Callaghan Square, Cardiff

Callaghan Square is a modern development located close to Cardiff’s main railway station. Number 1 and 2 is a crescent shaped 15,700m² building overlooking the civic space with fountains. The building is served by a car park that is hidden from view at the rear. The upper, exposed car park deck is level with the elevated railways tracks that run alongside the external parking bays.

The existing external car park surface was worn, and showing signs of age. The original, unidentified coating was delaminating in multiple areas, raising concerns as to the ability to protect the underlying structure. The car park required refurbishment to ensure continued waterproofing and protection of the underlying structure, as well as provide an aesthetic in keeping with the office refurbishment.

Triflex carried out a survey of the multi-storey car park, to assess the condition of the car park surface. The in-depth technical assessment included adhesive and cohesive strength testing. This confirmed that the existing coating was past its serviceable life, and had failed beyond a state that could be overlaid. To ensure the structural protection of the underlying structure, the partially reinforced PMMA system Triflex DeckFloor with Quartz was specified. The connecting ramps are subject to greater forces with vehicles accelerating and turning at the top and bottom. Here the Triflex Emery aggregate was specified to provide a tough, highly anti-skid finish.

The Triflex DeckFloor systems are highly resistant to chlorides (road salts) and with a robust traffic, impact and load resistant wearing layer it’s protection that is engineered to last. The system incorporates an ETA certified, localised waterproofing membrane specifically designed to accommodate movement in car parks. This was used to tackle any cracking or vulnerable areas for long term protection.

In addition, the level 1 car park spaces were refurbished with the Triflex DeckDefence system. The solvent and isocyanate free system combines a self-priming epoxy waterproof coating layer with a PMMA resin-based finish. The two process application benefits from the rapid curing PMMA finish, ensuring an efficient programme of works. With its proven hard-wearing properties, the system has provided a cost effective solution for the internal deck with an improved aesthetic.