"roof screeds"

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing has been utilised for a refurbishment project by Homes in Sedgemoor, an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) that manages over 4000 properties owned by Sedgemoor District Council. In this case, the refurbished properties are Cornish Units located on various roads within the Sydenham Estate area in Bridgwater, Somerset. (more at the link)

Part of the Scottish Schools for the Future (SSF) programme, the design for Oban High School and neighbouring Campbeltown Grammar school was made possible using a package of high-performance cladding and roofing products from Tata Steel, that both fulfilled the design ambitions and were capable of withstanding the physically challenging climate to which the buildings will be exposed.

The project required the stripping and re-covering of the existing 100-year-old roof which was failing. Due to the prominent location of the building on campus, and it being of historical local interest, Keymer’s handmade Traditional Antique and Elizabethan tiles were selected to ensure a sympathetic renovation that was in keeping with the existing building design principles of Queens’ College.

The new Cobham Free School comes following the refurbishment of an existing 1990s office building into state-of-the-art teaching facilities, the school opened its doors to senior pupils in September 2020. To meet the required performance for education buildings, Southern Industrial Roofing worked with ROCKWOOL to design a robust acoustic and non-combustible insulation specification.

The visitor centre roof has been set at 6 degrees to form an exact replica of two spitfire wings. This unique construction meant the need for superior materials, such as Protect 5000 Façade, TF200® and BarriAir, that could cope with the challenges of the design. The materials also needed to be resilient to cope with the harsh coastal conditions in the South of England.

Situated just two miles from Heathrow and directly under the flight path, the school site poses some difficult energy efficiency, acoustic and thermal challenges. Pollard Thomas Edwards specified the Thrutone fibre cement slates for the main two storey section of the school, not only for the roof but also for vertical cladding, to help address these demands.

The HQ of Varde Partners Europe is now full to the brim with our stylish, modern partitions with our anodised-effect bronze frame finish. This follows an ambitious fit-out boasting the addition of multiple meeting rooms, a fresh, vibrant reception area and a new roof terrace which looks over some of the most iconic buildings in London.

Spectraplan has provided an innovative roofing solution for a major refurbishment to the newly named, Jack Jones House in Liverpool. Designed and built in the 1970’s, Jack Jones House (formerly Transport House) has been totally refurbished and renamed for Unite, the trade union. Jack Jones was the former leader of the TGWU, the Transport and General Workers’ Union.

Weavers Quay and the Flour Building are two projects that form part of the Manchester City Council strategy managed by the Manchester Life Development company. Completed in 2019, the £28m development was designed by Buttress Architects and managed by main contractors Graham Construction. The building’s facade was completed using the Corium brick cladding system, installed by Range Roofing.

Over the years Twinfix have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof-glazing.

A 200 sqm, highly energy-efficient new build project in a remote location in the Highlands of Scotland. Built using sustainable materials, and with the timber frame sourced locally and wood fibre insulation used alongside SuperFOIL Insulation throughout. Powered throughout the year using solar PV and battery storage.Looking to increase the thermal resistance of the building envelope in order to reduce energy usage. With the building using an air source heat pump and underfloor heating, they wanted to make sure that any heat loss was minimised and it was vital that they chose the correct insulation for the walls and roof.Solution: SuperFOIL SF19+ is a multifoil product with a total of 11 layers, made of wadding, aluminium coated PET layers and Foil Laminated Outer Layers. At only 40mm thick and providing an R-value of 2.14 when used in a roof, SF19 can be used on its own or in combination with other types of insulation. A fully flexible product that provides a vapour control layer as well as acting as a radiant barrier.

Beckfoot Allerton opened on 19th November 1894, a proud day for the village of Allerton and its people. The school underwent many changes throughout the years surviving and contributing to both war efforts, while continuing to hold their high standards of education. In 1928 the school official became a primary school and later in 1960 a junior and infants’ school further undergoing changes. After a local authority change in 2000 Beckfoot Allerton Primary school was reborn. In the present day the school is much different to when it was opened generations ago and continues to serve as a corner stone of the village and its community.Taking into consideration all of the requirements of the roof, a bespoke specification was prepared to refurbish the roof. Polyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times, was the chosen system of use for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application the works could be carried out during the Primary Schools term times, without having to wait for closure periods between terms.

