78c – 100a Edgewood Road is a three storey mixed usage development – fully occupied, single floor retail and two storey residential property in need of urgent attention.

The problem…

The existing roof construction was a pitched roof, finished with a bitumen felt waterproofing system. The general condition of the existing waterproofing system was extremely poor and in need of urgent attention. A full site inspection was undertaken by Alumasc; where it was clearly visible that numerous attempted repairs had been performed throughout. Serious points of failure were identified with multiple points of tearing and splitting of the original membrane.

The deterioration of the original waterproofing system had exposed the deck; with the decking exposed to the elements structural integrity was severely compromised – the decking was saturated and coming apart to the touch, this presented real dangers to the residents below and the operatives throughout the refurbishment. There were no doubts that the current bituminous waterproofing system had far exceeded its serviceable life.

The original waterproofing system at Edgewood Road incorporated a decking board; this particular decking system is no longer classified as a suitable structural deck and therefore needed to be removed and replaced with a suitable alternative.

The extent of the deterioration was evident through the roof area. Large deflections between the rafter centres were visible providing clear indication that the decking was compromised. Large splits and cracking on the original oxidised bitumen waterproofing membranes allowed inspection of the deck from the external; high levels of water entrapment were confirmed within the decking material in multiple locations across the roof.

The Solution…

The refurbishment of the roofing system incorporated the removal of the existing deck and replacement with a suitable Plywood/OSB3 deck in accordance with the Alumasc recommendations and current building regulations.

An essential part of the provisional work(s) was to address issues with the timber frame that had suffered from Dry/Wet rot as a result of the previous ingress. New timbers were cut in to replace the damaged areas; this ensured the structural integrity was restored prior to the installation of the new decking material.The Euroroof BUR Warm Roof System, incorporating thermal insulation, through to the final waterproofing membranes provided a suitable replacement for the failed system. The refurbishment addressed the compromised decking and waterproofing system while providing a long term effective solution and meeting Alumasc’s guarantee criteria.

Replacing the system with Euroroof Built Up Roofing (BUR) waterproofing system incorporating insulation achieved the required minimum u-value of 0.18 W/m²K. Euroroof systems offer enhanced performance properties including flexibility, excellent fire ratings, stronger reinforcement and ease of application on site.

The use of Flame free detailing and field area encapsulation was imperative to all areas of combustible materials, therefore the use of Euroroof Self Adhesive Vapour Control Layer (SAVCL) PLUS applied in ZK primer was implemented during the strip and replacement of the decking. This application technique will limit any potential fire risk through this refurbishment. The use of the specified torch applied membranes were then adopted once the combustible materials had been fully encapsulated.

One of the main challenges with this project was the curved profile to the pitched roof construction. Bespoke manufactured rolls were installed to pre-determined roll lengths to maximise coverage and minimise site waste. This process also provided the final installation with no head laps through the length of each installed roll therefore heightening the waterproofing strength. The high quality workmanship of the team from Brindley Asphalt Ltd ensured that the project has been completed within timescales and to the highest of standards.

If you would like to find out more about our range of Bituminous Flat Roof Systems click here, to request a brochure click here.

What happens if a Blue Roof becomes blocked?

Blue Roof maintenance requirements are stipulated to prevent the occurrence of a blockage. Each roof is designed to ensure that no overflow occurs for the prescribed design storm event. However, as a further precautionary measure, one Harmer weir overflow outlet is typically specified for each Harmer BluRoof outlet.

In the event of a storm that exceeds the design storm parameters, the overflow outlets will discharge stormwater in the same manner as a conventional flat roof (i.e. instantaneously). As such, overflows are designed to discharge stormwater that exceeds the Blue Roof storage capacity in accordance with BS EN 12056-3:2000.

How does a Blue Roof impact on the structural capacity of the roof structure it is installed on?

The loads imposed by a blue roof will be checked against the capacity of the roof’s structure by the appointed structural engineer on a project by project basis in accordance with the calculated volume of water attenuated.

How long does the water take to drain from the Blue Roof?

This will be determined by the number of Blue Roof outlets specified, and any key design targets that have been stipulated, i.e. volume of water attenuated, or % reduction in the peak run-off rate.

Taking those targets into account, the roof area will however by designed so that the system entirely discharges of water within 48 hours, in accordance with good SuDS practice.

Can a roof be installed to zero falls?

