"roof decking other materials"

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, needed a new roof to protect the building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution. The product of choice was the mechanically fixed Sarnafil S327-15 EL Light Grey as it is more than able to cope with all the extremes of the Scottish weather and has been certified by the BBA to last in excess of 40 years. The durability of the single ply material ensured a long-lasting solution for the project.

A private art gallery in Betws Y Coed has been roofed using CUPA R4 natural Spanish slate, selected by the client and their contractor on the basis of appearance, performance and cost, as well as their ready availability through local stockists. Work on The Galeri was begun by the owner some three years ago, with locally based Willparr Roofing being tasked with sourcing and installing the thousands of new slates required to weather a structure featuring a dormer window, the valley junction to an existing pitch, and other challenging details.

Leeds City college was formed in 2009 after merging with 3 other educational facilities and is now one of the largest Further Education establishments in the UK. The college takes every aspect of safety into account and required safe roof access for maintenance works. Working directly with the college, Sam Wakeling (Estimator) carried out the initial site survey to assess the clients’ requirements and discuss the suitable solutions that Eurosafe Solutions could provide. All the roof areas are located at different levels, therefore a solution to provide safe access was required.

One Tower Bridge is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes. A total of nine blocks make up the development, containing 396 residential units, commercial and cultural spaces, a single storey basement area and a 20 storey residential tower block with roof top area. Buzon UK were commissioned by Maylim to supply DPH5 and BC5 adjustable pedestals, which were used across the entire project to support numerous decking areas, fencing, step and riser units and a wide range of bespoke seating. The random shaped pavers required a complex spacer tab layout, achieved effortlessly with the unique BC System.

Fosroc contacted the designers of the Victoria Dock project in early 2013. Working with the design team Fosroc UK used its highly experienced sales and technical staff to produce a waterproofing solution using Supercast PVC waterstop and Supercast SW hydrophilic waterbar. Materials including special angles were hand made at our Tamworth manufacturing plant and passed the scrutiny of the Crossrail approvals team. To ensure watertight construction Fosroc provided on-site training on product installation. Materials used on C340 have since been passed for use on other rail projects.

The overall aesthetic appearance of this project was very important. Originally, traditional metal roofing was considered, but the client had reservations with possible noise issues and theft problems, and local planning constraints did not permit the use of traditional slate. So, Williams Roofing Contractors of Chandlers Ford were tasked in finding an alternative solution.Polyroof’s BBA approved 185 GRP System can replicate the look of metal sheeted roofing at a fraction of the weight and the price and, having no scrap value, is not prone to vandalism or theft.The contractor worked closely with the Polyroof Technical Department, the client, and the planners to produce a detailed specification for the project incorporating pre-formed trims to create a lead effect. The system was successfully installed within the project time frame and upon completion was given the usual insurance-backed 20 year guarantee from Polyroof Products Limited.Polyroof’s simulated metal finishes are achieved through the installation of Polyroof pre-formed GRP trims which are fixed to the deck or substrate prior to the application of the Polyroof waterproofing membrane. The project was nominated for the LRWA Roofing Awards due to the high level of intricate detailing that was undertaken and the care that was taken to ensure that all preformed profiles were fitted in balanced, parallel positions. The overall attention to detail by the Polyroof approved skilled operatives was first class.

Newton was approached by the desperate client at this large terraced property in Notting Hill, having had a second basement level excavated beneath the existing basement and the front and rear gardens.Unfortunately, bad waterproofing design and workmanship meant the basement had flooded immediately upon completion – the builder ceased trading and, following a legal case, the architect and structural engineer were found culpable.We recommended our experienced specialist contractor Stonehouse in order to assess the failure and propose a comprehensive solution.The experts at Stonehouse identified a litany of issues, from the weak, permeable structure to the lack of continuous waterproofing between levels, the inadequate pumping system, the blocked cavity drain system, and the non-existent external deck waterproofing and drainage, amongst others.

Located in the village of Featherstone on the outskirts Wolverhampton, Featherstone & Hilton Community centre is an attractive 80’s-built building surrounded by the luscious green of the countryside. Since construction, it has featured a man-made interlocking slate-style roof that was installed under conditions of strict professional workmanship. The old roof material, after decades of service, was in need of modernisation as it was worn from years of use and had become a target for vandalism...

