M3 Property Maintenance were contracted by Amplius to carry out full roof waterproofing works at Flowers House, a residential care home located on Alford Place in Bletchley, Milton Keynes.
The building was constructed in the 1980s and comprises a ground floor and first floor. The flat roof covers 1,394m² and had been in gradual decline for a number of years, with water ingress affecting second-floor bedrooms and self-contained residential units below.
Challenge
The roof had an existing single ply membrane that had been in place for approximately 20 years and was assessed as reaching the end of its serviceable life. In that time, over 40 patch repairs had been applied across the roof surface, including a large 130m² section repaired using an EPDM membrane within the previous five years. These repairs were no longer holding, and the underlying waterproofing system had deteriorated to the point where a full replacement was the only viable solution.
A Sika site survey identified several conditions requiring attention before waterproofing works could begin:
- Over 40 patch repairs across the roof surface, including a 130m² EPDM section
- The existing single ply membrane, approximately 20 years old, assessed as at end of service life
- Internal gutters approximately 47 metres in length, flat and holding standing water along their full length
- Secret gutters heavily blocked by debris from surrounding trees
- A solar panel array mounted on a support frame covering one wing of the roof
- Existing cable trays on a Big Foot support system requiring raising before works could proceed
The combination of failed waterproofing, poor drainage, and roof-level obstructions meant the project required careful planning before a single metre of new membrane could be applied.
Our Approach
Sika Certification and System Selection
Amplius specified the Sika Decothane Ultra liquid waterproofing system for this project. To ensure the works could be delivered in-house to the required standard, M3 sent our team to complete the Sika certification course prior to works commencing. This gave us the technical competency to apply the system in accordance with Sika’s specification and to qualify for the manufacturer-backed guarantee on completion.
Preparation and Access Management
Before any waterproofing could be applied, the solar panel array was carefully removed and the cable trays raised to allow full access to the roof surface. All gullies and secret gutters were cleared of debris, with particular attention given to the internal gutter runs where standing water had accumulated. The entire roof surface was then cleaned down in preparation for the new system, with all existing defects addressed prior to overcoating.
Application of the Sika Decothane Ultra System
The new waterproofing system was applied across the full 1,394m² roof area, including all upstands, parapets, internal gutters, and penetrations. The internal gutters received an increased coverage rate as specified, given the standing water history in those areas.
The system build-up was applied in the following sequence:
- Full surface clean and preparation of the existing single ply substrate
- Embedment coat of Decothane Ultra applied by roller across all roof areas
- Sika Reemat Premium glass fibre matting embedded into the wet coat, creating a reinforced layer across the full surface
- Final top coat of Decothane Ultra applied to achieve a seamless, fully bonded waterproof finish
- All upstands, parapets, gutter runs, and pipe penetrations treated as part of the same continuous system
Results
Works were completed to specification and signed off with a formal Sika completion certificate. The water ingress to the residential units below has been fully resolved. The roof is now covered by a 20-year Sika performance guarantee, backed by both the manufacturer and M3 as a Sika certified contractor.
The project reflects M3’s commitment to investing in the right skills for the job. Rather than subcontracting a specialist system, our team undertook the training required to deliver the works in-house, maintaining the quality control and accountability our clients expect.
Client Feedback
“M3 were exemplary in their capacity to design and plan this complex project, taking control of the specification whilst factoring in the needs of our customers at all stages and ultimately delivering a tailor-made solution. The project was executed with great success, within budget and fully compliant with the manufacturer’s requirements. As an organisation we are very pleased with the outcome and are confident in this long-term solution that will keep our building in peak condition for years to come.”
Amplius Flowers House, Bletchley