"roof"

Modern materials were employed in the quest to recreate part of Bristol’s heritage. SIG Design & Technology supplied IKO’s Armourplan PSG single ply membrane because it fitted the bill perfectly as the roof covering was ideal for replicating the original seamed lead roof.

Set within the Garscbue Estate, Archial Group, the Architect, wanted a new build project with as minimal visual impact as possible, so the building was constructed within the side of a hill with a green roof. Towards the end of the roof’s construction a seeded grass finish was opted for.

Heavy 3 slate has been used to rebuild a previously run-down village hall, into An Talla Loch Ness Visitor Centre, a visitor gateway to Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. The renovation project used Heavy 3 spanish slate for its similarities, aesthetically and characteristically, to the traditional Scottish Ballachulish.  Part of a £2.5 million project, the developers Loch Ness by Jacobite took over the building with the view of creating a base for visitors to embark on a journey along the loch. The extensive renovation of the Victorian-built Dochgarroch Village Hall has been re-named An Talla, meaning ‘The Hall’ in Gaelic. It now comprises of a reception, retail outlet and café, all built around a new central courtyard and external terrace overlooking the Caledonian Canal towpath and quayside. As the original slate used on the building was Scottish Ballachulish, Heavy 3 was selected for its shared characteristics such as its blue-black colour and thickness. Heavy 3 slate is the best choice for repair and replacement of traditional roofs in Scotland as it produced at an extra thickness, 7 - 8mm, meaning it is ideal for combatting Scotland’s inclement weather.  “As the Loch Ness centre is an extension of the original hall building which has a traditional Ballachulish roof, Heavy 3 slate was selected as the ideal match to maintain the aesthetic,” commented Ian Sharpe, roofing installer at Wyvis Roofing – contractor on the development.  “I specify Heavy 3 for many of my roofing projects as the likeness to traditional Scottish slate is unmatched by anything else on the market. As always, the installation went really well and the CUPA PIZARRAS team – who I use regularly for roofing projects - were on hand to assist if needed.“One particular quirk of this project was the family of bats that had taken residence in the roof of the building. As bats are a classed as a European protected species, it is illegal to remove them; so, we installed a number of lead bat vents, allowing the bats to fly in and out of the roof space freely – yet more wildlife for visitors to observe.” 

About the projectIn the summer of 2016, Paterson Gordon Architecture were approached to renovate an existing steading that stood in a derelict state. However, the stunning views of Loch Lomond created an inspiring opportunity to design and build a modern family home.Which FAKRO products were used?This property required an increase of natural light for a dark space within the building which could not fulfil its highest potential. By specifying DMF-D U6 and DXF-D U6 flat roof windows, Paterson Gordon Architecture was able to deliver a substantial proportion of natural light into the central hallway. DMF - D U6 Manually-operated Flat Roof WindowManual opening flat roof windows.The type F window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple-glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC upstand is RAL 9010, the internal finish is RAL 9010 white PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.DXF-D U6 Non-opening Flat Roof WindowNon-opening flat roof window.The Type F Window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC Upstand is RAL9010, the internal finish is RAL9010 White PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.The existing part of the barn specified conservation-style roof windows to suit the original roof openings. To meet this requirement, FAKRO conservation windows were specified and installed. The characteristic feature is a black vertical mullion bar down the middle of the window and its black cladding. Making it suitable for traditional construction. Most of FAKROs standard windows are available as a conservation window.Why were FAKRO products specified?Primarily, the appearance of the flat roof windows was behind the reason for choosing FAKRO, along with the diverse product range and the ability to install the windows onto zinc, slate, and single-ply membrane roofs.

BriefAs part of the drive to revitalise Kirkby Town Centre, the local authority, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, has been significantly investing in regeneration works. A redundant B&M shopping centre formed an important part of the uplift.At 36,000 sq ft, the empty precinct was the largest vacant unit in the town centre and was in need of significant repair and modernisation. Bringing the building up to date was crucial in encouraging businesses back to the area and delivering more choice of retail outlets to visitors.The project was estimated to cost £1.66million, with £450,000 allocated to the roof renovation, which was to be carried out by Paramount Roofing Systems, in association with IKO.ChallengesThe busy, central location of the shopping centre presented several challenges for the roof installation. The existing roof needed a comprehensive refurbishment, including stripping back to the metal decking and removal of all layers and outdated materials.A total of 48 redundant skylights needed to be carefully and meticulously taken out as they were no longer needed or functional. Any obsolete ventilation fans and plant equipment also had to be removed, as streamlining roof space was essential for efficiency. This all had to take place before the installation commenced.When it came to delivery of materials, there was limited laydown due to the surrounding live loading bays for neighbouring shops and this lack of space also affected the storage of the materials on-site.Inclement weather presented a significant challenge for the team. Despite operations taking place during the summer, torrential downpours were frequent. Protecting the integrity of the building was paramount to ensure the businesses below the installation could continue trading without risk of water ingress or leaks.SolutionAs this was such an expansive project, it was important that the roofing system was robust, easy to install and would stand the test of time. IKO worked with Paramount Roofing Systems to ensure the most suitable solution was specified for the replacement roof.A fully built-up bituminous felt warm roof was chosen as the best option, as it was designed to ensure effective insulation, weatherproofing and longevity for many years to come.To mitigate disruption to nearby trade, Paramount Roofing Systems effectively coordinated with local businesses for the duration of the project. The team established a robust schedule, so that construction activity was minimally affected by the town centre’s busy hours and zoned time restrictions.A telescopic forklift truck was hired specifically for the project, to handle offloading and loading more efficiently and allow the team to move more precisely within the confined space. Four operatives were trained to ensure that the forklift truck was used safely, which was imperative given the high footfall close to the site.IKO arranged for bulk materials to be delivered directly to the roof to help overcome the issue of restricted space. Materials were also stored off-ground and covered at all times with strategically placed tarpaulins to avoid water damage from the persistent rain.Despite the wet weather conditions hindering progress, the project was delivered just over the expected time frame of 8-10 weeks. The collaboration between IKO and Paramount Roofing Systems was pivotal in ensuring that the project met and exceeded requirements – contributing to an integral building that promises to give a much-needed boost to Kirkby town centre.

The roof space to an existing commercial property in the North-West of England has been given the added protection of having its very large roof-space sub-divided using the APOLLO Lite™ 30:30 system manufactured by TBA FIREFLY™.

IKO Polymeric, SIG Design & Technology, and Excel Roofing Services have collaborated to design, supply and install 250m2 of single ply roofing for the new kiosk, glass covered beach walkways and stores which houses the latest Oceanarium residents, ten Humboldt Penguins.

The Garscube is described as an ‘urban barn’; with a low slung fibre cement slate pitched roof intended to be sympathetic to the character of neighbouring properties. The building sports a single homogenous fibre cement slate skin to form both walls and roof alongside generous window openings.

