Installation:

Mastic Asphalt

Description:

Sussex Asphalte renewed the asphalt to St Paul’s Cathedral iconic Stone Gallery replacing asphalt laid in 1906 (416m2). At 53 metres the Gallery’s exposure to the elements and surface deterioration caused water ingress damaging artwork inside the Dome.

Successful project management and asphalt installation was key to conserving one of the most important architectural structures in the U.K. Works were phased to enable continued public access to Stone Gallery sections.

The height and highly sensitive fabric of the building meant that all materials were transported to the Gallery through a series of hoists, requiring careful operation and management.

Asphalt was stripped and re-laid in sections to ensure watertightness. Stripping enabled the client to view the condition of the Portland Stone paving beneath the asphalt. During this work a disused stairwell was discovered that was made safe by operatives.

The Stone Gallery includes a central gutter covered by iron grills that were removed, cleaned and refitted on the new asphalt (122 linear metres). To ensure the correct width of asphalt was applied a gutter template was fabricated and used as a guide by the asphalters, requiring skilled precision work.

Other detail asphalt works involved adjustments to rainwater outlets to improve drainage, and vertical upstand into a chase, including a double angle fillet around the Galley’s circumference (286 linear metres).

Through excellent project management, the works were completed ahead of schedule.

Additional Information:

Given the conservation and architectural significance of St Paul’s Cathedral, Sussex Asphalte hosted a successful site visit by a large group of surveyors to promote the roofing profession and asphalt installation by highly skilled craftsmen.

The unique nature of the project; the importance and sensitivity of the site; the opportunity to positively promote roofing; and the successful completion of the project on time to the customer’s satisfaction make this one of Sussex Asphalte’s most important projects in its 70 year history.

We are delighted that our work on St Paul’s Cathedral Stone Gallery has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Mastic Asphalt category of the UK Roofing Awards 2018