"roofing"

Catnic's® Urban roofing and cladding system has provided the ease of installation, aesthetics and lightweight performance needed for a holiday lodge in Ellon, Scotland. When owner Kevin Marr realised that the product provided a convenient zinc alternative – he went on to install the roof himself in just four weeks.The holiday lodge is situated opposite the River Ythan in Ythanbank, Glencroft. The lodge will be rented out to tourists as it offers an ideal location to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape of Scotland.Kevin Marr works as a local plumber in the Glencroft area and undertook his own extensive research on building materials for his holiday lodge. After understanding the performance benefits provided by the pre-coated metal standing seam Catnic® Urban system, Kevin realised it would be an ideal alternative to zinc. He then attended a training session through Burton Roofing Merchants to ensure he had proper guidance when it came to installation.“This is the first time I’ve ever worked with the Catnic® Urban system and it was outstanding – incredibly easy to use,” said building owner Kevin Marr. “I was working through the Christmas holidays to install the roof and therefore it was paramount that the system was lightweight and quick to install. In addition, I needed a robust and durable roof to withstand the, at times, brutal Scottish winds.”Manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel, Catnic's® Urban roofing and cladding system is a cost effective alternative to traditional copper and zinc systems and is seven times lighter than traditional roof tiles. The system is manufactured to meet all relevant legislation, including load bearing for wind speed in accordance with EN 1991-4 and weather tightness in accordance with BS 5534 Parts 1 and 2.Kevin continued: “I am delighted with the way it’s turned out and appreciate the way the Anthracite Grey complements the surrounding environment but at the same time, provides the building with a contemporary aesthetic. I would happily use the system again if I build any further holiday lodges.”Furthermore, the Catnic® Urban panels are 100% recyclable, with a carbon footprint that is three times lower than some of the leading eco-designed urban roofing products. Recognised by independent BBA certificate that the material used to manufacture Catnic® Urban will have durability for a period in excess of 40 years in normal urban, suburban and rural environments.

Castlebar Government OfficesBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) and BauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing systemSynopsisThe roof area of this government office building was complex due to expansion joints, air conditioning units and intricate detailing requirements. Work hours had to be agreed with the client to keep disruption to other ongoing work at the site to a minimum and insulation upgrades were necessary to satisfy building regulations. The office also had to remain open throughout the works, causing some logistical challenges. All deliveries were timed so not to cause any disruption to visitors coming in and out of the facility.Bauder Building BoardProject:Castlebar Government OfficesLocation:Castlebar, Ireland​Roof Area:2,500m²Specifier:Office of Public Works​Approved Contractor:Deane Roofing & Cladding​The specificationBauder’s bituminous system, BTRS, was specified because it is durable, robust and can withstand permanently sited loads of up to 2000Kg/m². The system build-up included Bauder’s 100 mm Thermotech Glass insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.17 U-Value. Small linking roof areas were waterproofed using Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply system, which is long lasting, possessing high tensile strength of over 1100N, and allows for no physical penetrations of the roof.Products appliedBauder Total Roof SystemIntegrated bituminous waterproofing system with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years.Bauder Thermofol PVC1.5 mm single ply membrane can be guaranteed for up to 20 years depending on system type.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 Bauder K5KA heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture. The mineral finish provides protection against UV degradation.2 Bauder ThermotechPIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sides.3 BauderPIR FA-TEAn efficient PIR insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. The top facing features a printed grid pattern to aid site cutting. It is lightweight and has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder Thermofol U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder PIR MTissue-faced flat board insulation, benefitting from a zero ODP and a Green guide rating of ‘A’.3 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen air and vapour control layer with an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyProject specifier, Tony Collins, Office of Public Works:“Bauder delivered a comprehensive roofing solution that utilised their top quality products and unrivalled technical support. Despite the design and logistical challenges encountered, the new roof system was delivered on time and to budget much to the delight of the client” 

A Classic versatile bike shelter. Galvanised box section construction with a clear UV rated PET-G roof and optional sides. Can be easily configured to form compounds as well as add on extension units. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

The Fforestfach site is a busy passenger transport depot for the Local Authority, managed by the Place Directorate, serving a variety of users. Severely weathered and corroded, the original 1,800 sqm roof on the depot comprised of old asbestos corrugated sheets that had degraded over the years, to the point that heavy rain resulted in overflowing gutters and severe internal leaks to the building. Garland UK Technical Manager, Dale Thomas, was asked by the Swansea Councils Property Maintenance team to carry out a full detailed roof survey and specify a waterproofing solution that would overcome the existing asbestos challenges of the depot roof and upgrade the external site offices, whilst minimising any disruption to the daily operations of the active depot.

