Unite Students’ Rosalind Franklin Halls in Portsmouth underwent a roof refurbishment by Weatherproofing Advisors after water ingress was identified within the offices below two external terrace areas. A survey confirmed that the existing roof build-up of paving slabs, insulation and a single layer of felt was no longer performing as required and needed to be replaced to provide a long-term solution.
As the building remained occupied throughout the works, careful planning was essential to minimise disruption to students while maintaining safe access between blocks, bin stores and fire escape routes. A secure site compound was established with approval from Portsmouth City Council, allowing existing terrace finishes and furniture to be craned down and removed safely. A new IKO Permatec hot melt waterproofing system was then installed, along with new insulation and reinstated paving slabs.
The completed works have fully resolved the water ingress issues and delivered a durable, watertight terrace roof with a greatly improved finish. The refurbished areas are now ready to be brought back into use, providing a safe and functional outdoor space while protecting the accommodation and offices below for years to come.
Weatherproofing Advisors were successfully appointed to deliver a long-term roof-terrace waterproofing solution as Rosalind Franklin Halls in Portsmouth.
The offices beneath two existing terrace areas at this student accommodation site were experiencing significant water ingress issues.
Weatherproofing Advisors were asked to provide a waterproofing solution in order to address the leaks. The roof build-up comprised of paving slabs on podiums, laid over insulation board, with a single layer of felt applied to the concrete deck.
As the building was fully occupied, minimising disruption and maintaining transparency with student residents were key considerations for the project, while ensuring continued access between blocks, bin cupboards, and fire escape routes.
Following an intrusive survey, the existing waterproofing was found to be unsuitable and required a replacement.
Weatherproofing Advisors proposed a Permatec hot melt system from IKO, which is ideal for a terrace roof application. With permission from Portsmouth City Council, a secure site compound was established within a loading bay on the public highway. The existing terrace furniture and roof materials were craned down from roof level and disposed of.
The new Permatec waterproofing system was then installed and completed with new insulation boards and paving slabs. The terrace areas are now fully watertight and ready for new furniture and planters to create an improved outdoor space for the students.
Old seating area
Old terrace area
Old shelters
Stripped away underlay
Existing felt exposed, ready for replacement with hot melt
Bespoke fittings around main structure
Repaved roof
Alternate angle of refurbished roof
Drainage channel
Old seating area
Finished/refurbished roof
