With recent events in the UK highlighting the requirement for compliance with up to date and relevant fire test standards, Alumasc Roofing Systems have conducted further fire tests on the market leading Derbigum high performance bituminous membrane warm roof system.

Derbigum Mineral and Derbigum Black full warm roof built up systems including primer, vapour barrier, adhesive, insulation, underlay and Derbigum cap sheets recently underwent rigorous testing to CEN/TS 1187:2012 – Test methods for external fire exposure to roofs (part 4) and ultimately achieved the highest grade, BROOF(t4) in fire safety available in the UK, which allows unrestricted use under the Building Regulations (see Approved Document B Section 14: Roof Coverings – clause 14.5 table 16).

ENV1187 Test 4 is a test method used to determine the performance of flat roofs to external fire exposure, the two-stage test method replicating exposure to burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat.

Exova Warringtonfire Gent conducted the tests in their brand-new facility in Belgium, confirming not only the applicability of original Derbigum fire rating tests but also confirming the compliance of the current warm roof build-up using the latest BBA Certificated Derbigum system, to reflect real in-use performance.

Alumasc understands the importance of this issue, having previously achieved top fire ratings to the previous standard (BS 476 pt3) on these products, and we, therefore, took the initiative to ascertain the fire rating of our latest systems in anticipation of tighter regulations governing the fire resistance of construction products.

This certification underlines Alumasc’s reputation for quality, performance and reliability, our aim being to provide our customers with unrivalled peace of mind when utilising our products and take all the steps necessary to facilitate this, including this certification which is designed to protect property and life from fire.

Specifying certificated products, systems and services in support of fire safety and security of any facility demonstrates due diligence and shows consideration for those that invest, develop, design, manage and use Alumasc’s Roofing Systems.

Legislation and the requirement for compliance to enter new markets has never been tougher and Alumasc will continue to develop and test their products to ensure we provide the highest levels of safety to not only our customers but the inhabitants and users of the buildings our products help to protect.

For further information regarding Warrington Certification click here

For further information about Alumasc’s waterproofing systems click here

The RIBA National Awards are given to buildings across the UK recognised as significant contributions to architecture – Alumasc’s Hydrotech high performance structural waterproofing was used on four winning buildings – Kings Cross Triplets, Riverlight, the Leadenhall (Cheesegrater) building, and the V&A Museum, highlighting Hydrotech as the ideal choice when selecting long-term durable waterproofing for high profile prestigious projects.

Here we take a look at the projects.

Kings Cross Triplets, London, 5,000m².

Riverlight, London, 23,000m².

The Leadenhall Building, London, 1,400m².

The Victoria and Albert Museum, 1,200m².

Hydrotech is the premier hot melt system for high performance green roofs, podiums and highly detailed waterproofing schemes, and has been used worldwide for over 50 years, with an astonishing record of zero product failures. The structural waterproofing system is BBA approved and contains an impressive post-consumer recycled content of 30%, making it the choice of professionals in an ever-growing sustainable environment. Not only does Hydrotech contain sustainable raw materials, it also uses hydro-electric power as the primary energy source in manufacture.

For further information click here or call our Technical Team on (0) 3335 771 500

One of the most common causes of green roofs underperforming is insufficient application of irrigation immediately after the plants have been installed. With the UK’s variable weather conditions we can experience long periods of unseasonably dry weather when normal levels of rainfall cannot be relied upon to provide sufficient moisture for the plants to establish into the growing medium.

Therefore, Blackdown Green Roofs recommend a period of temporary irrigation directly after planting for all extensive and semi-intensive systems to ensure the newly installed green roof has the best possible start in life. Without this short but important period of irrigation – usually between 6-8 weeks – a green roof will struggle to establish, be more prone to erosion, and could look less visually appealing. Once this period has expired the irrigation is removed and the system will support the plants without further intervention. The only exception to this is when a roof has a pitch of more than 30 degrees.

Blackdown has a variety of irrigation systems to suit a range of roof areas, whether it is ten or ten thousand square meters.

