"roof forms"

Sika Liquid Plastics has specified and supplied a roof upgrade solution for West Suffolk Hospital to renew the waterproofing membrane on multiple areas of the hospital campus and create a gradual pitch to aid drainage while enhancing the building’s thermal performance. Delivered by specialist contractor, Allard Construction, the phase four programme included seven sections of the building in a 20 week programme. The seven areas that needed work were all under heavy coverage of mechanical plant and pipework, and consequently there were large areas of restricted access, these issues made Sika Liquid Plastics the perfect choice for the project

The former ToysRUs premises in Luton required complete refurbishment and part of the project involved renovation of the metal roof. Liquasil's BBA Approved Metalseal 20 system was specified because it includes the advanced, SWT Primer to treat cut edge and spot corrosion in-situ. The metal gutters were lined with Liquasil's Gutterseal, seamless liquid gutter lining system. Upon completion of the metal roof coating project, the unique, Liquasil Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee was issued. The Liquasil guarantee includes cover for Professional Design, meaning that you can specify Liquasil products with 100% confidence.

We delve into Anna's inspiring rooflight replacement journey in her Hertfordshire home with a Vario by VELUX custom-made roof window. This stunning addition has wholly transformed her living space.At Vario by VELUX, we understand the importance of custom-made solutions to suit your unique needs, and our bespoke flat roof windows are designed to do just that. Anna's story is a testament to how our Vario by VELUX Rooflights can create a space filled with daylight, enhancing ambience and interior design.Custom Made Roof Window CollaborationAnna, who hails from South Africa and relocated to the UK almost 40 years ago, recognises the importance of natural light and how it can significantly impact your well-being. Having lived in her Hertfordshire home for many years, she knew it was time to replace her existing lantern rooflight due to a leak and a desire for a more modern design.When she reached out to her architect for guidance, he recommended Vario by VELUX, a decision that proved to be a game-changer for her home. Our team worked closely with Anna, making the bespoke flat roof window fit around the structural beam and seamlessly integrated with her living space. The result was nothing short of beautiful, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and flexibility Vario by VELUX is known for.What improvements have you seen between the old rooflight and the new one?“The design of the extension is better now than when we had the previous rooflight. The lantern that stood up always bothered my eye and now this flat roof is unobtrusive. When I look out of my windows upstairs I don't see anything, I just see the garden, it’s just opened up another dimension.Another thing is the rain, the sound is different - it’s softer and I like the pool of water you can see lying on it - the different little patterns. It’s a wonderful sound and view so I really recommend it.”The Impact of Unlimited Daylight on Your HomeWith the Vario Unlimited Rooflight installed, Anna's living space now basks in abundant natural light. This daylight not only brightens up the room but also enhances the overall interior design. Even on cloudy days, the room remains well-illuminated, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The difference is undeniable, and Anna couldn't be happier with the transformation, stating, “I had such a good experience, everything was done so professionally… the end product is beautiful.”Advantages of Flat Roof Windows Over Lantern Roof DesignsWhen considering the choice between a flat roof window, like Vario Roof lights, and a lantern roof design, it's essential to highlight the benefits that make the former stand out:Unobstructed Views: Unlike traditional lantern-style skylights, flat roof windows can offer a more discreet and clean design that blends seamlessly with the roof. This design allows unrestricted views of surroundings, creating a more open and expansive feeling within a space. Lanterns can provide a beautiful and artistic effect by breaking up the daylight with the lantern intersections.Balancing Cost and Style in Skylights: Choosing between flat glass rooflights and lantern skylights isn't just about style but also cost. Flat glass rooflights are a bit friendlier on your wallet and can even help lower your heating bills, thanks to their excellent insulation. But don't let that sway you if your heart is set on a lantern skylight! They might require more time and expertise to install, but the result could be well worth it. Ultimately, the choice is yours - both options bring daylight and elegance.Ventilation: Vario flat rooflights are designed to maximise airflow thanks to our upstand, contributing to a well-ventilated and fresh interior space. Lantern roof lights, on the other hand, excel in aesthetics, adding a distinct charm to any room. However, their ventilation efficiency may not be as high as that of flat roof windows. Both options present a blend of form and functionality to consider.Insulation Differences: Lantern skylights and flat roof windows both provide insulation but to varying degrees. Lanterns with multiple glazing pane joints tend to have poorer insulation, leading to more heat loss. Conversely, flat roof windows, with fewer connections, generally offer superior insulation.There are certainly pros and cons to both types of rooflight design. What matters most is that you are considering adding more daylight into your your designs!Experience the ‘Wow Factor’ With a Bespoke Roof WindowAnna's advice when considering a renovation is crystal clear: "I really don’t think you can do an extension without a rooflight." She believes it's essential for well-being and making your space more enjoyable. A rooflight adds the "wow factor" that can genuinely make your life better.Incorporating a Vario skylight into your project can be a game-changer, just as it was for Anna.

