Project: Urgent Response Centre Countess of Chester Hospital
Address: Countess of Chester Health Park, Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, CH2 1BQ
Architects: Gilling Dod
Contractor: Read Construction
Roof size: Main Roof 87m2, Link Roof 7m2, Reception Extension Roof 41m2 Total 135m
Roof system: Sikaplan SGK-18 Lead Grey, 25 Year guarantee
Installation: Sikatherm tapered MC
About the Project:
The new £3.5 million Urgent Response Centre has now been completed at the Countess of Chester Health Park, forming an extension to the existing Upton Lea mental health facility.
Designed to transform access to urgent mental health services, the building provides dedicated therapeutic assessment rooms alongside a Section 136 “place of safety,” offering a more appropriate and supportive alternative to A&E departments.
By centralising crisis services within a purpose-built environment, the facility now plays a key role in reducing pressure on emergency services while improving patient experience and care outcomes.
Our role in the project:
Here at Enviroply Roofing, we were responsible for delivering a complete Sikaplan roofing package across the main roof, link roof, and reception extension. Each of these roofs were created with the same build-up and system, for a consistent result across the board. Given the sensitive nature of the healthcare environment, the system had to meet strict performance requirements, including long-term durability, fire safety, and resistance to moisture and condensation.
Air and Vapour Control Layer
Following preparation of the plywood substrate, all roof areas were primed using SikaRoof® Primer-610. This is a spray-applied primer designed to ensure consistent adhesion across the deck.
A S-Vap 5000E SA self-adhesive, reinforced bituminous air and vapour control layer was then installed. This foil-faced AVCL was fully bonded across the roof areas, with all laps sealed to create a continuous airtight barrier.
This layer plays a critical role in preventing moisture ingress and controlling internal vapour movement, particularly important given the building’s healthcare use and associated high humidity classification.
Insulation
To achieve the required thermal performance, Sikatherm® MW tapered stone wool insulation was installed to deliver a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K.
The insulation, manufactured to BS EN 13162, is a dual-density, non-combustible solution offering both high compressive strength and excellent fire performance, which are both key considerations for a healthcare facility.
Boards were installed in a staggered bond pattern and bonded using SikaRoof® C-300 polyurethane adhesive, ensuring a secure and consistent installation across all roof areas while accommodating the tapered falls design to promote effective drainage.
Waterproof Membrane
The roof areas were finished with Sikaplan SGK-18 in lead grey. This is a durable PVC single ply membrane selected for its proven performance in demanding environments.
The system provides excellent resistance to weathering, UV exposure, and mechanical stress, ensuring long-term waterproofing integrity. Its compatibility with the full Sika system also allowed for secure installation and consistent detailing across all roof zones.
Detailing
All roof detailing was completed using fully compatible Sika components to ensure system integrity throughout. Upstands, penetrations, and perimeter details were formed using Sikaplan® SG-15 and G-15 membranes, providing flexibility and durability at critical junctions.
Mechanical restraint was achieved using S-Peelstop bars with stainless steel fasteners, installed at key locations to secure the membrane and manage wind uplift.
Drainage was upgraded using SikaRoof® Drain outlet systems, allowing for fully welded connections to the membrane and ensuring long-term watertight performance.
To support safe access and ongoing maintenance, Sikaplan® Walkway-20 tiles were installed along designated routes, protecting the membrane from foot traffic and extending the lifespan of the roof system.
The result
Upon completion, the entire roofing system was backed by a Sika 25-Year Performance Plus Guarantee, providing assurance to the client that both materials and workmanship meet the highest standards.
The result is a reliable, high-performance roofing solution that supports a vital healthcare facility and will continue to perform for decades to come.
