Kingsdene Apartments

The original asphalt roof had reached the end of its serviceable life. A felt overlay had been previously applied to extend performance, but this too had failed, leading to recurring leaks and poor insulation. Prior to project commencement, an asbestos survey confirmed that the felt contained asbestos, triggering the requirement for licensed removal. The roof area also featured multiple live cable trays and service routes that supported residents’ communications and internet systems, all of which had to remain operational during the project.

The specification for the new system was developed in collaboration with Westwood, who designed a cold-applied solution suitable for use in a live residential environment. An asbestos removal contractor was brought in to safely strip the contaminated felt while Central coordinated preparatory works including scaffold access, skip management, and resident communication plans.

Working in a live residential building posed unique logistical and human challenges. Disruption needed to be kept to an absolute minimum, and health and safety procedures had to accommodate vulnerable individuals, often with limited mobility. Weather conditions caused heavy ground damage from skips and containers, which could not be repositioned due to spatial constraints.

To resolve the issue, Central commissioned a local gardener to repair and reinstate all affected grounds following project completion. The results were so well-received that the gardener was later retained by the client for ongoing site maintenance—an unplanned but welcomed legacy of the project.

Central’s team began by stripping the existing felt and clearing the roof surface in preparation for overlaying the original asphalt. Special care was taken to preserve all service cabling and telecom infrastructure. These systems were relocated and secured without any service downtime, ensuring that vulnerable residents maintained access to critical communications.

The new flat roofing system was based on the Westwood PMMA liquid system—a fast-curing, high-performance waterproofing solution ideal for projects where flame-free application and minimal disruption are essential. Works included all detailing to upstands, penetrations, and terminations, with a seamless finish that significantly improved waterproofing integrity and durability.

Although the project did not require phasing, extensive liaison with residents was necessary throughout. Many tenants had mobility or health conditions, and Central staff—including the site manager—made regular personal visits to check in with residents, keep them informed, and reassure them throughout the works. This direct communication fostered a positive site environment and ensured high levels of cooperation.