"rainwater goods roof drainage systems"

Scotland’s Largest Single Office Building with Rooftop Running Track and 360 Panorama.A Sustainable and Futureproof Roof, Harnessing the Power of the OutdoorsBothwell Street in Glasgow is now home to an exceptionally progressive office space – making way fora new chapter in the rich history of the area. If there are any doubts about what Grade A office spacereally means, then think touchless entry, bike storerooms, lux changing facilities, an 8,000 sq. ft roofterrace, a 150-metre rooftop running track, 4 activity zones/terrace spaces and panoramic views.The project complements the sustainable regeneration programme along the Clyde Waterfront also,home to the new financial Northern European hub, firmly cementing the business district at the heart ofmodern Glasgow.GOALSThe architects at Sheppard Robson have made sure sustainability and lifecycle credentials remaincentral to the design specification. Occupants’ wellbeing has been carefully considered with a stunningpanoramic rooftop and 150m running track and general outdoor employee wellness facilities.A roofing solution was required to support the lifecycle of the building along with an excellentproduct reputation for this distinguished office space. Given the quality, longevity and environmentalconsiderations required from the roofing design, the insulation properties and warranty performancewere extremely important from the outset.CHALLENGESOur Technical department assisted the architectural and construction teams to resolve numerouscomplex design elements across the varied roof zones including running track, ballast walkways, greenzones, and pedestal zones, to determine the best roofing solution.Installation of the Davit Arm System for a building of this scale was especially important so personnel canbe safely suspended whilst working at height. This presented us with a unique challenge in providing aworkable solution that aligned with the sequence of works, whilst facilitating future routine inspection ofits base plates, and maintaining waterproof integrity without compression.Careful planning and detailing were required around roof penetrations to minimise aesthetical impact,and roof equipment was safely installed above the roof assembly.SOLUTIONThe construction comprises a composite concrete slab receiving our Hot Melt Hydrotech Waterproofing System. Offering a true lifecycle – Hydrotech high performance waterproofing, through its’ unique characteristics and installation process, now forms part of the building fabric. The result offers complete watertightness for the lifetime of the building.The building is also insulated to a high u-value target offering exceptional thermal performance and achieving a high kPa rating. This was essential to receive loadings from all components including overlying finishes, roof equipment and the end use for the building occupants.Key fire performance standards were achieved throughout including the lift overrun and lower roof terrace areas where the preferred solution was switched to our Derbigum sustainable warm roof system to maintain project performance targets.LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENTDesigned with BREEAM credentials and an EPC rating coming in at below 10 the careful focus on lifecycleconsiderations and the choice of materials throughout the building envelope is exemplary.Hydrotech hot melt is a high-performance solution containing 30% recycled content and zero productfailures in over 50 years, offering lifetime peace of mind, designed for the service life of the roof.PROJECT DATACompletion: Autumn 2022Building Type: Commercial OfficeProduct Application: Hydrotech & Derbigum waterproofing systemsCertification: BBA Approved, European Technical Approval & FM Global Class 1Architect: Sheppard RobsonMain Contractor: HFD Group

When developing new buildings, it is always important to consider the environmental impact. Responsible sourcing of materials is high on every priority list, along with reducing waste to landfill. But what about the local impact, such as the effects on local wildlife? A living roof/green roof system, such as the one installed by the Premier Contractor at Seaford Head Golf Club, is a very clear example of the steps that can be taken towards reducing this impact and providing an alternative space for wildlife to inhabit. A warm roof system was installed onto a structural plywood deck, after which a vapour barrier and insulation boards were mechanically fastened to provide both thermal efficiency and air leakage control. After the underlying installation had been suitably restrained in accordance with a site-specific wind uplift calculation, the roof membrane was mechanically fastened to complete the waterproofing system. Our PVC roof membranes have been tested and can be utilised without the need for additional root prevention barriers (test standard EN 13948), and because PVC is extremely lightweight, they are the perfect choice for these applications, reducing pressure on the underlying structure. In conjunction with our Living Roof/Green Roof specialists, a site-specific living roof system was supplied and installed over the completed waterproofing.Waterproofing System:DANOSA Single Ply 1.5mm - AnthraciteConstruction Type:New BuildWarm RoofSector:LeisureApprox. Size:900m2Warranty Period:20 Years

