The existing asphalt waterproof covering on the canopy of the iconic Savoy Hotel in London, was in a poor and aged condition and needed a reliable watertight solution. Stormcure was called as a solution was needed quickly to solve the issues while providing an aesthetic finish to match the rest elegance of this world-class hotel. Protec Evolve was specified for its incredibly low odor, allowing guests to be undisturbed during their stay and providing a long lasting watertight solution to the hotel.
Introduction
The Savoy Hotel in London is the ultimate in British luxury and style. A historic landmark on the Strand in the heart of Westminster, this Grade II listed building has been a symbol of elegance since it first opened its doors 135 years ago in August 1889. Known for its iconic art deco design and exceptional guest experience, the Savoy has hosted everyone from royalty to world-famous celebrities, making it a destination that attracts visitors from around the globe.
The Savoy was the first hotel in Britain to have electric lighting throughout, along with other cutting-edge features for the time, like constant hot and cold running water in its luxurious rooms. Even today, it’s all about offering the best possible experience for its guests. But great service isn’t just about what you see and feel—it also depends on the building itself. And when it comes to keeping things in top shape, the roof is no exception.
Project Challenges
When the air conditioning units started leaking inside the hotel, The Savoy brought in Authorized Stormcure Contractors to figure out what was going on and fix the problem quickly. They found that the old asphalt waterproofing on the canopy roof was in bad shape, with cracks and sagging all over.
The canopy roof, made of screed to falls and a concrete deck, had leaks around its eight skylights and cracks that let water seep into the structure, eventually making its way into the air conditioning units. To make things worse, the damaged roof was visible from some of the hotel rooms overlooking the canopy, as well as nearby residences.
One of The Savoy’s biggest concerns was managing odor during the work, as the hotel stayed open throughout the project. Keeping disruptions to daily operations to an absolute minimum was a top priority.
The Stormcure Solution
To address these challenges, the contractors recommended Stormcure’s Protec Evolve System, known for its ultra-low odor during installation. This sustainable, cold-applied liquid membrane offers durable waterproofing for both renovations and new builds.
Using an advanced flexible hybrid polyester methacrylate formula, Protec Evolve is perfect for sensitive environments where minimizing disruption through nuisance odors is critical.
Furthermore, its RapidCure technology allows for super-fast application and cure times as quick as 30 minutes, the system was the ideal choice to meet The Savoy’s tight schedule. Following the making-good of the aged asphalt, Protec Evolve could be applied directly to the old roof surface without any costly and disruptive tear-off works.
The installation of the Protec Evolve System came with some tricky details that Stormcure’s Authorized Contractors had to carefully handle to meet The Savoy’s requirements. One specific request was that the parapet walls were not to be covered by the new liquid waterproofing system. Instead, the waterproof membrane was applied up to at least 150mm on the wall abutments and tucked under the existing cover flashings.
The success of this project highlights Protec Evolve’s flexibility and ability to deliver durable, high-performance waterproofing, even with complex detailing. The end result is a tough, long-lasting finish that will protect the hotel roof for decades, backed by its warrantee for a minimum durability of 30 years.
All the work was completed to the client’s exact specifications and expectations. After a thorough final inspection, the warranty was approved, leaving The Savoy completely satisfied with the outcome.
