Princess Louise Building - Case Study
Location
Princess Louise Building,
12 Hales Street,
SE8 4RB
Scope Of Work - Full Roof Replacement
In October–November 2021, Watkins Flat Roofing was instructed by Prime Property Management to replace the failing roof at the Princess Louise Building in Deptford. The existing system had suffered consistent water ingress for over seven years, with widespread lap failures and water trapped within the build-up.
We carried out a full strip back to the existing vapour control layer, then installed a new cut-to-fall insulation scheme, fully adhered with a high-performance Fatra single ply membrane. Our team managed the entire process, including scaffolding, health and safety compliance, and waste removal.
Despite challenging weather conditions and working on a live building, we kept the roof watertight throughout, avoiding any further disruption to residents. The project was completed on time, on budget, and resolved the long-standing issues for the client.
Project Scope
The project encompassed a full strip-up of the existing roofing system across a 411M² area, followed by the installation of a new cut to fall insulation scheme to improve water drainage efficiency.
Key Tasks Included:
- Removal and reinstallation of decking to ensure structural integrity
- Application of a Fatra fleece back adhered roofing system, offering durability and weather resistance
- Careful coordination to work within a live environment, ensuring safety and uninterrupted business operations
Challenges & Solutions
Working on a live building posed unique challenges, requiring precise scheduling and on-site coordination to minimise disruption.
Our team deployed strategic work sequencing and adhered to strict safety measures, ensuring that all occupants remained unaffected throughout the process.
The cut to fall insulation scheme was designed to optimise water runoff and prevent pooling, enhancing the longevity of the roofing system.
Fatra Single Ply
Fatra single-ply membranes are known for their flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness in waterproofing applications.
They have been tested by leading UK authorities and boast a certified life expectancy of over 30 years from the British Board of Agrément (BBA).
Additionally, they hold ISO 9001 Quality Standard and ISO 14001 Environmental Standard approvals, along with FM approval and a BRE Green rating of A+.
The Fatra fully adhered system uses our FF807 fleece-backed membranes in conjunction with the appropriate adhesives and primers to bond each layer of the build-up to the adjacent layer.
This system can be used in a warm or cold roof application and over a range of substrates, including concrete, plywood or profiled metal decking.
Project Outcome
The project was completed on time and within budget, with a total value of £330,000.
The newly installed roofing system significantly improved insulation, drainage efficiency, and overall durability while ensuring business continuity during installation.
Our expert approach to working in a live environment reinforced our reputation for delivering high-quality roofing solutions with precision and reliability.
We worked with Watkins Roofing in December 2021 on an emergency full roof replacement at the Princess Louise Institute in Deptford, London. The project, valued at over £330,000, was delivered on time and on budget despite the challenges that come with undertaking major roofing works during the winter months.
From the outset, Watkins Roofing demonstrated a high level of professionalism, clear communication, and technical expertise. Their team approached the project with a proactive and collaborative attitude, ensuring that every stage from initial planning through to completion was handled with care and precision.
Health and safety were a key consideration throughout, particularly given the time of year and the scale of the work, and I was consistently impressed by the measures put in place to maintain a safe and compliant working environment. The site was well-managed, and any risks were promptly and effectively addressed.
The quality of workmanship has been excellent, and both the client and I remain very satisfied with the end result. Watkins delivered a seamless, well-executed project that met all expectations, and I would not hesitate to recommend them for future roofing contracts, whether planned or emergency in nature.
We continue to work with Watkins for both preventative and reactive roof-related matters.