Posts

House wrapped in Marley Eternit clay roof tiles wins Think Brick Design Award

A striking suburban home by Bosske Architects, which is wrapped entirely in Marley Eternit Acme Red Smooth clay roof tiles, has received a prestigious Australian Think Brick design award.

Now in its ninth year, the Think Brick Awards celebrates design excellence in the use of clay brick, concrete masonry and roof tiles by Australia’s best architects and designers. This year’s awards attracted 315 entries with Camino House, a suburban extension project in Western Australia, winning the Roof Tile Excellence award for its innovative use of clay plain tiles as a singular material across the whole building envelope.

Camino House was designed in the manner of an ‘oast’ or hop kiln, with the new part of the building mimicking the chimney forms of the surrounding housing, reflecting the suburb’s history, yet at the same time creating a striking aesthetic. UK-manufactured Acme Red Smooth single camber clay plain tiles were chosen by the project’s architects, Bosske, as a natural product that could be used on the facade, as well as the roof, to create a unifying sense to the form.

Each year the trade association Think Brick Australia runs the awards, in partnership with the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and the Roofing Tile Association of Australia, to encourage architects, designers and builders to rethink brick, concrete masonry and roof tiles as contemporary and sustainable design materials. The Roof Tile Excellence Award, with a prize of AUD$10,000, is sponsored by the Roofing Tile Association of Australia.

Ms Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of the Roofing Tile Association of Australia and Think Brick Australia, was one of the judges on the panel.

“The judges chose Camino House as one of the winners this year because it opened their eyes to the incredible design opportunities available through use of roof tiles. The roof structure on Camino House, clad in the beautiful smooth red roof tiles from Marley Eternit, is a striking design that showcases how roof tiles can move from traditional to contemporary application not only on the roof but also on the façade,” said Ms McIntyre.

The project involved the roofing contractors, Carter Roofing & Slating Pty Ltd, working closely with the architect and builder in order to achieve the numerous tile junctions on the continuous clay surface.

Sarah Jackson, marketing product manager from roof tiles’ manufacturer Marley Eternit, comments: “We are delighted that Camino House has been recognised by the Think Brick awards’ judges. The selection of our Acme Red Smooth clay plain tiles as a singular material has created a building which has a sense of permanence and robustness in this raw suburban context and perfectly showcases the versatility of clay plain roof tiles in today’s architecture.”

Marley Eternit’s Acme single camber clay plain tiles are available in a range of eight colours to help match local vernacular and meet planning requirements. The tiles also offer excellent design flexibility, with the ability to be used at pitches as low as 30°, as well as for vertical tiling applications.

The Acme clay plain tile range also boasts impressive environmental credentials, including the ability to achieve an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide to Specification, BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing accreditation and certified carbon footprint data at product level.

A range of fittings, accessories and ventilation products is also available to complement the tiles. To request a sample or literature please contact 01283 722588 or visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/clay.

/by

Stunning roof for London pub with new Sika Sarnafil self-adhered membrane

Specialist roofing contractor Hambro Roofing has recently completed works to a new JD Wetherspoon pub in London, known as ‘The Mossy Well’, which now boasts 500sq m of Sika Sarnafil Self Adhered membrane.

JD Wetherspoon has spent just over £3 million developing the outlet on Muswell Hill, which opened in October.

Extensive refurbishment and adaptations to the building needed to take place due to the existing roofs being in such a bad state. Essex-based Sika Sarnafil contractor, Hambro Roofing, was awarded the contract after proposing to use Sika Sarnafil single ply for the flat roof repairs.

The refurbishment comprised of complex work on the existing pitched roofs, lead flashings, guttering and renewal of the flat roof. A section of new barrel roof was also required in the centre of the building; comprising of flat, vertical and soffit detailing.

The client required the new roof area to look like a traditional zinc roof covering. Sika Sarnafil G410-15 FSA was specified for the job, with décor profiling to match the surrounding roofs. Ideal for the job, the system is lightweight, cost effective and offers a flawless finish.

Built on Hambro Roofing’s previous experience this was a highly successful project without any major setbacks and completed in the given timeframe.

The barrel roof was also fitted with SarnaTherm insulation over a SarnaVap vapour barrier. Sikalastic Liquid Applied Membrane was used on the detailing around the guttering to achieve a seamless waterproof finish.

Jon Hammersley, Hambro Roofing Director, explained “The works were incredibly challenging as there was a vast amount of awkward detailing including vertical fascia and soffit works. However, the new Self Adhered membrane allowed us to work fast and make the roof look fantastic. Sarnafil remains our preferred partner when it comes to single ply roofing because it is so reliable and gives the best results.”

“We had to work to a tight deadline in order to get the premises open on time which was achieved with our own in house labour force and great workmanship with the product,” he added.

Feedback was enormously positive on completion of the project. The client was particularly impressed by the effectiveness of the Self Adhered solution and the speed in which the project was completed, resulting in a stunning roof that fulfilled the architect’s vision.

For more information on Sika Sarnafil’s products and services, call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit www.sarnafil.co.uk.

/by

Sika Liquid Plastics solution allows Asda store to remain open during roof refurb

A popular Scunthorpe supermarket has recently benefited from a complete roof refurbishment using a Sika Liquid Plastics Built-Up Roof waterproofing system. The Asda store had to remain open throughout the project, requiring expert planning by Northampton-based contractor Ice Roofing.