SAFE TO TORCH FLAT ROOF REFURBISHMENT PROJECT

A large number of rooflights to a curved school roof.

Axter Ltd and Empire Roofing Systems Ltd were engaged by the library directly to upgrade the existing roof covering which was underperforming thermally and in terms of drainage falls.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame FreeStarcoat® PMMAOverviewDesborough Library and Community Hub took over responsibility for the running of the library service in Desborough in 2020. With that came the maintenance of the library building itself. Over time, certain parts of the building had deteriorated. There were leaks and sections of standing water across the 100 square metres plus of flat roofing that forms part of the roof structure.The client applied to The National Lottery Community Fund for a grant that would be used to refurbish the roof area. The Library and Community Hub were fortunate enough to obtain the necessary funding for the work to go ahead.An overlay of the existing system was proposed to utilise the current build up, including a cut to falls insulation scheme to comply with Building Regulations Parts L & H, and BS 6229:2018. Safe2Torch principles were followed throughout with some creative detailing agreed between the contractor and manufacturer due to combustible elements and areas of asbestos.An excellent finish was achieved within budget and in a timescale of 3 weeks.ChallengesAxter were brought in following initial core sampling that was completed by Empire Roofing Systems. The roof area was assessed, and a robust solution was proposed which would alleviate the standing water seen across the roof area, while also improving the thermal performance of the building up to a 0.18 U-Value to comply with Building Regulations: Part L.The existing system was in fair condition but had reached the end of its guaranteed life with no leaks reported and core samples returning dry. There was a noted lack of maintenance across the roof area and significant challenges apparent in terms of detailing due to fire risks and asbestos present.SolutionsBased on the condition of the existing system we were confident that an overlay would be the most cost-effective option. Our Hyranger® multi-layer RBM system was installed using gas driven torches to fully bond the AVCL and capping sheet. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive to reduce the risk of fire, complying with Safe2Torch guidelines. Our hot air applied Force® Neo Bitumen system was installed in the areas of fire risk, and our cold applied Starcoat® PMMA liquid system was installed in areas where a hot air application would be problematic.A cut to falls scheme was designed based on our onsite survey, allowing water to flow freely to the outlets. This alleviated the risk of water buildup and thermal degradation caused by ponding water.Axter’s quality assurance team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with Empire Roofing’s operatives. This was to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards, in order to achieve the Silvershield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the Silvershield guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification. The installation of the roof area was completed to exceptional standards, leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.System and ProductsAxter’s Hyranger® system was used across the main roof area. The system is fully BBA and Broof T4 compliant, and comes with a single point 20 year Axter Silvershield guarantee that covers materials and workmanship. This was signed off by our Quality Assurance Team who audited throughout installation.Safe2Torch principals were adhered to throughout. Our Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free system was predominantly used on any areas of fire risk, as well as our Starcoat® PMMA for the tricky details where a comprehensive weld may not have been possible.Acknowledgments"We knew of Empire Roofing Systems from another good job they had completed for us on a separate part of the building, and asked them to quote for repair of the troublesome flat roofing.Empire and Axter came up with a plan to make the roof drain properly and we went ahead with their quote.The work went ahead on schedule and to plan without any disruption to the running of the Library and Community Hub and took around two weeks to complete.The guys worked hard and were always helpful and polite when we asked any questions about the work in progress. We had an issue with a blocked internal drainpipe which was quickly and effectively dealt with by Jim and his team from Empire.We are delighted with the end results and have the assurance that the work has been inspected by technicians from Axter themselves and comes with their written guarantee." Gil, Desborough Library