Our Systems

1. are fully or semi-automatic so that once set up they will irrigate a roof without any input from the client

2. are small enough to be carried up internal stairs, external hoists or even lifted through windows

3. require mains water i.e. a roof or ground floor ¾” bib tap

4. can operate from 110 or 240v power or, if either of these aren’t unavailable, a 9v battery

Construction, Design and Management Regulations

Under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) 2015, appropriate measures should be taken at both design and construction stages to ensure safe access and passage over the planted roof areas for maintenance personnel.

Health and Safety

It is strictly the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all works are executed in accordance with current health and safety legislation. Guidance must be taken from relevant and current HSE publications. Refer to current HSE publication ‘The Working at Height Regulations’ for further guidance.

Access and Egress

Access and egress routes to/from the roof need to be carefully considered. Ideally, these should be discussed and agreed between client/end user and Blackdown Green Roofs before completion of the installation phase if an irrigation contract is required.

Safe access across the roof could take the form of perimeter balustrade, a post and wire fall prevention system or a collapsible roof perimeter handrail.

Should you wish to discuss your project requirements with Blackdown please contact us on 01460 234582

The total absence of or the provision of inadequate irrigation systems is one of the commonest reasons for planting failures on green roofs, or within planters. Here we take a quick look at some of the pressures and solutions for providing much-needed irrigation to our green spaces, but with an emphasis on green roofs.

With increasing urbanisation and higher density living; planners, landscape architects and architects are trying to provide more affordable, high-quality, desirable living spaces that each have a sense of unique identity, these locations very often incorporate green spaces or green elements within their designs. This is all well and good, however, without providing the necessary elements for the plants to thrive, i.e. light, water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient and a means to anchor their roots, no matter how well-meaning the intentions are the long-term performance of the trees, shrubs or vegetation is undoubtedly compromised.

So why do we see so many planters incorporating trees and hedging that could quickly exceed these basic requirements for growth – least of all water?

There are numerous permanent irrigation solutions available on the market, supplied either as part of the planter solution or as optional extras – these can either be automated or manually operated. Why go to all the expense of providing a planter and planting and possibly missing out on years of enjoyment for a small increase in the installation cost?

Permanent Irrigation Components

Typically, but not necessarily exclusively, a permanent irrigation system includes the following components

1. Mains water and power
2. Tank, pump and housing
3. Control box or programmer
4. Water feed pipes, solenoids and associated signal cabling
5. A means of applying the water i.e. drippers or pop-up sprinklers
6. Finally, training!

There’s little point in offering an automatic irrigation system unless the operator understands how to program and operate the controls. Training for the FM provider or client is very important unless the irrigation system is operated remotely by a third party via the web.

This all might sound a bit complicated and another problem to think about but you might be surprised at how compact and simple some of the systems are. Blackdown would be happy to offer any advice and discuss your requirements with you.

Built-in Irrigation Reservoirs

Alternatively, if your pockets don’t stretch to an automated system, then there are many other non-automated solutions that could make a big difference to the performance, health and longevity of your planting – provided that there is a maintenance provider to actually manage them, regularly.

By specifying the correct green roof system or planter to suit the final planting density and, very importantly the carefully considered plant, applying sound annual horticultural practices; such as mulching, feeding, a structured maintenance programme and installing the plant at a size that enables it to slowly acclimatise itself to its new environment can mean less reliance on expensive permanent irrigation systems.

Should you wish to discuss your project requirements with Blackdown please contact us on 01460 234582

Alumasc Roofing Systems’ Derbigum bituminous membranes provide over 40 years durability and last year gained updated BBA certification confirming this. However, prior to the updated certification being published over 700 million m2 of Derbigum products have been installed worldwide since 1932. This proves the immense reputation the Derbigum product holds amongst specifiers throughout the world.

We have looked back at some flat roofs that have been installed over 30 years ago which are still performing as if they were installed yesterday, from around Europe.

Examples of 30 year plus projects:

Arcelor-Mittel, Dunkirk, 260,000m2. Install date: 1975

H1, Hill of Rubislaw, Aberdeen, 1,000m2. Install date: 1983

Arcelor-Mittel, Mardyck, France, 225,000m2. Install date: 1973

Motor Parts, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belguim, 3,000m2. Install date: 1983

These projects demonstrate the undeniable strength, durability and peace of mind that has been provided to specifiers for almost 90 years.