The Ascent Aluminium fixed ladder system was specified to create a permanent safe access route to the roof via a roof access hatch at Sheffield University Hoops were provided throughout for fall protection and the ladder was designed to BS 4211:2005 + A1 2008 and was manufactured in accordance with CE 1090 factory production control procedures. To assist the user when exiting on to the roof surface a ladder up post was included within the design. The ladder up post provides something for the user to grab hold of when both climbing out of & into the hatch, providing an additional level of user security.

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

The proprietors of this domestic property in Harrogate added a large extension with a total roof area of 150m2. The client wanted the new roof sections to complement the slate work and aesthetics of the original building whilst adding a contemporary and stylish look to the extension.Originally considering a zinc sheeted roofing system, the client explored alternative materials that could achieve the same visual impact but at lower cost. After discussions with Cure Roofing Ltd, a Polyroof simulated metal finish was proposed as a roofing solution that would meet all the client’s requirements.Not only do Polyroof’s range of liquids offer cost savings over traditional metals, but they are also lighter in weight, totally seamless and can be pigmented to any RAL colour. Having no scrap value, the client also had the added peace of mind that the roof would not be a target for theft.A timber warm roof was constructed which incorporated 120mm PIR insulation to achieve a U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K in compliance with building regulations. An OSB3 TG4 deck was fitted above the insulation and Polyroof pre-formed GRP standing seam trims were fixed at 600mm centres into the deck. Next, the first coat of the Protec waterproofing system was applied over the whole roof area and encapsulating the standing seam trims. The roof was finished with a second coat of Protec pigmented to RAL 7016 providing an anthracite grey colour to the whole roof, accurately simulating the appearance of zinc roof sheets.The workmanship by Polyroof approved contractor Cure Roofing was second to none and the quality of the finish left the client delighted with their new roof. With BBA approval, top-rated fire performance and Polyroof’s trusted 20 Year Accredited System Guarantee, the client has total peace of mind that their new extension could not be better protected for decades to come.

SureSet FlexiSet, made of 50% recycled car tyres, was installed to support the sustainability part of the brief given by New Forest District Council. SureSet resin bound paving improves the drainage and surface water issues in the car park by allowing rainwater to flow through the paving instead of running off onto the car park surface. The benefits of a SureSet resin bound tree pit: Aesthetically pleasing Safer. Permeable Easy to maintain Guaranteed for 21-year. The EcoBatcher will save a project of this size 298 single-use plastic buckets! Read the full case study on our website.

Due to the bustling activity of our client’s builders merchant business, we recognised the need to enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of their commercial unit. The existing setup featured a pedestrian entrance alongside a roller shutter entrance designated for goods in bay, which posed challenges in accommodating the high traffic flow and meeting customer expectations.To address these concerns, we proposed a comprehensive solution that would transform the customer entrance into a wider, more inviting space. A framed shop front system was strategically installed just inside the loading bay entrance, creating a seamless transition between the outdoor and indoor spaces. To ensure continuity and functionality, a short canopy roof was added, along with a heavy duty brush seal to bridge the gap to the roller shutter entrance.The focal point of our solution was the integration of a heavy duty commercial grade silent automatic bi-parting sliding door system. This innovative addition not only enhanced user-friendliness for customers but also facilitated rapid opening and closing, crucial for a busy builders merchant environment. By combining functionality, convenience, and efficiency, we successfully transformed the customer entrance into a welcoming and efficient gateway that catered to the needs of our client’s thriving business.