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) The roof being part of the collection ...CHALLENGE The 19th-century neoclassical museum in the South district of Antwerp was in need of an entire refurbishment, including an ambitious extension. Therefore the decision was taken to transform the former inner courtyards into a new vertical museum area. A hidden modern museum showcasing contemporary art within the walls of the old historic one. Two different worlds within one building. To protect the valuable art collection of paintings and drawings a solution was sought to bring as much indirect and northern light into the art rooms as possible. SOLUTIONIn this respect, Claus en Kaan architects created a fabulously ingenious design for the roof. The rooftop would be completed with no fewer than 198 triangular skylights. As well as presenting aesthetic value, the roof triangles are designed in such a way as to have northern light entering the museum. As north-facing windows would allow indirect light, an important feature to protect the valuable works of art inside. In addition, to provide extra reflection of light, the architects opted for a white roof.

Of all the places you can install a roof, schools – particularly ones attended by the youngest children – are among the most demanding of the lot.But with professionalism and perseverance, Derbyshire’s NRA Roofing managed to achieve outstanding results fitting SSQ Del Carmen slate on Millbridge Primary School in Liversedge.Following a competitive tendering process, NRA were chosen to strip the building’s existing slates and provide robust, weatherproof replacements that managed to retain its traditional aesthetics. Del Carmen provided the perfect solution.The work was carried out in three phases. Scaffolding was erected on the lower sections of the roof so installers could reach the highest part of the building. This was then stripped and adapted in stages so they could get to the lower areas.

The architects WilkinsonEyre were appointed to design this stunning swimming pool for the Worthing Borough Council following a RIBA competitor.Located adjacent to the existing Aquarena on the Worthing seafront, the Splashpoint Centre's design incorporates flexible space for all types of leisure activity.Main contractor Morgan Sindall looked to Kingsley Specialist Roofing for all the exterior cladding and roofing - with our versatile DuraMet hard metal system being used to clad this stunning landmark building. Challenges were met and solved with ease and the project completed to the full satisfaction of the client."We couldn't have been more pleased - all the deliveries were on time and the fasteners were great, excellent service!"Daniel Madell - Procurement Manager at Kingsley Specialist Roofing Ltd

Specialist roofing and cladding contractor Metclad Ltd were employed by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland to provide the roofing and cladding works.Metclad collaborated with Fixfast's technical team to ensure that the best fastener systems were used for the correct applications - for the flat roofing, efficient thermally broken systems were used so that the construction met all the regulatory standards.When it came to the façade work, the main fasteners supplied were designed to be aesthetically pleasing: the Fixfast DrillFast lacquered range, used for all the coloured façades where the fasteners were in any way visible.Where there was a need to have panels fixed back without showing any fixings at all, then the specialist SikaTack adhesive system was used.

The building that would be the St Margaret’s Primary School, officially opened by Robert Leitch the local parish vicar in 1889 provided education to children up to fourteen. The school underwent many changes in structure throughout its over 100-year existence continuing to provide the high level of teaching it always held. In 2012 it underwent a further change in the form of a huge modernisation project that would extend the school and allow more students to be taken. Unfortunately, leaks were reported on the older parts of the building and despite localised repairs were not ultimately solving the problem.After reports of leaks it was imperative that the roofs in question were inspected to find where the issues were originating, in action to this a site survey was undertaken. The survey highlighted the original build-up consisted of an asphalt on a timber deck, this original system was in a aged condition. It was also shown that standing water and vegetarian had developed on the roof. In order to protect the building from further leaking it was determined that the roof would benefit greatly from the installation of a high-performance waterproofing system.Along with waterproofing improvements, there would also be improvements made to the falls which would reduce the amount of standing water present on the roof.Waterproofing would not be the only recommendation; the roof was also to receive a full thermal upgrade which would further provide the benefit of increase fuel bills and less energy consumption for the school.Taking into consideration all these points, the Polyroof Technical team began creating a bespoke specification that would provide the details needed to make these recommendations a reality. The Polyroof Approved contractor Thomas Cassie & Sons was specifically chosen to undertake this project due to their experience in liquid roofing systems. With a specification and approved contractor ready the project could officially commence.

A residential flat roof terrace with walk on Flatglass rooflights.

urbanspec H-Series Bike Hub with Green Roof

When it came to replacing the stolen copper, the council thought long and hard about its options for a facility that was never going to have a 24-hour security presence while respecting visitors’ sensitivities. To meet both demands, the council opted for Rhepanol fk roofing membrane finished with its copper roof paint, which patinated in a matter of weeks to its characteristic green oxidised form.

