Liquid applied roofing systems in Leicester: where they suit commercial roofs, what drives performance and cost, and how long areas are closed for works.
Liquid applied waterproofing is often a good fit for detailed, occupied or awkward commercial roofs in and around Leicester, but it is not right for every roof. This guide is for estates teams, main contractors, developers and managing agents. It covers where liquid systems work, where another system may be better, what affects performance, and how long a roof area is usually out of use while the work is done.
Liquid applied membranes are cold applied resins, usually polyurethane, PMMA or modified bitumen based. They are laid with a reinforcement fleece set into the wet coat, which gives a seamless membrane. With no laps or seams to weld or bond, they suit roofs with lots of penetrations, plant upstands, rooflight kerbs and awkward junctions, where a sheet membrane would need many separate details.
No naked flame is used, so hot works is not a concern. That matters on occupied buildings such as schools, hospitals, colleges and university estates.
Liquids are not always the best answer. Large, open roofs with few details can often be covered more cheaply with single ply or a built up bituminous system. If the deck is failing or the insulation is wet, coating over it simply traps the problem. Because we install bituminous, single ply, liquid applied and hot melt systems from several manufacturers, our recommendation starts with the roof, not with a product we would rather sell.
A condition survey should come first. It should include core samples, adhesion tests and moisture readings where needed, so you know whether the existing build up can stay or has to be stripped.
Rates per square metre vary a lot depending on preparation, the system specified and access. When you compare quotes, compare the full specifications line by line, not just the headline figures.
For planning purposes, a typical section of 50 to 100 m² with standard detailing usually takes two to five working days from preparation to the final coat. The area stays closed to foot traffic for that whole time. Many polyurethane systems need several hours between coats and around 24 hours before light foot traffic. PMMA can cure in under an hour, which helps where an area has to reopen quickly. Larger roofs are normally phased so that only one part is out of use at a time. Rain or cold can add days, so build some slack into the programme, especially between October and March. Some resins give off a smell, so air intakes near the work area may need to be shut off for a while, or a low odour product can be used.
Leicester is within easy reach of our Coleshill office, which covers the Midlands and the South. For schools and academy trusts, the summer holiday is the usual window, so surveys and specifications are best done in spring to leave time for approvals and ordering materials. NHS and university sites often need tighter phasing around access routes and occupied rooms below.
We are NFRC members and hold CHAS and Constructionline Gold. Through the Absolute Group we can also provide scaffolding and safety netting under the same appointment, which keeps coordination simpler on busy sites.
Often, yes, as long as a survey confirms the existing roof is sound, well bonded and dry. Adhesion tests and moisture checks should be done before you commit to an overlay.
It depends on the resin, the coat thickness and how the roof is maintained. Manufacturer guarantees commonly range from 10 to 25 years, and regular inspections help you get the full life out of it.
Usually, yes. The systems are cold applied with no naked flame, so the main things to manage are access, phasing and odour near air intakes.
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Give us the outline below, or email sales@absolutewp.co.uk, and one of our surveyors will come back to you, usually the same working day.