The latest ‘Working on Roofs’ document from the Health and Safety Executive highlights the importance of edge protection systems when working on flat roofs.  Alumasc’s Guardrail lightweight edge protection system is ideally suited to address this issue.

Working on flat roofs

Work on a flat roof is high risk. People can fall:

•   from the edge of a completed roof

•   from the edge where work is being carried out

•   through openings or gaps.

Edge protection

Wherever anyone could fall, the first line of defence is to provide adequate edge protection to prevent a fall occurring. This should include or be equivalent to:

•   A main guard rail at least 950 mm above the edge.

•   A toe board and brick guard where there is risk of objects being kicked off the edge of the platform

•  A suitable number of intermediate guard rails or suitable alternatives positioned so that there is no gap more than 470 mm.

Sometimes a roof parapet may provide equivalent protection but if it does not, extra protection will be required.

Falls from the roof edge

Full edge protection (top rail, toe board and intermediate protection) is required whenever the work requires access within 2m of the roof perimeter. Edge protection is usually provided by an independent scaffold around the perimeter of the building or by barriers connected to the frame. An independent scaffold gives a higher standard of protection and a good standard of access along the structure. It also assists material loading and storage, e.g. when used with a fork lift/tele handler.

Where work is carried out 2m back from the roof edge and no edge protection is in place, you should mark out the working area and routes to it with continuous physical barriers. Tight supervision will be necessary.

Netting capable of providing edge protection in certain circumstances is now available.

Falls from the leading edge

Whatever system of work you choose, the presence of dangerous gaps is always a possibility as space is created to place the next leading edge sheet.

You must take precautions to prevent falls from these ‘leading’ edges. Nets and birdcage scaffolds are the preferred options in this instance. However, where these are not reasonably practicable you can consider using work restraint safety harnesses with running line systems or temporary barriers at the leading edge, e.g. trolley systems.

The Alumasc Guardrail range of lightweight edge protection systems is ideal for collective fall protection measures on flat roofs. Systems are supplied in kit form for easy handling and installation.

For more information on the Alumasc Guardrail range, click here, email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk or call 03335 771 500.

Source:  ‘Working on Roofs’ – Health and Safety Executive.

Alumasc has recently received RIBA approval for a new CPD, “Objective-driven specifications for Green, Bio-Diverse and Blue Roofs“.

The 45 minute presentation outlines the key factors to consider when designing a green roof including waterproofing, drainage layers, substrate and plant species.

Focus is also made on the variety of green roofs designs and how each system can offer benefits to meet drivers such as Regulatory Compliance, Carbon Capture, Ecological enhancement and amenity space.

Also included within the seminar is an introduction to BluRoof Stormwater Management Systems, a solution to SUDS. Detail is offered regarding design factors, system build ups, stormwater attenuation calculations and common concerns.

Henry Bareham, author of the new CPD, has received very positive feedback from architects who have attended the seminar. He says:

“The seminar has been designed to offer specifiers a guide to the range of green roof design options that provide solutions to the variety of legislative drivers and employers requirements.”

“BluRoof is a relatively new concept to many designers, the seminar offers an introduction to a system that provides a solution to the stormwater runoff design constraints faced by Architects and Drainage Engineers.”

If you would like any further information on the seminar or to book please click here.

If you would like any further information Alumasc’s Roofing Systems call us on 03335 771 500

New BBA certificates for the Hydrotech Hot-Melt Waterproofing system are now available on the Alumasc Roofing Systems website.

The main updates to the certificates are:

1. The roofing certificate confirms suitability for use on ‘completely flat roofs’ and at ‘zero-pitch’.

2. Hydrogard 50 is now included as an extra heavy duty protection sheet in both certificates.

3. Hydrogard 40 AR (anti-root) is included as an FLL rated root barrier in the roofing certificate.

To download the new Hydrotech Waterproofing BBA Certificate, click here. To download the new Hydrotech Damp Proofing BBA Certificate, click here.

Please note, you may need to refresh your web browser if you have downloaded a previous PDF of either BBA Certificate to access the new version(s).

Other BBA & ETA Certificates can be downloaded by clicking here.

Hydrotech has been BBA certified continuously since 1990, longer than any other hot-melt system, and also carries an ETA (European Technical Approval) Certificate (No 05/152).

