Introduction
Client:De Vere Wokefield Estate
Service Provided: Flat Roof Repair Works
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Date: 01/6/2024
Overview
De Vere Wokefield Estate is a Grade II listed country house set within 250 acres of parkland.
As part of an ongoing building preservation and maintenance programme, Express Solutions Group was appointed to carry out essential flat roof repair works on two critical areas of the Mansion House:
- The Flat Roof Above the Fire Escape
- The Flat Roof Over the East Wing
Project Background
- Following reports of water ingress and visible roof deterioration, Express Solutions Group was tasked with identifying the source of the leaks and implementing a long-term waterproofing solution.The project required:
- Specialist roofing expertise for heritage buildings
- Safe access planning due to high-level and confined areas
- Work scheduling to minimise disruption to hotel operations
Project Objectives
- Eliminate water leaks and prevent future damage
- Replace failing roof coverings with a durable, modern system
- Deliver works safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on guests
Scope of Work
1: The Flat Roof Above The Fire Escape
Existing Issues
- Vegetation and debris buildup on the roof surface
- Evidence of internal water ingress
- Damaged felt and deteriorating roof gullies
- Minor timber decay in non-structural areas
Work Undertaken
- Access and Preparation
- Erected tower scaffolding to ensure safe access and working conditions.
- Cleared all vegetation, debris, and existing felt from the roof surface.
- Inspection and Repair
- Inspected roof gullies and located sources of internal leaks.
- Undertook minor timber repairs where necessary (non-structural).
- Installation of New Roofing System
- Prepared the surface and installed a Top Seal GRP Roofing System, providing full waterproof protection.
- Conducted a pressure test to confirm watertight integrity.
- Completion
- Dismantled scaffolding and reinstated the surrounding area upon successful testing.
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Outcome: Complete restoration of waterproofing integrity above the Fire Escape roof.
2: The Flat Roof, East Wing Mansion House
This roof area had steel plates and an air-conditioning condenser installed directly onto the roofing felt, which had caused membrane damage and active leaks.
Repairs were completed in two stages.
Stage 1: Steel Plates Sitting on Roof Felt
Objective:
Remove heavy steel plates damaging the roof and repair the underlying membrane.
Work Undertaken:
- Gained roof access through the designated entry point.
- Used a crane to safely remove two 2400 x 1200mm steel plates from the surface.
- Repaired the affected areas using a felt roofing system to restore waterproof integrity.
Stage 2: Condenser Area – Temporary Sealing Solution
Objective:
Provide a temporary waterproofing solution without removing the condenser unit, which was mounted on a sunken steel plate.
Work Undertaken:
- Left the steel plate in situ to maintain condenser stability.
- Built up layers of felt around the plate to form a watertight seal at the base.
- Applied a topcoat layer over the plate to complete a secure, sealed finish.
Estimated Duration: 1.5 days
Considerations
- RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statement) were prepared and issued.
- Site operations were planned to maintain guest safety and business continuity.
Throughout the project:
- Health and safety protocols were strictly followed.
- Photographic documentation was completed before, during, and after each phase.
- Coordination with De Vere’s facilities management ensured minimal disruption.
Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
| Accessing confined, high-level roof areas without interrupting operations. | Used modular tower scaffolding and scheduled work during low-traffic periods. |
| Managing heavy steel plates and condenser units safely. | Deployed crane-assisted removal and temporary reinforcement methods. |
| Preserving the Mansion House’s historic integrity. | Used compatible materials and finishes to retain the building’s visual character. |
Project Outcome
- Both roof areas were fully repaired and made watertight.
- The Top Seal GRP System delivered a durable, long-term waterproofing solution.
- Temporary and permanent sealing works successfully addressed all leaks.
- All works were completed within timeframe and budget.
These repairs have extended the service life of the Mansion House roof, preventing further water damage and safeguarding the estate’s historic structure.
