"roof decking other materials"

Lee Valley White Water Centre offers a unique mix of white water rafting and paddle sports, including family activities. The attraction, which is in Hertfordshire’s scenic Lee Valley Country Park, needed a new decking solution for its Terrace Bar & Café. Because many visitors choose to relax over a drink or a meal straight from their water sports experience, it was important to have decking that would be non-slip, even with surface water. And with the Terrace offering a packed programme including live music events, it also needed to be hardwearing. Gripsure supplied nearly 4,000 metres of Balau Hardwood anti-slip decking, an extremely durable product with an expected in-service life of more than 50 years. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s surveyor, Robert Kearney said: “We needed decking with the greatest resistance to damp, which we could use to create safe non-slip walkways. We were looking for many years of durability, so this is a long-term investment for us.”

In densely populated urban areas of the cities, where the number of floors in housing is sometimes limited and private gardens are rare, a rooftop terrace or patio is becoming a popular design choice. However, many residential buildings with rooftop gardens don’t see much daylight and careful consideration is required to determine an access point to the roof terrace. For such rooftop projects, a new dimension of roof access is offered by the LAMILUX Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort range, designed to give a generous daylight intake in attic apartments alongside convenient access to the roof terrace creating an air of grace and beauty both internally and externally. The LAMILUX Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort range now introduces its fourth product into the family, giving more choice and flexibility when creating a luxurious living space with an exclusive ambience. Featuring unrestricted use as a natural ventilation device and convenient access to the roof terrace, the indoor climate also benefits from the high energy efficiency of the range thanks to the thermally broken frame and excellent air tightness values.The existing Solo and Duo Flat Roof Access Hatch products from LAMILUX open laterally by moving one or two panels horizontally to create direct access to step onto the roof terrace, whilst the space-saving hinged opening Swing variant swiftly opens its one meter by 3000 or 3500 mm long aperture to 84 degrees in just 25 seconds. The fourth, and newest addition to the Access Hatch Comfort repertoire the Square, makes it possible, for the first time, to also use spiral and platform staircases underneath. Until now, access to the roof was limited to straight stairways due to the elongated rectangular shape of the roof access hatch range. The Square only takes 45 seconds for the concealed hydraulic drives to silently open the 4m² glass element of the skylight by 70 degrees. As with the Swing, the new variant does not require any additional space on the roof terrace than its own size in closed form, even when open, thanks to its swing mechanism.   Visually, the aluminium border frame throughout the product family, attracts attention as an architectural highlight. The aluminum profiles and the reveal surface can be coated in all RAL colours offering further choice and exclusivity. Since the glass panes and frame feature a flush edge detail both internally and externally, and all variants are designed with an inclined surface, the range boasts not only a visually appealing seamless design, but also ensures that rainwater can run-off easily without leaving any dirty edges or water ponding. Safety is standard in the Flat Roof Access Hatch Comfort product family with fall-resistant glazing which can be walked on to a limited extent for cleaning purposes. As an additional safety feature, a light barrier is installed as standard which prevents the closing of the access hatch as soon as it detects something in the entrance area. In terms of energy, the new roof access hatch continues the tradition of all LAMILUX skylights: The overall system, which is free of thermal bridges and isothermally balanced and the option of special glazing meets modern demands for sustainability, energy efficiency and climate protection which ultimately save heating costs and minimizes condensation. All four products in this family have one further thing in common: They are delivered completely pre-assembled to the construction site, lifted onto the roof by a crane provided by the customer and then installed swiftly and easily. This minimizes the risk of errors and saves valuable time – both for the contractor and for the apartment user who ultimately gains access to the roof terrace. 

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.

Gripsure has played a key part in the transformation of the Story Museum in Oxford. The much-loved attraction has undergone a £6 million revamp, which involved extending, altering and refurbishing a mixture of existing buildings to create space for interactive exhibitions, displays, theatre performances and activities.At the museum’s core, is a courtyard with a bespoke steel and timber feature staircase and walkways, which connect the three main buildings, including the 19th Century Rochester House and a former postal office. Gripsure’s Classic boards with three non-slip aggregate inserts have been used to provide a safe, non-slip surface on the courtyard’s feature staircase and along the curved walkways.Our Classic deck boards achieve the highest non-slip safety rating on the market, meaning museum-goers – many of them young children – can safely work their way up, down, back and along the circular route as they explore various magical storytelling worlds, including a whispering wood and an enchanted library.Project manager Barry Doyle of Buckingham-based construction firm Edgar Taylor said Gripsure decking was a great choice. “It had to be non-slip because it’s a museum and there are children going up and down the stairs all the time,” said Barry. “The decking needed to be safe.”Gripsure’s Classic boards were chosen with a mixture of widths selected to suit the curved nature of the staircase. Gripsure’s Step profile was also used, which has a wide insert. As well as being a safe choice, the contemporary look of the Classic timber boards blends in well with the style of the museum’s timber and steel staircase and walkways.“This was a project of passion for the people that ran it,” said Barry Doyle, adding that it was vital to get details, such as the decking exactly right. “The staircase and external walkways are an important part because they effectively tie the buildings together on all floors.”The Story Museum was founded in 2003 and initially operated as a virtual museum before moving to premises in Rochester House, Pembroke Street. The redevelopment project first started in 2018 and was broken down into ‘chapters’.The Story Museum, which has worked and associated with and associated with authors and illustrators including Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Terry Pratchett, Jacqueline Wilson and Quentin Blake, was finally able to open its doors again in 2020, to the delight of children and their families.The extraordinary renovation project - led by Purcell architects – has been mentioned in the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Journal.The museum was also a finalist in the Art Fund’s 2022 museum of the year.See storymuseum.org.uk; edgartaylor.co.uk

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

Neaco’s Techdek aluminium grille system has been specified as maintenance access walkways totalling over 232m in length on the roof structure which crowns the 51,000-seat Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Monterrey, Mexico. Designed by The Kansas City-based Populous, the $200 million stadium is home to Club de Fútbol Monterrey. It features more premium seating than any other football stadium in Latin America and is the most expensive stadium ever built in Mexico. The aluminum-clad design reflects the history of brewing and steel manufacturing in Monterrey with the silhouette of brewing stills inspiring an asymmetrical shape.

CASE: Concealed top-down Honeycell Duette® blinds in blackout material.

D1 Decking Solutions recently completed the remediation of Kensington Aldridge Academy’s terrace deck and balustrades, using the AliDeck Senior Ridged Board and AliRail Plate Fix systems. The transformation has created a fire-safe and futureproof environment.

As competition for schools construction projects remains high and costs are driven down, the need to meet standards of robustness, energy efficiency and acoustic performance become more challenging. At a school for girls, four roofs totalling over 2000m2 required two different finishes, three different build- ups and, crucially, one single Labour and Materials Warrantee to cover all four under our PI Insurance.

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

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.

In less than four months, SIG Design & Technology, IKO Polymeric and FK Group have completed a 48,000m2 roofing project for one of the biggest online grocery centres in the world. An incredibly tight programme minimised material waste and time on site, thanks to a number of innovations developed specifically for the project by the three businesses working collaboratively.

Terracing at an apartment complex in Birmingham has been restored to its former glory with Sadolin Classic. The elevated deck serves as a community hub and meeting place for residents from surrounding apartments in the Digbeth area. Its location, on the rooftop of a multi-storey carpark, leaves the terrace exposed to varying weather conditions and Optima Community Association - part of WM Housing Group – called on Crown Paints Specification Services to find a solution to preserve and protect the space.

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.”

Really high quality roof lights and great service.

This asbestos cement roof was heavily contaminated with moss and lichen, following many years of neglect. Liquasil's asbestos roof coating, Asbestoseal was specified because it is the only such coating with BBA Approval for asbestos roofs. Also, the completed project came with a 10 year Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee. The roof now repels water instead of absorbing it and nothing can grow on top of the coating system, meaning it will stay moss-free forever. Call 0121 709 5352

The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcomes over 290,000 visitors each year to explore its 200 acres of rediscovered gardens. Heligan came to Gripsure for a non-slip solution for the Jungle, where decked walkways lead visitors through immersive tropical plants and giant ferns. The Jungle is in a sheltered, deep valley. It is very steep in places, so when it rains, it’s essential visitors are kept safe. We recommended Gripsure Classic, a smooth board featuring three non-slip inserts. We chose this decking because it has the highest safety rating on the market, making it the right choice for this project. Heligan staff welcomed the innovative solution to replace sections of timber covered in chicken-wire. "A quality product at a competitive price as well as a friendly and professional service, where nothing was too much trouble"- Heligan Gardening Team.

Very efficientCould not fault! Outstanding service, communication was excellent too. Good price for a high quality product. First time for me to use this company but won’t be the last, I am a roofer and do a lot of flat roofs where occasionally we need roof windows (which most merchants don’t stock). To sum up- top quality, top service, very efficient and a fair price. Thank you 😊

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.

Over 10,000 square metres of the Thermo Ash 'hidden-fix' system were supplied for various external areas on the Turbine Halls of the iconic Battersea Power Station including the private roof terraces and balconies of the sky villas on the roof of the building, and roof terraces of the commercial office spaces.The use of the Grad system not only created stunning areas, but contributed to significant savings on the labour cost of installation.The installation of Thermo Ash used Grad aluminium rails with factory-placed clips for perfect alignment, placed on Buzon UK's PB range of pedestals where required.  

Neaco’s Techdek aluminium decking has been specified for an innovative internal cycle park at the XYZ building, a cutting edge workspace in Manchester designed by Cartwright Pickard. Robert Phillips, Associate at Cartwright Pickard, said: “We specified Techdek for the cycle ramp due its robust construction and the simplicity of its design – the modular nature of its construction, its excellent drainage capabilities and the ribbed profile for surety under foot. Its track record of being used on similar, high profile projects gave us the confidence that the product was suitable for the application.”

Brand New Oasis Academy, Silvertown Leads Education Facilities by a Mile with Garden Roof Spaces, and Rooftop Sports Pitch In the heart of what is now the Royal Docklands, a former industrial zone south of Royal Victoria Dock lies a brand new carefully considered Academy. Set to serve 600 students in this emerging community, the “superblock” thrusts modern educational facilities well into the 21st century. Despite the constrained site, the building design harmoniously incorporates vantage points from outdoor social spaces at varying levels.There’s no need to worry about a gravelly all weather pitch causing havoc at your hockey match. There’s a state-of-the-art full size Multi-Use Games Area, lush planted external roof spaces, a double height sports hall, and main hall/performance area making up the core of the building inside.CLIENT BRIEF AND DESIGNRenowned in their field, regeneration experts Morgan Sindall required a single sourced end-to-end roofing solution that could deliver a full system specification underpinned by a 35-year system warranty, installation expertise and site management.Understanding the Architect’s vision at award winning Rivington Street Studio to create a transformative educational haven and maximise the potential of the outdoor roof areas helped the Alumasc Roofing team bring this roof to life.PARTNERSHIPWorking with the project teams across Morgan Sindall, Rivington Street Studio and Fenland Flat Roofing pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for the future of the built environment in the Education sector.Tim Mott, Senior Design Manager, Morgan Sindall, “Brian and the Alumasc team have been on-site with additional safety constraints and delivered high-quality regular progress reporting to achieve the deadlines for the students to move in next year and really put these fantastic facilities to use.”Brian Cottington, New Build Regional Manager - South East & London, “The original specification included warm roof build ups which utilised tapered insulation, however this was subsequently adapted and working closely together with the Architect, Morgan Sindall and Fenland Flat Roofing we implemented a universal standard build up using an inverted system, with less complexity whilst achieving the high system performance and BRoof (t4).”Richard Trew, Associate, Rivington Street Studio, “The garden roof areas and outdoor space bring this building to life and against the industrial backdrop create a nurturing school environment. It was great working with the Alumasc team solving problems and overcoming design challenges along the way.”Chris Preston, Estimator, Fenland Flat Roofing, “Working closely with the local Alumasc Roofing Site Technicians and engaging in extensive discussions agreeing the final system requirements meant the installation process ran smoothly.”ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSSED SOLUTIONThe high performance Hydrotech inverted roof is a special formulation of refined asphalts and synthetic rubbers with 30% recycled content. Installing insulation with exceptional thermal properties including 300mm extruded polystyrene insulation and 56mm inverted upstand insulation effectively reduces heat loss.SAFETY PERFORMANCEThe application is a one-component, hot-applied, fully reinforced, flexible, self-healing hot melt monolithic membrane, applied in a liquid state to the substrate giving a 100% absolute and seamless bond.The Academy has a 35-year warranty for the works and has a fire classification of BRoof (t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.ABOUTThe Oasis Academy is set to open its doors February 2022. Images courtesy of Rivington Street StudioCompletion: Autumn 2021Main Contractor: Morgan SindallAlumasc Registered Roofing Contractor: Fenland Flat RoofingArchitect: Rivington Street Studio

This asbestos cement roof in Birmingham was soiled and in need of remediation.Nadco Roofing Services ensured that the roof was cleaned with all waste water being filtered to 2 microns prior to the application of Liquasil's BBA Approved Asbestoseal 20 asbestos roof coating system.The full system involved priming the metal fixings with our SWT Primer, before sealing the fixings and any cracks in the roof using our Non-Sag Sealer.Once dry, the roof can then be seamlessly coated using Asbestoseal which comes with a 20-year product guarantee and leaves an old asbestos cement roof looking revitalised and brand new.