Derbigum continues to grow its range to meet current market needs, heavily focussing on sustainability. Derbigum’s latest market-leading technologies include Derbigum Olivine – the CO2 neutralising bituminous membrane, through to the highly durable Derbigum VAEPLAN single ply.

Initially, Euroroof (now part of Alumasc) provided a 10-year guarantee back in 1977. These were the early years of the APP Derbigum waterproofing membranes. The product was unique in structure and composition. Nevertheless, the quality of the polymers and bitumen have improved, and over the years our knowledge of the raw materials have increased dramatically, therefore Derbigum continues to evolve.

The long-lasting properties of Derbigum are also due to high levels of quality control, next to the selection of our raw materials. Suppliers Derbigum have a very extensive quality control during and after production.

Alumasc have evolved this offer and now provide a full 40-year service and support offer for installed Derbigum flat roofs in the UK – our promise provides clients, developers and contractors with complete confidence and long-term peace of mind in the roofing system specified on their project.

Ultimately, if the quality of installation is not of the highest standards projects will not survive as long as hoped, therefore, Alumasc provide fully trained, registered contractors on all their project installs in order to ensure the correct and long lasting installation is provided.

If you would like a copy of the Derbigum BBA certificate click here

If you have a project that may benefit from a Derbigum flat roof system or have any queries please contact us today on 03335 771 500 or email info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

A new version of The London Plan has recently been published. Here, Henry Bareham – Director of New Build for Alumasc Roofing Systems – outlines how Alumasc’s roofing solutions provide designers with the tools to comply with key requirements of the London Plan 2018.

Introduction to The London Plan 2018

The latest version of the plan includes policies to address three areas of focus for a more sustainable built environment in our capital city:

1. Policy G5 – Urban Greening

2. Policy S14 – Managing Heat Risk

3. Policy SI13 – Sustainable Drainage – applicable to Blue Roofs

1. Policy G5 Urban Greening

Policy G5 seeks to increase the amount of green space in the Greater London region. Green space has been proven to have significant health and wellbeing benefits in addition to environmental improvements.

Policy G5 requires that major development proposals “contribute to the greening of London by including urban greening as a fundamental element of site and building design, and by incorporating measures such as high-quality landscaping (including trees), green roofs, green walls and nature-based sustainable drainage.”

The Plan outlines how Boroughs should identify the amount of urban greening that is required. An Urban Greening Factor (UGF) is to be specified for each new development. The UGF will vary, but the Mayor has recommended target scores of 0.3 for commercial developments and 0.4 for residential developments.

2. Policy S14 Managing Heat Risk

Policy S14 seeks to reduce the need for air conditioning in buildings and to minimise the health risks caused by the urban heat island effect (UHIE).
Major developments will need to include energy strategy proposals that reduce the potential for overheating and reliance on air conditioning systems. Policy S4 sets out a hierarchy of measures that should be considered to achieve compliance with this requirement:

1. Energy efficient design of the building to minimise internal heat generation; and
2. Use of building orientation, shading, albedo, fenestration, insulation and green roofs to reduce the amount of heat entering the building.

3. Policy SI13 Sustainable Drainage – applicable to Blue Roofs

As in many urban areas, the replacement of previous surfaces with hard landscaping has increased the burden on urban drainage systems in the capital. Policy SI13 requires Lead Local Flood Authorities to operate Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and Surface Water Management Plans that identify areas of particular surface water management risks and set out strategies to reduce these risks.

The Policy requires that development proposals aim to achieve greenfield run-off rates and manage surface water run-off as close to its source as possible. Policy SI13 also sets out a hierarchy of solutions to achieve these requirements:

1. rainwater harvesting (including a combination of green and blue roofs)
2. infiltration techniques and green roofs
3. rainwater attenuation in open water features for gradual release
4. rainwater discharge direct to a watercourse (unless not appropriate)

Tried and Tested single-source solutions for the London Plan 2018

It is clear that whilst each policy addresses specific design issues, many of these problems are inter-related. The introduction of urban greening into the capital will not only provide the health and wellbeing, amenity and environmental benefits that are sought after in Policy G5. Urban greening is also cited as one of the preferred solutions to manage heat and stormwater management risks.

There are a number of ways that urban greening can be introduced into our capital city. However, in view of the scarce availability of landscape at ground level in city spaces, one of the key areas of focus for the introduction of vegetation has been the use of roof spaces for the inclusion of green or blue roofs.

