Segedunum Roman Fort Museum, Wallsend
Project Overview
Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Wallsend, North Tyneside. Featuring one of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall, Segedunum is an important local learning resource that attracts thousands of visitors each year including schools, tourists and history enthusiasts.
With several areas of the museum roof in disrepair, North Tyneside Council appointed Springs Roofing Ltd to refurbish approximately 675m² of flat roofing using the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 Reinforced Bituminous Membrane System. As the museum remained operational throughout the works, maintaining public safety and minimising disruption were key priorities.
Challenges
The existing roof was heavily congested with air-handling units, ductwork, pipes and cables, restricting the working area and creating complex interfaces and waterproofing details.
Inadequate falls had created areas that were susceptible to standing water. Working around combustible substrates and sensitive details would require a combination of torch-applied, hybrid and flame-free IKO products.
The rooftop needed to remain accessible throughout the works, while plant equipment had to be relocated to prevent it from sitting directly on the finished waterproofing. With museum visitors and multiple contractors on site, careful management of health and safety, access and project logistics was essential.
Solution
The Springs Roofing Ltd team began by stripping the existing waterproofing before inspecting, preparing and repairing the exposed roof deck. A new insulated IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 Reinforced Bituminous Membrane System was installed, which incorporated tapered insulation to improve the existing falls and roof drainage.
IKO-approved operatives installed the specified IKO ULTRA Torch-On Air & Vapour Control Layer, tapered IKO enertherm ALU insulation, IKO ULTRA Heat-Activated Hybrid Underlay and IKO ULTRA Prevent Torch-Applied Capsheet in accordance with IKO specifications. Flame-free products were used around combustible substrates, while an IKO metatech cold applied liquid waterproofing system was applied to complex stanchions and penetrations where membrane waterproofing was unsuitable.
Springs Roofing coordinated closely with North Tyneside Council, IKO and contractors, dividing the roof works into manageable areas. Regular communication between the client and IKO allowed unforeseen details or changes to be addressed early, keeping the project on track.
All works were planned and completed under site-specific RAMS. Operatives received an induction and daily briefings, while access to the roof was strictly controlled and active work areas closed off to safeguard museum staff, visitors and contractors.
Solution (continued)
Hot works were managed through a permit system, and suitable fire extinguishing equipment made available, while flame-free IKO products were used around timber, combustible substrates and other sensitive details. Lifting equipment was used for heavy membranes, materials and insulation, with exclusion zones and good housekeeping maintained across the congested roof.
To allow the new roof and plant equipment to be safely maintained, a permanent freestanding guardrail system was installed around the roof perimeter. This provides collective edge protection for future inspection and maintenance without penetrating the waterproofing. Proprietary walkways and clear access routes also allow for safer maintenance to plant equipment.
All work was completed by trained IKO-approved installers, with regular supervision and inspections by IKO’s technical team. The installation was completed by IKO-approved operatives and, subject to IKO technical inspections, earned a 25-year single-point guarantee. Springs Roofing Ltd used a local workforce of directly employed roofers and supported them with on-site skills training. Working alongside IKO’s technical team, operatives developed their knowledge of hybrid built-up roofing, flame-free detailing, tapered insulation and complex waterproofing.
The project was completed successfully while protecting the museum, maintaining safe access and achieving the required thermal-performance U-value target of 0.18W/m²K. Springs Roofing Ltd and IKO have delivered thermally efficient roofing solution while extending the life of Segedunum’s historic museum for years to come.
Project name and location:
Segedunum Roman Fort Museum, Wallsend
Main IKO systems:
- IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 Reinforced Bituminous Membrane System
- IKO metatech Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing System
Area:
675m2
Project sector: