Case Study
Abbotts Building

Abbotts Building, on Brighton’s iconic seafront, is located directly opposite to one of its key attractions, the British Airways i360, and commands impressive views of the English Channel.

Plans for replacing the building’s roof were formed, following inspection of a leak in January 2016 by Kevin Smith of Priors Surveyors in Hove. The existing liquid roof system, had been patched and repaired many times with varying degrees of success. This latest problem led the building’s owners, Regency Management Company Ltd, to investigate a complete roof replacement.

Following a thorough selection process, both of system and contractor, Clarke Roofing (Southern) Ltd was chosen to install a bituminous system, finished with Icopal’s Profiles XL Plus capsheet. A key driver for this system was the 20-year Product and Workmanship guarantee that it carries, something that Clarke Roofing, an IMA member, was able to offer.

Although two systems were in contention, the liquid option, using Icopal’s Enviroflex, was dropped in favour of the bituminous Profiles system. Given the location of the site and its exposure to coastal weather, it was felt that the Profiles system’s greater thickness would provide longer, more durable protection.

The project was carried out efficiently, particular care being taken over upstands detailing, drainage and the services located on the roof. The final element installed was a freestanding guardrail system.

Clarke Roofing were on-site in July 2017, assisted by Icopal throughout via regular contact and on-site inspections.

The finished project is a roof that enhances Brighton’s skyline and given Abbott’s proximity to the i360, the roof is continually on show to locals and visitors alike.

The owners of Abbott’s penthouse apartment are so thrilled, they even took part in the finished project photoshoot, along with representatives of Clarke Roofing and Icopal.