Westhill Community Church was a new, green field project in Aberdeenshire. Its highly contemporary style was designed for maximum functionality and to encourage use by the wider community. Natural light and climate controllability were the central considerations for the clients of McLean Architects during initial discussions - a common request for high ceiling, large space developments.The architect, McLean Architects (based in Glasgow), had used FAKRO roof windows on a number of other projects and specified FAKRO products because of the excellent technical support and the option to specify matching zinc flashings.33 FAKRO roof windows were discreetly positioned to flood the stage with natural light as well as illuminate a cluster of buildings that formed the sanctuary, low-rise foyer, and adjoining offices.Products included electrically operated FTP-V U3 windows with a rain sensor, specially constructed EFW Kerb Upstands were made to enhance the internal light with combination flashings, Smoke Vent windows, wall switches, and remote controls.

With the introduction of new sports areas and a sixth form college, The Belper School faced a significant shortage of parking spaces. The growing demand for additional parking became evident as staff, visitors, and students resorted to parking on grassed areas. Consequently, numerous muddy patches emerged around the school grounds, negatively impacting the area's aesthetics and making it increasingly inaccessible. Moreover, this led to an increase in the amount of mud brought inside the school, placing a greater burden on the caretaking and cleaning staff.To address the drainage issues and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete or tarmac, the school opted for X-Grid® as a permeable alternative for traditional car park surfacing. The school identified several areas around the premises as suitable locations for the car parks and proceeded to excavate them. A compacted hardcore base made of MoT-type stone was used to establish a strong and stable sub-base for the X-Grid®. By placing a geotextile membrane over the hardcore, the school minimised the risk of weed growth and created a separation layer between the build-up layers. The X-Grid® was then installed on a well-screeded sand blinding layer and filled with durable decorative gravel.By replacing the existing grassed areas with X-Grid® filled with gravel, Belper School successfully resolved their overcrowded car parks without the need for additional drainage infrastructure. The highly permeable nature of X-Grid® facilitated the controlled dispersion of surface water back into the water table. Consequently, the amount of mud around the school grounds was significantly reduced, virtually eliminating it altogether. This enabled the availability of parking spaces throughout the year, providing staff, visitors, and students with ample parking options while preserving the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. Moreover, the use of X-Grid® ensured that the gravel remained in place, eliminating migration and greatly reducing surface maintenance requirements, thus keeping the areas looking as attractive as possible.

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

Barony CampusBauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system withBauderSOLAR FSynopsisBarony Campus is a new build project situated in Cumnock, Scotland. The campus will incorporate a range of primary schools, learning centres and academies within the area, and is the biggest capital project undertaken by East Ayrshire Council.Bauder Building BoardProject:Barony CampusLocation:Cumnock, ScotlandProject type:New buildRoof size:5,230m²Client:Sheppard RobsonMain contractor:Morrison ConstructionApproved contractors:EJ ParkerW.G. Walker & Co                             Q9 Cladding SolutionsThe specificationThe client required flat roof waterproofing as well as a sustainable energy source in the form of solar PV panels. Due to Part L regulations there was a requirement for a large PV array. Main contractors, Morrison Construction, bought into the risk-averse, zero-ballast, zero-penetration solution that the BauderSOLAR system offers. As Morrison Construction had not yet used this system, Bauder conducted a technical seminar to share the benefits of using BauderSOLAR in conjunction with a Bauder single ply membrane and to discuss the acoustic considerations for a building of this nature.The technical support and advantages of a single-source supplier resulted in a specification of a 176.80kWp BauderSOLAR PV system generating an estimated 157,800kWh per annum. The system proposed by Bauder ensured the solution was compliant in relation to the SAP calculations that had been carried out.Products appliedBauder THERMOFOL PVCThis single ply membrane is lightweight and has a high-grade virgin polymer formulation. The PVC formulation ensures it is resistant to chemicals and micro-organism attack making it well suited to receive a green roof.BauderPIR M 60This PIR insulation has aluminium foil facing on both sides and rebated edges to remove a thermal bridge. The matt black facing on both sides enables the board to be installed either way up. BauderSOLAR FThe lightweight, integrated system ensures that the integrity of the roof is upheld throughout the installation of the PV array. The panels are designed to create a 12º angle with modules delivering up to 455w per panel.Project challengesThe client had limited space for the storage of 544 solar panels and they could not be stored on the single ply roof. To overcome this, deliveries of the panels were coordinated with the roofing contractors finishing sections so that the panels could be raised, installed and welded as they arrived to site, mitigating the need for storage. Due to the reduced labour time of BauderSOLAR compared to ballasted systems, the site team managed to install the system quickly and efficiently, making back time lost due to weather delays and enabling the deadline to be met.The BauderSOLAR system is the lightest system on the market at 11.5kg/sqm. The system is also warrantied in combination with the roof membrane to ensure peace of mind is given to the client if any leaks or damage were to occur.System installedBauder Thermofol PVC single ply system1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FR1.5mm polyvinyl chloride membrane (PVC) reinforced with a pre-coated polyester cross-weaved matting for mechanically fixed installations. 2 BauderPIR M 60This 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.BauderSOLAR PV F SystemThis system provides a risk-free, zero penetration installation with a single source for integrated design of waterproofing and PV. Depending on the module selected, this system can weigh just 9-12.5kg/sqm, making it suitable for single ply applications. AdvocacyJordan from EJ Parker:“Our site team found the system very easy and quick to install. However, we found some challenges getting started due to the bad weather but once we finally began it was very straight-forward and fast to install. The technical help received from Chris and the team from design through to project completion was second to none.” 

