London Metropolitan Archives

The scope of works involves the replacement of the flat roofing and roof lights to the 2nd and 4th floor of The London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London, EC1R OHB. The second largest public archive in the UK, the site contains 100km of shelving on which are stored unique, irreplaceable archives of national and international importance.

The works comprised the stripping up of the existing overlay systems and the installation of a new high performance bitumen membrane waterproofing system, comprising IKO Goldseal T-O high performance bitumen membranes and Tapered IKO Enertherm ALU Insulation to achieve an improved thermal performance (U Value) of 0.18W/m²K (compliant with the requirements Building Regulations Part L).

The main objective of the contract was to complete the works as quickly and as efficiently as possible whilst taking any necessary measures to avoid compromising day-to-day activities at the site. The premises remained in use as a public building throughout the works and as such importance was placed upon the project to be completed without disruption to operations or damage to the archives. As strictly no water ingress was to be permitted throughout the course of the works, the main re-roofing elements were carried out in stages by removing pre-designated areas of existing roofing in sections to allow for immediate application of the new system. Overnight seals were made between the new and existing coverings to ensure the archive roof remained watertight. 

We notified the client ahead of rooflight works so that suitable notice was given to building users. Prior to works commencing all existing rooflights were covered with a mono-flex sheeting to provide protection. From roof-level our nominated scaffolding sub-contractors Barclay Scaffolding installed crash decks to provide internal protection beneath the void, ensuring that the lighting, sprinkler and safety systems were not affected by the provision of the temporary protection. During replacement works rooflight voids were protected by a mobile cover ensuring water tightness at all times. Plastic sheeting was also provided for the purpose of covering the archiving under the second-floor roof. 
Various electrical cables, pipeworks and AC units required relocation during the course of the works, which were scheduled to coincide with completed works and sequenced to ensure that AC remained in operation throughout. Smaller AC units were wall mounted with larger units mounted upon a Roof-Pro ‘Big-Foot’ system. All cables and pipework on the roof were repositioned and then placed back on cable trays. Progress statements were issued to the Client monthly and a site diary maintained. 

Throughout the project the Contracts Manager monitored the programme, resources and purchase orders weekly, liaising with the Purchasing Manager, ensuring that the project was completed to time and with no disturbances or disruption reported by the Client.