KEMPER SYSTEM
FACILITATES AWARD WINNING ROOF
REFURBISHMENT AT GATWICK AIRPORT
When the existing flat roof above the International Departure
Lounge at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal was failing, Kemper
System’s liquid applied waterproofing was the first port of call.
Working closely with contractors, Mitie Tilley Roofing Ltd, to
develop a sound waterproofing solution, Kemper System’s Stratex
Warm Roof system was specified using its solvent-free Kemperol
2K-PUR liquid waterproofing as part of a full refurbishment of the
2,500 sq. m roof area.
Severe water ingress into retail and restaurant units below meant
the project was time critical to prevent any further issues as well as
potential loss of profit for retailers. Chosen for its odourless, quick
application and versatile qualities, the fleece-reinforced, liquid
waterproofing system by Kemper System meant contractors could
adhere to the strict timescales and operational restrictions on-site.
Mitie Tilley Roofing Ltd first removed 250 tonnes of the existing
roof ballast using a suction excavator machine. The substrate was
cleaned prior to an application of Kempershield Type 1 Primer
and Kempershield Vapour Barrier. A combination of 123mm
Kempertherm FR and Kempertherm TR Tapered PIR Insulation
Board was installed onto the main roof area, including the guttering.
Kempertherm TR comprises of a rigid PIR insulation board, a dense
closed cell structure with a hard-top facing providing additional
reinforcement to the top face that also provides the optimum
substrate for the application of the liquid membrane.
The polyurethane-based Kemperol 2K-PUR resin was then applied
in a single, wet-on-wet process. The roof area presented numerous
complexities and lots of detailing, including five, large air-handling
units, adjacent glazed facades and 36 separate large plinths with
their own steel work, cable trays and pipe supports.
Prior to application, contractors also removed the existing lead
skirts, cover flashings and associated cementitious insulated
upstands on each of the 36 support plinths. The plinths, and more
than 150 rain screen support steel work, were also primed before
application of the fleece reinforced Kemperol 2K-PUR resin.
The versatility of the Kemperol system and ease of application
meant contractors could provide a watertight, seamless membrane
that fully incorporated all of the flat areas, complex details and
outlets on the roof structure.
Increased security measures also presented challenges on-site as
the 15-year old building, which was an extension of this original
airport terminal built in 1987, is at an airside location – further
reinforcing the importance of minimal possession times.
Much of the refurbishment works were completed overnight
within a four-hour working window as the client requested no
disruption to the many retailers within the North Terminal below,
which was done with ease using Kemperol. Kemper System also
developed full Inspection and Test Plans (ITP) and Inspection and
Test Records (ITR) which were updated daily by contractors, and
field technicians from Kemper System who visited the site on a