210 Metres of Unifold Gutters was installed at the DHL Supply Chain, Barming Depot in Aylesford.Installed by Blenheim Roofing, the project was a full strip & re-sheet of an asbestos cement roof.During initial surveys it was discovered that historically, the existing asbestos gutters were prone to leaks and overflow issues into the building.Unifold was not only used to line the gutters to cure the leaks but also increase the capacity.

THE OXTED – PRIMARY SCHOOL SHELTER Colourful and vibrant multipurpose shelter for use within all schools. SPECIFICATION Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Aluminium fixing straps All fixings to be galvanised or aluminium Nyloc nuts are used for safety Angled roof 3500 x 3500

11 Freebournes RoadBauder reinforced bituminous waterproofing system with BauderSOLAR FSynopsisA large derelict warehouse located in Witham has undergone major renovation to transform it into a storage centre for Essex County Council that will assist its services and benefit the local community. The refurbishment works were designed and project managed by Lambert Smith Hampton on behalf of the client, who wanted the building to act as a benchmark for sustainability with the roof playing an integral part in achieving this through the addition of solar panels.Bauder Building BoardProject Name:11 Freebournes RoadLocation:Witham, EssexRoof Size:5,200m²Client:Essex County CouncilProject Manager:Lambert Smith HamptonApproved Contractor:Acclaim ContractsPV Installer:CJ SolarEnvironmental focus:Solar PVThe specificationWorking closely with the client, Bauder performed a comprehensive roof evaluation survey to identify the full extent of water ingress being experienced and to confirm the suitability of adding solar. The bespoke survey report highlighted that the roof needed to be stripped back to its original deck, before being waterproofed with over 5,200m2 of Bauder’s reinforced bitumen system by Acclaim Contracts. 588 solar PV modules were then fitted onto the roof by electrical installer CJ Solar, enabling the client to generate at least 134.70 Megawatt Hours of solar power each year. Products appliedBauderSOLAR FIntegrated photovoltaic system, where the modules and the substructure are combined to form a single unit, which is secured to the roof without any penetration of the waterproofing or roof deck. System installedReinforced Bitumen Membrane System1 Reinforced bitumen membraneTorch applied, elastomeric bitumen capping sheet2 BauderPIR M 60Rigid urethane foam insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil.3 BauderPIR FA-TETorch applied air and vapour control layerAdvocacyJulian Sanchez, Commissioning Delivery Manager for Essex County Council: “We actively look for opportunities to implement renewable energy and knew that this storage facility lent itself well to PV retrofit. Our system selection process involved the due diligence you would expect from a local authority and we decided to go with Bauder because of its comprehensive system portfolio that meant we could have a single source supply and all-inclusive guarantee; giving us complete confidence in the roof’s performance.”

