Walkway and Staircase Waterproofing
Structural Renovations Limited recently completed repairs and waterproofing works to the external walkways and staircases at Canon Appleton Court in Canterbury for Housing 21.
The residential scheme provides accommodation for older residents, with first-floor properties accessed via raised external walkways. The works covered approximately 350m² of walkways, together with associated upstands, skirtings and three external staircases.
Preparing and Repairing the Existing Surfaces
Preparation began with an inspection and hammer testing of the existing surfaces to identify loose and defective areas. These were carefully broken out back to a sound substrate before being reinstated using Sika MonoTop 630 Rapid repair mortar.
The walkways were thoroughly cleaned to remove surface contamination and prepare them for the new waterproofing system. Localised repairs were also undertaken to the existing asphalt, with new mortar upstands formed where required to help control water run-off and protect entrances below.
Installing the Waterproofing System
Following preparation, the walkways and staircases received the Sikafloor Pronto RB-58 waterproofing system, installed to Sika’s project specification.
The surfaces were primed using Sikafloor 10 Pronto N, followed by Sikafloor 32 Pronto incorporating Sika Reemat Premium reinforcement. Further resin was applied to fully encapsulate the reinforcement and form the waterproof membrane.
A wearing layer of Sikafloor 32 Pronto mixed with Pronto Filler was then applied and broadcast with quartz sand to provide a textured, slip-resistant surface. Once cured, the excess aggregate was removed and the system finished with Sikafloor 18 Pronto.
The staircases received the same waterproofing treatment, with contrasting traffic-yellow nosings applied to clearly identify the step edges.
Working Around Residents
With the development remaining occupied throughout the project, careful planning and communication were essential.
The works were undertaken in phases, with barriers, signage and agreed alternative routes used to maintain safe access to residents’ homes. Coordination with Housing 21 and the Court Manager helped manage access restrictions while keeping residents and visitors clear of preparation areas and uncured coatings.
Protecting the Walkways for Future Use
The completed works provide a reinforced waterproof finish to the external access areas, combining protection of the underlying surfaces with a refreshed appearance and slip-resistant finish.