Arable farmer Ivan Banister talked to various agricultural building companies for advice before using local contractors to construct both parts of the new grain store. The first part of the new building was constructed with the secondary expansion undertaken and completed in time for the harvest. Eternit Profile 6 roofing sheets were selected for the project and installed by MJ Barrett.The roof was the most important consideration for Ivan and it was vital that the roofing material used on the store would resist the pressure from temperature and weather without cracking. Any problems in the roof and subsequent leakage would cause serious damage to harvested crops.Condensation had also proved a problem in older, steel roofed storage facilities at Warden Farms and the vapour permeable nature of Eternit fibre cement roofing sheets helps to minimise moisture levels within the new storage building.

Gypsol TS-15 is a unique and versatile screed format that combines high strength, thin depth, and rapid installation to offer a robust material that can be used either bonded or un-bonded over a solid substrate. No other thin screed solution currently available in the UK market allows such rapid un-bonded installation.

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA 18 natural slate has been used to achieve a high-quality finish on three luxury, modern, new build properties in one of the most desirable areas of Whitstable in Kent. The new properties, built by local property designer and developer specialist Kapra Developments, are located in Island Wall, Whitstable, close to both the town centre and the scenic Kent coastline. The three storey, five bedroom luxury properties are each in excess of 360 square metres and benefit from views over the nearby golf course.  The unique design of the houses features extensive use of dark grey aluminium glazing systems including rooftop lanterns and large sloping roof windows. The placement of the expansive glazing as well as the layout and orientation of the buildings was devised to maximize the natural light and make the most of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the CUPA 18 natural slate, the design also includes high quality natural timber cladding, sedum green roofing and natural stone blockwork. Kim Brown, Director at Kapra Developments explained: “For the properties on Island Wall, the quality of the materials was very important and the coastal location meant that a durable product was essential. We had used CUPA PIZARRAS’ products on previous projects and so we were confident that the CUPA 18 slate would provide the look, quality and longevity we wanted.” CUPA 18 is a lighter grey slate with a smooth matt surface and has a superior, homogenous finish with only minor variations allowed in the thickness and flatness of the slate. The slate roofs were installed by Bates (Kent), a family owned contractor based near Canterbury, who has worked with Kapra Developments on a number of previous projects. David Clarke, Company Secretary at Bates said: “The Island Wall properties presented a few complexities and challenges due to the steep pitch of the roof and the need to integrate the slate with the other elements such as the large format glazing.  “We’ve used CUPA products on a number of contracts and found the slates very easy to work with. The strength and quality of the slates means that we are able to reduce the amount of wastage compared with other products.” Kim Brown concluded: “To achieve the intended result for these properties has required hard work from everyone involved. We are once again delighted with CUPA PIZARRAS’ products and are pleased with how that element of the build has progressed.” CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate is sustainably extracted from quarries in northern Spain. It has an exceptional life span of 100 years and requires minimal maintenance throughout its lifetime.

On the fourth floor of the Royal Opera House is a fourth floor decking area of around 600sqm. Originally a rest area for staff at the Royal Opera House, the decking area was to be re-purposed as part restaurant, part relaxation area, part meeting space and part open air dance training studio. Alfresco Floors were commissioned to supply and install the Grad Decking System supplied by Alfresco Floors. The finished deck is part of a major transformation of the Royal Opera House by Stanton Williams and has been open to the public from September 2018.

On the fourth floor of the Royal Opera House is a decking area of around 600sqm. Originally a rest area for staff at the Royal Opera House, the decking area was to be re-purposed as part restaurant, part relaxation area, part meeting space and part open air dance training studio. Buzon UK were commissioned to supply and install the DPH pedestal system to support the GRAD decking system supplied by Alfresco Floors. The finished deck is part of a major transformation of the Royal Opera House by Stanton Williams and has been open to the public from September 2018.

ROOFINOX Tin-Matt is installed at Wansford Church following the theft of Lead roofing. Historic England accept Grade 316L as a suitable roofing material that offers both the required maintenance free and longevity. The surface of the stainless steel is electroplated with Tin which dulls over time to a matt grey. Tin-Matt is easy to solder and is 100% UV resistant and rust-free. An added benefit is the lightweight nature of stainless steel being under 4kg/m2, thus reducing the load on the roof dramatically, when compared with lead sheet which is often in excess of 30kg/m2

Eternit has supplied fibre cement sheeting in Sherwood to a new livery stable in Reading, Berkshire. The previous stable had burnt down during a ferocious fire, which was fuelled by bitumen based roofing materials used on the original building.