Coláiste an Chláirín Bauder Thermofol single ply waterproofing system with BauderROCK insulationSynopsisThe new Coláiste an Chláirín building in Athenry, Co Galway is a post primary school consisting of classrooms, a special needs unit, sports hall, general-purpose hall, staff amenities and extensive external facilities designed by Smith Kennedy Architects & Healy Partners Architects. The project was managed by JJ Rhatigan and Company and the roofing element appointed to Priority Roofing and Cladding Ltd. The roof of the main building and the gymnasium required flat roof build-ups to meet the specifications as set out in in SDG 02-05-03 (Acoustic Performance in New Primary & Post Primary School Buildings), while meeting the general performance requirements specified within TGD 021-7 2018 (Minimum Performance Standards of Roof Materials and Finishes). The chosen system had to meet an acoustic performance of 35dB indoor ambient noise level (IANL). It was decided that, despite sports halls having a slightly higher IANL threshold, the 35dB performance criteria would be applied across all areas of the school, with control of reverberation being a key consideration in the gym.Bauder Building BoardProject:Coláiste an ChláirínLocation:County GalwayProject type:New BuildRoof size:8550m²Main contractor:JJ Rhatigan & CompanyApproved contractor:Priority Roofing & Cladding LtdThe specification:The Architect specified that the insulation used in the flat roof system should be non-combustible and achieve a U-value of 0.16Wm²k which actually exceeds the thermal requirements as described in the Irish Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document L for flat roofs in schools.BauderROCK was specified to achieve the thermal and acoustic requirements of the design. As a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 non-combustible material, BauderROCK also provided the specified fire performance. This insulation could be used across all roof areas, with some adaptations for the gym which required additional acoustic performance due to the inherent nature of the space. Acoustic infills were used in the troughs of the perforated metal deck, thus combatting the reverberation of the indoor environment.  Products appliedBauder Thermofol PVCAn integrated single ply waterproofing system, featuring a lightweight, cost effective membrane which offers a pleasing aesthetic finish on a flat roof. This system holds fire classification BROOF(t4) for compliance with building regulations under TS 1187 test method 4 for external fire exposure to roofs. BauderROCKHigh density mineral wool insulation.Project challengesOne of the challenges of this project was the ambitious schedule. The use of the self-adhesive air and vapour control layer (AVCL) enabled the trades working within the building to progress quickly without being delayed by weather conditions. BauderROCK is relatively quick to install, as was the lightweight single ply waterproofing.  The resultThe project was finished to time and specification with exceptional workmanship from the fixers at Priority Roofing and Cladding and superb collaboration from all parties throughout. The membrane was finished with standing seams to create a statement look. The roof achieved a U-value of 0.15 W/m2k, exceeding the thermal target, and met or exceeded the 35db IANL requirement across the main building and the sports hall.  The thermal performance, which will hold up for decades to come, will also impart energy efficiency benefits that reduce running costs at the school in the long term. Finally, the non-combustible nature of the mineral wool insulation ensured that the build-up met the fire safety specification. System installed Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 V FRThis 1.5mm polyester reinforced Poly Vinyl Chloride membrane (PVC) membrane benefits from being highly flexible due to the incorporation of internal plasticizers during the manufacturing process. The combination of materials within this membrane provides high tensile strength, with thermal stability and chemical resistance.2 BauderROCKA mineral fibre non-combustible insulation with high acoustic performance. The dual density mineral wool composition delivers compressive strength, whilst keeping the overall weight to a minimum and providing high noise absorption which enabled the complete system to meet project requirements.3 BauderTEC DBR 06This 0.6mm, self-adhesive, elastomeric air and vapour control layer is light weight and benefits from cleaner, safer, and faster installation than traditional torch applied membranes. Advocacy Niall Hanley, Contracts Manager at JJ Rhatigan, the project’s main contractor, said:"Coláiste an Chláirín Athnery was a great success and in particular the use of the self-adhesive AVCL in advance of the build-up allowed works to commence immediately internally, which was critical from a programme perspective.” Kevin Ryan, Director at Priority Roofing, explained:"We found the system both practical and efficient to install. The combination of the availability of the products and the technical backup received was superior to any other system that we have worked with.”  Eoin O’Grady, Associate Director at Healy Partners Architects commented:"We are delighted with the overall delivery of the roof build-up and the performance achieved. The PE hall solution to deal with reverberation noise as well as rainfall noise was very successfully managed. We look forward to working with Bauder on future projects.” 

Rheinzink Roofing and Cladding, Square Tiles, Blue Grey prePATINA

LONDON HOSPITAL ROOF REFURBISHMENT USE SOPRALENE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM

QUALITY AND AESTHETICS KEY FOR THE ROOF OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN DORSET

Rheinzink Double Standing Seam Roofing, prePatina Graphite Grey

urbanspec External Storage, Bike and Bin Storage with Green Roof

The roof of this listed building had been renovated multiple times in the past. The roof was originally built to be highly vapour-proof, as was the standard at the time. Solving the construction physics requirements was the job of Buschina & Partner Ziviltechniker GmbH. The particular challenge lay in the fact thatthe outer shell of the building cannot be altereda solution that worked from a construction physics perspective had to be found for the attic conversion with interior thermal insulation

Descending into a valley at Grace Farms in New Canaan Connecticut, The River consists of five volumes linked together by a single curving roof. SANAA designed the project with Handel Architects serving as the executive architect. The new building provides a sanctuary, library, court, commons, and pavilion, all under an aluminium roof by Zahner.Previous collaborations with SANAA Ltd include the facade on the museum of contemporary Art in New York.

