Taking a condition-led approach to education roofs
Existing education estates present very different challenges to new-build projects. Ageing waterproofing, changing thermal requirements, restricted budgets and the practicalities of carrying out work around pupils, staff and term times all need to be considered before deciding how a roof should be refurbished.
Effective education roof refurbishment therefore starts by understanding the existing roof rather than assuming a standard replacement solution. IKO supports schools, colleges, universities, estates teams and project partners from the initial assessment through to a project-specific waterproofing specification.
Start with a free roof condition survey
Before recommending a system, an IKO Area Business Manager can carry out a free roof condition survey. The assessment includes a visual inspection and core sampling to help establish the existing roof build-up and its condition.
Following the survey, IKO can provide recommendations and a tailored project specification based on the findings. This can take account of factors including:
- Existing roof condition
- Roof construction and deck type
- Site requirements
- Installation restrictions
- Project objectives
- Available budget
Taking this approach helps estates teams establish an appropriate scope of work before committing to a refurbishment strategy.
Selecting the right waterproofing system
Education estates contain a wide variety of roof structures, so no single waterproofing system will suit every refurbishment. IKO’s portfolio includes reinforced bituminous membranes, hot melt, cold applied liquids, mastic asphalt and single ply systems, allowing the specification to respond to the existing building and project constraints.
Within the IKO ULTRA reinforced bituminous membrane range, several installation options are available.
IKO ULTRA Life 30 is supported by a 30-year guarantee when installed in accordance with the specification by an IKO Approved Contractor. Its installation options include a completely flame-free adhered solution, providing flexibility for major refurbishment projects.
IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 can be installed as a hybrid or torch-applied system and is supported by a 25-year guarantee when installed in accordance with the specification by an IKO Approved and Registered Contractor. It has an established track record in education refurbishment.
Where hot works are restricted or undesirable, IKO ULTRA Mach Two provides a self-adhesive, flame-free installation route backed by a 20-year guarantee.
This flexibility allows the waterproofing strategy to reflect both technical requirements and the practical constraints of a live education site.
Improving more than the waterproofing
Refurbishment can also provide an opportunity to improve other aspects of roof performance. IKO enertherm insulation options can be selected according to the roof build-up and project requirements to support improved thermal performance and lower U-values.
Where the existing structure and project objectives allow, estates teams may also use refurbishment as an opportunity to consider retrofitting future technologies such as rooftop solar PV, green roofing or integrated bio solar systems.
Reducing programme disruption
Programme certainty is particularly important on operational education sites, where refurbishment work may need to be coordinated around teaching, examinations, access requirements and holiday periods. IKO Permascreed LI provides one option for reducing waiting times within relevant roof build-ups. The fast-curing levelling screed can be used to create a stable, even substrate or drainage falls and is typically cooled and open to foot traffic within one to two hours.
Waterproofing installation can proceed in as little as four hours, compared with curing periods of up to 28 days associated with traditional screeds. IKO Permascreed LI also offers up to 38% lower upfront embodied carbon than previous IKO screed systems, based on third-party verified EPD data, and contains no water.
Education roof refurbishment in practice: Preston College
The refurbishment of Preston College in Lancashire demonstrates how system selection and programme management can come together on an active education estate.
IKO worked with K Pendlebury & Sons to refurbish approximately 4,500m² of roof area using the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 reinforced bituminous membrane system. Because work was taking place across an operational further education campus, safety, access and programme coordination were important considerations throughout the project.
The refurbishment was ultimately completed eight weeks ahead of schedule and is supported by a 25-year IKO Single Point Guarantee.
Supporting education estates from survey to specification
The most appropriate refurbishment solution should respond to what is actually happening on the roof. By starting with condition assessment and core sampling, IKO can help education estates understand the existing build-up and move towards a specification suited to the condition of the roof, site constraints and available budget.
That support can continue through system selection, specification and project delivery, helping schools, colleges and their project partners plan refurbishment with greater confidence.