BriefDorset House sits at the heart of Talbot Campus, where most of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses are delivered at Bournemouth University. It is home to the Doctoral College, providing important support to its postgraduate research community with a range of high-tech laboratory equipment, as well as the Business School’s Professional Engagement Suite.Sustainability is a top priority for Bournemouth University. In fact, the University is ranked 21st in the world and 6th in the UK for its contribution to UN Sustainable Goal 13: Climate Action for The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. As well as opening new eco-friendly buildings, Bournemouth University is carrying out major refurbishment works across its campuses, investing in a range of low or zero-carbon technologies to help minimise water and energy use.As part of this refurbishment, Dorset House was to undergo a significant transformation to help enhance the entrance area and make better use of the space. Bluestone Design & Construction Ltd was tasked with upgrading the building’s flat roofing system, in association with IKO, and the build-up include the installation of a new 80kWp solar PV system.ChallengesThere were several challenges to overcome during the project, but as the team had recently completed similar works on the nearby Poole House on campus, they could apply their extensive learnings to ensure the refurbishment of Dorset House ran seamlessly. As the project was on a busy campus, it was important that it was carried out during the holidays to avoid significant disruption to students and staff. There was, however, a short period during term-time that required more coordination, to ensure appropriate access while making sure the project ran on time.Another challenge was ensuring the material deliveries arrived on time, to minimise site storage issues and meet workforce scheduling requirements. The team managed this effectively, by ordering the materials via construction product distributor, SIG, which were then delivered as required from the local SIG depot. This meant Bluestone Design & Construction could meet programme deadlines, without needing to store materials long-term on-site.SolutionThe installation process at Dorset House involved a standard hybrid built-up roofing (BUR) system, using both self-adhesive and torch-on membranes suitable for the substrates of the project. Choosing products with a 25-year guarantee was important to the team, as the installation included solar electricity panels (also known as PV), that would need to provide reliable power output over the system’s lifespan.Bluestone Design & Construction followed a thorough process to ensure the roof area was suitable for the PV installation, following the necessary remedial works and new roof overlay. Once the systems were in place, all works were reviewed to ensure they met the specifications of an IKO technical engineer and requirements of IKO’s guarantee, without any issues. The team also worked to all the necessary health and safety standards throughout the project.Bluestone Design & Construction and IKO worked together to ensure that the Dorset House project was carried out within the programme requirements – finishing ahead of schedule, in September 2023. It was essential that the building was ready on-time and within budget, ahead of the installation of the new PV system, to ensure maximum availability for the 2024 period. With Bournemouth University’s ambitious sustainability targets in mind, the Bluestone Design & Construction team wanted the system to be fully operational as soon as possible. As the main contractor and roofing installer, Bluestone Design & Construction was able to have more control over the project and ensure the roofing segment ran smoothly as part of the wider picture.The University was extremely pleased with the installation and execution of the project. Now with its improvements made, Dorset House is another success story in the University’s plan to futureproof its campuses for many years to come.

Clarin College in Athenry, Republic of Ireland was specified by Healy Partners Architects who wanted to ensure the flat roof build-up should be constructed with non-combustible insulation. Clarin College Athenry’s secondary school facility is now in active use, bringing modern facilities to the area and offering a much-needed expansion in capacity for the fast-growing local population.

The Gloucester Gateway M5 motorway services created a new sustainable standard in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The structures are built into the undulating hills softened with organic forms and green roofs. An ambitious landscaping solution required ACO to create a Sustainable Drainage System controlling rainwater run-off, while providing a high-quality habitat for wildlife to flourish.

