85 years of Wykamol Experience Helps Restore 1000 Years of Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle is nearing the end of a 5-year, £28 million restoration on the original Ducal Palace and the creation of a new-build Visitor Centre.

Specialist waterproofing and groundworks company, Melfort, have specified and installed several products from the extensive Wykamol range, including:   

• CM8 Cavity Drain Membranes to waterproof arches, creating part of the ‘Visitors Trail’ with historic artefacts to be displayed within.
• Wykamol Floor drain channels were used in areas where perimeter drainage was not possible in order to maintain original flooring, tiling and wall features.
• Floor Membrane Systems with drainage coming down two storeys with a specially designed system in the Rebels’ gallery and Education Centre.
• Type A membranes used on new-build visitors centre under concrete slab.
• Ultracure damp-proofing cream used in main Ducal Palace to prevent rising damp in interior walls. Minimal disruption to walls to maintain original features so drilling at first available mortar point and leaving brick bare.
• Sureproof membrane used on external areas of Ducal Palace and then back filled with soil and concrete to ensure good adhesion to masonry.
• Technoseal used on external dining area adjacent to new-build Visitor Centre, to be used for café and outdoor dining.

The hill location of the castle was exploited by the use of natural drainage throughout.

Archaeologists and English Heritage have been on-site throughout ensuring stringent building regulations are adhered to and every piece of the historical structure is documented for the archives before being built upon or amended. Boiler room – old Victorian plumbing and coal shoots to remain in situ despite access being impossible after renovations.

A team made up of Melfort and Wykamol personnel are working in conjunction with English Heritage and archaeologists to create bespoke waterproofing systems that do not interfere with original aspects of the building which are to be maintained. A substantial number of historical findings are to be accurately documented for records, even if the items are to be covered.