The project consisted of two similar flat roof areas totalling 1,100m2 above high-rise residential blocks in a city centre location. The existing roofs were an inverted roof design that had been waterproofed with single-ply that had failed prematurely. Numerous short-term, localised repairs had failed to stop the water ingress and leaks had been a long-term problem.It would have been impractical to remove the tons and tons of ballast and insulation from the top of the high-rise building and it was imperative to the client that removal or replacement works were not involved at all. The specific nature of this project required careful consideration, and so a survey of the roof was arranged.The SolutionA report from an independent consultant commissioned by the client identified a problematic challenge with an overlay option. The existing falls of the roof were assessed to be poor, and so standing water would be an issue for any new waterproof covering. The report concluded that this would reduce the lifespan of an overlay waterproofing system and so was advised against. The client initially thought this to be a stumbling block and that costly and impractical modifications to the roof would need to be made.Having worked with Polyroof on scores of other projects, the client turned to Polyroof Technical Services for a solution that could meet their stringent criteria. Following on from the preliminary discussions, Polyroof’s Technical Services assessed the site, taking core samples and then providing a suitable specification to overlay the roof with the Protec System.The BBA certification of the Protec system specifically covers use for zero falls (completely flat) applications, meaning the client had absolute peace of mind that standing water would not be a detriment to the integrity of the waterproofing system. The client was able to achieve the original objective of an overlay system and benefited from the associated cost and time savings. Furthermore, the BBA certificate states that when used in inverted roof scenarios the lifespan of the Protec system is as long as the design life of the roof.Work was started with J R Flat Roofing, a Polyroof approved contractor with national coverage, moving the ballast and insulation to one-side in four phases of 140m2 at a time, exposing the single-ply membrane to which the Protec system was directly applied.Due to Protec’s rapid cure and walk-on times (30-60 mins dependent on conditions), the system is ideal for larger, phased refurbishment, as specific sections of the roof can be made waterproof with the full Protec system in one day. When carrying out the next section, the new Protec membrane forms a totally seamless and watertight joint to the existing Protec-covered areas.Another objective was to reuse the original inverted insulation and ballast pebbles as this was cost saving and negated the need for the lifting logistics that would have been involved in bringing the ballast to ground level. Additionally, it made the process as environmentally compliant as possible by keeping waste to a minimum. The insulation and pebbles were re-applied in its original format and, due to the weight of the pebbles, was a mammoth task that required three miniveyors to help with the handling. A series of special aluminium breather vents were also fitted down to the concrete slab roof substrate to enable the surface to dry out over a period of 12 months.The whole job was completed in three weeks and the client was delighted with the finished work. With a 20-year insurance back-guarantee and a maintenance-free waterproof membrane that will last as long as the roof stands, the client was once again left with total peace of mind that their buildings could not be better protected.

Teesside University’s Greig Building, named in honour of the founding father of computer science Bill Greig, is the home of the university’s Computer and Mathematical Sciences Studies department. When the aged bituminous roof coverings had shown failures including splits, blow holes and crazing, it was of paramount importance that a waterproofing solution could be provided as quickly as possible to prevent the risk of water damage and disruption.The university’s site maintenance team turned to Polyroof for a solution, which started with a detailed survey of the three roof areas totalling 750m2.The ChallengeCore tests taken at appropriate locations throughout the roof areas demonstrated that the existing warm roof build-ups were free from signs of decay. This meant that the roofs could be retained and over-coated with a new waterproofing system allowing for a rapid, minimal-disruption solution.A bespoke specification was put together based on the findings from the Polyroof Survey Report that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations, including remedial instruction for many problematic roof details. With the peace of mind and satisfaction that the various problems on the roof would be solved through Polyroof’s proposals, the client progressed with a tender process that resulted in a successful application by Polyroof Approved Contractor BBR Roofing Ltd.The SolutionPolyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times was chosen as the ideal solution for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application, the works could be carried out during the university’s term times, without having to wait for closure periods between semesters.Works began with the existing asphalt and felt coverings being made good where required, including the levelling and filling of blow holes and cracks with Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. Next, the surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased to provide a sound substrate for the new waterproofing system.Many of the roof perimeters and junctions featured parapet walls which were identified as a potential point of water ingress during the survey. The inner faces and tops were therefore boarded-over with 18mm Polyroof approved plywood which would allow these details to be fully encapsulated with the Protec System, meaning their waterproof integrity would be covered under the new system’s guarantee. Protec can waterproof vertical areas with the greatest of ease due to its thixotropic formulation, which means slumping and running is minimised during application.Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced. After priming surfaces where required, the first coat of Protec was applied and reinforced with PolyMat 450. With its RapidCure technology, the Protec can be walked on and over-coated after only 30-60 minute after applications, meaning large roof areas can be made fully waterproofed within a matter of hours.After the second coat of Protec was applied to complete the waterproofing system, designated maintenance walkways were formed through embedding quartz sand aggregate into a third coat of Protec liquid.Completion and InspectionThe refurbishment of the roof was completed within the client’s target timeframe and budget. Following a final inspection by Polyroof Technical Services, which highlighted quality workmanship of BBR Roofing, the client received Polyroof’s trusted Accredited System Guarantee and now has the peace of mind the roof will be leak-free for decades to come.

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.  

