Gary Lambert of Broadstairs-based Complete Roofing chose Rhepanol fk single ply membrane to waterproof the 690 m2 two-tier curved roof of celebrity restaurant Rock Salt, which overlooks Folkestone harbour.
Roofing work commenced in February 2011, when wild winter gales were still lashing the Kent coast. Complete Roofing had to battle against prevailing winds and heavy rain.
The vapour control barrier had to be installed as quickly as possible in the construction programme to seal the building envelope to allow fitting out to commence.
The top level roof is multilevel and comprises a number of steps. Sheets of Rhepanol membranes were sealed together via the single ply’s unique self-sealing edge and the membrane was bonded to the tissue-faced
insulation.
The use of Rhepanol preformed internal and external corners ensured that the high number of intricate penetrations required for H & V plant and balustrading were watertight.
The canopy to the first level restaurant was secured by ballasting with pebbles. Walkways were installed below the pebbles to allow regular access for seagull pest control.
Gary said: ‘Us roofers know that bad weather is one of those things we have to grin and bear! I choose Rhepanol time and time again as it can be installed in almost all weathers. It needs no hot works and can be strip bonded using cold applied adhesive so we don’t need wires and generators on the roof.
‘In my opinion, Rhepanol is the roofing contractor’s number one membrane, and we were one of the first to start using it when it became available in the UK well over a decade ago. Its self-sealing edge makes installation quick and easy so we can install large areas in short spans of time.’
Diners at the £2m fish restaurant, which was designed by Guy Hollaway Architects and is run by celebrity chef Mark Sargeant, can now enjoy panoramic harbour views while shielded from the elements. Rhepanol, which is made from PIB, can withstand temperature extremes and adverse weather conditions – even Folkestone’s harsh marine environment in the grip of one of the most severe winters on record.
Download the Rock Salt Restaurant Case Study
