Boasting iconic views over the River Thames, taking in the London Eye, Big Ben, and the iconic Houses of Parliament, Waterloo’s shining Whitehouse Apartments are iconic in their own right.

Standing fourteen stories tall among the Southbank’s cultural swathe, the impressive, polished residential buildings, have recently been completed with state-of-the-art Alumasc Derbigum roofing.

Craig La-Thangue, Senior Contracts Manager at Acclaim Contracts, who installed the roof, explained, “Our project at the Whitehouse Apartments was very enjoyable to complete, for many reasons, including the spectacular view, and of course working with Alumasc Derbigum membranes, as the high-quality product made the project run very smooth.”

Over the entire 2200m² roof area, Craig and his team first removed the old roofing that was in place—which just so happened to also be an Alumasc product!

“When we got up there, we were surprised to find that the roof that was in place was actually still in good condition,” Craig explained. “It had been up there for 30 years, but the only places that were showing serious signs of wear were the patches around installations such as air conditioning units and skylights that had been installed after the roof was laid.

“These roofing membrane patches were from another brand, which hadn’t fared well at all, and had visibly deteriorated to the point where they were letting in water.

“Over time, this would cause damage within the building that could lead to other more serious problems further down the line, so it was important for us to replace the roof and do a good job.” 

Derbigum is a high-performance waterproofing membrane that carries a BBA certificate confirming its service life in excess of 40 years. It offers performance properties including excellent flexibility, fire ratings, strong reinforcement and ease of application.

Derbigum is ideal for warm roof applications; its high melting point ensures it will remain stable even in the hottest weather. Alongside this, the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement within the membranes provide high tensile strength.

Giving specifiers and contractors peace of mind, Alumasc Derbigum membranes are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

The project ran smooth from start to finish, from December 2018, to April 2019: “The only obstacle was the sheer size of the project!” commented Craig.

“Working with Alumasc is always hitch-free. We have worked with them on a number of other projects and they always have been reliable. Even if there is an issue, it’s sorted out quickly, efficiently and professionally. It makes us feel very confident in both the company and the roofing products,” Craig concluded.

Keep up with Acclaim Contracts and their current projects here: acclaimcontracts.co.uk/

Find more about Alumasc Derbigum Roofing here: alumascroofing.co.uk/products/waterproofing/bituminous-membranes/derbigum-flat-roof-membranes/

Find out more about the full Alumasc roof refurbishment offer: https://www.alumascroofing.co.uk/support/

Download a PDF copy here

Roof-Pro’s PP-3 riser penetration units have been used to provide watertight pipe and cable entry points into the building at Tonyrefail School near Cardiff, South Wales.

As part of a project worth £44 million, the school was delivered under the auspices of the Welsh government’s 21st century schools programme. It’s one of a number of ‘super school’ education projects to be delivered in Wales as part of an initiative to improve education in local areas, and all have to be delivered within a tight timescale to meet the target.

After discovering Roof-Pro, an Alumasc company, online and finding many positive reviews of similar work, Boyes Rees Architects chose to specify Roof-Pro roof service entry units as they are capable of dealing with larger circular duct sizes of 600mm and above, whilst still remaining watertight.

The PP-3 puts the waterproofing’s durability first in its design – for quick installation into the waterproofing membrane. Its design also encompasses easy access features, a powder coated aluminium finish for durability and cover flashing deep enough to permit vertical insulation.

Roof-Pro were also able to accommodate the client’s tight timescale and conducted the site visit, issued drawings for approval and delivered all products to site on time.

Roof-Pro’s Regional Technical Manager Jimi Ogunsola, who worked with Boyes Rees Architects to find the right product for the project, explained: “The Roof-Pro PP-3 access riser was perfect for this project, providing a watertight entry point to run larger roof-mounted cables, ducts and pipes into your building safely—a consistent, quality solution for necessary penetrative details on flat roofs.

“The design allows M&E trades easy access to run cables and pipes. Once installed, the building is immediately dry, and following trades can fully access the riser by temporarily removing the lid.”

Mark Harries of Whitehead Building Services, the contractor who worked on the project said: “Alumasc were a pleasure to work with for this project; communication was extremely important given the fast approaching deadline but all went smoothly.

“Even when we found ductwork and capping that had been installed already were not sufficiently watertight, airtight nor adequately insulated, we were able to communicate effectively and put plans in place to ensure that the extra work would not disrupt the timescale.”  

