Nottingham Trent University is one of the largest universities in the UK, with around 28,000 students spread over three campuses.

As part of a recent refurbishment programme at the Clifton Campus, the roof of the Clifton Library building was fully stripped and replaced with Alumasc’s Derbigum Olivine mineral roofing membrane.

Alumasc’s expert technical team carried out a condition-based survey of the existing roof and put forward a complete design package to be installed by M&J Roofing Ltd.

Derbigum Olivine was identified as the most appropriate waterproofing solution which offered added environmental benefits. Derbigum Olivine is a bituminous membrane with a naturally occurring mineral upper layer that neutralises CO² in rainwater, via an irreversible chemical reaction. The membrane boasts a 30-year life expectancy and is 100% recyclable.

Alumasc’s full system solution also included their Fascia system, Rooflights and Harmer Roof Outlets.

Alumasc provided a full re-design of existing falls to ensure adequate drainage could be achieved on the new roof.  This included additional insulation being laid to the falls of the internal water outlets – which in turn increased the perimeter detail, creating the project’s greatest challenge.

M&J Roofing’s MD Peter Henrickson, explains:

“Insulation was incorporated into all of the edge details to avoid cold bridging and the potential for condensation. To address this issue, the increased height of the edge detail was covered by a bespoke Alumasc aluminium polyester powder coated fascia board, supplied in a colour to match the new window installations.”

Work also had to be scheduled around other contractors working on site and in addition, staff and students needed to remain in situ throughout the installation. In support of M&J Roofing and to keep the University up to date at each stage, Alumasc’s technical team conducted weekly site inspections, carrying out both written and photographic reports.

M&J Roofing installed a total of 1000m² of Derbigum Olivine, resulting in the library being a much more comfortable space for students and staff to work in, with the new roof also boosting the building’s environmental credentials.

Project Manager Dean Throop from the University’s Estates & Resources Department, comments:

“The new roof is a robust specification to ensure the water integrity of the building, whilst also helping us to reach our 2020 target of a 48% reduction in CO².  I had no reservations about using Olivine, which is backed up by a full Alumasc warranty.  The Clifton Library is one of the most heavily used buildings on the campus and it’s reassuring to know that we have greater protection from water ingress, as well as the additional benefit of boosting NTU’s sustainability.”

If you would like further information regarding the Derbigum Olivine Membrane then contact Alumasc on +44 (0)1744 648400.

Alternatively download the brochure by clicking here

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year awards recognise and reward outstanding standards of workmanship and technical expertise in the roofing industry within Scotland.

Alumasc Roofing Systems entered the SSE Hydro entertainment and sporting venue as their roofing project for contention. The intensive green roof system on this landmark Foster & Partners designed project was supplied and installed by the company’s green roof specialist, Blackdown. It was announced that this project is a successful finalist under the Green Roof section.

The installation at the SSE Hydro presented a number of challenges due to the varying pitch of the roof and the requirement for the planting system to be fed on a regular basis.

The roof is circular in plan, but undulating in section, therefore it constantly changes gradients in all directions; up to 520 in certain areas. To manage this, the scheme required retention measures to be installed by a third party. Blackdown then installed the substrate, which was blown into special filtration socks on the roof, creating a skirt.

Paul Otway, Head of Contracts at Blackdown, comments:

“Due to the fluctuating pitch of the roof, from between 8 and 520 degrees, we worked closely with our supply partners to devise an innovative solution for the delivery and application of over 1000m3 of substrate required for the roof. Our successful methodology meant that manual handling of materials was kept to a minimum and the installation was completed within the timescales agreed.”

Over 37,000 individual Lonicera Nitida ‘Maygreen’ shrubs were contract grown over 18 months for this project. These are broadleaf, evergreen plants that are native to China and are often used for bonsai. Blackdown operatives planted each individual shrub by hand, creating a dense, evergreen landscape that skirts the main facade of the arena.

Blackdown also supplied and installed an automatic irrigation system to ensure the shrubs are fed and watered with minimum manpower requirements.

A combination of Blackdown’s design, grow and supply expertise helped this project become a huge success, hence it being a finalist for this prestigious award.

Judging was undertaken by a panel of independent professionals and the winning projects will be announced on 24 October 2014 at Trades Hall, Glasgow.

For more information on Blackdown’s green roof products or services, please call 0333 5771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Parkside fire station in central Cambridge was built as a result of a partnership between developers Grosvenor and the Fire Authority.

OVERVIEW

The old building, in need of major remodelling, was demolished and a new fire station built on the same site, adjacent to new residential apartments. 3,500 metres of Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot melt waterproofing system was specified on the scheme by architects Glenn Howells Associates

SPECIFICATION CHALLENGES

The main challenge of the project was to address the number of zero falls areas present in its design. Unlike most other flat roof systems Hydrotech is ideal for this situation as it can be installed at zero falls without the need for screed. As a result, it was used to waterproof the main roof area, central courtyard and planters at the development.

In addition, it provided the ideal base for the green roof on the scheme which was also supplied by Alumasc.