A stunning new ‘brown roof’ is the crowning glory for a private dwelling overlooking the River Tweed. The project has been designed to last 100 years and takes into account the requirements of future generations of the family. For the main flat roof area, Spectraplan TPE was chosen for it's green credentials and a brown roof system was laid on top .

This asbestos roof is being cleaned using a closed box pressure wash, with all waste water being filtered and recovered for re-use. Once cleaned, the roof is coated with the BBA Approved Asbestoseal system which includes: SWT CORROSION PRIMER - fully rust and wet tolerant, the primer is applied to all metal fixing to stop further corrosion. NON-SAG SEALER - is applied to all fixings and small holes and cracks to permanently seal them. ASBESTOSEAL 20 is brush applied to the roof sheets to provide a new finish.

A DOFF steam cleaner was used to thoroughly clean the moss and lichen from this asbestos roof in Bridgwater. The metal fixings were treated with Liquasil's rust tolerant primer and then sealed, along with cracked sheets, using Non-Sag Sealer, before the whole roof was coated using Asbestoseal 20. The end result was a leak-free asbestos roof that will last for many more years. Asbestoseal is the only BBA Approved coating system for asbestos roofs.

Specified because of it's unique BBA Approval and Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee, Asbestoseal was applied to this asbestos cement roof in Warwickshire. The roof was first steam cleaned using 150°c steam, removing all moss and lichen. Metal fixings were treated with Liquasil's corrosion primer and then sealed using Non-Sag Sealer. The entire roof surface was then coated with Asbestoseal 20 to provide long term protection and add considerably to the life of the roof. The metal gutters were lined with Liquasil's seamless silicone gutter lining system

Eco conscious barn conversion Landscape Design company Gardens Sorted specialise in renovation and bespoke garden installations. This project is a former farmyard and threshing barn conversion, the brief was to follow sustainable principles, the artifacts used around the garden are largely reclaimed, reused or recycled agricultural items.The client gardens by organic principles therefore the need for non-PVC galvanised rainwater goods was paramount. Chris Bligh, designer and installer at Gardens Sorted describes the installation: ”The rainwater solution required the high roof gutters to be deep profile, maintenance free, non-blocking outlets, and a long elegant downpipe into the storn water drain accross the yard. The addition of a rainwater diverter at the lower section afforded connection to a pressure water hose under grounded to two bends emptying into a reclaimed galvanised water tank. The hose is always full of water to the height of the tank. The important value of this is that the client can then dunk a large watering can into the deep water at waist height.” Chris adds that Lindab’s Rainline products are very good and he was grateful for a high standard of customer service.

Specially perforated panels were produced for a photo shoot for a makeup brand, creating a futuristic, modern enclosure.

Aluminium glazing channels in a natural anodised finish are used for the glass partitioning in a basement leisure space conversion.These versatile profiles include shuffle-less glazing channels and door pivot kits, offering seamless transitions from partitioning to doors.

Fossil museum The Etches Collection, in Kimmeridge, Dorset, is protected by a new high-performance roof in keeping with its character, thanks to Glendyne.

Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gulliesand linear drainagewere installed to provide an effective water management solution.The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.

Project: FedEx Transfer StationProduct: Elasto-Kote (Portland Grey)Project size: 25,000m²Completed in: 2 WEEKSApplication: Spray appliedGuarantee: 20 years

Product: Elasto-KoteProject: Commercial Units, GlasgowProject size: 1400m²Location: Glasgow

Product: FastCoat ProProject: Carlisle Race CourseProject size: 600m²Location: Carlisle

Really high quality roof lights and great service.

This is a metal roof coating & liquid gutter lining project carried out at Oxford Brookes University. The roof was power washed and the gutters cleaned before application. The gutters were treated with Liquasil's rust primer to prevent further rusting, before the seamless, silicone Gutterseal system was applied. The roof was coated with a single coat of Metalseal 20 in Goosewing Grey.

