With rising pupil numbers fast becoming the norm across the UK and the Local Government Agency predicting a further 130,000 places will be needed by 2017/2018, under pressure primary schools are creating much needed space through the creation of rooftop playgrounds.
To meet this demand, one of the world’s oldest waterproofing materials – mastic asphalt – is seeing a renaissance as more and more specifiers look again at the combined properties of mastic asphalts waterproofing and durability which can provide excellent strength and protection for rooftop playgrounds areas in inner city schools.
Such is the reliability and integrity of mastic asphalt that many school architects are now using the material as the only possible membrane reliable and tough enough to take a rooftop playground.
Quickly applied thanks to hot charged delivery straight to site, the laying of mastic asphalt is exceptionally quick – causing a minimum of disruption to educational environments. Non-toxic and non-flammable, it is an ideal choice for public projects, especially those where safety is paramount.
And it’s not only primary schools that are reaping the benefits of mastic asphalt, secondary schools, colleges, leisure centres and hospitals have also found that a tough and durable waterproofing membrane will transform a worn out roof into a usable and much-needed outdoor space.
Though traditional, mastic asphalt is still far in advance of many modern membranes. In fact, mastic asphalt is without question the toughest and most durable waterproof membrane available to architects, building owners and other key specifiers. It offers market leading longevity in excess of 50 or even 60 years.
In fact, mastic asphalt is so durable over long periods that it is considered by construction professionals to have little impact on the environment. At the end of its useful life, mastic asphalt is 100% recyclable or can be used in mastic asphalt screeds or hardcore making it the ideal environment friendly option.