Freemasons Hall, London
Roof Waterproofing at Freemasons’ Hall, London
Structural Renovations Limited recently completed specialist roof waterproofing works at the historic Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street in central London.
Freemasons’ Hall is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England. The Great Queen Street site has been used for Masonic meetings since 1775, while the present building—the third Masonic Hall constructed on the site—was built between 1927 and 1933 as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the First World War. Today, it is widely regarded as one of England’s finest Art Deco buildings.
Investigating the Water Ingress
Structural Renovations was initially instructed to undertake a site survey following reports of water ingress through an existing flat roof.
Following the initial inspection, a more detailed condition survey was carried out in conjunction with Proteus Waterproofing. This allowed the existing roof construction and defects to be assessed and an appropriate repair and waterproofing specification to be developed.
Once the condition survey report and specification had been completed, Structural Renovations was instructed to undertake the remedial works and apply a fully reinforced, liquid-applied waterproofing system over the existing roof covering.
Roof Preparation and Repairs
Careful preparation of the existing substrate was essential to the successful installation of the new waterproofing system.
The works included:
Thorough cleaning the existing roof surfaces to remove dirt, debris, organic growth and other surface contaminants.
Repairing splits within the existing asphalt using an approved sealant.
Cutting out and repairing blistered areas of asphalt using an approved repair mortar.
Preparing all details, junctions and penetrations to receive the new waterproofing system.
Application of the Waterproofing System
Following completion of the preparation and localised repairs, the roof was primed using Proteus Pro-Prime Epoxy Primer.
A coat of Proteus Pro-Cold liquid waterproofing membrane was then applied and fully reinforced using Proteus Pro-Force reinforcement. This was followed by a further coat of Proteus Pro-Cold to complete the reinforced waterproofing system.
Designated pedestrian walkways were formed using an additional coat in a contrasting colour, broadcast with Proteus Pro-Aggregate EM. This provided a clearly defined, slip-resistant route across the finished roof.
Detailing Around the Existing Balustrades
The roof incorporated an existing freestanding key-clamp balustrade system. The balustrade bases were temporarily lifted in a controlled sequence to allow the waterproofing membrane to be applied continuously beneath them.
Following completion of the waterproofing works, the balustrades were carefully reinstated and bedded onto proprietary rubber protection mats. This helped distribute the loading and protected the newly applied waterproof coating from damage.
Completed Within Programme
Despite challenging and changeable weather conditions, the works were successfully completed within the agreed programme and to the satisfaction of the client.
The project demonstrates Structural Renovations’ ability to provide a complete, survey-led waterproofing service—from investigating the cause of water ingress and assisting with the development of an appropriate specification through to substrate repairs and the installation of specialist liquid-applied waterproofing systems.
Established in 1993, Structural Renovations works throughout London and the South East as both a principal contractor and specialist subcontractor. Our experienced team provides testing and surveying, leak investigation, structural and building repairs, heritage and conservation works, tanking and waterproofing, joint sealing and liquid-applied membrane systems.
If your building is experiencing water ingress or requires repairs to an existing roof or waterproofing system, please contact our team to arrange an initial discussion or site survey.