The Hydrotech hot melt system provides seamless waterproofing ideal for high performance green roofs, podiums and highly detailed waterproofing or water feature schemes with zero product failures in over 50 years, the Hydrotech hot-melt system offers lifetime performance

If you would like any further information on Hydrotech system please click here, call us on 03335 771 700 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

An exclusive new housing development in the heart of London is the latest showcase for a range of waterproofing and green roof solutions from Alumasc.

Built by The Berkeley Group in the centre of Belgravia, the elite Ebury Square development offers a selection of one to four bedroom private residences.

Alumasc’s Registered Contractor Tilbury Contracts Ltd, installed a total of 3,800m² of Hydrotech monolithic membrane to the lightwell areas, podium roofs, individual balconies, wraparound terraces and penthouse balconies, which were all completed as inverted roof designs.  A Hydrotech anti-root waterproofing system, inverted roof insulation, drainage boards, extensive green roof substrates and sedum mats were also installed to the main roof areas. The courtyard was waterproofed and insulated and a drainage board installed providing support for the construction of deep planters, raised areas and stairways creating attractive landscaped gardens and protection for the car park below.

The project presented a major challenge in that it is situated directly over a London Underground route. The concrete slab at ground level was mounted on large anti-vibration springs, and isolated from the surrounding construction to prevent damage to the building from the vibration of trains below.  The resulting 50mm joint between the isolated and non-isolated structures, required appropriate waterproofing to prevent water entry into the basement below.

Working together, Alumasc and Tilbury Contracts strapped the joint using FlexFlash UN, an uncured neoprene rubber, with the full Hydrotech 6125 system abutting the joint edge on both sides to ensure it was watertight whilst also keeping the two slabs isolated. A brick upstand was built directly off the Hydrotech, and the full system was dressed from the previously waterproofed horizontal slab and up the face of the brickwork, and terminated with a cover flashing. This ensured successful waterproofing whilst not compromising the integrity of the specified system.

Richard Sawyer, construction and surveying manager with Tilbury Contracts, said:

“The roofing installation for the project was completed on time and to budget and has helped provide a sophisticated and desirable place for people to live in the heart of Belgravia.  The use of Hydrotech and the Blackdown green roofing system from Alumasc complemented the build perfectly – Hydrotech is a very secure system which is easy to work with and suited the awkward detailing better than any alternative product would have. The green roof is not only visually pleasing but provides strong environmental credentials whilst offering additional benefits such as noise insulation.”

Alumasc’s Hydrotech is a hot melt system which provides seamless waterproofing ideal for high performance green roofs, podiums and highly detailed waterproofing or water feature schemes. It is manufactured using a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled material, is BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval.

Blackdown Green Roofs from Alumasc are constructed from a range of components that replicate the natural growing environment for plants, without requiring the same depth and weight of construction.

If you would like any further information on Alumasc’s Roofing Systems, please click here, call us on 03335 771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

A Blackdown green roof from Alumasc provides one of the main features at the new School of Architecture and Construction at The University of Greenwich.

Officially opened in December 2014, the £78m new-build development is based in Stockwell Street within Maritime Greenwich on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project also included a new library, and features a series of terraced roofs, comprising 14 interlinked teaching gardens, forming the largest multifunctional roof space in London.

To facilitate this pioneering green roof design, a total of  3,407m² of green roofing System from Alumasc was specified by architects, Heneghan Peng, and Landscape Architects Allen Scott, and installed by Blackdown.

The new building had to be ‘demonstrably sustainable’ in the sense that both it, and its facilities, minimise their environmental impact and use of resources. The Blackdown green roof system creates a living laboratory where the sustainability of new ideas in landscape and architecture can be tested, and innovations developed and applied.

Glenn O’Brien, Architect at Heneghan Peng, commented:
“Our design proposals had to reflect the location’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site while remaining sensitive to the neighbouring buildings, particularly the residences to the rear of the site. Incorporating the interlinked landscaped roofs allowed us a creative approach in dealing with these challenges.

“The green roof system underpins all of the landscaping on the roofs. We see it as the base infrastructure that allows for either soft or hard landscaping permutations. This proved very useful as the design progressed with different planting options, and we were secure in the University of Greenwich knowledge that the green roof system would be able to accommodate them. The zero-fall system also allowed us to achieve very large spans and roof areas with minimum difficulty.

“There is naturally a great deal of excitement about the future of research at the University of Greenwich and these roofs are already helping students and staff to extend their understanding of environmental infrastructure and of landscaped and green spaces across increasingly urbanised areas.”

The 14 interlinked terraces have already been received a BREEAM Innovation award due to their educational and research aims. Blackdown green roofs from Alumasc are constructed from a range of components that replicate the natural growing environment for plants, without requiring the same depth and weight of construction.

