Roofing Membrane at Clifford's Tower Restoration | Elevate EMEA

Elevate's RubberGard EPDM single-ply roofing membrane was selected because of its elasticity and durability to provide waterproofing and contribute to the remarkable restoration project of one of York's most iconic landmarks, Clifford's Tower.

Clifford's Tower is a historic landmark from the era of King Henry III, located in York, UK. Throughout much of the 14th and 15th centuries, it served various purposes, including a treasury, exchequer, mint, gaol, and seat of royal power. The tower remained in ruins for a long time after a devastating fire in 1684. The ambitious roof deck restoration was led by Hugh Broughton Architects in collaboration with conservation specialists Martin Ashley Architects.

A free-standing timber structure was constructed to welcome visitors and allow them to explore previously inaccessible areas of the tower, while a raft foundation was implemented to preserve the archaeological remains below. One of the main concerns for this structure was ensuring durable waterproofing, making Elevate's RubberGard EPDM an optimal choice for the project. Installed by roofing contractor Modern Roofs, this new roof deck not only protects the interior of the project but also offers panoramic views of the historic city.

Jason Jayes, director of Modern Roofs said: "We needed to make sure both the materials and the installation process were of the highest quality, providing the assurance that the waterproofing will last for generations and that this incredible landmark can be enjoyed by visitors for many more years to come.”

Throughout the 16-month project, Elevate authorized distributor PermaRoof and Elevate's technical support team prioritized preserving the tower's heritage. Carl Bailey, Regional Technical Manager for Elevate in the UK added: “The durability of RubberGard EPDM made it ideal for this important heritage project. The membrane has an unrivaled resistance to ozone, UV radiation and extreme temperatures, and as it doesn’t contain any plasticisers or flame retardants, its characteristics remain stable and unchanged over time. Made from a synthetic rubber compound, another benefit of RubberGard EPDM is that it is installed without the need for hot works, making onsite working conditions safer.”

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