Cal-Mac Ferry Terminal, Tobermorey - Liquid Applied Waterproofing

The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal, in the port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, was in need of refurbishing. The external café terrace area, popular with passengers passing through the terminal, had become dilapidated, and the area needed rejuvenating. IMA contractor George Brolly & Co and Icopal was asked to propose a new waterproofing solution for the lower level terraces.

Challenge

Existing terrace areas were constructed on solid concrete, asphalt and paving slabs and were beginning to show signs of deterioration, and the development of potential hazards for customers. Aside from its primary purpose as a waterproof layer, the proposed solution also had to be suitably robust, delivering an anti-skid surface whilst also creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for passengers. Timing was also critical, as the works were scheduled for the busy summer months, and so interruption to business was to be kept to a minimum.

Solution

The George Brolly team first removed the paving slabs and then inspected the asphalt below, concluding that it was able to receive an overlay system. Icopal’s Elastoflex liquid-applied waterproofing membrane was then applied, together with a very robust, anti-skid surface finish.

Before application, the asphalt surface was thoroughly prepared and primed, with treatments including a fungicidal wash, used to eliminate any future weed or moss growth.

The Elastoflex system is applied wet-on-wet, which allows fast installation of the primary waterproofing layers. This subsequently allowed for the quick application of the anti-skid surface.

The end result was such a success that George Brolly received the NFRC Scottish Flat Roofing Award for 2009.