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

The original waterproofing on the Maternity Hospital roof had exceeded its serviceable life and begun experiencing water ingress, requiring urgent remedial work. Bristol City Council wanted to optimise the roof area by installing a high quality, long lasting PV array that would contribute to its Solar City scheme that aims to provide one gigawatt of solar power to Bristol by 2020. The installation needed to cause minimal disruption to ongoing work at the hospital and insulation upgrades were necessary to ensure the roof achieved the required 0.25 U-Value.

The Olympic Stadium’s transformation into a multi-use stadium has seen the specification of Marlon CS polycarbonate rooflights. The 44,000m² roof is the largest cantilevered roof worldwide and includes 4,484 polycarbonate sheets. The project was a feat of production and delivery logistics with each sheet cut to size forming 2,756 unique shapes and labelled with a unique placement code to ease installation. With the stadium width 84 metres at its deepest, the transparent roof covers all 54,000 spectator seats protecting fans from the elements as well as ensuring optimum grass growth for pitch perfect conditions.

As part of the refit, the building required a new roof as it was showing signs of wear and had started to leak. As well as a waterproofing solution, the client wanted to improve the thermal performance in line with current building regulations. For health and safety reasons, the client also requested a flame free roofing solution.

Profile 6 fibre cement roofing sheets were used on Cefnamlwch Farm to keep condensation levels to a minimum. The farm is also subjected to strong coastal winds, so the hardwearing, durable sheets made them an ideal choice from which to construct the new build’s roof.

Herefordshire Housing Association, announced plans of a five year project with the aim of improving the energy efficiency levels of its entire housing stock, which includes over 500 Cornish type houses across Herefordshire. Many of these homes were built between 1946 and the 1960’s as a ‘temporary’ solution to the post-war housing crisis and they are easily recognised because of their distinctive Mansard roof structure.The contractors, Merriman Roofing and distributor Encon Insulation were given the target of improving the thermal performance of this insulation in the Mansard roofs to a u-value of 0.30 W/m²K, while minimising the disruption to residents which wouldn’t have been possible using traditional means. Because the houses were occupied, all improvement works needed to be carried out from the outside to minimise the impact on the occupants. Unfortunately, due to the Mansard roof which covers the second storey of the building, it’s difficult to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the homes using traditional materials and tools, with a u-value target of 0.30 W/m2.K, traditional insulation was too thick. In the past, efforts to improve the insulation of the Cornish-type homes have been limited by the design of the roof. Achieving a good fit within the timber frame using externally applied options has proved to be challenging due to the narrow cavity between the interior wall and the exterior roof and applying products from inside can typically be disruptive and intrusive for occupants.After visiting the houses that required new insulation, our experts came to the conclusion that our SuperFOIL SF40 multifoil insulation would be the perfect solution to the problem. Because SF40 measures to be just 65mm thick when installed, it was a suitable fit for the unusual Cornish-type properties and their distinctive roofs which only allow a narrow space for insulation. Working with, Herefordshire Housing, Encon and Merriman Roofing Contractors Ltd, we have supplied enough insulation to provide for over 500 houses, improving heat retention in the winter and energy efficiency throughout the year. SuperFOIL worked very closely with Hereford Housing Ltd and Merriman Roofing Contractors Ltd to offer a bespoke solution. SF40 was up to the challenge achieving 0.26 W/m2.K, significantly exceeding their target value. A single layer of SF40 provided maximum performance, minimal thickness, improved air-tightness, radiant barrier, huge cost savings and less disruption to the residents.

These railings were used on a roof terrace and lower floor balcony area. On the roof section the standard root fixed version was used, and a bespoke side mounted version manufactured for the lower floor balcony. These posts were cast in ductile SG iron to that they met and surpassed all loading requirements.

Two types of Welsh Slate roofing slates have helped breathe new life into the stunning Grade II listed dining hall of a top independent school. A total of 15,000 of Welsh Slate’s rectangular Cwt y Bugail and arrow-head Penrhyn Heather Blue slates now feature on the duo-pitch roof at Clifton College in Bristol. The three-storey dining hall/kitchen, which is one of, if not the biggest building in a cluster of stunning Victorian constructions, had not been re-roofed since it was built 156 years ago to a design by architect Charles Hansom.

