RubberGard EPDM chosen to waterproof iconic ICEHOTEL in Sweden

The iconic ICEHOTEL stands in the city of Jukkasjarvi, in northern Sweden, where winter dominates most of the year. This remarkable hotel attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year, especially during the winter months, thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle and the enchanting snowy landscapes.

Shortly after the ICEHOTEL was built, back in 1989, the building faced a persistent issue of leaks on the roof of the main suites. Despite several attempts to address the problem, no lasting solution was found.

A comprehensive investigation was carried out to identify the root cause of these leakages and how to prevent them. The inquiry revealed that the hotel's roof had suffered substantial damage due to the harsh local weather and inadequate roofing system. Additionally, a poorly installed green roof aggravated the situation, facilitating the accumulation of ponding water and resulting in further leakages.

Frustrated but determined to resolve these issues once and for all, the ICEHOTEL team decided to seek professional assistance. They reached out to Elevate sales representative Pierre Cervin who, together with Swedish construction company Caneco, thoroughly assessed the situation and proposed a durable solution for the building.

Following their analysis, it was decided that the Elevate RubberGard EPDM 1.5 mm thick roofing membrane was the ideal waterproofing material for this project. This choice was due to the membrane's outstanding flexibility and durability, which allows it to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and temperatures as low as -45°C.

The RubberGard EPDM roofing membrane was used to cover a roof area of 3,300 square meters, and also allowed the installation of a new green roof. The membrane was mechanically attached and fully adhered to the support, mainly due to the challenging weather conditions in the region.

The meticulous attention to detail during the installation process ensured that the ICEHOTEL will remain leak-free for decades to come, allowing it to once again welcome guests from around the world.