Green roofs absorb CO₂, improve a building’s thermal performance, increase rainwater retention thereby reducing storm water run-off, and reduce the life-cycle costs of a roof by protecting it from climatic changes, UV light and mechanical damage.

For further details of Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing systems call 03335 771 500.

Alumasc Roofing Systems along with Mitie Tilley Roofing have recently completed the installation of a 1500 m² Derbigum high performance waterproofing system at Crown Bevcan, Carlisle.  Crown, UK beverage can manufacturers and one of the largest packaging companies in the world, were investing £2 million into the upgrade of their production line at Botchery.

As the 3rd highest producer of beverage cans globally and with net sales in 2014 of $9.1 billion, it was essential that Crown had peace of mind that any refurbishment works carried out at their Botchery plant would result in the waterproofing integrity of their works being guaranteed long term. To this end, Alumasc Roofing were approached to provide a waterproofing system that could be installed with this key aim in mind.

Richard Emerson, Alumasc Roofing Area Manager and the Alumasc Technical Team worked very closely with the Client and Mitie Tilley Roofing to ensure the waterproofing solution specified met the demanding requirements of this project and site conditions.

Challenges:

The most challenging aspect of the project was to keep the site live with no interruption to the production process. This was overcome with thorough planning and organisation. The Client, Mitie Tilley Roofing and Alumasc worked closely to facilitate site deliveries at timed intervals and coordinate site inspections to strict time schedules.

Design Considerations:

Communication was key with this scheme and attention to detail was paramount. The existing building required a robust and versatile waterproofing system to upgrade the manufacturing office, yet the aesthetics of the original building had to be taken into account.

Allied to these requirements, the waterproofing specified had to have superior performance characteristics in relation to the prevention of external fire spread and penetration.

The Derbigum Solution

Taking all these factors into account, Derbigum was the natural choice not only due to its ‘unrestricted’ classification in relation to fire, but also the Alumasc 30 Year Insurance Backed Warranty offered for this project.  The Derbigum system provided superior performance and waterproofing longevity for the future of their works.

Derbigum is a BBA approved system, with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.  It is suitable for flame-free and cold application to warm roofs with metal, concrete or plywood decks and inverted roofs with concrete decks.

If you would like any further information on Derbigum waterproofing membranes please click here, call us on 03335 771 700 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

Roof-Pro has unveiled a new website, showcasing its full range of rooftop building services support solutions.

Click the image (right) to visit the new Roof-Pro website.

Established in 1995, Roof-Pro are the leading UK provider of non-penetrative, free-standing supports for building services and access platforms on flat roofs, providing a complete design service for consultants, contractors and building owners.

It’s simple, cost-effective solutions help to increase the life-span and performance of a flat roof, with two distinct product ranges on offer;

Roof-Pro Bespoke Solutions are design led supports and access solutions specifically tailored to individual project requirements. A 20-year warranty is available for all Roof-Pro bespoke systems.

The Sure-Foot Standard Range offers roof plant and services support products that meet the growing demand for off-the-shelf, lightweight solutions. The range includes components, support frames and edge protection systems. The Stockist Search is also new for 2015, providing a quick and easy facility for locating suppliers of the Surefoot range.

The new website offers an easy-to-navigate resource, outlining both product ranges and their related components. Visitors to the site are also presented with clear menu options for the easy location of downloadable brochures, pricelists, CAD and BIM files and a collection of product installation videos.

If you would like any further information please call us on
+44 (0) 1536 383 865 or email  info@roof-pro.co.uk  

Visit the website

Euroroof’s Caltech Liquid Roofing from Alumasc Roofing Systems provides a fuss-free long term solution to the problems associated with failed single-ply roofing.

Our intelligent, cold-applied liquid roof coating system can be rapidly applied over failed single-ply membranes, providing tough and durable waterproof protection for up to 25 years before first maintenance.

The coating system is professionally applied by registered contractors and forms a joint-free, seamless barrier membrane that incorporates everything on the roof – delivering the ultimate in waterproof protection and avoiding the need for costly and inconvenient removal.

Euroroof Caltech is a flame-free, single component, self-levelling polyurethane liquid waterproofing solution. Cold applied to form an elastomeric, seamless membrane, Caltech will waterproof virtually any substrate.

If you would like any further information please call us on
+44 (0) 3335 771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Alumasc along with Cambridge Flat Roofing are currently installing over 6500 m² of podium, roadway, communal and private gardens for the Stoke Quay, Ipswich project.