TPM Landscape, Manchester were appointed to design an enclosed courtyard space and two roof terraces for a new student residential development in Paul Street, Shoreditch, London. The courtyard is designed to offer an attractive and engaging outdoor environment for students to enjoy during the day and at night time. The roof terraces incorporate movable furniture to create flexible spaces, allowing students to enjoy views over the London skyline.

Archbishop Cranmer School in Taunton houses both a School and Nursery and looks after 250 pupils. The buildings have a unique look due to their angular mansard rooftops.The traditional slate tiles that adorned the mansard roofs were in urgent need of repair and Somerset County Council needed to replace the roof with a material that could match the visual properties of traditional materials, it was also necessary to increase the vandal resistance of the rooftop.

Lincoln Clay Interlocking Pantiles in Rustic Red have been installed on the roofing of a new build home in the village of Wellingore, near Lincoln. Lincoln combines the bold and beautiful curves of traditional clay pantiles with all the installation simplicity and speed required for today’s roofs.This means that Lincoln affords the rich appeal of natural, clay pantiled roofs, a thin leading edge and a beauty that matures over time.

Denbighshire Council has become one of the first local authorities in the UK to pilot a new type of solar pitched roof system, with the aim of cutting maintenance costs and helping tenants reduce their energy bills. The pioneering refurbishment scheme has seen Marley’s full pitched roof system, with integrated solar panels, installed on 110 homes and surveys are already taking place for a second, larger phase. 

Rather than using modern interlocking tiles, Wienerberger’s Alban Sussex Blend tiles were used to create the roof and walls of Kingsdown House. The versatility of the Alban Sussex Blend tile was highlighted: the tiles blend beautiful design with a stunning aesthetic result. The tiles were chosen because they enabled the architect to use a single material for the roof and walls, creating a simple, attractive façade that complements its neighbours .

Canonmills Gardens is a stunning luxury apartment development overlooking the Water of Leith in the northern part of Edinburgh. Working within a bustling City Centre location the project offered a multitude of logistical challenges.The City Centre location always provides the main challenges, particularly with the green roof finishes. Co-ordinating deliveries as the works progressed for the various component parts of the green roof following by the living finishes themselves.

The Ascent stair unit - Industrial stair system was specified to create a safe means of access over roof mounted mechanical and electrical plant and equipment. The roof area is tightly packed with Air conditioning plant creating a unique challenge to design a safe means of access across it. The Ascent step over / stair unit is able to accommodate spans up to 4.5m and was able to be utilised to create a safe access route. The step over unit is supported on rubber spreader feet which provide a non-penetrative support solution on the flat single ply membrane roof. The stair unit is designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-1:2001 + A1:2010 and Building Reg Part K:2013 and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures.

Upon the opening of a new Renewable Energy Training Course, Newcastle Under Lyme College decided to use the existing roof space of a recently constructed building to house a photovoltaic system, as both an investment and teaching opportunity.ChallengesThe new photovoltaic system was to be installed on the roof of the recently built Skills and Technology Centre. The existing structure, however, was neither designed or constructed to withstand the additional weight load of a ballasted crystalline PV array, and a mechanically fastened solution proved problematic.SolutionsLightweight (less than 7kg/m2), low profile (5mm build-up) and hard wearing (Teflon coated), the amorphous thin film Solar PV modules specified were the ideal product for this type of application. An outline PV array design and payback calculation were provided by Axter, and once instructed, the works were installed in a matter of days, with all of the modules and tooling being passed up through the Roof Access hatch. Axter’s lightweight, Velcro attached, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) Solar PV modules offered a cost effective, safe and practical option, without penetrating the existing roof covering.