First impressions count, which led to Amtico Signature being used throughout The Cotgrave Hub – a brand new, state-of the-art building located in the heart of the borough of Rushcliffe. Part of an extensive redevelopment of the local area, the multipurpose facility brings together GP services, a pharmacy, the community voluntary service, a library and Nottinghamshire Police all under the same roof.

Over 2,000m² of BEMO N65/400 in stucco embossed aluminium was supplied on the new motorway services for the M6 near Rugby. Lengths of over 60 metres required the panels to be site rolled at eaves height, while the envelope took advantage of the non-metallic GFK halter to ensure resistance to the friction forces associated with thermal movement of long roof sheets.

The design philosophy for this project was to create a highly-efficient and architecturally-stunning world class winery for Yealands Estate. Inspired by the landscape, the curved roof mirrors the shape of the nearby rolling hills, and the overall building is reminiscent of traditional family run countryside wineries.The building features a highly insulated envelope and is considered one of the most environmentally friendly wineries ever built.

Marley's Modern Interlocking Concrete Tiles within the shade of "Smooth Grey" were specified for the roofing of this new and wonderful extension of the Chippenham Care Home, which is opposite to Chippenham's newly built Golf Clubhouse. The Modern interlocking concrete tile is heavily chosen due to its slate-like appearance, ease of installation and due to it being a economical choice.

The end laps and mid laps to this ageing metal roof were affected by cut edge corrosion. Liquasil's Flexlap system was specified to treat the corrosion, in all, approximately 2000 linear metres. Where sheets overlapped, the bottom sheet was masked off as this does not usually require treatment under the Liquasil system, which was designed by Chartered Building Surveyors.

The village comprises of holiday accommodation and facilities for sports and leisure, including a gym and restaurant. Many of these facilities are based inside the Unison Clubhouse, which was roofed in corrugated tin – an old material ill-suited to a focal building and in desperate need of a refresh.Metrotile Slate .900 was chosen as the replacement for its clean aesthetics and its high impact and weather resistance

The Kia Oval, also known as 'The Oval' is an iconic 25,500 capacity international cricket ground of both modern and historical significance. A new three-storey spectator stand and two new roof terraces form part of the master plan to expand the grounds and increase its capacity to 28,000. Over 15,000 Ryno paving pedestals were used across the space.

SIG Design & Technology used their know how and professional expertise to secure the government’s Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for roof repairs to a 1740m2 project at St John’s School, Bishop Auckland. The school had previously been successful in accessing a lottery grant to refurbish their internal sports facilities but a CIF bid in 2015/16 had been turned down.

RSA AcademyLocation: Tipton, West MidlandsProduct: Bespoke Double Grange Free Standing CanopySize: 24.7m x 12mFrame Colour: Basalt Grey (RAL 7012)Estimated Value: £80,000Installation Date: August 2014The BriefRSA Academy had a large outside dining area in the grounds of their secondary school in Tipton, West Midlands, yet it had no cover from the weather and could not be used on rainy or very hot sunny days. In order to gain as much use from this area as possible, they contacted Able Canopies and invited us to design a product that would provide the cover required, whilst also integrating well with the school’s exterior aesthetics.The Solution After completing a full site survey, it was established that a number of options were possible to fulfil the school’s needs that would also create a stunning structure with the wow factor.We put forward two designs. The first was a bespoke Double Grange Free Standing Canopy with a gullwing roof that would we could neatly install in the alcove of their existing building. The other was for a number of single and double Ulverston umbrellas with waterproof tensile roofs.The school chose the first option of the Double Grange Free Standing Canopy as it would provide uninterrupted cover from the weather to a large expanse, and would match the style of the building, keeping a sharp, well-defined modern appearance. We designed and installed a bespoke central post with central guttering in order to achieve the gullwing roof as desired. The 35mm structured polycarbonate roof panels also provide in excess of 98% protection from harmful UV rays which was an important feature of the shade and shelter structure as requested. The canopy frame was to be powder coated in Basalt Grey (RAL 7012) to match the window frames of the building that the canopy would be installed adjacent to.We were able to provide the school with superimposed images of the canopy, so they could pass them to the school governors for final approval. The Installation The canopy installation was booked for the summer holidays as requested by the school in August 2014 and a pre-site commencement meeting was carried out in July to finalise the installation details and address any health and safety issues. This ensures a smooth installation and enables us to address any potential issues before arriving on-site.The installation went ahead with no problems along the way and all involved were pleased with the end result.

