PR 35954                                                                                                                        
27 June 2014

 

A block of flats managed by Southside Housing Association in Glasgow and dating from the 1970s has undergone substantial internal and external refurbishment with MMA based systems from tremco illbruck who were employed to resurface the balcony decks which form the only access for the tenants.

Located in St Andrews Crescent, Glasgow and formerly part of Glasgow Housing Association's portfolio, St Andrews Court features concrete and masonry construction offering very poor standards of insulation. The upgrade work has been led by main contractor, CCG, with JM Architects being responsible for the design input. J & D Solutions, meanwhile, was the specialist contractor awarded the contract to renovate 1,100 square metres of balcony areas employing TREMCO SX250, CP151, CP215, CP360 and CP930 products.

The senior architect on the project for Edinburgh based JM Architects, Gavin McNab comments: "There was a degree of uncertainty regarding the right treatment for the balconies due to the relative humidity readings for the structure - we did originally consider laying a vinyl material because we were enclosing them against the weather, but the damp would have just caused it to lift again.

"We are familiar with the TREMCO range, including the liquid damp proof membranes and liaised regularly with the TREMCO area sales manager for our region, to arrive at a specification which was hardwearing and durable for the conditions as well as slip resistant and gave a good appearance. It was also essential that the products would cure rapidly so as to minimize disruption caused to the residents."

When the original rubber tiles were stripped off it revealed a very uneven and cracked surface which, given the fact there is occupied space beneath the decks, heightened concerns about water penetration. Also an issue was the temperature range to which the balconies are subject, ranging from sub-zero in the winter months, through to very high solar gain during warmer periods; exacerbated by their being semi-enclosed.

Although the MMA formulation delivered the rapid drying times required to get the access balconies back in service as soon as possible, residents did raise questions about the smell associated with their formulation. However, as part of their customer support during the contract, TREMCO'S technical adviser and area sales manager ensured tests were carried out which showed vapour levels were well within limits stipulated.

Finished in a mid-grey colour, the new waterproof wearing course on the St Andrews Court balconies is both smart in appearance and resistant to marking, while the residents are reporting general satisfaction with the improvements to their homes which also include exterior wall insulation and a new roof.

For further information on tremco illbruck, please visitwww.tremco-illbruck.co.uk

-ends-

With compliments:-
Alison Relf
Taylor Alden Ltd
Unit 2 Temple Place
247 The Broadway
London, SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
e-mail: alison@tayloralden.co.uk

Editors' note

tremco illbruck encompasses four brands in the UK after a worldwide brand reorganisation - more details can be found atwww.tremco-illbruck.co.uk. The brands are TREMCO, illbruck and Nullifire for the construction business and PACTAN for the manufacturing business.