The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects.

A brand-new entrance, ceramic tiled courtyard and purpose-built subterranean 1,100sqm gallery for temporary exhibitions was to be built. The new courtyard will provide an open-aired space right in the centre of South Kensington.

This area needed a durable, reliable waterproofing solution that would provide a solution to the various threshold heights throughout the project.

A Hydrotech system was used throughout which incorporated a typical inverted roof build up and hybrid construction incorporating Foamglas insulation. The 1200m2 installation was carried out by Alumasc Registered Contractor, Knight Asphalt.

What is a Hybrid build up?

The hybrid specification offers the combined benefits of incorporating a superior thermal performance insulant i.e. PIR or Foamglas with a hot-melt waterproofing, assuring that the specification is compliant will all current relevant standards, codes of practice, and the Building Regulations to provide a secure, free draining and completely weathertight roof.

Hybrid Insulation System

As you will see from the above graphic the thickness of PIR (Polyisocyanurate) required when compared to the adjacent XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) to achieve a given u-value target is substantially less. An example of where this detail may be used is on a balcony where upstand heights are to be kept to a minimum with a flush threshold.

For stepped construction(s) provision for drainage would ideally need to be allocated to both zones. The step transition can occur in various ways e.g. a two-tier step in the paving utilising adjustable supports, a timber batten upstand to which the membrane will encapsulate finished level with the XPS, or alternatively incorporation of a kerb stone as illustrated in our sketch which may be more aesthetically pleasing.

V&A utilised Foamglas in favour of PIR in this instance because of its exceptional fire performance and dimensional stability.

For further product information about Alumasc’s various Waterproofing Systems click here or call our technical team on 03335 771 500.

Cambridge Assessment, the university’s international exams group, will be moving to a new home in 2018.

The Triangle, the new international headquarters will bring together all Cambridge Assessment’s Cambridge-based staff, currently based in 11 different offices across the city, bringing them all under one roof. The site is on what was previously Cambridge University Press’s Edinburgh Building on Shaftesbury Road Cambridge, to the South-East of Cambridge City Centre.

Designed by HLM/Sidell Gibson Architects, all flat roof areas are utilising Alumasc Roofing Systems’ Hydrotech Hot Melt and Alumasc XPS insulation offering a total system solution. All upper main roof areas drain onto 3 x single storey podiums that have the Alumasc BluRoof Drainage System.

Alumasc’s BluRoof system reduces and controls the peak rate of stormwater discharge from roof areas. Detention of storm water up to a prescribed maximum hydraulic head occurs, with subsequent discharge controlled over an elongated time period. The BluRoof drainage strategies were introduced at the design stage to help meet SuDS requirements and Alumasc worked extensively with Capita to achieve the required reduction in rainwater run-off.

The installation is being carried out by Alumasc registered approved contractor Cambridge Flat Roofing acting as sub-contractor to Bouygues UK, the project is on schedule to be completed later in 2017.

The installation is being carried out by Alumasc Roofing Systems Registered Contractor Cambridge Flat Roofing acting as sub-contractor to Bouygues UK, the project is on schedule to be completed later in 2017.

Wayne Farrington from Cambridge Flat Roofing says:

“This has been an excellent contract to be involved in, one of our first major BluRoof projects. The level of service and input from Alumasc’s Technical department, both internally and on-site along with Alumasc’s Customer Services team has been outstanding. Combined with the Hydrotech BluRoof Structural Waterproofing system, a system we have significant trust and experience in installing, we feel we’ve delivered a project we can be proud of. The feedback we’ve received from our client has been extremely positive and we look forward to our next Alumasc BluRoof.”

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

The first phase of the development sees the delivery of housing and community facilities. Prioritising housing seeks to meet the current housing supply shortage in Cambridge.

Alumasc Roofing Systems were specified throughout various roof areas by a joint venture with Mole and Wilkinson Eyre Architects on Lot 1 and 3 as well as Stanton Williams on Lot 2. A variety of Alumasc’s waterproofing systems have been installed including the Alumasc single source Derbigum Warm Roof System and Hydrotech Inverted BluRoof Drainage System as well as Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing finished with Blackdown Green Roof systems. Alumasc’s BluRoof system reduces and controls the peak rate of stormwater discharge from roof areas.

