Sika-Trocal helped save Christmas by supplying the durable, easy-to-apply waterproof roof system for a spectacular seasonal attraction.

With the festive season fast approaching, KD Decoratives were the supplier to The Mall retail complex in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, which required a new roof for the fairytale focal point of its alfresco Winter Wonderland experience – a sparkling Santa’s castle. The sky blue, portable building replete with a 20ft turret has been installed at the Mall every Christmas for a number of years, but its existing roof had started to display signs of wear and tear.

For retailers, the run-up to Christmas is their most profitable time of the year. It was essential, therefore, the Mall’s Winter Wonderland crowning glory was installed and fully-waterproofed as quickly and safely as possible in order to provide an additional draw for families and children. Flat roofing specialists, Single Ply Services, from Clevedon near Bristol, in conjunction with main contractors, KD Decoratives, specified Sika-Trocal SGK as the solution – a rapid-apply, best-cost performance bonded membrane.

The castle consists of six modules which were re-roofed during an off-site operation which also involved the installation of Sika-Trocal SGK membrane. The modules were then weathered together onsite at the Mall. Suitable for both new build and refurbishment applications, in both warm roof and cold roof construction, the membrane provided the age-resistant, weather-proof covering to the modules’ metal deck. With the roof installed, the castle was transferred to the shopping centre where it was craned into its position then weathered together – the Mall’s outdoor car park.

Single Ply Services had four days off site to install a new warm roof weathered with Sika-Trocal SGK and then just one day on site to fully-seal the roof’s connecting joints to ensure its weather-tightness and readiness for Winter Wonderland’s grand opening.

Robin Hambly, Small Works Manager at Single Ply Services, said: We chose Sika-Trocal SGK because it is quick and easy to apply. It is also extremely reliable, and as its job is to keep Father Christmas, his helpers and all his young visitors safe and dry during the festive period, the system’s durability was essential to its specification. We didn’t want to ruin anyone’s Christmas.

The fully-adhered Type SGK roofing membrane is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy in excess of 35 years. It’s easy-to-apply properties ensured Winter Wonderland’s star attraction was completed in-line with the client’s strict deadline, whilst providing an aesthetically-pleasing finish to enhance the castle’s magical appeal for young visitors throughout the festive period.

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