Alumasc has provided a complete package of flat roofing solutions and technical expertise, for the successful refurbishment of Preston School in Yeovil.

The Somerset Academy gained Business and Enterprise Academy status in 2011 and has a student population of around 1000 pupils aged between 11 to 16 years.

REASON FOR SPECIFICATION:

Having gained Academy status, the school was in need of considerable renovation, including major repairs to the complex roof area.

Alumasc’s Technical Team, involved from the outset, provided an initial roof condition survey and suggested schedule of works. This enabled the school to successfully apply for financial support from Academies Capital Maintenance Fund (ACMF) and agree a three-phase approach to the project.

Almost 4000m² of Euroroof high performance bituminous membranes was specified by Academy Business Manager Gary French. Euroroof Mono was applied to the main roof area with Euroroof Mastergold used for detailing, along with Alumasc’s Caltech cold-applied liquid roofing system.

CHALLENGES AND AIMS:

Alumasc’s registered installer Stormforce Roofing Ltd, completed phases one and two of the project over the school holidays in 2012 and 2013 to avoid any disruption to staff and pupils. Phase three will be carried out during the same period in 2014.

The specification for the main roof area focused on flat roof membranes that can be installed by flame-free methods, which is always important for Academies, Schools, Hospitals and other Public Buildings.

The nature of the buildings required different roofing systems to provide adequate protection in specific areas. To avoid the final installation appearing patchy, Alumasc recommended the use of matching loose grit across the entire roof, which has resulted in a uniform aesthetic appearance.

Adam Bewers from Stormforce Roofing, said:

“The good teamwork at Preston School turned what could have been a complex project into a very straightforward installation.

“We have a good working relationship with Alumasc and we intend for that to continue. Our Alumasc-trained installers always complete their work to a high standard and using high quality materials makes our lives a lot easier.”

RESULTS:

Senior Management at Preston School are delighted with the completed phases and eagerly await the final phase in summer 2014.

Academy Business Manager, Gary French, said:

“The service and advice that Alumasc provided free of charge greatly assisted in the Academies’ funding application. Their involvement thereafter from initial survey to specification and installation management, via the Alumasc registered contractor network, has resulted in a first class re-roofing scheme. I would have no hesitation in specifying Alumasc roofing systems for future projects.”

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Euroroof Mono membranes offer a single layer, flame-free waterproofing solution for both new construction and refurbishment projects. Mono is quick and safe to install, fully warranted and has a serviceable life in excess of 20 years.

Euroroof Mastergold is a 4mm thick APP-modified waterproofing membrane and like Mono, has a mineral finish, offering excellent resistance to puncture and UV degradation.
Finally, to ensure the integrity of the system, Alumasc’s Euroroof Caltech was applied to the internal guttering. Caltech is a flame-free, single component, self-levelling polyurethane liquid waterproofing solution which is cold-applied to form an elastomeric, seamless membrane.

For more information or technical advice call Alumasc on 0808 100 2008.

The increased frequency and severity of flooding in recent years has highlighted the need to supplement conventional drainage systems with additional, sustainable capacity.

Here, Simon Poe, Product Director with Alumasc Roofing, looks at how Green Roof Systems and the recent development of Blue Roofs in the UK, are contributing to successful SUDS strategies.

To date, the inclusion of green roofs within SUDS strategies has been limited, but they offer a number of advantages complicit with the Government’s Water strategy for England (DEFRA 2008). Specifically, green roofs will:

• Occupy otherwise redundant roof space

• Extend the roof waterproofing’s durability

• Reduce energy consumption; and

• Provide additional amenity space

Green roofs also help to reduce the peak rates of runoff (that can cause the sewer network to overflow, leading to localised flooding) by 2 main methods:

1. Retention

Reducing overall and peak runoff volumes that discharge directly into watercourses; and

2. Detention

A delay in peak runoff rates associated with the time it takes for rain to infiltrate the green roof build‐up, discharging at a later time and/or over an elongated period.