Mark went on to say: “We found Roof-Pro products very durable, and easy to install. They provide great value for money by offering a second-to-none watertight seal and excellent quality, which just can’t be substituted.”

Find and download more information about Roof-Pro’s PP-3 risers here: alumascroofing.co.uk/media/279595/rp-accessrisers-upstands-pp3-roofnek.pdf

Download a PDF copy here

A place that seeks to find the perfect balance between work and play, The Old Vinyl Factory is home to a large, young community and provides them with commercial and leisure facilities, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars.

But this isn’t all. Far above the ground, a series of roof gardens and patios have also been sensitively developed by Blackdown Greenroofs, catering to the large number of young families and working parents in the community.

The four main blocks rise above a central podium area, hiding their private oasis from the general public, making them a haven of calm and tranquillity that extend the idea of living space to the outdoors.

Landscaped to provide opportunities for relaxation as well as play areas for children, small trees and shrubs provide the gardens privacy, while playground apparatus complete the area.

Having a recreational green area is a huge and often rare benefit to urban and city dwellers, who may not have access to nearby public parks or natural areas. Research has shown that those who regularly spend time in a natural environment have improved mental, physical and even emotional health.

The gardens also replace most of the green space that may have otherwise occupied the space where The Old Vinyl Factory buildings sit, encouraging local natural wildlife and aiding biodiversity.

To achieve this, Blackdown Greenroofs installed an intensive green roof with integrated bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs, alongside some paved areas, benches and decking. An intensive green roof features a substrate of increased depth, so that planting can be similar to that on the ground: planters, lawns, trees and shrubs all have a healthy home here.

Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects, who designed the space, said: “I have been really impressed with the completed development. The podium landscape and roof terraces are well installed and it’s great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised.”

The children’s play area includes large pebble seats, bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment. Permanent irrigation systems are installed to ensure the gardens’ longevity and that this area in particular doesn’t flood.

With providing the utmost health and safety in mind, gates and fencing were also installed, all using specialist fixing methods to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing membrane below the green roof was not compromised.

Find out more about Blackdown Greenroofs and what can be achieved at: blackdown.co.uk/

One of the busiest buildings at the University of Dundee was able to benefit from a complete replacement of its waterproof roofing with Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing membranes.

The August 2018 project ran for six weeks and was completed on time, without any complications, after a thorough site survey to correctly identify the project needs.

During the survey, it was discovered that the roofing in place had exceeded its lifetime, and was in very poor condition.

After receiving specifications from Alumasc, the client decided to take the opportunity to install a high-quality roofing solution that would also contribute positively to the environment.

“Olivine membranes are extremely special,” explained Permatop Roofing Director Jim McVeagh, who headed up the project. “Olivine is a highly effective, durable waterproofing solution for roofs which also actively purifies the air by neutralising CO₂ in rainwater.”

Olivine membranes use a naturally occurring mineral upper layer that neutralises the most prevalent greenhouse gas via an irreversible chemical reaction when it comes into contact with rainfall. This technology was developed with the objective of contributing positively to the on-going challenge that climate change poses.

The Olivine grains within the membrane decrease in size with each reaction, however, once installed, clients can rest assured that they’ll continue to work for up to 30 years before the grains will have completely reacted. Each membrane is 100% recyclable and British Board of Agrément (BBA) approved.

1kg of Olivine granules have the capacity to neutralise 1.25kg of CO₂, meaning over its 30-year life time, this 600m2 project could potentially absorb nearly 3500kg of CO₂.

Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing is ideal for warm roof applications. It’s high melting point ensures membrane stability in the hottest weather whilst the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement provides high tensile strength. In the middle of the summer, this was an extremely important consideration for Jim.

“Personally, I think the technology that goes into Olivine is amazing,” Jim commented. “Anyone who chooses to install Olivine on their rooftop is actually doing something positive for the environment, while also ensuring a high quality, built-to-last waterproof solution for their roof. It couldn’t be easier, so why not?”

Approved by the BBA (Certificate No 86/1593), all Derbigum roofing membranes, including underlays and vapour barriers, are CE marked, with Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificates available.

Alumasc Roofing carefully carry out site surveys, and offer specifications, CAD/BIM calculations and designs, site reports and monitoring and roof maintenance to ensure that each and every project is executed and maintained to the highest standard.

