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As one of the UK’s most iconic and historically significant structures, Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed site that demands the highest standards in conservation, safety and technical delivery. As part of a planned preventative maintenance programme, three independent external ticket office roofs at the north and south approaches were identified as having reached the end of their serviceable life. The original asphalt waterproofing, installed in the 1960s, had deteriorated and required replacement to ensure continued weatherproofing and long-term asset protection.
The project required a carefully considered solution that would respect the bridge’s protected status, retain the visual character of the existing roofs, and be installed without disrupting operations. Working in a live public environment with significant pedestrian footfall added further complexity, as did the requirement to avoid hot works and maintain the original light grey reflective finish.
Garland UK was appointed as system designer and material supplier, with Technical Manager Jack Costello overseeing the specification, detailing and technical support throughout the works.
Managing risk within a live public environment
While the roof areas were modest in size, the technical and logistical constraints created a highly sensitive working environment. The roofs form part of a functioning ticket office within a conservation area, requiring a non-invasive solution that would preserve the underlying structure and original appearance.
A key design constraint was that no changes could be made to existing parapet heights, thresholds or detailing. The new waterproofing system therefore, had to terminate precisely at existing interfaces, with no tolerance for additional build-up. Given the live, high-traffic nature of Tower Bridge, hot works were strictly prohibited, and installation had to be carefully coordinated to avoid impact on daily operations.
The winter programme introduced further challenges. Low ambient temperatures and variable conditions required careful control of catalyst quantities and curing times to maintain consistency of finish and performance. Detailed planning and controlled sequencing formed part of the wider strategy, ensuring safe delivery without affecting visitor access.
Although straightforward in terms of access and roof layout, the project demanded precision in product application and finish detailing to avoid any compromise to performance or appearance.
Conservation-compliant system selection
Garland UK specified the Dura-Coat liquid waterproofing system, a polyurethane-modified methyl methacrylate (PMMA) solution designed to provide durable waterproofing over existing substrates, including aged asphalt. This approach enabled retention of the existing structure in line with conservation requirements and supported a lifecycle-focused maintenance strategy rather than full structural replacement.
Its flame-free, cold-applied application removed the need for hot works within the live public setting, reducing fire risk and supporting safe site management. Dura-Coat’s rapid curing properties supported installation during lower temperatures, with catalyst levels adjusted daily to suit site conditions. The system build-up allowed for direct application to the prepared asphalt substrate without altering thresholds or parapet levels.
The specification included primer, an embedment coat with reinforcement fleece, and a colour-matched light grey topcoat to replicate the original solar-reflective finish. All materials were fully compatible with the existing asphalt and designed to provide long-term waterproofing performance.
Regular inspection and quality assurance reviews were undertaken throughout the programme to ensure compliance with both specification requirements and conservation obligations.
Asset protection delivered without disruption
The project was delivered safely and without disruption to Tower Bridge’s daily operations. The refurbished roofs now provide high-performance waterproofing while preserving the heritage appearance and physical integrity of the original structures.
Delivered as part of a structured maintenance programme, the scheme demonstrates how proactive roof refurbishment can extend asset life while safeguarding public access on nationally significant facilities. Garland UK’s specification-led approach and close collaboration with the installation team ensured that operational continuity, risk management and conservation compliance remained central throughout the programme.
The completed works are supported by Garland UK’s 20 year Single-Point Guarantee covering design, materials and installation workmanship, providing the client with long-term assurance and a clear line of responsibility for ongoing asset performance.