The contractor for the project, Spetisbury Construction, replaced the existing composite decking boards with our non-combustible aluminium decking. The decking boards specified for this project were our ridged Senior Board, chosen for its strength and stability, but also for its excellent slip resistance. This was an important feature to help protect the elderly residents from falls in wet weather.

ECLISSE are delighted to have been the supplier of choice for this prestigious development in the heart of historic London. The Westminster Quarter development comprises of 102 private luxury apartments, many with private outdoor space. Residents will also benefit from an exclusive gym, 24hr concierge service and landscaped courtyard and the roof terrace and roof lounge have stunning views of the Houses of Parliament and other iconic landmarks. Completion: 2017 Residential Units: 102 Construction Cost: £35.5m Architect: White Ink Architects Client: Taylor Wimpey Contractor: McAleer & Rushe

Designed using sustainably sourced timbers, the floating pavilion gives diners at Hawksmoor a place to eat and drink outdoors, while creating a distinctive new social space that connects people closely to the water. Furnitubes were commissioned by Glenn Howells Architects to provide landscaping features to the floating pavilions.Nine bespoke timber loungers made from our triple-processed steel with sustainable cumara timbers that were designed and placed horizontally to match the pavilion decking, making for a striking contrast. The pavilion seating is completed by several bespoke high beam benches with underseat lighting. Other features included steel housing to the life buoys and planters with coordinating timber cladding.The pavilion not only creates a welcoming and luxurious space, but also a popular photo backdrop particularly during the summer months.

In a stunning architectural statement, CUPA PIZARRAS R17 slate has been specified to meet the design challenges of a former Georgian windmill renovation at Fort Green, near Aldeburgh in Suffolk. The first project of its kind in the UK, the natural slate was individually cut and fixed through expert craftsmanship to accommodate the building’s exterior curve while also providing crucial protection from the harsh coastal environment. Originally, the windmill walls were going to be clad in cedar shingles however, contractor ELC Roofing recommended using the rectangular CUPA R17 slate from CUPA PIZARRAS as a more weather-resistant alternative. ELC Roofing Owner, Edward Carlo, explains: “The R17 is a natural, non-carbonated blue-black slate with non-rusting metallic particles and thin laminations. From our perspective, it’s a tried and tested product that we specify and install on a lot of our projects – especially in coastal situations like this.” The slates, which protect against the salt water and wind, have been fitted on both the windmill’s curved wall, its pitched roof and elsewhere adding design details to the property’s walls. He goes on to say: “Aesthetically, the ocean environment has inspired the material choice with the slate mirroring the scales of a fish. This gives the windmill a dramatic architectural style; one that also sympathetically ties into the slate roof of the neighbouring cottage, which we replaced with CUPA R17 the previous year. “As far as I am aware, nothing like this windmill has been done in the UK. It was a case of starting from scratch to devise the optimum installation method, which involved a lot of detailed calculations.” For the tower, which has a 15m circumference at the base tapering to 11m at the top, the team initially removed the thick render on the windmill wall, taking it back to the original brickwork. Next, to meet the challenge of the curve and tapering of the wall, 50mm counter battens were fitted to the tower’s brickwork. Then, multiple strips of ply were cut and glued together to create the curve. These panels were screwed to the counter battens to provide an anchor for the fixing system. The ply was also primed to protect the surface from water ingress and a breathable membrane applied to protect the brickwork. In terms of fixing the slates to the panels, Edward said: “For a more corrosion and wind-resistant solution, I decided on the French technique of a stainless steel hook fixing system to install the slate, as opposed to nails.” Ensuring the layout worked exactly with the curves, the slate was lasered from top to bottom to perk it out, which took five days to do. Horizontal tiling battens were also marked to ensure the slates were fixed at the right height. Every single slate was cut and fixed individually to accommodate the curve and ensure they aligned with the building’s inset windows as well as other architectural details - a very precise process that required expert levels of craftsmanship. Preventing the slates from getting smaller at height, the team designed-in a series of lead bands that go all around the building at each storey level. These sit underneath the windows to create a consistent appearance visually. The windmill’s domed copper roof existed already and the adjoining tower, which is horizontally clad in a white weatherboard, features a slated pitched roof. ELC Roofing has again used CUPA PIZARRAS spanish slates. In this instance, the roof curves to the back end with four leaded hips to one end and two to the other with a connecting lead ridge. This time the slates were fitted to 20 x 50mm battens with a layer of permeable membrane. This part of the roof also features a striking onion-shaped finial. Expertly crafted by ELC Roofing, the finial is produced out of a patchwork of small pieces of soft copper, topped off with a fish that acts as a weather vane and includes stunning marble eyes. To the other side of the clad tower, CUPA PIZARRAS slate has been used to create a vertical square panel detail to the front of the building and fixed using the hook system again. Commenting on this challenging project, Edward said: “Work on site started before the first Covid-19 lockdown so as well as the challenging weather conditions that a coastal location like this presents, the team also had to complete the work with government guidance and restrictions in place. Regardless, the client is overwhelmed with the end result and so are we.” To find out more about the CUPA PIZARRAS range of natural slate visit: https://www.cupapizarras.com/uk/natural-slate-roofing/