ProjectSurespan designed and manufactured a series of roof access hatch for the New Data Centre in Singapore.The data centre was budgeted at $30 million SGD and covers an area of 269,000 sq ft. The roof hatches were used as key access locations for maintenance and repair of the 8 cooling towers installed at roof level supplying up to 1000 watts of cooling per sq m.ProductsThe series of roof hatches featured a 900 x 900 opening and in the interest of security, the hatches were supplied with an internal cablock which can only be opened from the inside and safety hold open stay to prevent accidental closure.

Castlehouse Construction has the £7m main contract to build three industrial units totalling 29,950 sq ft for Carnworth Estates adjacent to the Pheasant Fields Lane retail park in Skelton.

On the outskirts of Bristol in a busy residential area Wessex Water were tasked with providing a solution to a historic surface water flooding problem which could provide storage during heavy storm conditions. Several options were considered during the design stage but with the restrictive location a solution had to be developed that could provide the necessary storage volume within the existing carriageway as there were no available plots of land to locate a large storage tank.

Project OverviewGuttermaster Limited played a pivotal role in enhancing and maintaining Thomas Rotherham College, a prestigious educational institution. This case study focuses on the successful supply of Guttermaster's Serpentine Gutter, showcasing how the project team collaborated to upgrade the college's rainwater management system and preserve its architectural integrity.Project DetailsScope of Works:Supply of Serpentine GutterClient's Requirements:Thomas Rotherham College sought a modern, efficient, and visually appealing rainwater management system to replace its aging guttering. The primary project objectives were as follows:Upgraded Rainwater System: The college required a new, high-performance rainwater system to replace the existing, deteriorating one.Architectural Preservation: The new system needed to seamlessly integrate into the college's architectural design, preserving the institution's historical and aesthetic charm.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster Limited approached the project with an emphasis on innovative design and the supply of high-quality rainwater management materials:Historical Preservation: The design and supply of materials took into account the college's historical architectural elements, ensuring that the modern guttering components would seamlessly blend with the existing structure.Efficiency and Durability: The Serpentine Gutter was engineered for optimal rainwater management, offering high performance, durability, and low maintenance to meet the college's long-term needs.ResultsThe collaborative effort between Guttermaster Limited and Thomas Rotherham College resulted in an exemplary project:Upgraded Rainwater System: The supply of the Serpentine Gutter system effectively replaced the aging rainwater management system, ensuring efficient water drainage and collection.Architectural Integration: Guttermaster's design and supply maintained the college's architectural integrity. The new Serpentine Gutter components seamlessly blended with the historical features, enhancing the overall appearance of the institution.Long-Term Solution: The project provided the college with high-quality, low-maintenance rainwater system components that will serve its needs for many years to come, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the preservation of the building's historic character.ConclusionThe successful supply of Guttermaster's Serpentine Gutter for Thomas Rotherham College exemplifies the company's commitment to delivering high-quality rainwater management solutions that balance functionality with architectural preservation. This project showcases the power of effective collaboration and innovation in ensuring that an educational institution not only maintains its historical charm but also benefits from a modern, efficient rainwater system that will serve its needs for many years to come.

