New housing development in Birmingham waterproofed with RubberGard EPDM
Located in Birmingham (UK), Park View is a contemporary new-build residential development. The mid-rise building features 116 one and two-bedroom apartments within walking distance of key amenities.
| Project ID | |
|---|---|
| Location | Birmingham, UK |
| Project type | New Build |
| Building type | Commercial building |
| Roof surface | ca. 1,700 m² |
| Product used | RubberGard EPDM 1.5 mm |
| System used | Fully adhered |
Respecting the industrial heritage of the Digbeth area, Park View has a brick façade softened by extensive glazing. Its stepped massing breaks down the overall scale into three sections, each topped with a flat roof.
Spanning 1,700 sq m, the flat roof areas provide both functionality and amenity, with some of the space featuring a communal terrace for residents.
Robust warm-roof build up
Elevate’s RubberGard EPDM membrane was specified to provide a robust waterproofing solution for all flat roof areas. The membrane formed part of a single-ply roofing system, including non-combustible DensDeck Prime roof boards.
Providing exceptional durability, RubberGard EPDM can elongate by over 300% to accommodate expansions or contractions, preventing cracking and ultimately the failure of the material. The membrane also provides unrivalled resistance to ozone, UV radiation and extreme temperatures, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
Installed above the stone wool insulation, the DensDeck Prime roof boards consist of a moisture resistant gypsum core and a matt glass facer. The boards were mechanically fixed to the concrete deck, optimising wind resistance and durability. With exceptionally high compressive strength, the DensDeck roof boards protect the roof insulation from repeated foot traffic and provide additional fire resistance.
Tailored installation
To promote biodiversity, the highest section of the building is topped with a brown roof which allows wildlife to self-populate and plants to grow naturally. Resistant to root penetration, RubberGard EPDM was fully adhered over the DensDeck boards, providing a resilient waterproofing solution.
The roofs on the central and right sections feature a traditional fully adhered system with an exposed membrane finish. RubberGard EPDM sheets were bonded directly to the DensDeck boards using Elevate’s bonding adhesive, conforming easily to complex areas with greater detailing.
The lightweight nature of the membrane made it particularly well suited to the varying roof levels. Supplied in large sheets, EPDM significantly reduced on-site seaming and was easily installed around detailing, including mechanical plant, parapets and guardrails.
The cold-applied, flame-free installation further contributed to site safety by eliminating the risks associated with hot works.
Throughout the project, Elevate’s local technical team provided on-site support and quality assurance through key stages of installation, helping to ensure the system met performance expectations.
Future-proof roofing
Forming part of a flexible, high-performance solution, RubberGard EPDM has maximised the durability of the multi-functional roof space. Enhancing the building’s efficiency, design and resilience, the roofing system will ensure Park View remains protected for years to come.