Burton Green Primary School is located in the historic city of York, an outstanding school at the heart of a local community this primary school strives for excellence. The challenging and nurturing learning environment allows children to learn and grow, while achieving the highest potential possible in all areas of the 21st century curriculum.When the roof began showing signs of ageing, it was clear that a long-term solution was required. Working with Project Managers Charles Garth and Principal Contractor Castle Special Projects, Polyroof would work towards providing the best solution to refurbish the ageing roof.The work required and condition of the roof needed to be established first, to do this a survey was scheduled to take place. The survey was conducted on roofing area and it was determined that there were 6 flat roofs that required refurbishment. Areas 1 to 2 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm PUR insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm woodwood slab deck with timber joists. Areas 3 to 5 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm Jablite insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm wood wool slab deck with timber joists. Roof area 6 was made up of built-up felt with mineral cap, plywood and timber joist. The original build-up of roofs 1 to 5 needed to be stripped back to the asphalt due to the aged condition of the built-up felt, numerous leak reports were reported. Roof 6 and its original waterproofing was to be retained and made good, later this surface would act as the substrate for the new waterproofing system.Once the survey was completed, a bespoke specification was written and it was recommended that the roofing areas would all benefit from a high-performance waterproofing system. In addition to this it was specified that the roof would be thermally upgraded to reduce the risk of condensation and provide lower fuel bills and energy consumption for Primary School further adding benefits to making improvements to the roof.Liquid Roofing Limited an experienced roofing contractor and Polyroof Approved Contractor was chosen to undertake the work to this project. The proposed system for this project would be Polyroof Protec Warm Roof System. Protec’s liquid roof membrane has a unique flexible hybrid polymer formulation and can be applied to virtually all common roof surfaces.The areas that were required for installation firstly needed to be stripped and removed back to the asphalt, areas 1 to 5 required this. Area 6 was then repaired of any defects and made good where necessary. All roofs required a deep clean, removing any dirt or debris that remained from the first stage. Once this preparation was completed an Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) was then installed to roof areas 1 to 5 making sure that all surfaces are smooth and without voids.Using a Polyroof Twin Pack Insulation Adhesive the Polyroof RES insulation (T&G) boards were bonded and laid to each of the 6 roof areas completing the second stage of the warm roof upgrade. Before the last stage of the installation could begin all joints in the insulation were sealed using taping matt and Polyroof Protec Resin. Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced.During the project there were some challenging aspects that required care and attention. The project featured a large array of different details ranging from installation of new substrates and trims for parapet walls to the removal of and preservation of tiles/cladding so that the Protec system could be applied correctly. These features required delicate work so that the original tiles/cladding could be reinstated after the application of the system was completed. During the project the rooflight that was originally in place was removed and replaced with a new, before this could happen the Protec system was taken up the upstands and then sealed under flange.Once the project was completed within the relevant time frame of the client and within the budget specified, the Polyroof Technical Services team conducted a detailed inspection showing a high level of workmanship which lead to the client gaining the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee.