At Polyroof, we take pride in providing innovative liquid roofing solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. From project conception to completion, our expertise lies in creating high-performance roofing systems that offer both durability and aesthetic appeal.This case study highlights our collaboration with Woodholm, a picturesque property located in Southerness, constrained by the Dumfries & Galloway Council Planning’s “room in the roof” design.The SolutionWoodholm’s owners were determined to create a home that would evolve organically while adhering to the council’s planning regulations. To achieve their vision, they enlisted the services of David Lamb Architectural Services to submit a Planning Application on their behalf, seeking approval for a modification from an existing apex roof design to a curved roof. After going through the rigorous process, the application successfully obtained full Planning Committee approval on 14 February 2017.To realise their desired construction, Woodholm’s owners had a preference for using wood and oak, aiming to incorporate these elements into the design. To accomplish this, they collaborated with Carpenter Oak Woodland, a renowned timber construction company known for their expertise in oak framed structures. The company skillfully designed an oak framed structure that perfectly met the owners’ requirements. By mid-November 2017, Woodholm had a stunning and aesthetically pleasing frame in place.However, finding an ideal roofing solution proved to be a challenging task for Woodholm. Initially considering a zinc roof, they encountered obstacles due to the prohibitive costs and the challenges posed by their maritime environment, as Woodholm is located directly on the shores of the Solway Firth. It was at this point that David Lamb’s initial positive impression of a roofing product caught their attention. Woodholm’s owners approached Polyroof’s simulated metal finishes with their needs and were introduced to the Polyroof technical team. The team guided them through the necessary technical specifications to meet the Scottish Building Warrant for a Warm Roof, ensuring compliance with the required standards.Fortuitously, Woodholm’s owners discovered that Polyroof would be exhibiting at the “Homebuilding & Renovating Show” from 21-22 October 2017. At the event, they had the opportunity to meet the Polyroof team as well as Contractor, Kenny Scott of LK Roofing, Lochmaben. The Woodholm team was highly impressed and reassured by the collective experience, knowledge, and technical expertise demonstrated by Polyroof and LK Roofing. Equally important, they appreciated their ability to attentively listen to and understand their concerns.Following the show, a site meeting was promptly arranged with LK Roofing, allowing all parties to discuss the project in detail. As a result, a comprehensive and competitive quotation was provided, falling comfortably within Woodholm’s budgetary requirements.By early December 2017, Woodholm’s joiner had installed the sub-decking, which served as the foundation for the roofing system. LK Roofing then expertly applied the Alutrix membrane, a high-quality waterproofing layer, providing Woodholm with a watertight working cover.Thanks to our collaborative efforts with Woodholm, the project achieved a seamless integration of their desired curved roof design, wood and oak elements, and our advanced liquid roofing system. Woodholm’s owners were delighted with the final result—a beautiful, organically evolving home that not only met their needs but also exceeded their expectations.At Polyroof, we are dedicated to providing roofing solutions that offer both outstanding performance and stunning aesthetics. The Woodholm case study is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative products and excellent customer service, tailored to meet the unique requirements of each project.

The Quartermile development is a cosmopolitan mix of luxury apartments, cafes and businesses in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. The masterplan for the new area is designed by Foster + Partners and enjoys views of some of Edinburgh’s greatest landmarks. The access to the new building (adjacent to the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site) is elevated from the North Meadow Walk pedestrian walkway and cycle route. The pathways and landscaped areas in front of the development needed a structural drainage solution and reinforced turf area that would be suitable for trafficking by maintenance and emergency vehicles when required.ABG’s high strength Roofdrain 60S+RX geocomposite was specified to provide sub-surface drainage across the base of the podium deck. The drainage board provides a high flow capacity void to channel water pressure to the surrounding perimeter drains. By utilising a 60mm drainage layer the need for much deeper and harder to install drainage stone layers can be minimised. The carbon footprint for the product is just 3.3 kgCO2e per m2 which is an approximate 50% saving compared to the embodied carbon of quarrying, transportation and installation of the equivalent thickness of drainage aggregates. Once installed the Roofdrain core is filled with pea gravel to provide a rigid sub-base beneath a bedding layer and resin bound gravel pathways. The drainage core features regular perforations to allow surface water to percolate and drain to the underside of the board. Adjoining rolls can be easily overlapped with the cups designed to slot  into one another. The Roofdrain was overlaid with a Terrex NW9 geotextile to prevent fines entering the drainage core. The Roofdrain can be stepped to cascade into lower sections to suit the landscaping layout. The main green area to the front of the building was cultivated using the Advanced Turf reinforced grass system. The Netlon Advanced Turf System (Netlon ATS) is a high performance, mesh-element reinforced natural grass rootzone system that provides a SuDS compliant free-draining grassed surface. It consists of a high quality, sandy soil rootzone into which thousands of playing card sized polypropylene Netlon plastic mesh elements are pre-blended. The composite mesh reinforced rootzone and selected turf are then delivered to site as a system. ATS was specified for this development to support loading by occasional MEWP vehicles such as cherry pickers, and in the event emergency vehicles need to traffic onto the grass.