Installing a roof at zero falls, a key design factor that allows cost and weight savings to be made by omitting the need for a screed to falls, is achievable when specifying Hydrotech 6125 Structural Waterproofing. The monolithic nature and high bond strength of the Hydrotech waterproofing allows for the system to be installed in this manner, which is reinforced by third party accreditation in the Hydrotech BBA certificate 90-2431.

This advantage, coupled with the unrivalled track record of no product failures in over 50 years of installation, makes Hydrotech 6125 the optimum choice for large roof areas, podiums and courtyards, particularly in buried, hard and soft landscaped build-ups.

If you would like to find out more about our BluRoof Stormwater Management System click here, to request a brochure click here.

Meadowhall shopping Centre has made great strides to raise much-needed funds for its charity of the year St Luke’s Hospice, after staff completed a gruelling 90-mile walk along the full length of Hadrian’s Wall. Alumasc Roofing Systems have worked closely with Meadowhall over the past few years and provided further sponsorship towards this excellent cause.

The 15-strong group, including staff from St Luke’s, set off en-masse and took four days of steady marching to complete; starting in Bowness on Solway on the west coast to Wallsend on the east.

The team have already raised more than £8,000 with more expected in donations over the coming days which could top the £10,000 mark.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall Centre Director, said

“It was quite a gruelling four day’s of hiking but the breath-taking scenery helped us along the way. We are delighted with the amount raised so far and well worth a few blisters and aching muscles!”

As well as St Luke’s staff Jack Kidder and Greg Van Heeswijk taking part, the thoughtful charity made sure there were encouraging parcels waiting for the group after each arduous day – blisters packs on Day One; energy boosting flapjack from the St Luke’s catering team on Day Two; Ear Plugs for a good night’s sleep on Day Three and then a rallying video message on Day Four.

Peter Hartland Chief Executive for the Hospice said “We are absolutely delighted that the hike was a success. We would like to thank the group from Meadowhall for the dedication and commitment to St Luke’s by taking part in such a gruelling challenge, and raising such a fantastic amount of money.”

St Luke’s Hospice is Meadowhall’s charity of the year and cares for people throughout Sheffield who have incurable illnesses. The charity aims to control patients’ symptoms, alleviate pain, and give them the best possible quality of life.

The charity hike is just one of several fund-raising activities taking place throughout 2015 – a special year for Meadowhall as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of opening, on September 4th.

Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, taking six years to build. Its purpose was to mark the northern extent of the Roman Empire, which then covered much of Europe. The Romans also built 16 forts along the length of the wall, the remains of which can also be seen today.

If you would like to find out more about St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield or how to make further donations visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk

Recently Alumasc Roofing Systems conducted the “Objective-driven specifications for Green, Bio-Diverse and Blue Roofs” CPD to the NHBC, the UK’s leading standard-setting body and provider of warranty and insurance for new homes, from their HQ in Milton Keynes.

The RIBA approved CPD focuses on what should be taken into account when choosing a green roof system solution such as selecting suitable substrates and plant species. Also included is an introduction to Blue Roof Stormwater Management Systems, a solution to SUDS, waterproofing and legislative challenges.

Fiona Green, NHBC Principal Sustainability Consultant, said:

I think it clarified the differences between green/brown/blue roofs really well, and made us more aware of how this integrates with bio-diversity, which is an important topic for us.

Are you interested in us providing your organisation with any of our CPD’s? if so, please email us at cpd@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk alternatively call +44 (0) 3335 771 500.

Blackdown Green Roofs recently completeted the installation of an extensive sedum NatureMat® system to The Godolphin School in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

NatureMat® is a composite vegetated mat consisting of a biodegradable base layer, a specially formulated substrate layer and a 90% mature plant cover comprising 6 core and 13 randomly sown species (predominantly sedums), grown to maturity in Blackdown’s fields in Somerset. Laid onto a Blackdown substrate and drainage layer, NatureMat® is particularly suited to pitched or curved roofs.

For further information regarding Blackdown Green Roofs call +44 (0)1460 234582 or
email: info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Alumasc’s Euroroof Caltech waterproofing system has been installed on the roofs at California House, providing a significant increase to the operational life of this 42-flat retirement/sheltered housing complex in Bartley Green, Birmingham.

Owned by Birmingham City Council, Places Directorate, California House is a 10-storey, high rise residential block of flats. The existing roof system comprised Mastic asphalt with minimal thermal insulation, which had become heavily compromised. Multiple repairs had been previously undertaken to extend the serviceable life of the original roof.

Alumasc and their West Midlands-based registered contractor Brindley Asphalt were chosen to install a complete new roof waterproofing system on the 405m^² roof area, which would provide an effective long term solution.

