Selfridges, was built in 1908 to a neo-classical design from the desk of American architect Daniel Burnham, and is the worlds no 1 voted department store.

Constructed in several phases, the original roofs have since become increasingly complex over the years with the addition of various plant and equipment associated with ancillary building services. The existing asphalt roof had deteriorated into a poor state of repair, with numerous leaks affecting the fabric and structure of the building. The practice of patch repairs had not proved cost effective or reliable, and a more permanent solution was sought that would accommodate the numerous upstands and penetrations associated with the mechanical plant, whilst allowing access for maintenance teams. At the same time, it was of course essential that the refurbishment could be undertaken with minimum disruption to customers and staff.

The need to complete the roofing works without impacting on the retail operation, particularly with regard to the HVAC and air handling throughout the building, excluded the use of solvent-based materials.


Capital Roofing Co Ltd proposed the use of Kemperol 2K-PUR cold applied, fully reinforced, solvent free waterproofing system from Kemper System Ltd. Capital Roofings decision to use this product over any other was that the Kemper 2K-PUR system is virtually odourless, making it highly suited to applications such as this large store where even temporary closure of any part of the store was not an option. The system would bond very well to the existing asphalt and the need to dispose or large volumes of waste material was avoided.

The existing asphalt was first prepared by repairing any blistering, fractures slumps any loose material/debris removed. Following preparation the roofs were primed and then waterproofed with Kemperol 2K-PUR. This two-component polyurethane-based system incorporates a reinforced polyester fleece, which can be cut and formed on site, meaning that the numerous details, upstands and penetrations (typically the most vulnerable part of any roof waterproofing system) were handled quickly and easily. This not only saved on both installation time and costs, but because the terminations are fully bonded without the need for mechanical fixings, the roof waterproofing system is entirely seamless.

The roofing works to date total at Selfridges - was over 1600m² and was completed in good time with no disruption to operations at the store, the project was so successful that further areas of roofs have been commissioned.

We at Capital Roofing are committed to keeping our friends and existing clients up to date with some of our exciting news and project profiles we have been involved with. One of these projects could have been one of yours.

www.capital-roofing.co.uk

(CD/H)