Four Glazing Vision Three Wall Box Rooflights were specified on four modern new build homes in the heart of Los Angeles which have provided the clients with access to the terrace which would have otherwise not been possible. The Three Wall Box Rooflights fit perfectly with the modern aesthetic and were chosen to not only give access to the roof deck, but to also increase the amount of natural daylight entering each home.“We think the finished rooflights look great as crowns to each of our buildings. They will be a nice addition to these homes and hopefully inspire developers and homeowners to spread the word throughout Southern California regarding the benefits of the rooflights too!” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Partner, KAP Studios.Following the demolition of the existing 1200 sq. ft bungalow, the remaining site was still relatively cramped considering the bungalow was being replaced by four new dwellings. In order to provide enough living space and retain the beautiful views of the Los Angeles skyline, KAP Studios had to come up with a creative solution to achieve their brief.To make the most of the small, 8,400 sq. ft plot, KAP Studios incorporated a basement and terrace area into each home which transformed the buildings from two-stories to four-stories, which helped unlock the full potential of these beautiful homes in Culver City.Starting from the ground up, the basement is partially sunk beneath the pavement and accommodates two parking spaces, meaning more space has been granted to the garden area at ground level. This gives each home its own private back garden, as opposed to a less visually impressive driveway. It also includes a pantry and wine store to round off the basement area. The second floors are occupied by an en-suite bedroom which includes a balcony area overlooking a collection of beautiful LA properties.The east side of the bedroom houses an equally impressive bathroom, making it the second Master Bedroom in the homes. The terraces of each building are by far the most unique feature of the homes. With over 20 years of experience in roof access rooflights, Glazing Vision were engaged to help with this important part of the project. Operated by the touch of a button, our Three Wall Box Rooflights were fixed to the existing building structures at the back and either end. The rooflights take up only 170 square feet on top of the roof, leaving the client with a vast amount of additional living space which can be utilised all year round. Our rooflights are installed by our very own expert installation team.“We wanted to both feature the stairs as light shafts to illuminate the interior spaces throughout the day with the California sunlight as well as allow for seamless roof deck access for the future residents.” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Director, KAP Studios.Our Three Wall Box Rooflights are a perfect example of how Glazing Vision can help you utilise your roof space whilst providing your home with added natural daylight.

The curved teaching space and the auditorium block are connected by a curved segment known as ‘The Link’ which runs through each floor of the building. This linking component features Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling both in the construction of the walls and horizontally in the roof skylights to let natural light into the centre of the building. The Link also acts as an important device to separate the two geometrically opposed buildings.

The archive’s single-storey extension was clad in Corten steel Hook-on cassettes on both the walls and the mono-pitch roof. These weathered steel panels naturally oxidise to form a patina veneer, giving the façade a distinctive “rusted” look that shifts from a vibrant orange before settling to a dark red after several years of exposure to the elements. Architect: Hugh Broughton Architects

The London Wall Place is a circa 300,000 sq ft building arranged over 12 storeys. The innovative design provides floor plates of circa 9,000 sq to 42,000 sq ft and includes over 35,000 sq ft of roof terraces for exclusive tenant use.  Location: LondonContractor: Brookfield MultiplexArchitect: Make ArchitectsAspex supplied: Doorsets & Ironmongery

Eternit profile 6 fibre cement roof sheets in Laurel Green and natural Yorkshire boarding, was specified on Marston Equestrian Building to help the building blend in with the surrounding agricultural land. As well as providing excellent noise and thermal insulation, the composition of the high strength fibre cement reduces condensation within the building, which is important when multiple horses and riders are exercising inside.

This significant project was the restoration and extension of a 1976 Basil Spence building in the City of London. This original structure was designed for The Salters, an 800-year-old livery company. It combines post-war bold brutalism with a world of ritual and tradition and its associated memorabilia.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed electric roof blinds for the light and airy atrium, and hand-operated roller blinds in offices.

The increased levels of thermal insulation found within the roof voids of a modern house is intended to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from the warm living spaces of the property over time. However breaks in this insulation layer, such as through the loft access door, will severely compromise its effectiveness. This editorial explains how to avoid losing heat in the loft space and therefore losing money.

When a Vue Cinema on the outskirts of Doncaster needed a section of the asphalt flat roof refurbished as part of extension and maintenance works, a zero odour solution was required that would allow the building to stay open to the public throughout installation. A liquid waterproofing product was considered ideal to avoid the need for complex edge detailing associated with single ply or bitumen products around the plant.