Permatop Roofing are an approved contractor to install Alumasc products, and won the tender for this project based on their experience and expertise in this type of refurbishment work.

“Permatop will only work with the best quality roofing products,” said Jim, “which is one of the reasons why we work with Alumasc: the products are of excellent quality, great to work with, and the company is overall very reliable.”

Find out more about Alumasc Derbigum Olivine Roofing Membranes: www.alumascroofing.co.uk/products/waterproofing/bituminous-membranes/derbigum-olivine-membrane/

Find out more about the full Alumasc roof refurbishment offer: www.alumascroofing.co.uk/support/

Download a PDF copy here

New legislation from the Welsh government, which came into effect on 7 January 2019, stipulates that all new developments of more than one dwelling or where the construction area is 100m2 or more should have Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in place.

From this date onwards, SuDS on a new development must be designed and built in accordance with the Statutory SuDS Standards published by the Welsh Ministers, while SuDS schemes must be approved by the local authority acting in its SAB role, before construction work begins.

Alumasc WMS have always worked with the philosophy that surface water from both roof and ground level is a valuable natural resource which should be managed in a way that reflects this. This is not only in the interests of the surrounding environment but also to create better places for people to live, work and play.

With this in mind, we believe water management should be considered from the beginning of the development process and throughout, and that it should positively influence the design and layout of the project or space.

So, how can you implement SuDS in your project when it comes to roofing and water management?

The core aim of SuDS is to manage rainfall in a way as similar to the natural process as possible, making use of surrounding landscape and natural vegetation to control the volume and flow of surface water. The benefits of SuDS can encompass flood risk reduction, enhanced biodiversity, creation of natural habitats for wildlife, contribution to better mental health and much more.

Both Green and Blue Roof systems offer SuDS measures, intended to significantly reduce peak rates of rainwater runoff, especially during heavy rainfall. This is not limited to during the event of a storm. As a general rule in the UK, London and East Anglia receive high intensity rainfall incidents, whereas western aspects of the UK generally receive higher total rainfall. So, its not just Cardiff, officially the UK’s wettest City, but the whole of the UK that would benefit from Green and Blue Roof technology.

Green and blue roofs do this is in different ways but can be used in conjunction with each other. Blackdown Greenroofs, for example, retain rainwater through plant absorption and provide replacement of lost animal habitats through the introduction of natural vegetation, occupying otherwise redundant roof space and providing a great opportunity to create new amenity space for people to use for recreation and increased overall wellbeing—a real benefit in dense urban spaces.

Alumasc BluRoof rainwater outlets may be used to drain the excess runoff that is not absorbed by a green roof. They do this in a controlled way, using specially designed flow restrictors: the attenuated stormwater is temporarily kept at roof level for controlled discharge — integral to the mitigation of flood risk. The number and aperture diameters of which are calculated individually per job, to reduce the rainwater discharge to a specific maximum rate advised by the designer. In this way, clients can be confident that an Alumasc BluRoof system can be trusted to provide a water management solution that is tailored bespoke to their needs.

With an Alumasc BluRoof, grey water can be attenuated at roof or basement level and re-used within the building, for applications such as air conditioning or toilets after filtering. This results in less water consumption by the building, and less rainwater discharge into sewer systems: both more environmentally friendly, and more economical. On large commercial schemes this can create client cost savings in the £100,000s per annum.

How often do you look up, beyond the ground floor office lobbies, shopfronts, or restaurants that line the high street?

There is an entire other world that exists above us, away from the buzz and bustle of the busy city; a new kind of urban jungle is being cultivated on our rooftops.

Across the world, there is ongoing intense increase in urban development and with it, city living and working. This demands of us an ever-greater understanding and conscientiousness of global climate change, and our part in it. As our population increases, we must develop sustainable and compact approaches to growth in order to avoid over-development, or further development into green belt land.

Green roofs can be a way of balancing our urban development by providing pockets of nature. If every city centre roof top were to go green, the impact upon our environment could be significant, in terms of the effect it could have on maintaining cleaner air quality, on reintroducing local wildlife and on providing places of calm and serenity in the middle of the hectic city.