Sliding-Over Fixed Rooflight Maximises Light In Mansard Roof Extension Case Study

Project: Creative Centre, York St John UniversityClient: Tate+Co ArchitectsScope of project: Design and supply 24 bespoke-sized rooflights for the roof of a triple-height atrium to fit within apertures in a glulam timber grid.Products: 24 bespoke sized em.glaze rooflights, some with concealed actuator smoke ventsThe ChallengeThe roof of the striking 14m, triple-height atrium, which forms the centrepiece of the newly opened Creative Centre at York St John University, features a glulam timber roof grid. Architects Tate+Co wanted to punctuate that grid with bespoke sized rooflights to bring even more light into a space which is used as an exhibition, teaching and theatre space, as well as somewhere for students to mix and relax. The rooflights had to have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, in line with the overall design intent of the atrium and, because almost all the services in the atrium are hidden, needed to be available with matching concealed actuator smoke vents.The SolutionWhitesales designed and supplied 24 bespoke-sized em.glaze rooflights which suited the specification perfectly. The flush-glazed glass-to-edge design of the em.glaze units with flat sealed glass units fitted within a fully welded, thermally broken aluminium frame achieved the lean, crisp look the architects were looking for. The fact that they were also available with fully concealed actuators in the smoke vents supplied by our affiliate business Sertus was an added bonus. All the rooflights were supplied for the project complete with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands, which enabled them to be fitted directly into the glulam grid, saving the contractors time on site. They were also fitted with specially coated glazing which allowed for a degree of solar gain and contributing to the low energy requirements of the BREEAM Excellent rated building.‍The BenefitsAs well as the meeting the design specification, Whitesales’ technical team helped to ensure that the em.glaze rooflights could be installed quickly and efficiently by the main contractors Kier Construction. We estimate that our recommendation to supply the units with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands saved the roofing team at least two weeks on site because they didn’t have to construct the upstands themselves and the integrated splay made waterproofing the roof a lot easier. Tate+Co Director Andy Baker-Falkner is delighted with the em.glaze units: “We liked the lean, crisp design of the Whitesales em.glaze units, particularly with the clean white reveal and option for fully concealed vent actuators.”

ProjectSurespan designed and manufactured these huge electrically operated sliding glazed roof hatches also provide free airflow of 7m² for smoke ventilation!These bespoke designs were part of a redevelopment on Great Portland Street in London. The covers were 4610 x 1955mm and featured an electrically driven opening motor.Product: The covers provide 7m² free airflows (As it is sliding there are no obstructions to the ventilation) according to approved document B (fire safety) paragraph 5b diagrams C.7.The glazing features laminated and heat-strengthened low iron glass to L40.A further fixed rooflight was also supplied to the size of 4935mm x 1955mm, the thermally broken multi-pane rooflight provides natural daylight

This is an example of an asbestos roof cleaning and coating project using a closed box pressure washer and the BBA Approved Asbestoseal asbestos roof coating system from Liquasil. Specify Asbestoseal with confidence, as it's the only BBA approved system on the market for this purpose. It also comes with the unique Liquasil Latent Defcts Insurance Guarantee, including cover for Professional Design. Need more information? See our NBS specification or call 0121 709 5352. Liquasil is owned and run by Chartered Building Surveyors. We will help you with your specs!