Blackdown Green Roofs

Whilst many of the installed green roofs are often out of common sight, there are a growing number of green roofs in the Greater London area. Alumasc Roofing Systems have been providing green roof solutions in the capital for over 25 years and its specialist green roof division – Blackdown – has nearly 20 years of experience. One of the most visible examples of this is at the West Ham bus station, which remains one of the largest green roofs installed in the UK to date. Indeed, it is thought that this installation inspired the more recent incorporation of a green roof at a bus station in Chester, see here.

Alumasc recognises that there are numerous different drivers for green roof specifications. Alumasc’s technical team engages with designers and installers at each stage of the project lifecycle to ensure that the system design and installation are tailored to achieve the specific design objectives. Our experts are involved from pre-planning stage right through the installation phase and to project completion.

It is this early involvement that ultimately led to the development of Alumasc’s BluRoof solution nearly 5 years ago.

Alumasc BluRoof

Alumasc’s patented BluRoof system allows for stormwater to be detained at roof level and released gradually to reduce potentially flood-inducing peak rates of runoff whilst also regenerating its capacity ahead of any subsequent storm event. Alumasc Technical Services provide design calculations as part of its support package for BluRoof specifications.

The BluRoof system has been carefully designed to account for all of the risks associated with stormwater attenuation at roof level. Paramount in this is the single source nature of the solution – Alumasc’s BluRoof system comprises proven waterproofing solutions, insulation, outlets and green roof components all supplied by Alumasc as part of a quality-controlled system. This single source warranted solution is compatible with the requirements of key industry stakeholders, such as the NHBC and LABC. Alumasc clients also value the benefit of a single source BluRoof warranty. This exploits the combined expertise of Alumasc’s Roofing Division and Harmer Engineered Drainage Systems; allowing a truly single source solution that we believe is integral to a system of this nature.

BluRoof system specifications are built upon the Derbigum or Hydrotech waterproofing solutions that (a) have proven ‘durability beyond the laboratory’ performance records and (b) are supported by BBA certification for ‘completely flat roof’ designs. Both aspects are fundamental to successful blue roof strategies:

• Hydrotech Hot Melt boasts the longest track record of any Hot melt on the marketplace – spanning over 53 years. Over this time, over 180 million square metres have been installed without a single product failure!

• Derbigum high-performance bituminous membranes also offer a similarly impressive track record.
The product has been used for over 40 years – again without a product failure – and has been accredited by the BBA as having a life expectancy of 40+ years.

Alumasc’s BluRoof system has been specified at a host of sites across the UK and is undoubtedly now seen as an excellent option to provide relatively low cost sustainable drainage capacity as part of a broader Surface Water Management Plan. BluRoof case studies are presented on our website, including installations at Kew Bridge Phase 2 and North West Cambridge.

If you have any requirements for waterproofing, green roofs or BluRoof please feel free to contact Henry to discuss your requirement further.

Back in 2015 Alumasc Roofing Systems installed their pioneering Blue Roof Water Attenuation System ‘BluRoof’ at University of Bristol’s Arts and Social Sciences Lecture Theatre – the first Alumasc BluRoof system installed within the UK.

As part of University of Bristol’s sustainable construction project and aim of ensuring that any green space lost to the building is not only replaced, but actively enhanced, meant that a solution was needed for the Theatre roof that was not only highly sustainable but reliable.

Over the past three years the BluRoof System has provided the ideal solution for the University by avoiding the costly excavation of the bedrock beneath the University for added drainage by attenuating the rainwater and controlling the flow rate at which it leaves. This water attenuation, in conjunction with the drainage layers, has helped the Blackdown Green Roof’s variety of Bio-diverse plant species to flourish, which has made a noticeable difference in terms of benefitting the surrounding wildlife as observed by students, teachers and the local community alike.

University of Bristol’s BluRoof has also helped regulate the building’s temperature over the past three years via the warm roof/insulation layer included within the system – thus helping make the building more energy efficient.

Since the implementation of the various sustainable solutions and systems by Bristol University they have achieved the highest BREEAM rating possible – ‘Excellent’.