Constructed in 1969, Lancaster University’s iconic chaplaincy centre is one of the first buildings that come into view when arriving on campus and amongst the university’s most architecturally distinctive. It features three circular roofs which rise in the centre of the building to create a three-pronged spire. The building has become an instantly recognisable visual symbol since being used as the basis for the university’s logo in 1989. The recent roof refurbishment project, delivered using Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Ultra system, received the Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1000m2 at the LRWA Awards 2017.

2-6 Cannon Street is a high-end new build commercial office building located in the City. This new-build includes an unusual shaped roof which has been designed to create a stunning exterior roof terrace. Buzon UK were commissioned to supply and install the DPH pedestal system to support GRAD decking and rail systems. This was a challenging project as steel planters were located in the middle of the roof terrace so the installation of the adjustable support pedestals had to be carried out around the planters. Timber decked steps and ramps were also part of the terrace design.

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

We were brought in by Middlesbrough Council to complete the roof refurbishment of Abingdon Primary School.Systems in useExcel®Starcoat® ROverviewWe had originally worked with Middlesbrough Council to complete Abingdon Primary School’s first phase of the roofing in 2015, and were asked to review the remaining flat roof areas to bring them in line with the previous phase.ChallengesWith this being a school, all works had to happen outside of school terms, so works began at the beginning of the summer holidays and had to be completed before the start of the September term. This on its own posed challenges to make sure that all roofing works were completed on time so as not to disrupt any of the children’s educations. Logistics were crucial, as was collaboration between Axter, NT Sweeting and Middlesbrough Council.There was also the issue of combustible areas around the perimeter of the building with some cladding details and some windows that could not be detailed in a traditional torch on application.SolutionsWorking closely with Middlesbrough Council from the outset, we surveyed the roof area and ensured the new waterproofing and previously completed phase were compatible. We also liaised closely with NT Sweeting to make sure all products were available and delivered to site on time to avoid unnecessary delays to the roofing works.Our Excel reinforced bitumen membrane system was specified for the main roof area; the membrane is manufactured with the unique Alpa polymeric binder, making it our most technologically advanced RBM system.Axter’s Starcoat R cold applied liquid bitumen PU resin was used to detail combustible items picked up in our report, including interface to windows and cladding abutments in line with Safe2Torch guidelines, which eliminated all fire risk.

OverviewThis project saw the refurbishment of King Solomon International Business School, which was changing hands from office use to education. The building now features specialist science rooms, resistant materials workshop, drama studio, outdoor sports hall, music rehearsal rooms, food technology, ICT rooms and language rooms.ChallengesDue to the change of building use, a full survey of the roof covering was required. Excessive moisture was found within the existing asphalt covering, water ingress was present and the internal top floor of the building was not suitable to be used as a teaching space. The roof area presented many challenges with complex detailing to existing balustrade posts, live mobile telephone masts and large quantities of plant / M&E installed.SolutionsAs a starting point, the roof was completely stripped due to the high level of water ingress. The existing asphalt covering was removed ready for installation of a new Excel RBM system, with Hytherm ADH PIR thermal insulation. Much of the existing M&E was found to be redundant and could safely be removed from the roof area.The complex detailing to the balustrades and fire risk areas was simplified using Starcoat PMMA cold applied liquid waterproofing, allowing for a long term, robust and financially viable solution. High level roof areas were also detailed with ease using Starcoat PMMA. Successful installation provided a peace of mind roof covering for the next 25 years, supported by Axter’s Platinum Guarantee.Systems in useExcel®Starcoat® PMMA