They can even contribute towards the performance of a building, by providing insulation, energy balance and reduction of CO2 emissions, aiding SuDS with rainwater attenuation and surprisingly, even extending the life of roof waterproofing and therefore saving money. Facilities such as schools and office blocks can even make use of roof space for synthetic rooftop sports courts, conveniently encouraging people to make time for their own wellbeing and maximising BREEAM ratings for buildings.

Green roofs are not a new phenomenon, but the ways in which they are devised, designed, installed and maintained has developed. Modern green roof systems have been used around Europe for over 50 years and are commonplace throughout western Europe. Ranging from intensively vegetated (intensive) to extensively vegetated (extensive) to recreational, there are already many examples of living roofs in London including at Canary Wharf, Bishops Square, the Laban Centre, Deptford and Offord Street, Islington.

Blackdown Greenroofs originally specialised in the supply, installation and maintenance of roof planting systems with the main purpose of creating a natural habitat for wildlife in the urban environment. But as is the nature of nature, we’ve grown into a complete roof top, podium and balcony landscaping specialist.

Nurturing extensive knowledge and the sharpest skills when it comes to planting, we are uniquely equipped to advise our clients on the most appropriate green roof scheme for the project’s requirements, offering bespoke intensive green roof design, landscaping and installation. Whether seeking to fulfil biodiversity action plan requirements, optimise BREEAM ratings, or provide an aesthetic roof covering that stands out from the crowd, Blackdown Greenroofs can provide the optimum sustainable green roof design and tailored advice.

The real urban jungle is high above the paved forest floor, and is one viable way to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for our cities and our population.

Redcliff Quarter is a bustling new neighbourhood for Bristol, bringing together restaurants, a 4-star hotel, offices and apartments. The 600,000 sq ft development has an urban artisan design reflecting the area’s industrial heritage. The architecture includes wider pavements, rooftop and courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces, targeting BREEAM excellent ratings for the commercial buildings.

Derbigum Blue Roof System:

Alumasc’s Derbigum BluRoof is designed to alleviate flood risk by reducing and controlling the peak rate of discharge, in compliance with design requirements. This facilitates the detention of stormwater up to a prescribed maximum hydraulic head for subsequent controlled discharge over an elongated period.

The retention of stormwater in the green roof layers complements the detention of stormwater by the blue roof, providing valuable additional drainage capacity.

The Derbigum BluRoof system benefits from the combined expertise associated with Alumasc Roofing Systems and Harmer Engineered Drainage Systems; allowing a truly single source blue roof solution that is integral to a system of this nature. The Derbigum BluRoof system is fully BBA approved and Alumasc provide a service package that provides the client, specifier and end user with complete confidence in the integrity of the waterproofing and drainage solution.

Green Roof and Landscaping:

Blackdown Greenroofs installed a combination of extensive sedum green roofs, intensive green roofs, paving on terraces and podiums and over the Alumasc Derbigum BluRoof. Blackdown also installed the bespoke papyrus coloured powder coated planters, with integral hard wood seating. They were specifically designed to make the roof spaces a recreational asset to those living in the apartments. Planted with mixed herbaceous, shrubs and trees, the hard and soft landscaping areas provide the perfect place to relax.

Alumasc Roofing Systems provided design assistance throughout all architectural, structural and drainage engineering stages. The technical team worked closely with the Main Contractor providing further assistance throughout construction stages. Blackdown Greenroofs worked with both the Main Contractor directly as well as via Span Roofing who carried out the roofing installation sub-contractor package. Alumasc Roofing’s site monitoring technical teams carried out regular site visits to ensure compliance with the warranty and that codes of practice were observed through to completion.

One system supplier, one point of contact, one waterproofing installation team and Alumasc’s Blackdown Greenroofs provided a single source solution to the successful completion of the works thus limiting potential split responsibility.

For more information about Alumasc’s Derbigum BluRoof system click here or for technical advice, please call 03335 771 500.

Alumasc has provided the new R1 building, designed by Maki and Associates, with the Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing system. R1 Kings Cross became the new home for a number of institutions founded by the Aga Khan, which aim to increase understanding of Islam in communities around the world.

For this project, Alumasc worked closely alongside Tilbury Contracts, an Alumasc Registered Contractor, who installed the specified system.

Alumasc assisted the project by supplying the tried and trusted Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing system which has had zero product failures in over 50 years of use worldwide. Its unique formulation guarantees lifetime performance and it is manufactured using 30% post-consumer recycled material. Hydrotech is fully warranted, BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA05/0152.

