Flexcrete membranes can vastly improve the external appearance of buildings and in one of our latest projects – Bramall Court in Salford, Greater Manchester – our Monodex Smooth anti-carbonation coating has provided outstanding protection against the elements whilst upgrading the exterior significantly.
Bramall Court forms part of the University of Salford’s Student Village, offering living accommodation to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Owned by Campus Living Villages in partnership with the University, Bramall Court is a multi-storey building which houses a total of 346 two, three and four bedroom apartments for home and international students. It is situated less than a mile from the main University of Salford campus and a 20 minute walk from Manchester City Centre.
A major refurbishment programme was carried out by specialist repair contractor Quadriga Contracts Ltd to improve the external appearance of Bramall Court and make it structurally sound. All work needed to be carried during student breaks and the summer shutdown so there was minimal disruption to normal routines within the building. A large scaffold was erected to cover the whole structure during the repair and protection work.
Exposed concrete areas such as balconies and ring beams had degraded over time and once repair work had been carried out, Monodex Smooth – a high performance, waterborne decorative coating – was applied by Quadriga Contracts Ltd. It was chosen on the basis of its excellent track record of protecting buildings from the damaging effects of carbonation and water ingress, whilst providing an aesthetic finish. As Monodex Smooth is rapid drying, allowing two coat applications on the same day, it was ideal for this project where time constraints were tight. It is also a low hazard, water-based product with ultra-low VOC, so there were absolutely no concerns about applying the coating in a public area.
Affording outstanding durability with a design life up to 15 years before first maintenance, Monodex Smooth is CE marked in accordance with the demands of BS EN 1504 and an encapsulated in-film biocide inhibits the growth of mould, mildew and lichens, ensuring it maintains an attractive appearance throughout its lifespan. Monodex Smooth is highly elastomeric and is able to accommodate thermal and structural movement without cracking or flaking. It also provides outstanding anti-carbonation protection and allows substrate moisture to escape without blistering or weakening of adhesion. Monodex Smooth is available in a range of colours, of which steel grey was chosen for this project.