We delve into Anna's inspiring rooflight replacement journey in her Hertfordshire home with a Vario by VELUX custom-made roof window. This stunning addition has wholly transformed her living space.At Vario by VELUX, we understand the importance of custom-made solutions to suit your unique needs, and our bespoke flat roof windows are designed to do just that. Anna's story is a testament to how our Vario by VELUX Rooflights can create a space filled with daylight, enhancing ambience and interior design.Custom Made Roof Window CollaborationAnna, who hails from South Africa and relocated to the UK almost 40 years ago, recognises the importance of natural light and how it can significantly impact your well-being. Having lived in her Hertfordshire home for many years, she knew it was time to replace her existing lantern rooflight due to a leak and a desire for a more modern design.When she reached out to her architect for guidance, he recommended Vario by VELUX, a decision that proved to be a game-changer for her home. Our team worked closely with Anna, making the bespoke flat roof window fit around the structural beam and seamlessly integrated with her living space. The result was nothing short of beautiful, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and flexibility Vario by VELUX is known for.What improvements have you seen between the old rooflight and the new one?“The design of the extension is better now than when we had the previous rooflight. The lantern that stood up always bothered my eye and now this flat roof is unobtrusive. When I look out of my windows upstairs I don't see anything, I just see the garden, it’s just opened up another dimension.Another thing is the rain, the sound is different - it’s softer and I like the pool of water you can see lying on it - the different little patterns. It’s a wonderful sound and view so I really recommend it.”The Impact of Unlimited Daylight on Your HomeWith the Vario Unlimited Rooflight installed, Anna's living space now basks in abundant natural light. This daylight not only brightens up the room but also enhances the overall interior design. Even on cloudy days, the room remains well-illuminated, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The difference is undeniable, and Anna couldn't be happier with the transformation, stating, “I had such a good experience, everything was done so professionally… the end product is beautiful.”Advantages of Flat Roof Windows Over Lantern Roof DesignsWhen considering the choice between a flat roof window, like Vario Roof lights, and a lantern roof design, it's essential to highlight the benefits that make the former stand out:Unobstructed Views: Unlike traditional lantern-style skylights, flat roof windows can offer a more discreet and clean design that blends seamlessly with the roof. This design allows unrestricted views of surroundings, creating a more open and expansive feeling within a space. Lanterns can provide a beautiful and artistic effect by breaking up the daylight with the lantern intersections.Balancing Cost and Style in Skylights: Choosing between flat glass rooflights and lantern skylights isn't just about style but also cost. Flat glass rooflights are a bit friendlier on your wallet and can even help lower your heating bills, thanks to their excellent insulation. But don't let that sway you if your heart is set on a lantern skylight! They might require more time and expertise to install, but the result could be well worth it. Ultimately, the choice is yours - both options bring daylight and elegance.Ventilation: Vario flat rooflights are designed to maximise airflow thanks to our upstand, contributing to a well-ventilated and fresh interior space. Lantern roof lights, on the other hand, excel in aesthetics, adding a distinct charm to any room. However, their ventilation efficiency may not be as high as that of flat roof windows. Both options present a blend of form and functionality to consider.Insulation Differences: Lantern skylights and flat roof windows both provide insulation but to varying degrees. Lanterns with multiple glazing pane joints tend to have poorer insulation, leading to more heat loss. Conversely, flat roof windows, with fewer connections, generally offer superior insulation.There are certainly pros and cons to both types of rooflight design. What matters most is that you are considering adding more daylight into your your designs!Experience the ‘Wow Factor’ With a Bespoke Roof WindowAnna's advice when considering a renovation is crystal clear: "I really don’t think you can do an extension without a rooflight." She believes it's essential for well-being and making your space more enjoyable. A rooflight adds the "wow factor" that can genuinely make your life better.Incorporating a Vario skylight into your project can be a game-changer, just as it was for Anna.

THE PROJECTThe Bushey Heath building is the eighth development created by the Jewish Blind Association and consists of 15 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments. The project cost £6.7 million and has multiple communal areas including a large roof terrace which is available to tenants. This was identified as an area which would require shading and shelter for tenants.THE CHALLENGEThe charity needed a shading solution which could be left out in heavy rain and still provide a suitable amount of shade.THE SOLUTIONTo achieve the desired 10000mm width and 5000mm projection we used the Weinor Pergotex II aluminium roof cover to protect the roof terrace area. This was designed to give residents of the Bushey Heath flats shelter from sun and rain due to the product’s unique PVC fabric panels. The addition of LED roof lighting helped residents use the area later in the evenings with spaced seating provided.

