Ensuring Robust Protection for Data Centres' Multi-Functional Rooftops

Buckingham Avenue

Main Contractor Wates Construction
Roofing Contractor DCS Roofing limited
System Used Paraflex System
Project Type Critical Infrastructure
Sector Data centre

Data Centre’s are one of the many sectors to be seen to utilise the roof spaces. In particular to Data Centre’s; Mechanical and Engineering services are typically installed on rooftops that offer multi-functional elements to the building, making the selection of the roof system more critical. There are a number of factors that are considered when selecting roof waterproofing systems, they should be robust and offer the benefits to future retrofits along with the accessibility for adaptions but most importantly they should be certified to both the Building Standards and the Insurers Requirements.

Challenges

MOY worked closely with the design management team and co-ordinating suppliers to ensure that any roof penetrations and projecting detailing areas were understood and approved prior to the installation of the roof system. The programme was carefully studied to ensure system components were installed to offer greater benefit to the project and internal areas. Some of the challenges faced on this project were the steels that dissected the roof deck allowing plant and walkways to be supported and the detailing requirement saw a cold liquid waterproofing to compliment the Reinforced Bitumen Membrane.

Solution

A more robust surface to the non-combustible insulation was provided by applying a cement cover board giving impact resistance – allowing for an increase in foot traffic that was expected due to the various trades present during the construction. It was critical to understand the project programme and provide a robust roof system to allow the follow on trades to be able to progress onto the next project phase of a fit out including the entire roof space being utilised for plant equipment. Project’s within the Mission Critical Sector, are highly reliant on a robust waterproofing roof system due to the severity and value of the processes within the building. It is critical to ensure that both the stock and space of the building is protected to ensure the continuation of operation whilst eliminating potential hazard risks.

Paraflex System Completed Case Study