Long term hydrological research carried out at the University of Sheffield, indicates that green roofs are effective in the reducing run-off volumes, however, as with any flood mitigation measure, drainage engineers would be particularly interested in the capacity of a green roof to manage the kind of storm events that would typically induce localised flooding.
Whilst all drainage systems have a finite hydrologic capacity, there are added complexities with green roofs (and other vegetation-based solutions); namely, with regards to the extent to which this capacity is available at any given time – this is known as the Available Water Capacity (AWC). This capacity is reduced by residual moisture within the green roof layers and will therefore vary according to:

• Nature of substrate

• Vegetation

• Incidence of rainfall; and

• Atmospheric conditions

Research into the predictive modeling of a green roof’s hydrologic response is at an advanced stage and is progressing towards a means of being able to estimate that response – accounting for configuration and climatic factors – with greater accuracy.

However, by combining a blue roof system – where detention and maximum discharge are calculated using hard engineering principles – with the additional retention capacity of a green roof, it is possible to realise not just the hydraulic performance requirements, but every aspect of SUDS design criteria.

Blue Roofs – Looking to the past for future solutions

Blue Roofs are not a new concept, having been adopted in US cities for approximately 50 years as a means of managing stormwater runoff in urban areas.

Blue roofs are designed to alleviate flood risk by reducing and controlling the peak rate of discharge, facilitating the detention of stormwater up to a prescribed maximum hydraulic head, for subsequent discharge over an elongated period.

By restricting the peak rates of runoff from the roof, rainfall does not instantly discharge into the subterranean drainage or waterways, therefore the probability of sewer overflow and localised flooding is reduced.

A blue roof system comprises 3 primary facets:

1. An engineered restriction device is used in conjunction with a drainage outlet to restrict the maximum permissible discharge of stormwater from the roof. Consequently, during more intense storms, rainfall will exceed the rate of discharge, leading stormwater to temporarily back-up on the roof until such time as the drainage outlet has the capacity to discharge it.

2. Technical guidance pertaining to stormwater management calculations, provision of safety overflows and the adoption of a robust planned and preventative maintenance programme etc.

3. Waterproofing – the specification and detailing of which is integral to the success of a blue roof system – protecting the building against water ingress.

Green and Blue – The Optimum Solution

Blue roofs can include open water surfaces but can also be used in buried applications, such as raised deck surfaces or green roofs. Indeed, by partnering a green roof with a blue roof system, the retention of stormwater in the green roof’s layers, complements the detention of stormwater by the blue roof to provide valuable additional drainage capacity.

The Government’s Water Strategy for England acknowledged that below-ground pipe systems cannot cope with extreme rainfall events, identifying the importance of SUDS and green roofs for water management and climate change mitigation. The combination of green and blue roof systems represents the ultimate sustainable roof drainage solution and the need for inclusion of these systems in our every-day architectural designs is already a reality.

To learn more about Blackdown Green Roof systems click here or for information on BluRoofs please click here.  Alternatively please call 03335 771 500.

Blackdown Green Roofs from Alumasc has boosted the green credentials and provided an attractive feature, at Glasgow’s newest landmark venue.

The SSE Hydro is a £125million entertainment and sporting venue, which, since its opening in late 2013, has already achieved “Most stylish Entertainment Venue” at the 2013 Scottish Style Awards and the ‘Architectural Excellence Award (Public Building)” at the Scottish Property Awards.

REASON FOR SPECIFICATION

The Blackdown Intensive Green Roof system was specified by architects Foster and Partners, who were looking for a sustainable solution to complement the strong design features of the building’s main entrance. The system comprised of 37,000 Lonicera Nitida ‘Maygreen’ shrubs, planted to form a thick, hardy green mat over the low level ‘skirt’ above the entrance of the arena.

CHALLENGES AND AIMS

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.

RESULTS

Paul Otway, Head of Contracts at Blackdown Green Roofs, explains:

“Due to the fluctuation of pitches in the roof, from between 8 and 52 degrees we had to work closely with our supply partners to devise an innovative solution for the delivery and application of 1,020m3 of substrate that was to be used on the roofs. Our successful methodology meant that the amount of manual handling of materials was kept to a minimum and the installation was completed within the time scales agreed.