Gloucester Transport Hub Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system SynopsisThe replacement bus station and regeneration of the surrounding area has created a unique and distinctive city centre building for the town. The design connects with Gloucester’s Roman heritage and association with aviation. The innovative roof design incorporated a canopy intended to reflect an aircraft wing that required a lightweight waterproofing and renewable energy photovoltaic (PV) solution.Bauder Building BoardProject:Gloucester Bus StationLocation:GloucesterProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Size:1520m²Constructor: Kier Group PlcApproved Contractor:Kovara Projects LtdThe specificationThe Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system with the BauderSOLAR F PV solution met the brief precisely without compromising the aesthetics of the roof. This combination of Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system and BauderSOLAR F PV delivered a high quality, strong, energy efficient flat roof.This system was selected for the project because of its lightweight properties which complemented the deck and roof design. Light grey was chosen to reflect the colour of the cladding as the aesthetics was a key objective for the client.The OMG Rhinobond induction welding system was specified as the installation method which provided multiple advantages to the project, not only saving time and fasteners, but also optimising the field fix pattern of installation and ensuring that the load on the roof was spread between the induction welding plates. Products appliedBauder Thermofol U15 FR MembraneA high grade virgin polymer Thermofol PVC membrane ensures the optimum membrane characteristics to deliver high performance and a BBA stated life expectancy in excess of 35 years.BauderSOLAR F An aerodynamically optimised system for flat roofs using framed modules and mounting units, securing them to the roof using membrane-to-membrane welding techniques. This installation method means that the roof is not compromised by penetrations of fasteners or is it ballasted.Project challengesThe design of the Transport Hub and city centre location proved to be the key challenge to this project. The unusual roof configuration required a bespoke insulation scheme using BauderPIR M, an efficient rebated PIR insulation board, in order to achieve the required U-value of 0.18W/M²K.The deck configuration equally made the installation of the Bauder Thermofol PVC waterproofing system complex with the perimeter zone having to be carefully marked in compatability the wind calculation which included measuring factors such as wind speed, altitude, direction and exposure. Bauder and Kovara Projects were required to work closely together to ensure all criteria of the wind calculations were met. 40 modules of the lightweight BauderSOLAR PV solution were installed on the west side of the Transport Hub’s roof.The location of the project, Gloucester city centre, presented logistical challenges. Delivery of the roofing products had to be carefully scheduled and managed to avoid creating congestion in the area.The resultThe installation required constant co-operation and communication to embrace the live site operations within the restricted city centre location whilst allowing the bus station to remain fully functional. The roofing contractor delivered a superior standard solution and any complex issues that arose during the project were resolved promptly and collaboratively.System installedBauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system  1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FR1.5mm polyvinyl chloride membrane (PVC) reinforced with a pre-coated polyester cross-weaved matting for mechanically fixed installations. 2 BauderPIR MThis efficient tissue-faced flatboard insulation has been specially developed for use within Bauder single ply systems. 3 BauderSYN DB-PE 100A blue, polyethylene air and vapour control layer. The product is installed by loose laying and suitable for Thermofol mechanically fastened and ballasted single ply systems.

Home House is an award winning private members club, located in Portman Square, London and provides outstanding facilities for its members. Buzon UK were commissioned to install over 220sqm of Buzon BC pedestal to support the new Ecodek Heritage composite deck boards to create a large decked terrace area within the club’s private garden. Home House were looking for a durable, minimal-maintenance, anti-slip deck with superior safety qualities without compromising on aesthetics for this glamorous outdoor space. The carefully selected BC pedestal system and Ecodek composite deck boards delivered all this and more.

The ALDI Eco Concept Store in Leamington, was a first for its innovative designs, sustainable building materials, green roofing & solar PV technology. The project was aimed to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and operational costs whilst providing an excellent retail environment.

The Castle Cove Sailing Club in Weymouth, Dorset, constructed a new terrace area to provide a viewing platform for the sailing events in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.The sailing club required a waterproofing system that could be installed directly to the concrete construction in order for the works to be completed as quickly as possible. It was essential that the system was compatible with timber decking and would provide long-term protection from the elements.The sailing club contacted KG Roofing, their local Polyroof Approved Contractor, to provide a waterproofing solution that could meet the demands of the project. The BBA-Approved Protec System was specified for the works due to its rapid cure times and high waterproofing performance. Timber battens were incorporated into the system to create fixing platforms, creating a striking yet functional support for the timber decking and glass balustrade.With the Protect System affording rapid curing times, the terrace was finished within the desired time-frame, leaving ample time before the beginning of the Olympic Games. The lucky viewers at Castle Cove Sailing Club witnessed many record-breaking performances from Team GB’s sailing team, including Ben Ainslie becoming Britain’s greatest ever Olympic sailor.

