopravap Stick S16 self-adhesive modified bitumen membrane was laid as a vapour control layer (VCL). Contractors then installed Sopratherm G Glass Tissue warm deck roof installation, prior to the Soprelene Flam 250 AF polyester-reinforced cap sheet as the top layer.
Speaking of why Soprema were specified, Dave Raw, Business Development Manager at Holloway Cook, said: “We have used Soprema products in the past and we know the exceptional quality and ease of installation of the waterproofing systems. Soprema’s products are always readily available, which means timely execution of projects.”
The UPC site was still occupied during refurbishment works, so downtime had to be kept to a minimum. Thanks to the ease and speed of application of Soprema’s bituminous system, the project completed within the six-month timeframe and on budget, demonstrating efficient project management and adherence to the established timeline.
Dave Raw added: “Providing that extra peace of mind for us and the end client, Soprema’s robust warranty and 25-year guarantee gave assurance for the longevity and performance of the roofing system.”
Project Challenges
As with any ambitious project, challenges inevitably surfaced. The UPC is an operational industrial site, and the team had to ensure the building remained watertight throughout the winter months; a task made all the more challenging due to the busy access routes frequently used by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Navigating the intricacies of a landlocked site and providing safe access to the roof presented additional hurdles. Moreover, striking a balance between the needs of factory engineers and operational efficiency required adept management.
Thanks to transparent communication and collaboration between Soprema and Holloway Cook, their experienced and knowledgeable teams were able to tackle these challenges head-on.
Continued Dave: “Soprema made these tasks easy to overcome, thanks to their insightful and supportive technical team, who were on-hand at any time, including for site visits. All operatives were trained in the Soprema waterproofing system and knew how to safely execute the project whilst maintaining installation to a high standard.”
Thanks to correct product specification, industry experience and technical expertise, the UPC roof refurbishment was delivered successfully.
