The “bloke that bloody built” the National Maritime Museum has disputed its claim that the roof is leaking, claiming water is coming in due to a lack of maintenance.
Justin Palmer wrote to the Packet after seeing a report about the museum on Discovery Quay, Falmouth closing for six weeks at the beginning of next year to fix it.
Mr Palmer said that he went from general foreman to senior site manager over his years on the project and is exceptionally proud of the work he managed.
“Let me make this very clear indeed,” he told the Packet. “The roof is not leaking.
He claimed the management of the museum had not followed operations and maintenance and look after the museum, not carrying out basic routine maintenance of the outside of the building.
“On my last visit I even offered to do it for them as I saw from the tower that the flat roof has never been cleaned in 24 years and the build-up of feather and nests and bird crapping have blocked the drainage outlet hoppers leading to the roof flooding and coming over the flashing height.
“This has made the water come in long term contact with the hardwood door frame on the tower for example leading to rotting and water ingress.
“It is impossible for that roof structure type to leak. It is a hydrostatically tested Sarnafelt roof system. As watertight as a swimming pool.”
He said the building has a 150-year design lifespan, far beyond the spec of nearly all modern construction projects.
“However, to achieve this, like any building it must be maintained to a high standard,” he said. “If you do not clean the gutters of your house, what happens? My museum is no different.
“MJ Long [the famed architect who designed the building] will be turning in her grave.
“Signed, the bloke that bloody built it.”
The Maritime Museum says the closure is so the museum can make vital repairs to the building’s roof, which has leaked for many years.
It said previous attempts have been made to repair the roof, but no lasting solutions were found, and the leaks returned.
It said the latest fix is a more radical approach and involves the complete replacement of the roofing system and an increase in the overall drainage by providing additional drainage outlets and weatherproofing.
It said the rainwater ingress had created a challenging environment for the museum, impacting its ability to care for its collection, suitably maintain the fabric of the building and deliver an enjoyable experience for its visitors.
The museum continues to be fully operational until just after the Christmas holidays. Following its temporary closure from Monday, January 6, 2025 it will reopen on Saturday 15 February for its popular Science of the Sea February half term activities.
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