Flexcrete’s concrete waterproofing products were truly put to the test in Hong Kong, when shortly after completion of a green roof waterproofing project at the Australian International School in Kowloon, the roof effectively bore the full force of Typhoon Vicente, the strongest to hit Hong Kong since 1999.
The school has an innovative green roof design which creates an open air, eco-friendly work space able to accommodate two classes simultaneously. The roof space features an Australian-themed garden housing art installations and lush greenery. With stunning views across the city of Kowloon, the green roof serves as a platform for teaching students about the environment, as well as providing a recreational space, and it is an oasis of green in the heart of Kowloon, one of Hong Kong’s most densely populated cities.
When a waterproofing solution was needed for the green roof, environmental considerations were high on the specification list. Cemprotec Elastic – a waterborne, protective coating with an ultra low VOC rating and certification to EN 1504-2 – was specified to waterproof the structure. It is also independently tested for root resistence, a vital consideration in green roof design. Over joints and areas of known movement, Cemprotec Elastic was reinforced with Cemprotec 2000-S reinforcing tape to ensure effective sealing. Despite winds of over 140km/h, heavy downpours and flying debris, the roof remained intact during the Typhoon.