Multiseal Services used Dowsil 791T low modulus weatherproof sealant in the refurbishment of The Willis Building, in Ipswich.
The structure is currently undergoing a programme of renovations and improvements led by contractor Novum Structures; while Multiseal is carrying out the glazing repairs and replacing all of the old joint seals.
Novum was first awarded the contract for the maintenance of the glazing for The Wills Building in May 2019. This involved a complete re-seal of all the mastic to the glass joint. Following these works Novum then became responsible for replacing broken units caused by a number of factors, from stones thrown up by passing traffic to bird strikes.
Originally completed in 1975, the building was designed by the internationally renowned architect, Sir Norman Foster, and is considered to be the forerunner for High Tech office design. Still occupied by the insurance company now known as Willis Towers Watson
Multiseal managing director Damian Corner said: “The glazing is old – though a number of the plate glass panels have been replaced due to breakages – and the high-modulus mastic previously used was generally in a poor condition. We were asked to carry out a preliminary survey on the glazing, and there were a lot of places where you could just pull the mastic out of the joints.
“By using the clear version of the Dowsil 791 you just get a free-floating appearance against the structural fins, as the glazing appears clear from inside the offices or the roof top canteen, which was the last area we addressed. Then in addition to the 791T, we also made use of Dowsil R40 cleaner to remove any residue on the surfaces; it has been a very successful project despite the interruption caused by the coronavirus lockdown.”
specification.sherwin-williams.co.uk/