For Kings Cross R1, Alumasc’s system comprised Hydrotech with XPS insulation to insulate and prevent moisture from entering the roof. Hydrotech is a hot melt rubber bitumen membrane which is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer. Through prevention of weathering, the roof will remain intact for a lifetime.

A truly unique finish was achieved with R1. The Hydrotech system was completed with decorative marble and stone, allowing for a contemporary appearance without any compromise to the performance of the system. This ornamental finish provides a clean and modern look to the North London building, the likes of which have been rarely installed before.

For more information on Alumasc’s high performance structural waterproofing systems click here or for technical advice, please call 03335 771 500.

Gelliswick Church in Wales VC School required a roofing system that would provide inhabitants with a reliable solution for the longevity of the building. Alumasc’s fully warranted Mastergold warm roof system was the ideal solution for the project.

The voluntary controlled primary school was formed following the decision to discontinue two nearby schools, the new school entity was established on 1st September 2017, with the school operating across the three existing sites. It was of the school’s interest to quickly relocate the students and staff from the other two sites to the new build, which opened in January 2018. This Mastergold system offers a quick and easy installation process without compromising the long-term performance of the waterproofing, it also requires minimal maintenance – another reason why the system was the ideal solution!

2,200m² of the Mastergold system was installed by the Alumasc Registered Contractor, Nautilus. The warm roof system included only 5 elements. Alumasc’s Self-Adhesive Primer was used to condition the metal deck, then, to encapsulate the deck from flames the Euroroof Dual Bond Vapour Control Layer was installed. The Dual Bond VCL has a self-adhesive backing to the underside and a thermofusible upper surface which enabled the PIR BGT insulation to be bonded directly to the membrane. To complete the warm roof system Mastergold Underlay was bonded to the BGT insulation which is torch receivable and the Mastergold Black Cap Sheet was then torched to the underlay providing a highly durable and effective solution.

The waterproofing is backed with an Alumasc 25-year system warranty, providing added peace of mind. The Euroroof Mastergold membrane offers high tensile strength and pliability and excellent resistance to puncture and UV degradation. The Euroroof Mastergold membrane is fully BBA approved and is tested for wind uplift and fire performance to meet with the current British Standards.

For further information about the Euroroof Mastergold system click here or contact our Technical Team on 03335 771 500

Material Store will provide 189 buy to rent apartments with residents’ parking and a communal garden.

The Old Vinyl Factory is a compelling project and was one of the largest regeneration projects in West London, home to a new community of more than 630 apartments with commercial and leisure facilities including restaurants, shops, cafes and bars.

The four ‘warehouse’ blocks of Material Store rise above a central podium area and surround an oasis of private patios and a large communal garden space. Each of the four main blocks were landscaped using a variety of Blackdown Green Roof products and finishes with the aim of providing an extended living space or ‘outdoor rooms’ for the inhabitants of the building.

The aim was to provide added recreational space and a greener environment for adults and children living there.

These areas include large green spaces that have been landscaped to provide a natural setting. These areas are made up of small trees and shrubs to give a natural effect and attract local wildlife. Blackdown’s intensive green roof system was ideal for these key requirements. An intensive roof – akin to a traditional ‘roof garden’ – often replicates the features and benefits of a domestic garden or city park; providing space for recreation and amenity. Applications can range from outdoor roof space at restaurants and office blocks to ground-level landscaping above subterranean car parks at shopping centres or residential developments.

Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects says:

“I visited site on Tuesday and was really impressed with the completed Material Store development – the podium landscape and roof terraces are well installed and great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised – so well done to your team!”

Green Roof Recreation and Play Area

Also incorporated was an area aimed at providing children with green space for them to play, in an otherwise highly built up area, thus improving their health and wellbeing for the future. Blackdown provided bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs. Paved areas, benches, decking and artificial lawns were also installed.

The inclusion of a podium play area was of interest as the play and recreational equipment was included within the initial design. This included large pebble seats, bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment.

These elements required a wide range of fixing and mounting solutions that were not initially designed for a podium deck. To provide adequate health and safety, gates and fencing were also installed, all of which, used specialist fixing methods to not compromise the waterproof integrity of the waterproofing membrane below.

To find out more about Alumasc’s green roof systems Click Here. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss any of our products or services with the team call 03335 771 500.