Since opening in 1995, the Arena has hosted the biggest names in live entertainment including U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pavarotti and the record-breaking residency by local comedian Peter Kay. The venue is always in demand but one of the roof surfaces over the city rooms of the complex was in need of attention.

A leaky roof, specifically in the area where the existing roof of the arena joined the railway station, was causing real concern and disruption. SMG Europe building manager, Lee Sinnott called in the team from Sarnafil Plus to assess the needs of the roof.

The Sarnafil Plus package includes a comprehensive roof survey by the company’s refurbishment surveyors to determine which system is suitable for the roof. During the survey a core sample is taken to assess the current roof construction and the condition of the substrate.

Following the roof survey, the technical team created a bespoke specification including project specific detail drawings, tapered insulation plans and roof layouts, U-Value Calculations, Wind Uplift Calculations and Condensation Risk Analysis.

On inspection the existing roof had a number of imperfections with faults in both the specification and installation standards, which had led to failures and subsequent leaks.

The system specified was Sarnafast with Sarnafil S327-15EL membrane. The product was ideal for this project where speed, integrity and durability was required. By using a flame-free system the works carried no risk of fire, an issue associated with torch-on application.

Sarnafil Plus approved contractor Protech Roofing of Leeds was appointed to undertake the installation of the Sarnafil system and together with the Sarnafil Plus team ensured the refurbishment was completed to a high standard, on time and to budget. Regular project meetings and site inspections with the Sarnafil Applications Team were key for guidance and reassurance both during and after the refurbishment.

The city rooms were operational throughout the refurbishment. Extensive plant and equipment on the roof area together with an atrium roof light meant painstaking detailing was called for.

A further complication was the location of the roof, which had three elevations over the nearby railway line. Co-ordination with the rail authorities was paramount as was the implementation of key health and safety regulations.

Richard Burke, Refurbishment Surveyor, Sarnafil Plus, is delighted with the resulting roof: “This roof has been transformed and will provide the client with peace of mind going forward as it comes with a guarantee that covers both the materials and the installation. We also provide a comprehensive maintenance plan with on-going support from our Applications Team who will carry out regular inspections to ensure the roof stays in perfect condition.”

Sarnafil’s single ply products have proven durability, independently assessed by the British Board of Agrement (BBA) and certified to have a life expectancy in excess of 40 years.