The university has undoubtedly benefitted from Alumasc’s patented BluRoof System along with Alumasc’s knowledge and experience within the roofing and drainage industry when implementing the system. This vital, tested, proven knowledge and experience not only of the roofing industry but also drainage gives Alumasc a unique advantage by being able to provide all components involved in designing a successful Blue Roof from one, single source.

This historic partnership between Alumasc Roofing Horticultural and Drainage Divisions is, we believe, integral to the success of a roofing system of this nature and backed up by Alumasc’s single source warranties provide the customer with ultimate peace of mind.

For further information regarding Alumasc’s BluRoof Systems click here, if you would like to find out the key benefits of Alumasc’s BluRoof Single Point Warranty click here.

Rea Street, located in Central Birmingham are Residential flats owned and provided to residents by Birmingham City Council. Following a recent, annual building survey, the decision was made that a full building envelope refurbishment needed to take place to further prolong the building’s life, improve thermal efficiency and improve the inhabitant’s lives.

Flat Roof System:

During the roof inspection survey that was carried out by Alumasc and Rio Asphalt various remedial repairs were identified to the main area of the roof. Localised strip and replacement was performed to allow the existing mastic asphalt substrate to be retained and maintain waterproofing integrity throughout the refurbishment of the fully occupied maisonettes.

Surface preparation and conditioning was carried out to provide a suitable substrate onto which the Caltech UV BUR system could be applied.

This system comprised of a vapour control layer, PU Insulation and Adhesive, Caltech Preparation Layer and finally the Caltech UV (UV Resistant) Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing. A cut to falls insulation scheme (warm roof) was utilised not only to bring the building’s U-value down to an average 0.18W/m2K but also vastly improve drainage flow to the outlets and reducing ponding water. This system provided Birmingham City Council with a 25-year system warranty.

Alumasc’s BBA Approved Caltech UV was selected due to the system’s highly durable properties that excel over 25 years. The seamless nature of the application and flame free (cold applied) installation was also essential for this fully occupied building to be refurbished successfully with minimal disruption. 700m2 installed in total by Rio Asphalt and Paving Co Ltd.

External Communal Walkways:

Over the years there had been substantial deterioration and degradation to the anti-slip coating to the external walkway areas thus becoming a health and safety hazard. Alumasc’s BBA Approved Caltech QC Liquid Waterproofing was utilised due to the products Quick Curing attributes.

This provided little inconvenience to inhabitants of the building as the system is fully cured within 30-40 minutes. The system also included quartz anti-slip granules to provide residents with a safer walkway.

Rooftop Edge Protection and CDM:

Aluamsc’s Surefoot Guardrail system now provides future protection to users of the flat roof when inspecting the or carrying out future maintenance. The free-standing, counterbalance design of the Guardrail system is ideal as it requires no drilling through the newly installed waterproofing thus guaranteeing the roofs’ waterproof integrity.

The system is supplied in kit form ready to build and the modular components are quick and easy to link together bringing the flat roof area in-line with current CDM regulations.

Facades/Walling:

Birmingham City Council and Acivico needed to improve the thermal efficiency of the building and to provide a facelift to the exterior of the property.

Alumasc VBriQ Pro External Wall Insulation (EWI) System was chosen as the most suitable solution to accommodate the Council’s needs. VBriQ Pro is a BBA certified system that consists of the Alumasc Pro Mineral Wool Insulation and the VBriQ Acrylic Brick Slip finish.

With the inhabitant’s safety being of paramount importance this system provided the perfect solution having obtained a Fire Rating of A2-s1, d0 (limited combustibility material) and is therefore safe to be installed above 18m. The VBriQ system provide the external façade with an incredible look giving it the new build feel.

The fundamental requirement for the new building façade is to resist impact loads. Building façades must cope with a variety of load conditions during their lifetime from self-weight and wind loads to everyday bumps and scrapes. These loadings must be accommodated by the EWI system without risk to the safety of the occupants or those around the building. VBriQ meets these requirements having achieved Category I impact resistance to ETAG004. 360m2 installed by Knowles and Madden.

Benefits of Alumasc’s single source building envelope solution

Exploiting the combined expertise of Alumasc Roofing and Facade Systems allows a truly single source building envelope that we believe is integral to a system of this nature. Alumasc’s nationwide network of registered contractors combined with our own site monitoring team(s) ensures compliance with the warranty and codes of practice are observed through to completion. One point of contact and one installation team provides a single source building envelope to the successful completion of the works thus limiting potential split responsibility.