Around 16,000 fixed-head adjustable decking pedestals were used to support Thermowood decking on the many balconies at London Square's newest residential development in North London.

This building was once home to the Henderson Garage door production facility, with the client in the process of renovating the entire premises to be split into several new warehousing and office units. To be able to secure new tenants, however, there was an urgency to stop a mass amount of water ingress into the building, due to the roof's years of neglect.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® RChallengesThe state of the existing waterproofing was poor, meaning it needed to be stripped back to the metal deck below. Given the years of water ingress it was clear some areas of the substrate were deteriorating and would need replacing.There was also an issue with the adjacent metal cladding to the perimeter of the roof space, one of which was coated in an asbestos paint and the potential for asbestos rope within the old rooflights. All of this needed addressing prior to the roofing works commencing.SolutionsAxter were called to initially survey the roof area, highlighting the main areas of concern and interface issues. Following a roof condition survey report, proposals were put forward as to how best to detail waterproof these areas and achieve the brief set out by the client.To the metal cladding, Starcoat R cold applied liquid bitumen PU resin was used to create a waterproofed upstand without the need for the complete removal of the cladding. Upon discussions with the building owner, it was also discovered that the existing rooflights were no longer needed, so these were boarded over and waterproofed in line with the rest of the main field area.The Hyranger system, comprising polyester reinforced SBS polymer modified bitumen membranes, was ideal for the job due to its guarantee strength, stability, performance and cost efficiency.The completed roof gained a 20 year guarantee and extended the life of the building.

FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab)Design Architects: Amanda Levete ArchitectsStructural Engineer: ArupMain Contractor: WatesRoofing Contractor: Knight AsphaltApplication: Podium Roof - FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab )Finish: Porcelain TilesThe Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums of art and design. It provides unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the designed world to the public.The newly refurbished entrance is the first porcelain tiled public courtyard in the UK. It consists of a total area of 1200 m2 distributed in different levels.For this application, FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab) was specified and installed on a concrete deck with two high performance bitumen waterproofing membranes.The bedding and porcelain tiles provide the final finish and they will support the large volumes of visitors expected every day.The podium roof at Exhibition Road Quarter will showcase the best of contemporary design, as well as celebrating the beauty of the V&A’s existing building.At the heart of the Architects brief the newly created space is to accommodate the V&A’s headline exhibitions, it will also act as a public area.The Foamglas strength and time tested thermal performance will offer a long term solution to this very important entrance and courtyard.

The conversion of a traditional barn within the conservation area surrounding Wells Cathedral, Somerset has benefitted from the installation of THERMOSLATE roof solar collectors. The new solar system will generate 57% of the occupants’ hot water requirements. Paul Kellet, the architect, said: “My client was keen to use a natural material for the roof of the property, whilst also making a sustainable contribution to meeting the family’s energy needs. The specification of THERMOSLATE and complementary CUPA R12 spanish slate allowed Paul to meet these requirements.

Tarka Housing. Based in Devon, Tarka looks after approximately 6000 properties (in conjunction with West Country Homes) in the Devon and Cornwall areasFrom time to time, it is important to complete major refurbishments on housing stock to ensure Government living standards can be achieved and that the homes can supply shelter to families for years to come.Cornish Units are distinguished by their Mansard Roofing, which requires a roofing material that can be fitted as vertical cladding, just like Metrotile’s Shingle profile

The new Leeds Arena was a £60m project by Leeds Council to create a striking new stadium, which has been crowned with a 7,500sq m Sika Sarnafil single ply roofing system, installed by experienced contractor Lakesmere. The fact that Sika Sarnafil was the first roofing manufacturer to be BIM ready played a huge part in the specification, and in turn improved the ability to review designs and rationalise ideas, whilst cost saving using BIM was highlighted through material specifications and design coordination.