What remained of the existing, now degraded, waterproofing system was completely removed and replaced by a new, fully integrated Alumasc solution. The first stage was suitable preparation, onto which the contractor laid a Euroroof vapour barrier offering immediate protection for the fully occupied residence.

A fully engineered Derbifoam thermal insulation scheme was then laid, which provided the target U-value of 0.18 W/m²Kd and removes standing water to the existing RWO locations. The internal rain water outlet locations were fully refurbished with the Euroroof Refurb Pro outlets. Finally, Brindley Asphalt installed the Euroroof Caltech waterproofing system in a totally Flame Free and “cold applied” manner, comprising a Caltech base coat with reinforcement layer and two applications of the Caltech Top Coat, to achieve the 25-year System warranty.

The perimeter parapet details were fully encapsulated with the Euroroof Caltech waterproofing system and finished with Alumasc Skyline Aluminium PPC capping, in the client-selected RAL colour.

The installation of defined walkways, finished in the Euroroof Caltech Aggregated wear course, completed the total engineered solution to the entire roof covering.

Acivico Project Manager Glenn Jones, who managed the works on behalf of Birmingham City Council, Places Directorate, commented: “The quality of work on site and the attention to detail was of a very high standard”.

For further details about Alumasc’s Caltech Waterproofing System click here

Neil Hodgson and Doug McAliece –
London and Midlands Field Technicians

Neil and Doug have over 30 years combined practical experience working for and alongside roofing contractors and product manufacturers. They will be ensuring that the correct processes are followed from start to finish when Alumasc Products are being applied to projects thus giving the customer peace of mind that the job is completed to the highest of standards and meets the relevant warranty criteria(s). Neil Hodgson will be covering the London area with Doug providing cover to the Midlands.

Andrew Beeney – Southern Technical Manager

Andrew has gained over 20 years’ experience within specification lead technical support as Senior Designer at IKO Group PLC. Highly skilled and efficient when dealing with technical roofing knowledge but also proficient in the use of all relevant software such as CAD and Revit, making Andrew a one stop shop for our southern customers when they are in need of product datasheets, technical drawings, product advice and best practices.

Neil Hodgson, Doug McAliece and Andrew Beeney

Turnaround time is key in this department and to be able to focus regionally really does help our clients. Recent market research has shown that the efficiency in providing our customers with the vital technical information they need is one of the main factors when keeping them loyal to the Alumasc Roofing Systems brand.

If you would like to speak with customer services please call 01744 648 400. Alternatively email: info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Pam Hudson, Emma Nuttall and Lorraine Mallett

The additional new members of the Roofing Customer Services team will be providing extensive project tracking to ensure a smooth transition from initial orders through to delivery on site, they will also work closely with their relevant Area Managers to ensure that enquiries are followed up with the customer promptly and efficiently.

Another key aspect to their roles will be to liaise closely with approved contractors when co-ordinating deliveries and ensuring the customer receives all goods on time. Pam, Lorraine and Emma are familiar with these processes having been part of Alumasc Roofing Systems sister brand Harmer Drainage, a market leading drainage product distributed to merchants all over the UK.

If you would like to speak with customer services please call 01744 648 400. Alternatively email: sales@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Alumasc are pleased to announce that Rob Smith has been promoted to the position of Refurbishment Director and, as such, will become a member of the Alumasc Roofing Systems Senior Management Board.

Due to Rob’s experience and demonstrated success in this area, he will provide assistance throughout the Company in the development of supplier relationships, assistance in specification writing and continued improvement in contractor and specifier relationships.

If you would like to further information about Alumasc’s Roofing Systems please contact us on
01744 648 400. Alternatively email info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Following Blackdown Green Roofs initial installation of the green roof at Roundabout Cottage Salisbury in February 2014, Blackdown has continued to provide high quality maintenance of two roof areas.

The roof was initially planted with sedum plugs, a diverse selection of over 25 species of hardy succulent plug plants, supported by a minimum of 70mm of extensive substrate and 25mm drainage layer. This provides attractive plant cover with a range of colours, shapes, heights and flowering times and periods. Maintenance is necessary to ensure the initial establishment of the green roof’s planting.

It is recommended that the installing contractor retains responsibility for the roof’s maintenance during the important early stages of establishment and preferably beyond.

A variety of wild flowers, herbs, grasses, alpines and bulbs can equally be incorporated; varying the substrate depth to suit (70-150mm).

For further information regarding Blackdown Green Roofs call +44 (0)1460 234582 or email: info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk