Specialist Works

Santander – Roof Refurbishment Framework

Various, Northern Ireland

Specialist Works

Date Completed

Ongoing

Sector

Commercial

Main Contractor

Direct to Client

Project Overview

Project Brief

Thornton were appointed directly by Santander to deliver a programme of roof refurbishment works across multiple live banking facilities throughout Northern Ireland.

The existing roofs varied in construction, including built-up bituminous felt, single-ply PVC membranes and pitched slate coverings, many of which had reached the end of their serviceable life. Persistent water ingress, failed detailing and ongoing maintenance issues were affecting building performance across the portfolio.

The brief was to provide a consistent, long-term waterproofing solution that could be delivered across multiple sites, without full roof replacement and with minimal disruption to live banking operations. Each building presented its own constraints, including restricted access, secure environments, and the need to maintain full functionality of the branches throughout the works.

Method & Outcomes

Thornton adopted a flexible refurbishment strategy tailored to each building, combining overlay waterproofing with targeted build-up interventions where required.

A cold-applied Westwood Wecryl liquid waterproofing system was utilised across the majority of flat roof areas, allowing the existing roof structures to be encapsulated and upgraded without the need for full strip-out. This approach removed the requirement for hot works, reducing fire risk within occupied buildings and enabling safe delivery within sensitive environments.

Where existing substrates were unsuitable, localised strip-back works were undertaken, including the installation of new plywood decking and vapour control layers to provide a stable and compliant base for the new waterproofing system. This ensured that the solution addressed not only surface-level defects, but also underlying performance issues.

Works were delivered across a range of roof types, including flat and pitched roofs, requiring different access and installation approaches depending on the building. Access strategies included scaffold towers, powered access equipment and controlled internal routes, particularly in constrained town centre locations where external access was limited.

Operating within live banking environments was a key challenge throughout. Materials and equipment were carefully managed, often transported through operational buildings, with strict segregation of work areas to maintain safety, security and day-to-day operations. Close coordination with Santander ensured that disruption was kept to a minimum across all sites.

The completed works provide Santander with a consistent, durable waterproofing solution across their estate, eliminating ongoing leaks and significantly extending the service life of the existing roofs. The programme demonstrates Thornton’s ability to deliver multi-site refurbishment works in secure, operational environments, adapting methodology to suit each building while maintaining quality and control throughout.