The holistic approach to the design allowed for interfacing to be performed pre-contract allowing for installation on time, on budget and without compromise in terms of quality.
Split responsibility may result in the use of various trades and contractors, which in turn may lead to installation errors, damage to materials or negative warranty implications. The Alumasc Single Point Warranty limits this.

Alumasc’s single point warranties assure Birmingham City Council that if they require any further support in relation to this project in future it can be swiftly and efficiently provided from one single point of contact. This also includes details designed by Alumasc or any workmanship queries.

To find out more about Alumasc’s liquid waterproofing systems Click Here, for more Alumasc Facade Systems information Click Here. Alternatively to speak to our technical team call 03335 771 500.

Alumasc is proud to announce that we have two sustainable and innovative green roof projects shortlisted at this year’s 2018 NFRC  (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) Awards, below we look back at the green roof projects…

Project One:

Tucked away in the rolling hillsides of Monmouthshire is The Decoy Bunker. The original bunker was built in 1941 and was designed as a special decoy target for German bombers.

The secluded bunker has now been fully restored and is now a unique holiday home.

As part of the design, the bunker needed to blend directly into the hillside, therefore, a highly durable waterproofing system that could provide full protection from the water travelling down from the surrounding landscape was needed. A green roof waterproofing solution that would provide the maximum blending effect was also required to give it the desired ‘camouflage’ effect by using the existing soil and grass from the surrounding landscape. Blackdown Drainage Layers, Intensive Substrate and Washed Pebble Ballast was installed to finish the green roof.

With Derbigum being a system that holds 40-year durability certification with the BBA (British Board of Agrément) – a Derbigum Black Anti-Root Built-Up System was the ideal solution. The Derbigum system sits below the green roof and provides a highly reliable waterproofing solution and maximum peace of mind for the future. Alumasc’s Registered Contractors Span Roofing carried out the installation with great results.

Project Two:

Blackdown are proud to have completed the sedum green roof at the Chester Bus Interchange site which is a £10 million ‘key enabling’ project and part of the wider £300m Chester Northgate Redevelopment.

The bus interchange is capable of handling 156 bus movements per hour & opened in early 2017. Blackdown worked alongside Lakesmere, who installed the Kalzip roof and Graham Construction the main contractor.

The project has a 3,434sqm sedum green roof with a varied pitch from 0-35 degrees installed over a Kalzip standing seam roof.

Blackdown would like to thank both Graham Construction and Lakesmere for the positive and close working partnership throughout the duration of this exciting project.

To find out more about Alumasc’s Blackdown Green Roof and Derbigum Bituminous Membrane products products click here.

Alumasc’s Blue Roof system is a single source, fully warranted waterproofing and sustainable drainage solution.

Exploiting the combined expertise of Alumasc’s Roofing Division and Harmer Engineered Drainage Systems; allowing a truly single source solution that we believe is integral to a system of this nature. This is because the system has been tested by Alumasc working in conjunction with consulting engineers and test houses to guarantee system performance throughout the life cycle of the roof or podium.

Alumasc’s nationwide network of registered contractors combined with our own site monitoring team(s) ensures compliance with the warranty and codes of practice are observed through to completion.

This is followed by our Blu Roof leak detection policy applicable to all Blue Roof specifications or projects to provide further peace of mind to all parties involved.

From specification through to completion of installation one point of contact and one installation team provides a single source solution to the successful completion of the works thus limiting potential split responsibility.

Split responsibility may result in the use of various trades and contractors, which in turn may lead to installation errors, damage to materials or negative warranty implications.
Alumasc’s Blue Roof warranty assures the building owner that, if the roof fails to remain watertight as a consequence of latent defect in the Blue Roof Waterproofing System, Drainage Components, Accessories and associated surface finishes such as green roof as supplied by Alumasc, the integrity of the waterproofing will be reinstated.

This also includes details designed by Alumasc or faulty workmanship of the Alumasc Registered Contractor. Warranties of up to 40 years available.

For further product information about Alumasc’s BluRoof Drainage System click here or call our technical team on 03335 771 500.