Blackdown also supplied an automatic irrigation system to ensure that the planting is permanently fed and watered with minimal manpower requirements.”

BLACKDOWN GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS

Blackdown Green Roofs 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 roof plants are cultivated at Blackdown’s nurseries in the Blackdown Hills, Somerset and form part of the company’s intensive, extensive and bio-diverse systems. Blackdown specialise in the design, supply, installation and maintenance of roof planting systems, capitalising on their horticultural expertise and green roof experience.

Green roofs 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.

In addition, they provide wider benefits, such as helping to reduce the heat island effect within cities, increasing both the absorption of CO2 and biodiversity levels.

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit the website at: www.blackdown.co.uk or call 01460 234582 for more information on how Blackdown can help with the supply and installation of quality green roof systems.

The landmark roof at Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield is the latest to showcase Alumasc’s innovative Euroroof Mono Flat Roof Membrane.

The roofing scheme was part of a rolling programme of refurbishments set to take place at the Meadowhall site over the next 5 to 6 years.

The project presented a number of complex roofing details which required a versatile waterproofing solution.

8,500m₂ of Euroroof Mono was installed by BBR Roofing of Liverpool, following its specification by real estate consultants Colliers International, who chose the system due to its flexibility and ease of installation.

Euroroof Mono offers a single layer waterproofing solution for both new construction and refurbishment projects, offering all the benefits of high performance bituminous membranes, combined with quick and safe methods 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 Meadowhall roofing installation was subject to a number of challenges, the most significant being that the area being re-roofed covered a food court hosting over 50 food providers.

Lindsay Bell, Managing Director at BBR Roofing, explains:

“Each food retailer has its own H&V units feeding out onto the roof, which could not be disturbed and had to be fully operational during the roofing process. The Euroroof Mono system was ideal for overcoming this problem as it is flexible, with quick and easy installation.

“An additional benefit is that Euroroof Mono is a mineral product making it less slippery than the previous PVC roofing in bad weather. In icy conditions, the roof was often inaccessible to maintenance workers, which was far from ideal given that around 30 contractors per week need access. Euroroof Mono will help with this issue as it is better suited to poor weather conditions and only requires minimal maintenance.

“We’ve worked with Alumasc for many years and find their help and advice invaluable, especially when it comes to factors such as calculations for rainwater flow and thermal performance.”

For more Euroroof information click here or for literature, please call 0808 100 2008.

Alumasc has supplied a pioneering new flat roofing system with unique environmental benefits, as part of the redevelopment of thecentre:mk shopping centre in Milton Keynes.

Derbigum Olivine is an ecological roofing solution, with a naturally-sourced upper mineral layer. During rainfall, the Olivine membrane makes contact with CO2 present in the atmosphere resulting in a chemical reaction taking place which neutralises the CO2. An impressive 1,750kg of CO2 can be neutralised over the lifetime of the roof, providing a positive impact on climate change.

Joint owners of thecentre:mk, Hermes Real Estate Investment Management and Prudential Property Investment Managers, opted to replace the original roof as part of a re-roofing programme that sees the company strategically replacing a number of its vulnerable roofs every year.

Over 1000m2 of the Derbigum Olivine membrane was expertly installed by M &J Flat Roofing, an Alumasc registered contractor. Richard James, Managing Surveyor at M&J Flat Roofing explains:

“The existing roofing works at the shopping centre had been waterproofed using a green mineral faced bituminous roofing system. We introduced Alumasc’s Derbigum Olivine to the Centre Management who approved the installation because they thought the concept of Olivine’s CO2 neutralising properties was unique and fitted with their carbon neutral stance. The system proved to be more cost effective than the previous roofing system and was simple to install”.