Architect Sandeep Shambi comments:

“Hydrotech was chosen for Cambridge Fire Station as it offered a perfect solution to deal with the large number of zero falls points on the roof. A number of positive recommendations led us to specify the product and we’re pleased with the result – I’d be happy to use it again for future projects.”

RESULTS

The Hydrotech system has delivered a waterproofing system which will last for the lifetime of the building. This BBA approved system fully bonds to the structure avoiding any chance of water tracking, and its monolithic nature ensures no possibility of lap failures.

On working with Alumasc, Doug McGuigan, Operations Director at installers Fenland Flat Roofing Ltd. said: “The support we received from the Alumasc technical team was excellent. The quality assurance measures they put in place on the project for the Hydrotech system will certainly offer the client extra confidence.”

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

Congratulations to Alumasc Roofing’s South West Area Manager Greg Bourne on the marriage of him and his long term partner.

Mr and Mrs Bourne’s ceremony was held on Saturday 2nd August 2014 and was followed by a fun-filled evening at the Manor Hotel, Yeovil.

Everyone at Alumasc wishes them a long, happy marriage and all the best for the future.

Blackdown’s single source approach to the design, growing, supply, installation and maintenance of green roof solutions was borne out of its desire to ensure that the highest quality standards are achieved.

Blackdown’s systems ensure the realisation of the key drivers that inspired the specification of a green roof in the first place (e.g. stormwater retention, carbon consumption, air and water quality improvements, Urban Heat Island Effect reduction and habitat creation). A complete Blackdown system that provides protection to the waterproofing layer, drainage of surplus stormwater, filtration, an appropriate growing medium and a plant layer that is suited to the project’s microclimate will provide the most sustainable, long-term green roof solution.

In a green roof market with no prescriptive performance standards, the specification is of great importance. The term ‘green roof’ applies to a whole spectrum of roofs, ranging from a fully landscaped roof garden right down to a substrate-free blanket of Sedum species and such a broad definition leaves many specifications prone to value engineering.

The consequences of decisions to change or remove parts of the system are often not known, or accounted for, in the decision to ‘value’ engineer. For example, changes to the specification of the growing medium will affect the roof’s ability to meet the plants’ air, water and nutrient requirements. If the growing medium is too porous, additional irrigation measures may be required.

If the growing medium has too high a proportion of organic matter, there is a risk of water clogging the plants’ supply of air; leading to suffocation (not to mention higher-than-anticipated loadings).

Blackdown green roofs deliver the kind of cost-effective, long-term solutions that have added value at some of the UK’s most prestigious buildings. One such example is the recent installation at the new SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow. Here, the intensive green roof – specified by Foster & Partners – was supplied and installed by Blackdown to achieve an aesthetically-striking and sustainable design feature comprising a dense plant cover with over 37,000 Lonicera Nitida “Maygreen” shrubs.

For more information on Blackdown’s green roof products or services, please call 0333 5771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Due to increasing levels of business in the South of England, Alumasc has expanded its Site Support Team.

Tim Reidy joins Alumasc as a Field Technician

Tim Reidy joins Alumasc as a Field Technician and brings with him many years of experience in the roofing industry, particularly relating to the application of bituminous roofing membranes and hot-melt structural waterproofing systems. Tim will support Alumasc’s clients and registered contractor base by carrying out regular site inspections to ensure projects are finished to the highest standards.

Tim says:

“I am looking forward to working with the Alumasc technical team and building lasting relationships with Alumasc’s clients and contractor base. I am confident that my past experience will be extremely valuable when performing my site support duties and will result in high quality installations continuing to be a vital part of Alumasc’s overall product and service offer”.

Tim is warmly welcomed to the Alumasc Roofing Team and can be contacted direct via 07720 883628 or email reidyt@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

For additional technical advice and project support, call Alumasc Technical Services on +44 (0) 3335 771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

This week Alumasc welcomes Sarah Baker to the marketing team. Concentrating on Alumasc’s roofing and facades brands, Sarah is undertaking a 2 week work experience placement.

Sarah is currently studying for 4 A Levels at Runshaw Sixth Form College in Leyland, Lancashire. The College arranges work experience programmes with local companies to develop their students’ vocational skills and Alumasc was happy to help. Sarah will be working alongside David Luukas and Anita Houghton within the marketing department, carrying out tasks relating to data segmentation, email marketing, social media, website content updates and general administration duties.

Sarah has an interest in Business Management and Marketing and therefore plans to study a Degree Level Course in Management with Marketing at Bath University.

Sarah says:

“I would like to find myself within a blue chip company in the future with the opportunity to work my way to management level through hard work and enthusiasm. I would also like to gain as much valuable experience as possible to provide me with the skills to set up my own successful business one day. I am enjoying my time at Alumasc and value the work experience they are offering me”

Everyone at Alumasc wishes her well during this period and in her future studies and career.

Cornwall based JR Roofing have successfully completed the refurbishment of the M1 Moto Trowell footbridge.

Alumasc’s Euroroof Mono high performance roofing membrane was the product used on the project.