Counting about 3,000 residential properties, Glenvale Park is a brand-new neighbourhood in the north of Wellingborough. To cater to the local community’s educational needs, the project also includes a new nursery school and primary school. Together with single-ply specialist Rock Roofing and main contractor Lindum Group, Soprema took care of the pitched and flat roofs of the educational facilities, waterproofing 3,000 square metres with the aesthetically stunning FLAGON membranes.ONE SITE, TWO PROJECTSSoprema secured the Glenvale Park project in October 2022, providing its developers with a significant commercial advantage over competitor solutions. The actual construction of the Glenvale Park nursery school started in January 2023 and was soon followed by works on the primary school. So, the project consisted of two separate buildings located on the same site, with the same client and main contractor overseeing both endeavours simultaneously.Soprema not only supplied the necessary waterproofing and insulation solutions: our team of experts was also responsible for interim site inspections, thermal calculations, and other services – always in close collaboration with Rock Roofing.Leon Horobin, Technical Sales Manager at Soprema, greatly values the longstanding relationship with Rock Roofing: “We have worked with the company founders, with Contracts Manager Steve Hatcher and with other members of the team for almost a decade. The level of collaboration has always been outstanding.”OVERCOMING NUMEROUS CHALLENGESSteve Hatcher stresses that the quality of roofing works for Glenvale Park nursery and primary schools benefited massively from the strong partnership between Rock Roofing and Soprema. Steve: “We relied on Soprema’s valuable on-site assistance and leveraged the expertise of their technical professionals to resolve the issues we encountered – and there were quite a lot of them, making the project all the more engaging and interesting for the team.”1.   DESIGN CHALLENGESThe first challenges arose from the fact that we were not working on a flat but on a pitched roof, requiring careful thought and planning. The detailing becomes more complex as the angles of the profiles change, and working on a slope is also challenging in general as it makes installing the sheets and products trickier.2.   CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONSThe winter season, too, posed a challenge at the start of the project. The light snowfall and rain made the roof wet and slippery. Moreover, the low temperatures prevented the use of adhesives and a lot of the work had to be put on hold. This initially resulted in delays and increased deadline pressure. However, we were able to overcome these setbacks and make up for lost time when it became warmer.BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH SOPREMA1.   INCREDIBLY WIDE RANGEBoth fully adhered and mechanically fixed systems were used for the Glenvale Park schools, testifying to Soprema’s extensive product range and showcasing our ability to tailor solutions to the most diverse roof situations. We can select multiple products from our range to meet client needs and cover cost considerations. Moreover, the roofs being highly visible and their aesthetics a major selling point, we ensured that our solution added to their visual appeal.1.1 Cost-effective alternative to metal roofingFor the visible roofing areas, we used single-ply membranes while adding profiles to make them look like standing seam roofs. The result looks as stunning as a metal roof yet is much more durable with a product life of more than 35 years. In addition, our synthetic roofing membranes are recyclable, easier to install, more cost-effective and much lighter than aluminium, lead or copper roofing. The lower permanent load results in additional cost savings because the roof structure can be lighter as well.1.2 Fully adhered systemOn the pitched areas, which are very visible, we used fully adhered membranes to obtain a beautiful flat appearance. More specifically, the build-up is FLAGON SB, our fleece-backed membrane composed of flexible PVC, on top of SOPRATHERM G, a glass tissue-faced PIR insulation. The self-adhesive SOPRAVAP STICK ALU 16 membrane served as a vapour control layer, and the metal deck was primed with ELASTACOL 600 primer.1.3 Mechanically fixed systemsFor areas that were not visible, we opted for two mechanically fixed systems. As achieving the same flawless surface as the fully adhered system was not necessary, quick installation and cost-effectiveness (especially since no adhesives are required) were the deciding factors.The first mechanically fixed area consists of FLAGON SR DE, SOPRATHERM F insulation and a VAPOR FLAG vapour control layer. The second area has the same build-up, but with tapered insulation to create falls in the roof to the outlets.1.4 Solar PV and roof lightsThe roofs of Glenvale Park nursery school and primary school have been fitted with solar PV panels. Rock Roofing took care of their integration into the roofing system and installed remote and temperature controlled roof lights on the nursery school. Steve Hatcher: “It really is an all-encompassing package you get. Only a big supplier like Soprema has the different products you need for optimally waterproofing and insulating multiple roof areas.”2.   ONE-STOP SHOP AND WARRANTYAn additional advantage of having one supplier for the entire build-up is the reassurance that all products, which are designed as a system, are fully compatible. Moreover, you get a single-point warranty. For the Glenvale Park schools, we even extended our standard 20-year Sopracover warranty to 25 years. Finally, all the fire requirements of BROOF(t4) are of course covered.EXCITING PROJECTS AHEADBoth the nursery and the primary school have been completed. The buildings look stunning and perform excellently. The complexity of this project is what makes it stand out, showcasing the advantages of employing a complete system tailored to unique installations. And more exciting collaborations between Rock Roofing and Soprema are in the pipeline.Interested in our one-stop shop approach for your own project? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Degafloor Marine Coating System for Scottish fishing boatDegafloor’s Full Broadcast Marine Coating System was the ideal, hardwearing and long-lasting solution for the boat decking on Ocean Endeavour.Salt water and continuous drag of steel chains from the trawler nets quickly eroded the marine paint that was installed on the top deck of Ocean Endeavour.Once the marine paint was eroded, the slip-resistance was destroyed, making the top deck slippery and exposed to rust. Similar issues were occurring on lower decks where the paint quickly de-bonded causing rust and slip hazards.An annual repaint of the decks would have resulted in unproductive time in dock, continual erosion of the decks and health and safety issues. As a result, a more permanent solution was required.Degafloor, in partnership with PBP Services, developed the Full Broadcast Marine Coating System, an MMA resin-based solution specifically for the marine industry. This marine coating system chemically bonds to the steel decks to create a monolithic finish which will not delaminate or de-bond.Using Degafloor, the resin installation on all decks was completed in just 3 shifts of 12 hours, giving a very fast turnaround for Ocean Endeavour to be in use.A small area was left treated with just the marine paint in the bulkhead. Within one year the marine paint had failed and rust was becoming a serious issue again. In contrast, the Degafloor Full Broadcast Marine System was in perfect condition, with no delamination, excellent slip-resistance with no rusting.Installation of the Degafloor FB Marine System can be completed as part of a refurbishment, but with its hardwearing properties, is an ideal product to utilise as part of the construction process of any ship or trawler.