The shopping centre scheme did, however, present challenges that the Alumasc Technical Team were able to overcome. Alumasc’s Southern Region Manager, James Donovan, explains:

“Modern roofs are designed with a fall to allow efficient drainage of rainwater, however roofs designed in the 1970s were notorious for poor falls and this was the case on the Milton Keynes scheme. To combat this, Alumasc specified a tapered insulation solution to assist with rainwater run-off, which in turn will help prolong the life expectancy of the roof.”

Like all other Derbigum membranes, Olivine is easy to apply, highly durable and 100% recyclable. It can be applied as part of a one or two-layer system and can be cold bonded, hot air welded or torch-applied.

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

Alumasc is pleased to have supported Real Radio and Smooth Radio’s Christmas Toy Appeal, the purpose of which is to make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children across the North West of England. In its 4th year, the appeal is in partnership with Lookers Citroen and MAX6MUM SECURITY.

To bring smiles to the faces of those who aren’t as lucky as most of us, the radio stations asked listeners to buy an extra gift whilst doing their Christmas shopping and to drop it (unwrapped) into a Lookers Citroen dealership in Preston, Blackpool or Liverpool.

Real Radio and Smooth FM’s Christmas Toy Appeal 2013

Staff from Alumasc came together to support the cause, donating a selection of gifts to bring the magic of Christmas back to the lives of local children.

Linda Sweeney from Alumasc says:

“This is such a worthwhile initiative to support. There are children out there who won’t get a single present this Christmas for one reason or another. Knowing how much other children will receive this Christmas, it is great to help those less fortunate by giving them a special gift and making them happy.”

The presents were distributed to local Children, who without the campaign, would otherwise have been left with no gifts at Christmas.

Click Here to download

Alumasc is fully committed to providing UK Academies with an unrivalled level of service and support in relation to their roof refurbishment projects.

Representatives from maintained schools and established Academies spoke to Alumasc’s technical experts at The Academies Show at the NEC, Birmingham on 27 November to find out more about the company’s roofing systems, available advice and project-specific services.

Alumasc can provide Academies with:

• Help with completing Academies Capital Maintenance Fund (ACMF) funding applications

• Roof refurbishment strategies, budget plans and delivery assistance

• Introductions to expert contractors, experienced in re-roofing schools

• Providing sustainable roofing systems with insurance-backed warranties of up to 35 years

Free services and support for the Roofing package includes:

• Roof condition surveys, including priority report

• Advice on Environmental/sustainable Roofing Solutions

• Budget Cost Reports

• Re-roofing Specifications

Alumasc Roofing Systems recently worked with Gary French, Business Manager at Preston Business & Enterprise Academy in Yeovil. He said:

“The assistance Alumasc provided free of charge greatly assisted in the Academies’ funding application. Their involvement thereafter from initial survey to specification and installation management, via the Alumasc registered contractor network has resulted in a first class re-roofing scheme.”

If you are a Head Teacher, School Business Manager or Bursar who feels that your Academy’s flat roof is in need of refurbishment and would like to take advantage of the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund (ACMF) then please contact our Academies Expert today to see how we can help.

For further information contact Henry Bareham on 07824 691 437 or email barehamh@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

Alumasc has introduced ‘The Alumasc Promise’ – a new service and support package from the UK’s specialist Roofing Company.

The Promise provides Clients, Developers and Contractors with complete confidence and long-term peace of mind in the Roofing systems specified on their projects and is designed to guarantee the integrity of the waterproofing prior to, during and after installation.

The Alumasc Promise package helps eliminate risk and comprises:

• The highest quality roofing systems

• Industry-leading, in-house testing

• Installation by fully-trained registered contractors

• Full handover package on project completion

• Project warranty for up to 40 years

• Maintenance inspections every 5 years, at no extra cost

Initially designed for Alumasc’s Hydrotech ‘hot melt’ waterproofing system, The Alumasc Promise has now been extended to cover even more of our high performance roofing solutions, including the Derbigum range of bituminous roofing systems.

Hydrotech hot melt waterproofing is used on green roofs, podiums and
highly detailed waterproofing schemes.

Used world-wide for over 50 years Hydrotech has an amazing record of zero product failures.