The challenge was to complete the works quickly and efficiently whilst the motorway was closed between the hours 10pm and 4am.

The solution was the use of a unique scaffolding structure, erected on the back of a truck, enabling quick and easy access to the site during the allocated closure hours.

Designed and implemented by JR Flat Roofing, the scaffolding system was a major factor in the success of the installation.  The use of the Euroroof Mono also helped greatly as this single layer, flame-free flat roofing membrane is both quick and easy to apply. The work was completed in remarkable time and met the exacting standards of the Highways Agency, who signed off the project.

Managing Director of JR Roofing, Nick Rogers (pictured below) welcomed the challenge of the project, saying:

“We are experienced with national projects that have a short timeframe. We focus on getting our jobs done quickly which means a fast turnaround and a more cost effective installation for the client.

Many areas of our work involve overcoming challenges, but this one has been particularly interesting due to the required lane closures on the M1, as agreed with the Highways Agency.”

Euroroof Mono is part of a wide range of bituminous waterproofing systems offered by Alumasc.  Click here for more details or call Alumasc’s Technical Team on 03335 771 500.

Alumasc and installer BBR Roofing have teamed up to ensure Sheffield’s premier retail location is looking its best, as the Tour de France 2014 passes by in July.

Over 250,000 people are expected to watch Stage 2 of the celebrated race finish in Sheffield on Sunday 6th July 2014.

The final stages of the race will go directly past Sheffield’s Meadowhall Shopping Centre – a landmark building in the area.

BBR Roofing installed 8,500m² of Alumasc’s Euroroof Mono Flat Roof Membrane earlier in the year as part of a major refurbishment scheme, working closely with real estate consultants Colliers International .

The size of the building makes it a perfect passing point for the cyclists and gives the local population an excellent viewing point, along with great facilities for the spectators to take advantage of throughout the day.

Alumasc Roofing are extremely proud of the quality of the install at Meadowhall which was carried out by Liverpool’s BBR Roofing.  The scheme won top prize in the Reinforced Bitumen Membrane Category at the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) awards ceremony 2014. The roof presented a large number of complex roof details which were taken into account by the judges during the voting process. The main criteria the judges analysed were environmental benefits, health and safety, workmanship, problem-solving and general difficulty and final aesthetics.

Neil Delve, Northern Regional Manager for Alumasc Exterior Building Products stated:

“The NFRC awards recognise the successful use of high performance roofing systems, expertly installed by experienced, reputable contractors such as BBR Roofing, we are delighted that their hard work and attention to detail secured the award”.

Lindsay Bell, Managing Director of BBR Roofing said:

“The technical and detailing difficulties of this particular install outlined the quality of the Euroroof Mono Flat Roof Membrane. The product gave our installers the flexibility needed to achieve the perfect finish and tackle these issues successfully and I will certainly be using the product again in the near future. Alumasc provided all technical assistance I needed during the project in a swift and accurate manner. The product, combined with an excellent service, helped the project run as smoothly as possible”.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall Centre Director comments:

“As a Centre we are constantly looking to improve and develop our facilities & services to ensure the best possible experience for our customers. Earlier this year Alumasc installed a new roof for the Centre, which will be televised to millions of people across the world when the Yorkshire leg of the Tour de France comes straight past Meadowhall. To be part of this momentous world famous sporting event is great news for our Centre, our city and our region. To join the festivities or for further information please visit www.meadowhall.co.uk/tdf”

For further information about Alumasc Roofing Services’ products click here or call +44 (0) 3335 771 500.

For further information about BBR Roofing click here.

For full race information including routes and timetables click here.

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Ltd (NRFC) held their annual awards ceremony on Friday 16th May.
First place in the Reinforced Bitumen Membrane category was the roof refurbishment scheme at The Oasis, Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield. 8,500m² of Alumasc’s Euroroof Mono high performance waterproofing membrane was installed by Alumasc Registered Contractor, BBR Roofing of Liverpool.

Alumasc would like to congratulate BBR Roofing on their professional and high quality installation which made this project such a success.

The landmark roof at Meadowhall presented a number of complex roof details which required a versatile waterproofing solution. Euroroof Mono was installed, following its specification by real estate consultants Colliers International, who chose the system due to its flexibility and ease of installation.

The system is fully warranted with a typical life expectancy in excess of 20 years. It has been tested rigorously against wind uplift in accordance with BS 6399-2:1997 and offers high tensile strength and pliability, along with excellent resistance to puncture and UV degradation.

The awards recognise successful use of high performance roofing systems, expertly installed by experienced, reputable contractors.

Judging criteria included environmental benefits, workmanship, problem-solving, health and safety, general difficulty and aesthetics.

Over 700 guests attended the awards evening which was held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Central London.

To find out more about Alumasc’s Meadowhall Shopping Centre Project click here.

To learn more about Alumasc’s Euroroof Mono Bituminous Membrane click here.

Alternatively call Alumasc Roofing for Technical and Specification advice on +44 (0) 3335 771 500.