Detention of storm water up to a prescribed maximum hydraulic head occurs, with subsequent discharge controlled over an elongated time period. Alumasc Registered Contractor Voland Roofing installed over 15,000m2 covering numerous roof areas on Lot 2 for Wates Construction.

Mr Ren Pesci Director of Voland Roofing quoted:

“Alumasc Roofing Systems provide a first class waterproofing and green roof system, add to that their single source BluRoof solution which has ensured a large scale project has been delivered seamlessly”

Further roofing works on Lots 1 and 3 with Sage Roofing and BAM as well as Lot 2 with Voland Roofing and Wates will be complete by Summer 2017.

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

Alumasc Roofing Systems sponsored Steven McLelland on his latest London marathon run. Since his first run in 1996 he has raised over £59,000 for a wide variety of charities with this year’s race being his 22nd challenge.

For this year’s charity, Steven had chosen KIDS CANCER CHARITY based in Swansea who are entirely dependent on voluntary donations. This charity works alongside medical professionals to improve the quality of life for children affected by any cancer throughout the UK. The Kids Cancer Charity helps children and teenagers affected by cancer live life to the full with compassion, understanding and care.

This year Steven completed the gruelling marathon with a time of 03:52:29 which, as you will agree, is a remarkable achievement. Steven is already thinking about his 23rd race and I am sure you, as well as Alumasc, wish him all the very best for that and we look forward to providing the sponsorship and support to these much-needed causes in the future.

Steven has raised a further £2,000 from this latest marathon taking his total to over £61,000!

Without people like Steven these charities and organistaions simply could not continue to provide the incredible services to people who need them most and we wish him all the very best for next year.

If you would like to make a donation to KIDS CANCER CHARITY then please CLICK HERE

Alumasc Derbibrite membrane recently provided the perfect solution on a residential property in North London.

The client requested an ecological solution to improve the thermal performance whilst increase solar reflectivity to help regulate the internal temperature of the building.

With a solar reflectivity of greater than 80% (and an SRI ‘Solar Reflectance Index’ value of 100), Derbibrite is recognised by various environmental agencies/organisations worldwide (including Energy Star) as a viable solution.

The product also reduces carbon emissions through passive energy saving and is 100% recyclable, therefore making a great product for both refurbishment and new build projects.

Alumasc offers a comprehensive range of warranty options. Installed exclusively by Derbigum Registered Contractors and underpinned by Alumasc’s extensive project support service.

Alumasc warranties cover both product and installation. Independent insurance backed latent product defect warranties are also available through FCA licensed brokers.

If you would like any further information on this product or have a project with similar requirements visit call 03335 771 500.

The prestigious new Banbridge Community Treatment & Care Centre (CT&CC) in County Down, Northern Ireland, has an effective long-term waterproofing solution, after 2,500m² of Alumasc’s Hydrotech waterproofing systems, covered by Alumasc’s Intensive Blackdown green roof and Derbigum, was installed on the roofs, balconies and terraces.

Run by the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, Banbridge CT&CC in County Down, Northern Ireland, is part of the new £16million Banbridge Health & Care Centre, and combines a range of health services: from adult day care and community outpatient departments, to therapy services for children, young people and mental health patients.

Registered local Alumasc installer Jameson Roofing Services was appointed to install 1,000m² of Alumasc Derbigum, with an extended warranty of 40 years, and 1,500m² of Alumasc Hydrotech waterproofing, which has an extended warranty of 50 years.

After the concrete deck had been primed with bitumen, a layer of Euroroof vapour barrier was applied then covered with 120mm Alumasc BGT Rigid Polyisocyanurate Insulation and adhered with Euroroof PU Insulation adhesive to achieve a target u-value of an average 0.20W/m2K, before Mastergold underlay and finally the Derbigum Cap Sheet.

Jameson Roofing also installed the Hydrotech Hot Melt waterproofing system, which comprised a Hydrotech MM6125 membrane incorporating a Hydrogard 40 protection sheet, onto which an intensive Alumasc Blackdown Intensive Green Roof was installed.

Click here to find out more about Alumasc’s waterproofing systems.

Alumasc’s Derbigum waterproofing membrane is the only high-performance bituminous roofing membrane with a 40-year durability statement that also includes zero falls from the BBA (British Board of Agrément).