Green roofing forms a key part of roof design as part of a model for sustainable living in 21st century London. Barking Riverside is a joint venture project between Bellway Homes and the Homes & Community Agency. It is an element of the Mayor of London’s plan to build 10,800 new homes, retail, transport links and new town facilities in the Barking region of East London.

Bilco UK's CS-50TB Roof Access Hatch provides the perfect solution for roof-top access at Blair Castle, Scotland. The Category A listed building is said to have been constructed in 1269 and has been extensively added to over the years. Maintaining such a historic monument is a massive task. The Atholl Estate employ an army of staff to ensure this iconic property is preserved for future generations. One of the many problems in looking after such a building is the fact that it was not designed with ease of access to the roof in mind.

The roof to a Waitrose distribution centre has been completely refurbished in a single ply membrane system chosen for its sustainable credentials and no disruption to the retailer’s 24/7 operations at Aylesford near Maidstone, Kent.

Manthorpe Building Products has been an industry leader in quality dry fix roofing systems for over 15 years, helping to pioneer innovative new verge, ridge and hip systems for the roofing industry and the introduction of BS 8612 provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate this quality.

Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecological beneficial habitats.  With the objective being to research the benefits and plausibility of incorporating green space and wildlife-friendly habitats into heavily built-up areas, Coventry University handpicked Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate based on its nutrient content, weight, and the inclusion of a water supply in chambers beneath the sub-base.The majority of green roofs in the UK fall into the ‘extensive’ category and are based on a low growing succulent, Sedum, which only requires a few centimetres of substrate to grow, whilst intensive green roofs provide a deeper soil depth and can support a more complex plant system. To this end, Coventry University wanted to explore the advantages of intensive green roofs, which offer greater biodiversity, often create accessible spaces, and offer the best insulation properties and storm water management. The organisation partnered with SEL Environmental, who provided its intelligent water management systems for the project.Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate boasts greater organic content than extensive substrates, meaning it supports larger plants and can be installed at greater depths, varying from 100-500cm. IN1 provides a stable growing medium for wide variety of plants in intensive green roof installations, including green roof lawns, shrubs and trees.Depending on the substrate depth and plant type, permanent irrigation systems (above or below ground) are sometimes installed with this substrate to as a backup for extended dry periods. They are not required for everyday irrigation, as the substrate has the ability to hold onto sufficient moisture during ambient conditions. The project, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and headed up by Sophie Barron-West, followed plant growth for four years from 2017, with a break due to Covid 19. Dr Stephen Coupe and Dr Liz Trenchard from the University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) offered their research expertise.CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe says: “The technical requirements of Boughton IN1 were a big part of why we chose it. We also wanted the chance to get as many wildflowers in the space as possible. The nutrient levels were perfect because it wasn’t too rich. In fact, it was a ‘just right’ formulation that wasn’t going to overstimulate but would also deliver enough nutrients for what we needed. Ultimately it was going to be perfect for long-term sustainable plant growth.”He continues: “Reliability was another consideration because we knew we could get it delivered on site on time and, because of Boughton’s location in Kettering, we weren’t concerned about lead times, so that was a plus. It’s safe to say it was a studied choice.”Ground-breaking resultsAccording to the University, the trial resulted in ground-breaking analysis into how different types of green roofs can be created and maintained, as well as what their benefits would be alongside others in a built-up area.  The project successfully demonstrated the ecological impact of placing retrofit green roofs onto existing infrastructure, even with a focus on wildflower species and a relatively short development time. An independently-conducted ecological survey recorded five insect species that have national and local rarity value, including two species of bee that are deemed ‘nationally scarce’ and ‘nationally rare’. Of 457 preserved specimens taken on the green roofs at Coventry University, a total of 120 different insect species were recorded, including wasps, sawflies, hoverflies, beetles, and as many as 11 species of bee.  Coventry University’s findings revealed that the innovation in green roofs has improved and increased the total constructed habitat for rare insects. Research has also enabled better water management alongside habitat enhancement. This research has been incorporated into SEL’s product range, where green roofs are now used across four sites in Coventry, London, Aylesford and Blackburn. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe said: “Ecology, biodiversity and wildlife are largely forgotten by planners, designers and builders in developments. Most green roofs installed in the UK are based on sedum, and, while there are additional features that can be added to these green roofs to improve biodiversity, they are rarely incorporated. Our findings, using Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate, are that the retrofit of green roofs is feasible and, more than four years into development, IN1 has supported verifiably diverse green roofs. The plants on these roofs supported several insects that have rarity status in the UK, which is very positive.” Dr Coupe adds: “Whilst it is probable that substrates take many years to develop anything like the maturity comparable to natural soil, after just four years, IN1 went from having no recordable eukaryotes, to a concentration of organisms, including worms, soil mites and rotifers.”  Boughton Business Development Manager, Jason Lock comments: “Boughton was delighted to be part of this groundbreaking project and buoyed by such positive findings. Our products have been used successfully in a number of iconic green roof developments around the country over the years but it was a pleasure to be involved in such an important trial that would deliver verifiable results assessing the potential for green roofs to create new habitats in urban environments and enhancing local ecological diversity. Boughton offers an extensive range of green roof substrates and we welcome any research that helps further innovation around the application of green roofs.” The experiment at Coventry University is ongoing and the team are set to feed back again at the end of the summer about how prolonged dry weather has affected results. Dr Coupe says: “The beauty of this project is that there is no general timeline for a piece of green space. We need funding to support our ongoing investigations but there are options and opportunities for long-term research. It can last for the lifespan of the site and I think we will see really interesting developments. There is no reason why, over time, these green spaces would be indistinguishable from an existing habitat.” Boughton’s portfolio of green roof substrates are specifically engineered for different types of roof greening, both for domestic and commercial projects. A full product specification is available for each of Boughton’s Green Roof Substrates, and other landscaping products, making exact specification simple and straightforward. There’s also a section on each product listed online, titled ‘to specify (copy & paste)’, designed to make your job even easier. To enquire about your next project, contact Boughton by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