Lionweld Kennedy designed, supplied, fabricated and installed extensions to existing platforms in order to accommodate longer trains and add a new emergency end of platform staircase . The platforms we worked on was Shepherds Bush, Imperial Wharf, West Brompton and Clapham Stations.We provided GRP deck, below deck screens, mesh litter screens, end of platform steps, fencing and lockable gates as well as associated handrails, plinths, fixtures and fittings.The GRP deck panel’s increased strength allows spans of 4000mm clear span with a 5kn/m² pedestrian loading.This meets all network rail load requirements and is fully approved and in use.Additional strengthening to the deck was required to accommodate the lighting/CCTV columns shown above.We added white and yellow edge lines and safety lines as well as the tactile pavers moulded to the deck.The gritted anti-slip surface is also ideal for this application where safety is paramount.

The ChallengeThe design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.The SolutionThe design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.The BenefitsThe architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

A lightweight solution... CHALLENGE A lightweight solution was required for the mounting of the PV installation on a production hall from Opel in Rüsselheim. For some years there existed no smart solutions for PV installations on roofs. Today we start to see the downside of PV roof installations that are not coping well with the weather conditions on top of roof constructions. Common mistakes made on PV roofs: • PV panels flying off the roof due to high winds where the attachments have not been strong enough and not fully tested. • Water leaks due to structural damage from the PV installation itself. Mainly due to the minute movement of the metallic/ aluminium PV-mounting on the roofing membrane. • Water leaks due to perforations through the roofing membrane when fixing the PV installation to the roof. • Roofs collapsing due to an excess of ballast of the ballasted PV installations. • Accelerated ageing of roofing membranes due to the use of incompatible materials on the roofing surface. SOLUTION RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR PV fixing system. This lightweight PV fixing system does not require extra ballast nor perforates the roofing membrane. The main parts of the system are PVC or EVA profiles that are heat welded onto the synthetic roofing membranes. This system is the only system that is fully tested for wind loads up to 200 km/h, has an Avis technique (France) and a DIBT approval (Germany).

New development featuring 173 residential properties with private balconies. MidiTerrace decking support system with Classic composite decking in the shade 'Slate' was used on the surface and soffits of each elevated terrace space.