Located at Aberdulais Crescent in Cardiff, each of the twelve properties is a traditionally-built bungalow built fifty five years ago. From the outset, the roofing material utilised on each home was manufactured from metal, although they used standard metal sheeting instead of the advanced metal roof tile Metrotile produces.

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

The Tate Modern’s Switch House is a new pyramid-shaped tower is built above the former power station’s subterranean oil tanks. The extension, which can be seen as you approach from the north, comprises ten floors that become incrementally smaller towards the top of the tower and culminates in a spectacular public roof terrace. Visitors to the roof are rewarded with 360-degree views of the river Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, and you can see as far as Tower Bridge, the Old Bailey and Wembley Stadium.Radmat Building Products supplied a waterproofing solution to roof and viewing platform on the newly opened extension.

The Loxley Shelter is our 100% plastic free cycle shelter. Made from recyclable galvanised steel and redwood from an FSC environmentally certified source, this shelter is the eco-friendly answer to sustainable cycle storage. The frame and roof construction is predominately structural graded timber to EN14081-2, pressure preservative treated with Tanalith® E against fungal decay and insect attack. Shelter feet are of steel construction for structural strength and to increase the life of the timber by keeping it away from the damp ground. Roof covering is fully recyclable galvanized steel,even the locknuts and roofing washers are plastic free alternatives.

The National Trust visitor centre at Tarn Hows in the Lake District is set in a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). EPDM was specified for the roof because of its environmentally friendly credentials which have the backing of Greenpeace. Hertalan roofing products were chosen because of ISO9001/14001 and BBA certification. The membranes were a combination of factory vulcanised sheets and easy weld rolls which were installed in accordance with strict FLL/GRO guidelines. The specification for the green roof insisted on local species of sedum and had over 2000 plug plants installed into 150mm deep recycled growing substrate.

Moreland Primary School is a purpose built school, nursery and Children's Centre requiring a multipurpose usable outdoor space. Due to lack of space, the ground attenuation tanks planned would reduce site storage and limit access to other trades, therefore delaying the project, The challenge was to develop a storage/discharge system which wouldn't impact the project and be sensitive to the local biodiversity action plan. ABG designed a versatile Blue Roof System removing the need for attenuation tanks and allowing the roof finishes required. ABG bio-diverse roof system helped maximise the BREEAM credits laid out in the action plan

Architect: WCP ArchitectsMain Contractor: AcreoInstaller: MetalTech Roofing and Cladding LimitedThe 42,000 (3,900 m2) six-storey Rusacks Hotel extension has created 44 more bedrooms to the west of the existing hotel including a roof-top bar and restaurant, all overlooking the 18th green at The Old Course in St Andrews.The £7m extension was built with some 1200 sqm of Aztec Rainscreen façade finished in Peakmoor Natural Stone. The 128-year-old MacDonald hotel in the home of golf was designed by Scottish firm WCP Architects and raises the bar for luxury in St Andrews. Installation was by MetalTech Roofing and Cladding Limited.

A residential customer had a storage unit and wanted improve it by adding a green roof. M-Tray®, being modular in shape and easy to install, was the perfect solution. The green roof had to be walked through the house to access the garden. Traditional roll-out green roofs, with their loose substrate bags and loose sedum blankets were too messy to transport indoors. M-Tray® is self-contained within the walls of the plastic tray and comes with fully established, sustainable vegetation. M-Trays® clip together easily, allowing the sedum to blend together, providing a beautiful, seamless finish.

LAMILUX designed, manufactured and installed this glazed 'Geo Grid' infill roof / rooflight to the courtyard of the Sir David Bell Building at Roehampton University. With the main atria designed with a 3° pitch leading to an integrated 30° angle, this unusual shaped glass roof consists of an array of 59 triangular and square shaped glass panels.

Somerset-based Housing Association Homes in Sedgemoor has once again specified Metrotile lightweight steel roofing, following their use of our roofing products on their successful ongoing Cornish Unit refurbishments. Instead of an estate of homes, the subject for renovation this time was the flats at Canal View, located in Bridgwater, Somerset. (More at the link)