The brief

Specialty Minerals’ calcium carbonates are used in all kinds of products from talc, house paint, windows, car bumpers, and even chewing gum. But when the roof of its factory in Birmingham started to show its age, the company was concerned the work needed might affect operations.

Our PermaRoof Commercial team was brought in by contractor Webster Roofcare Ltd to advise on which waterproofing system would guarantee 25 more years of use.

Due to the importance of its output and responsibility to deliver, Specialty Minerals required the factory to be operational throughout the planning, surveys and installation – adding another layer of complexity to the project.

Because of the wide variety of uses Specialty Minerals provides for, it was crucial we worked with its team to adhere to all health and safety standards to be certain there was no cross contamination.

This required us to revise our processes at every stage to be in line with the company’s and ensured production wouldn’t be slowed, compromised, or halted by our ongoing work – while keeping the project as swift and cost-effective for Webster Roofcare Ltd too.

The solution

Prior to providing a solution, we visited the site to complete core testing to ascertain roof build up and compile a report determining the roof condition.

Following the initial site survey, we shared our findings with Webster Roofcare Ltd and suggested the use of the PermaRoof 500 liquid PU waterproofing system for an overlay onto the existing asphalt substrate. This would provide a guarantee with the 25-year warranty as standard.

Following our recommendations, we remained on site throughout installation to act as technical support and support with our expertise where needed.

Despite the challenge presented by enhanced health and safety practices for the project, we worked with Specialty Minerals at every stage to rigidly follow the safety procedures in place to avoid cross contamination.

The testimonial

David Webster, managing director of Webster Roofcare Ltd, said: “Ultimately, we brought PermaRoof on board as we needed to make sure the right solution and specification for this particular project was found, and that required an expert eye to assist us. The standard the project was completed to and the support we received from PermaRoof throughout were both superb. Knowing that you have a partner that doesn’t just supply materials but builds an ongoing and beneficial relationship with your team is a huge value to any project. Being able to receive advice via on-site support cuts down both costs and time, ensuring your bottom line is as low as possible.

“The health and safety procedures we had to adhere to could have posed a challenging environment to work in, but close collaboration by all parties meant installation was slowed only incrementally if at all. We’re very pleased with the results.

“We’ve now completed the installation and have already priced further projects with the PermaRoof liquid system at Specialty Minerals, as well as other upcoming projects we have in the pipeline. Additionally, being a part of the PermaRoof Registered Installer scheme is already reaping us excellent results and we would recommend any contractors to make use of the company’s extensive training schemes.”

Sunny Lotay, PermaRoof national commercial manager, said: “When Webster Roofcare Ltd brought us on board, we did our due diligence to provide the optimum solution to the specific issues presented by this project, and we’re pleased to say the result was a turn up for the books.

“We were more than happy to offer our on-site support and utilise our product expertise for them, as they were great partners throughout the installation from beginning to end. I really believe the project wouldn’t haven’t been so seamlessly executed if not for our close collaboration and partnership. I’m looking forward to working with them again soon.”