Agrement Certificate 86/1593

Whilst other competitors’ may have durability statements that are typically for 20 or 25 years, Alumasc’s Derbigum stands out for its proven reliability with a 40-year BBA durability statement, which gives specifiers and end-users added confidence as to the product’s in-service longevity. This BBA now also includes for use as fully-bonded or partially bonded waterproofing on flat, pitched or zero-pitched roofs with limited access, and is the only bituminous membrane on the market with proven 40-year durability and approval for zero falls installations.

With a proven track record of success, Alumasc’s Derbigum systems have held a BBA certificate since 1980 and offer a variety of environmentally-beneficial, sustainable characteristics: including membranes with high levels of recycled content; innovative CO2 neutralising membranes; energy efficient ‘cool’ roofs; and vegetal, non-bituminous roofing solutions.

Click here to download your copy of the BBA certificate or call +44 (0) 3335 771 500.

Blackdown Greenroofs appreciate that right now, in the depths of winter, maintaining your green roof is probably the last thing that you’re thinking of, but it won’t be long before spring will be pushing ahead and making us think of those important tasks.

By their nature, extensive green roofs are low maintenance, (that’s low maintenance, not no maintenance) unfortunately, it seems in a lot of cases, green roof maintenance is overlooked or considered un-necessary, this is just not the case, after all this is a living system which is trying to flourish in what can be a very hostile environment.

So, here’s a few hints and tips to encourage us to start thinking of what’s required and with a little help from us your green roofs should continue to develop to create a self-sustaining plant community for years to come.

Foot traffic

Light foot traffic on the planted roof, 2-3 times a year, should have no detrimental effect on the plant layer, However, if it’s going to be more frequent than this then consider a hard surface or a least a gravel pathway.

Removal of undesirable plant material

Some people welcome the colonisation of so-called ‘weeds’ to promote biodiversity. However, you may rather have them removed. Timing their removal before they set seed is key to helping keep on top of the weed population and reduce the weed seed bank in the substrate – easing the subsequent build-up of years of weeding!

Application of nutrient

The levels of nutrients available within the green roof substrate will vary from season to season and from year to year. When replenishing them, it’s best to try and use a low nitrogen fertiliser so as not to encourage rapidly growing broadleaf plants at the expense of slower growing wildflowers and sedums. Understanding the N:P:K ratings on your fertiliser is an important aspect of greenroof maintenance.

Correction of system

Over time acidification of the growing medium can occur. This can happen particularly in built up areas where rainfall can be slightly more acidic. Acidified growing mediums can encourage the establishment of moss. Low levels of moss are not a problem and indeed should be viewed as a significant part of the roofs biodiversity. However, if moss becomes too well established this could be at the expense of other preferred plants.

Checking of gutters and outlets

This should be carried out routinely during any maintenance check to ensure drainage and rainwater outlets are not impeded.

Removal of leaf litter

The ideal position for a sedum green roof is in full sun. However, if adjacent trees shed their leaves onto the planted roof surface this could have a detrimental effect upon sedums. Its best to try and remove any buildup of leaf litter soon after they fall.

Safe access

We all want to work safely and ensure our friends and colleagues are not put at risk. 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.

All inspections/and or maintenance actions carried out on the green roof must be in full compliance with the appropriate health and safety regulations, and particularly those specifically dealing with working at height.

Refer to current HSE publication ‘The Working at Height Regulations’ for further guidance.

Click here to find out more about our Green Roof products

Blackdown are proud to have completed the 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 & is due to open early in 2017. Blackdown worked alongside Lakesmere, who installed the Kalzip roof and Graham Construction the main contractor.

The project has a 3,434sqm sedum NatureMat 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 products products click here.

2,200m2 of Alumasc’s SupaGOLD roofing system has been installed at the Metropolitan Police Authority’s Quicksilver Patrol Base in London.

Following numerous historic patchwork repairs to the existing waterproofing system, Vinci Facilities commissioned Alumasc to perform a detailed site survey of all flat roof areas. The resulting roof condition report stated that the original system integrity was seriously compromised, with high levels of ponding, standing water and leakage to the main roof area.

Varying levels of deterioration across the roof areas were also recorded and clear recommendations for how these would be addressed were given within the site specific specification. Alumasc’s SupaGOLD Waterproofing System was advised as the perfect replacement for this roof as a key requirement for this project was that the system must be independently insured for up to 20 years.

To find out more about Alumasc’s SupaGOLD products and 20 year independently insured guarantee click here.