With the latest Department of Education forecast saying that an extra 750,000 school places will be needed in England by 2025, under pressure and resourceful primary schools are transforming their roofs into playgrounds to create much needed space.
The greatest demand for space is within inner city schools and so specifiers are turning to one of the world’s oldest waterproofing materials – mastic asphalt – which offers waterproofing and durability to provide excellent strength and protection for rooftop playgrounds areas.
Many school architects are now using the material as the only possible membrane reliable and tough enough to take a rooftop playground. These innovative outdoor spaces incorporate everything from landscaped areas for children’s learning to playgrounds, outdoor learning areas and multi-use pitches.
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.
With a long history, mastic asphalt is still far in advance of many modern membranes. 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.