Stoke Quay is a large development of private & social housing for Genesis Housing, built by ISG construction as a flagship project at the Quayside in Ipswich.

The project utilises the Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing System, Derbigum GC Waterproofing and Blackdown’s Green Roof system.

Stoke Quay has some extremely challenging elements to its construction as the site will need constant access to all areas due to the need to be able to continuously deliver products in a very small, constricted area.

The waterproofing system for the project needed to be versatile & Robust to withstand large volumes of traffic delivering building materials. Once complete the waterproofing will then have Asphalt road ways applied above. The chosen system also needed to facilitate a phased installation and withstand the weight aspect of installing hard and soft landscaping.

Alumasc Roofing Systems showed that having a complete Hydrotech, Derbigum & Blackdown Green Roof system met the requirements & stood out as the best value solution. The Alumasc waterproofing system for this project comes with a 35 Year warranty.

The systems’ versatility allowed for phased installation to the details & upstands first and also allowed for the phased installation to the perimeter details and up-stands to be carried out first and also allowed for all trades to continue work along with no disruption to deliveries. Once these areas were completed, the Hydrotech system was installed to the flat area, followed by application of a Blackdown Intensive Green Roofing System. The Hydrotech membrane was also used for tanking walls and for expansion joints, again indicating the systems versatility.

The robustness of the Hydrotech Waterproofing System combined with a Derbigum GC 5mm protection layer allowed for the waterproofing of the access roadway, which was then left exposed/uncovered to allow vehicles to deliver trade materials. At a later date the roadway waterproofing was covered with the Alumasc FC-6 & road asphalt. For the green roof areas the Blackdown Green Roof Drainage board also showed its robustness by allowing dump trucks to drive over it to distribute the engineered Blackdown intensive roof garden substrate, along with the required planting specified on the scheme.

Frank Besant, Area Manager of Alumasc Roofing Systems along with The Alumasc Roofing Systems Technical Team worked very closely with Richard Jackson Engineers, James Blake Associates, Living Architects and ISG in various pre-contract meetings to ensure the details and products specified met the extremely challenging requirements of this project and site conditions.

For further details on Hydrotech, Derbigum, Blackdown Green Roofs or Alumasc’s full range of roofing systems email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk or call 0333 577 1500.

185-221 Buchanan Street is a new £70m mixed development comprising 11,400m² of retail space and 49 residential units. Owned by Land Securities, the development features a large rooftop garden which required a robust waterproofing solution.

BDP Architects specified both Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot melt structural waterproofing system and green roof on the scheme due to the benefits offered by a single-source solution and, of course, the quality of the products.

One challenge on the project related to the architect’s intricate roof detailing, which meant a close working relationship with Alumasc’s technical team was developed from the outset. As a hot-melt system, and due to its versatility, Hydrotech was ideally suited to accommodating this and was perfect for use under the green roof.

Alumasc’s green roof system addressed the need for a suitable growing medium to be supplied that could be deposited onto the 5-storey building’s roof in large volumes. This was required as a result of the development being in a busy city-centre location. These issues were overcome and the intensive green roof garden was installed in an efficient manner. In total, over 4,000m²  of Hydrotech and 2,000m² of green roofing, was installed.

Commenting on the project, Kath MacTaggart, landscape architect at BDP, said:

“As with any roof garden project, the challenge is in the detailing of all interfaces and logistics to ensure that a system is watertight. We used Hydrotech at Buchanan Street as it was part of the proprietary Alumasc green roofing system and therefore had the benefits of a fully guaranteed system. To date, we are very happy with the results.”

Area Manager for Scotland at Alumasc Roofing, John Kelly, adds:

“It was great to be involved with such a celebrated development in this major area of Glasgow. The Hydrotech system will ensure the integrity of the roof for many years to come, whilst the green roofing provides an attractive outdoor space for residents to enjoy.”

Hydrotech is a BBA approved, fully warranted waterproofing system, designed to last the lifetime of the structure it is applied to. It has European Technical Approval and is FM Approved. Alumasc green roof systems, under the Blackdown brand, are available in Intensive, Bio-diverse and Extensive application categories with a wide range of planting options.

The Buchanan Street roof garden joins a long line of prestigious developments that have benefited from the quality and expertise offered by Alumasc Roofing systems.

If you would like any further information please call us on 03335 771 700, visit our website www.alumascroofing.co.uk or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.