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.

Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood was specified for the Rising Path Project at Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden. The Rising Path is one of the gardens’ biggest horticulture projects. It revitalises the three-acre Systematic Beds, which were first laid out in 1845. The striking structure offers visitors new ways to explore plant taxonomy. The 65-metre-long spiral structure was designed by Chadwick Dryer Clarke as a gently sloping path stemming off from the gardens’ existing path network. The path leads visitors to a viewing platform with a three-metre vantage point from which the full layout of the Systematic Beds can be enjoyed. The structural frame is formed from galvanized steel with the majority of the structure built from Accoya® wood, which was selected for its durability, stability and clean aesthetic. To ensure safe access all year round the walkway and stairs needed to be slip-resistant. We supplied over 1,300 hundred linear metres of Gripsure non-slip decking made from Accoya® wood, backed with our ten-year non-slip performance guarantee. Along the pathway are sections of landing points that highlight some of the plants’ significant evolutionary innovations, which allowed them to leave the water for life on land. At these points, Gripsure Graphics non-slip deck boards were supplied to create custom typographics. The boards needed to provide a visual contrast to the main decking as well as displaying information for visitors. Project architects Chadwick Dryer Clarke and Designmap (whose design was inspired by the work of the artist Gordon Young) developed the graphic design of the boards. A representative from Chadwick Dryer Clarke said “Gripsure’s approach was positive and collaborative, with a real interest in supporting the design team and project. A number of prototypes were developed that refined the depth, size and edge clarity of lettering, and the successful result has a crispness and quality that exceeds the design aspirations.” The Rising Path is a well-crafted and elegant structure which enhances the experience of the Systematic Beds which are of global heritage significance. It has had very positive feedback from visitors since its opening.

The AliDeck team enjoyed another site visit up in the Big Smoke today as we travelled into London to take a look at an ongoing project that is using AliDeck aluminium decking.

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 O2 arena's roof needed state-of-the-art acoustic engineering to eliminate virtually all nuisance ambient noise (bass thumping) outside the arena contributing to fantastic acoustics inside the structure.The complex roof design featured several layers of different density barrier materials to deaden even the lowest bass frequencies, all carried on special acoustic deck structures. The structural deck troughs were filled with ROCKWOOL RW4 insulation, with ROCKWOOL Acoustic membrane over and a 50mm Rigidal intermediate deck.

Liquasil Ultra PU is a BBA approved flat roof waterproofing membrane. Cold-applied, the system comprises an embedment coat, into which a chopped strand reinforcement mat is laid to provide exceptional strength. The mat dissolves and allows for hand-moulding around difficult details. Once cured, the Liquasil PU UV coat is applied to provide additional strength, durability & protection. The completed system comes with the unique Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee, which provides cover for Professional Design. Specify with 100% confidence. Made in the UK.

Surespan designed and manufactured several fire-rated roof hatches for the Killeen ISD East/West Ward Elementary School, in Killeen Texas.  The Project:Huckabee is the architect behind the East/West Ward Elementary School, tasked with replacing two 60-year-old campuses, by combining them into one new holistic learning environment. The planning behind the architecture focuses on efficiency, function and ease of wayfinding. From simple to navigate corridors, modernised classrooms and glazing to illuminate the interior with natural light. East/West Ward Elementary School blends district design standards with innovative thinking to achieve spacial efficiency and maintain equitability.Product:Surespan designed and manufactured five 35.5-inch x 35.5-inch Fire Rated Roof Hatch with an integral guard hand railing attached. These hatches are thermally broken and have been designed and tested with 4-hour fire resistance for integrity to EN 1634-1:2014.  Features:These hatches are using environmentally friendly materials such as non-combustible minerals and fireboard cladding to achieve a top-performing thermal efficiency. All the hatches were finished in a light grey polyester powder-coated finish for an aesthetically pleasing solution. The coating is set to last many years, just like the durable masonry veneer that is featured in the building, helping to maintain the space for years to come. 

Russell Roof Tiles worked closely with the roofing contractor to supply tiles for a rural exemption scheme.

Russell Roof Tiles su.pplied 200,000 Highland roof tiles in Cottage Red for a reroof project

Designed to redefine what living on the water looks like, the floating home by House on Water LTD is a triumph of Scandinavian technology and construction, and UK engineering. Through sourcing it’s heat from the river it floats on, the innovative and sustainable show home fulfils the needs of a modern family and demonstrates how conformable life on the water can be. One of the first of its kind, the Floating Home can lead the way in this new innovative and sustainable style of living. The solution that was provided was the intelligent and innovative GlassLine system by Undrain.

CUPA 9 slates have been specified as part of a modern luxury housing development in Yorkshire. The company’s natural Spanish slates were chosen on account of their aesthetic value, long-term durability and competitive pricing.  Set amongst the foothills of the Yorkshire Wolds and with panoramic views of the Humber Estuary, ‘The View’ in Swanland is a luxury 14 house development, which has been led by main developer, Church Gate Homes. The high-end collection of properties has been delivered using premium building solutions, including CUPA PIZARRAS H9, with each property featuring around 10,000 individual slates. Excelling in terms of aesthetics and long-lasting performance, natural roofing slates are capable of enduring extreme temperatures, are fire-resistant and unaffected by UV light. Incredibly durable, solutions manufactured from slate can offer a lifecycle of over 100 years. Additionally, the natural make up of the material ensures that it is also the most sustainable roofing option on the market. Specifically, CUPA 9 is a grey slate with a very smooth surface and is taken from one of CUPA PIZARRAS’ own quarries in Riofrío de Aliste in Northern Spain. With its traditional beauty, the natural slate is ideal for use across heritage projects. However, the stylish aesthetic of the material also lends itself equally well to modern developments, such as ‘The View’ where it can be used to create sleek roof designs. Speaking on the project, Calum Cowham, Marketing Manager at Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd commented: “The project team needed a roofing solution that both looked and performed perfectly. With the CUPA 9 slates that’s exactly what they got. What’s more, the company’s natural slate product range is available at a highly competitive price point, which owes a lot to CUPA PIZARRAS’ efficient and effective production methods.” Martin Sutton, Operations Manager at Church Gate Homes commented: “When working on high-value properties, it is important to offer customers products, which combine durability and aesthetic value. This is exactly what CUPA PIZARRAS slates allowed us to do at ‘The View’. The company’s natural products perfectly suited the prestigious nature of the site.” As well as offering quality slate solutions, the CUPA PIZARRAS specialists were also on hand to assist the installation team at Church Gate Homes with specific advice on how to fit the slates in line with all relevant standards and requirements. Similarly, the installation team benefitted from the onsite support of leading roofing merchant, Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd. Burton Roofing’s team helped to ensure products were safely delivered to site when required and provided further technical assistance where necessary. “The roofing installation at ‘The View’ was very straightforward and the finished results look great,” commented Martin. “The CUPA PIZARRAS slates have provided a clean and tidy appearance, which fits well across all of the properties. What’s more, we were able to carry out the installation with very little waste, which further bolstered the product’s cost-effective and environmental credentials.” To this end, natural slate solutions also have the added benefit of requiring no chemical or heat treatments that need gas during their production. To ensure even greater environmental performance, CUPA PIZARRAS also endeavours to recycle all of its processing water via a closed circuit, and works to restore exhausted quarries by hydroseeding native plants and ensuring the natural recovery of the local flora and fauna. CUPA PIZARRAS has also been recognised and certified by the Carbon Trust as a carbon neutral company. This recognition highlights the company’s comprehensive effort in sustainability and makes it the first slate production company to achieve carbon neutrality within its operations. All properties at ‘The View’ were sold prior to the commencement of the development. Work at the site continues to progress with the project team working to complete the bespoke designs of its individual customers.  

Blue-green roof solution on a London dwellingCHALLENGE8a Belmont Street comprises two unique semi-detached dwellings, which have been constructed in Chalk Farm, London by a private developer Maygrove Projects in collaboration with Martin Evans Architects. The total roof area covers only 55.03m² but features an unusual roof design; it is divided into five sections comprising two glazed roofs and three blue roof areas. For this warm roof construction, an alternative durable waterproofing was sought, suitable for blue roof application. SOLUTION Approved Roofing Contractor Gribben Solar Roofing provided an alternative blue roof solution to the original design proposed by the project architects, fully complying with their needs. Together with partner and single ply manufacturer RENOLIT they proposed a waterproofing solution for the blue roof in the form of a fully bonded RENOLIT ALKORPLAN L35A77 membrane, to be combined with the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Green roof system. So, actually, a blue-green roof!

We visited one of our approved installers to check out the refurbishment process underway at The Kingsbury Building project on Horsell Road in Islington, London. Alu-Installations installed our complete non-combustible balcony solution, using AliClad Flow aluminium soffit cladding and AliDeck Junior Ridged aluminium decking boards.