Derbigum bituminous membranes offer enhanced flexibility, excellent fire ratings and strong reinforcement.

Built-up roofing and single layer systems are available along with innovative, sustainable roofing systems including Derbigum Olivine, a CO2 neutralising
membrane and Derbibure, a unique purely vegetal-based, white finish membrane.

To find out more about The Alumasc Promise, view our Video and/or download your Alumasc Promise Guide. Alternatively, please call 03335 771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

For product information on Hydrotech Hot-Melt Waterproofing, Click Here.

For information on Derbigum Flat Roof Membranes, Click Here.

Held at Lucozade Powerleague pitches beneath the famous Wembley Stadium Arch, a team from Alumasc Roofing Systems took part in a Berkeley Homes Charity Football Event to help raise funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.  A staggering £40,000 was raised towards the charity!

Despite best efforts Alumasc didn’t qualify past the group stages but were delighted to participate in aid of such a worthy cause.  The team came close to progressing further in the competition but their fate was sealed by a ‘last kick of the game’ equaliser from their opposition in the final group game.  Congratulations to Laser Electrical who were crowned this year’s tournament winners.

Monies raised will allow Demelza to provide 24 hours of hospice care for over 47 children ensuring they and their families are supported by a team of qualified doctors, nurses, therapists and carers so the fund-raising tournament was hugely important.

Donna Wells from the charity said “On behalf of all the children and families that use the services of Demelza Hospice Care for Children I wanted to say a huge thank you to all who took part in the Berkeley Homes football tournament at Wembley”.

Alumasc look forward to strengthening their squad during the next transfer window and taking part again next year! Alumasc would like to thank Berkeley Homes and Demelza for the opportunity to get involved as it was a really fun, enjoyable and worthwhile day.

Hydrotech reaches new heights on The Shard in London – being Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard is the latest in a long line of prestigious London landmark projects to be protected by Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot melt waterproofing system.

The Shard, London

This iconic building joins well-known developments such as Canary Wharf, Bishopsgate and Tate Modern where Hydrotech has been successfully used, signifying new heights for the market leading structural waterproofing system.

A total of 3500 metres of Hydrotech has been installed across various levels of the 310m (1,016ft) landmark building, whose glass façade now dominates the London skyline. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the building comprises offices, restaurants, the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel and residential apartments.

Hydrotech was specified by affiliate architects, Adamson Associates following its effective use on projects such as Canary Wharf. Its high performance and flexibility of installation, made it suitable for use on several areas where alternative products were not an option. Despite a number of challenges posed by weather, intricate design details and the unique logistics presented by a building spanning more than 1000 feet, Hydrotech helped achieve a highly successful installation.

The system has been installed on the ground floor podium, level 17 plant area, under the green roof on level 20, the building maintenance units at level 29 and the viewing level 72 – which is London’s highest public viewing gallery, offering 360° views. Alumasc’s Derbigum flat roof membrane was also installed on level 75.

Joining the podium waterproofing to other systems presented a particular challenge, as did the junctions where the waterproofing meets the glazing. On the viewing area, the waterproofing had to incorporate numerous major pitch pockets to accommodate the steel frame which is designed to compensate for the movement of building from this level and above.

Hydrotech Waterproofing Sytems were utilised

Alumasc, the installers and contractors worked closely together to achieve a successful outcome despite the difficulties. Paul Read of Alumasc comments: “The working relationships on site were a key factor in the success of this installation – everyone was reactive and focused on problem solving.

The installers coped admirably with the constant need to stop and start work, while other trades were working to a very tight schedule. Despite the adverse conditions, all work was carried out to a high standard.”

The Hydrotech hot melt system provides seamless waterproofing ideal for podiums and highly detailed waterproofing projects. It is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material, is BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152. Hydrotech is designed to last for lifetime of the structure and is available with a choice of warranties.

For further details on Hydrotech structural waterproofing please click here.

Alternatively, click here find out more about our latest service offer ‘Hydrotech – The Alumasc Promise’.

For literature, please call Alumasc on 0808 100 2008.