Emma House, Romford, a residential apartment block built in 2007, needed a new waterproof membrane for the entire roof area after the single ply membrane, installed just 10 years earlier, had failed. The specification by our clients asked for a cold applied system to be used during the refurbishment to minimise disruption to residents, while providing a permanent waterproofing solution.The ChallengeCore samples taken of the roof build-up showed there had been extensive water penetration which required urgent remedial action. Impossible to repair, the complete roof system had to be stripped back to the roof deck by Proteus Waterproofing’s approved contractor. The approved contractor installed a new Proteus Pro-System® BUR (built up roof system) incorporating Proteus Pro-Therm insulation, to provide a new seamless roof – an area of some 150 square metres – offering a 20 year guarantee.Why Proteus Pro-System® was specifiedProteus Pro-System® was installed using no heat, providing a seamless waterproofing membrane on completion. Proteus Pro-System® is a high performance, seamless and cold-applied waterproofing membrane for flat and pitched roofs. It cures to provide completely seamless waterproof protection and has excellent thermal and UV stability, making it suitable for use in all climates.Proteus Pro-System® does not brittle, deteriorate or discolour with age. It uses atmospheric moisture to trigger its cure process and unlike conventional polyurethane systems can cure under water, without gassing or foaming. It also becomes resistant to rain damage and may therefore be applied in relatively poor weather, without any subsequent loss of performance or durability – making it ideal for Emma House.About Emma HouseEmma House consists of 14 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments just minutes away from the centre of the market town of Romford, which offers shops, services and a wealth of bars and restaurants. When first built in 2010, Emma House offered young professionals an opportunity for affordable housing close to London and has remained at the forefront of the property market in Romford ever since.

Radmat has supplied a comprehensive range of systems for 20 Fenchurch Street, AKA the ‘Walkie Talkie’, in the City of London. Radmat’s PermaQuik, ParaFlex and EshaUniversal roofing membranes were installed during the creation of the Sky Garden – one of the highest green roofs in the world, offering breathtaking views over the capital.Designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly and jointly developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group, 20 Fenchurch Street is constructed with impressive sustainability credentials to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. The 38 storey tower incorporates a vibrant garden spanning the top three floors which is open to the public and by appointment. Described as the terraced ‘hanging gardens of modern Babylon’, the fifth-of-an-acre garden utilises drought resistant Mediterranean and South African flowers, shrubs and ferns, in soil up to a metre deep. The gardens also provide Rosemary, Thyme and other herbs to three restaurants within the building.Now London’s highest public park, the publicly accessible roof gardens include a viewing area, terrace, café, bar and restaurant. For such a unique space, it was crucial that the roofing system chosen delivered thermal performance, watertightness and long-term reliability for the client – specialisms of Radmat products. Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group awarded the work to Radmat on the basis of the company’s established reputation and expertise in all types of flat roofing.For the pitched green roofs, sectioned into a series of individual 45° slopes, EshaUniversal waterproofing was specified as part of a Radmat roofing system that included insulation and drainage layer. Made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable – EshaUniversal proved ideal to meet the demands at this sustainable development.Offering an efficient and safe installation, EshaUniversal is ideal for green roofs. More durable than elastomeric roofing, the system is also weather proof, UV stable and offers flexibility, durability and high puncture resistance making it ideal for challenging applications.Project Manager, Paul Nelson, said: “We have installed waterproofing systems over the concrete decks from ground up to second floor level then levels 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38. This required our installations teams to make repeated visits to site, using both internal and external hoists for access; with work completed in March 2014.”“The inverted roof arrangement means the waterproofing is covered by insulation and either paving, ballast or planted medium,” he added. “Then there is also the sky garden at an angle of 45 degrees planted with trees and shrubs, which will be accessible to clients using the restaurant there.”For public-access terracing across levels 34-38 – as well as a series of applications on the Ground Floor, second floor and the concrete staircase – over 1,200m² of Radmat PermaQuik PQ6100 was applied. With an independently verified durability ‘for the lifetime of the building’ and a market leading guarantee, the liquid-applied PQ6100 waterproofing system delivers exceptional performance befitting of this unique build.On level 37, where visitors can enjoy 360° views of the capital, additional waterproofing was required following the installation of a glass internal cladding system. With the glass already in place and challenged by high winds and low temperatures, the fast curing, cold applied ParaFlex waterproofing system was specified. Suitable for application at temperatures below zero reliable sealing can even be achieved at -5°C. Utilising collaborative working practices and a responsive and interactive design process, Radmat have created a stunning waterproofing and green roof application of the highest standard. Radmat’s proven range of waterproofing solutions met all the client’s demands and has ensured that visitors from all over the world can enjoy this stunning venue for many years to come.