This project had incredibly restricted access, where the client wanted a green roof on an existing bitumen rooftop overlooked by hotel rooms. The M-Trays® had to be transported on a trolley through the hotel kitchens. They were winched onto the roof itself using a genie lift and slotted into position in a matter of hours. Trying to construct a roll-out green roof was impossible, given the restricted access. Installation was fast and effective, taking only a day and giving an instant green roof. M-Tray® dramatically improved the view from the rooms and improved the guests’ experience.

Hydrostop AH-25 product was chosen to refurbish 450m2 of roof at the Sacred Heart Primary School in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow. Areas of the roof had been leaking, leading to considerable water damage and disruption to some classrooms. The priority for the roof works was to procure a waterproofing system with minimal hot works that would cause as little disruption to the school’s everyday activities as possible.

A new car park has been constructed near the Hornschuchpromenade in Fürth and covered with an extensive green roof system. The car park has capacity for 380 cars and has been designed by The Max Bögl Group (MBG) with ease of construction, cost efficiency, visual impact and low maintenance in mind. In collaboration with contractors Isobautec, they selected MobiRoof green roof system from Mobilane as the most suitable option to cover the 1300 square metre roof expanse.

This project had a wide ranging number of detailing factors to overcome with cladding abutment details and change in levels to be redesigned and encompassed into a system that also drained the roof areas of their historic high levels of standing water. Some of the existing construction build had not taken into account any suitable maintenance of the roof with sections being completely inaccessible and thus reducing the performance of the waterproofing.