The building, originally constructed in 1976, was suffering from water ingress and the roof was in urgent need of repair. To ensure that the store could remain trading throughout the project, the client required a cold applied waterproofing option. Managed by Uplands Retail Ltd, the contract involved a tight timescale to refurbish several of the supermarket’s large roof areas, totalling 2000sq m.

Ice Roofing, a Sika Liquid Plastics Quality Assured contractor, already had a good reputation with Asda thanks to a number of previous jobs and were the obvious choice for the job.

Gareth Davies, Ice Roofing, explained: “We knew that our partnership with Sika Liquid Plastics would give us the advantage of additional expertise when specifying a product for the project.

“The team at Sika conducted a detailed survey, including thermal imaging using the latest technology, allowing us to see where the real problem patches where. This enabled us to reduce the area of roof we would have to completely strip back to the steel deck, which was really significant in keeping disruption to a minimum.”

A further challenge presented itself when asbestos was found in areas of the felt that needed to be stripped away. Ice Roofing brought in the experts to remove the existing substrate containing asbestos, while maintaining the integrity of the store’s waterproofing and complying with strict HSE standards.

Completed in just 10 weeks, two teams of three first increased the height of the roof by increasing the insulation thickness around various complex details. Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Gamma 20 roof coating system in Slate Grey was then applied over the entire roof area. The cold applied, zero flame, zero heat Built-Up Roof system allowed the store to remain operational throughout the works; a key benefit for the local community.

A mineralised walkway was also installed to enable ease of access for future maintenance work.

Gareth added: “We worked fast and smart to deliver a seamless finish on the roof, with the liquid system offering ease of application around plant and penetrations. The superior 20-year guarantee, signed off by Sika Liquid Plastics when works were completed, sealed the deal for the client.”

Decothane is available in the UK from Sika Liquid Plastics. For further information visit http://gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com or call the inquiry line on 0800 112 3826.

/by

Sika Sarnafil specified for roof refurb at two of London’s biggest tourist attractions

The National Gallery and the Science Museum – two of London’s major and iconic visitor attractions – have benefitted from a planned roof maintenance programme, using Sika Sarnafil membranes and specialist contractor, Delomac Roofing.

Working with the National Gallery since 1995, a programme of roof replacement and thermal upgrading has seen in excess of 12,000sq m of Sika Sarnafil membranes installed, together with insulation, roof lights and walkways in a series of over 30 completed projects – including the complete Sainsbury Wing in 2008.

Working closely with the client and architect, specifications have been delivered using the Sika Sarnafil Partner Supply Chain to ensure watertight and long lasting protection to the priceless works of art on display.

At the Science Museum, ageing and poorly insulated roof coverings were targeted for upgrade and replacement in a series of tender awards, all successfully won by Delomac and Sika Sarnafil.

Brendan McNulty said: “With the impact of rising utility costs, effective thermal upgrades were completed with the roof works, delivering tangible cost savings.”

The Science Museum’s Flight Gallery houses many historic planes, including a Spitfire, a prototype Harrier and a cut cross section form a Jumbo Jet. Visitors were able to safely enjoy these exhibits without disruption while these important roof works were completed close by.

At both sites, environmental and whole life cost considerations were key in material specification – with a target to reduce energy use.

Equally, the lightweight membranes and considered planned specifications allowed system overlays with an entirely flame-free cold application, ensuring minimal internal disturbance to visitor experience.

“As with all London sites – particularly with huge public visitor numbers, logistical issues were challenging; but the advantage of a unified supply chain with out of hours early deliveries ensured zero risk to arriving footfall.”

“The roof refurbishments on both buildings have been designed to an exceptionally high standard. Our effective installation, backed by Sika Sarnafil’s robust guarantees ensure the client has peace of mind for years to come.” Brendan added.

For more information on Sika Sarnafil’s products and services, call 01707 358500, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit www.sarnafil.co.uk.

/by

Sika Trocal delivers five star roofing solution at luxurious Riverbank Hotel extension

Single ply roofing membranes are extremely versatile and ideal for virtually any flat roofing project, offering speed of installation and a huge reduction in costs. At the Park Plaza Riverbank in Central London, the installation of high performance Sika-Trocal Type S and Type SGmA membranes will ensure the hotel’s multi-million pound extension and reconfiguration is completed on time and to the highest standard.

Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, within a short distance of Big Ben and the London Eye, Park Plaza Riverbank welcomes guests from all over the world. As part of a European development programme by parent company PPHE Hotel Group, including three new hotels in London and one in Germany, an eight-storey extension complete by 2016 will add 184 new rooms and a new private penthouse with terraces to the hotel.

Working with ESA architects and Gear Construction, the design has been delivered which includes the creation of eight separate roof areas of different sizes, shapes and pitches. With a fast and reliable installation a key requirement, the mechanically fixed Sika-Trocal S and SGmA systems proved to be the optimum roofing solution, offering a smooth and rapid installation, excellent flexibility and crisp, simple detailing.

Innovation in action

Due to the city centre location, two roof pitches of 25° and 44°, and both the complexity and number of roof sections, a forward-thinking application method was required. With the company’s unique and innovative abseiling solution, ICS Roofing was appointed as the project’s roofing contractor. With the complexity of the design, ICS employed specialist Sika-Trocal installers Brightside Roofing to complete the application over a projected 18 week period.

“After careful planning and co-ordination with Gear, they supplied a cantilevered scaffold off the building which allowed us to abseil equipment as a means of fall arrest and to create safe access to the various roof areas,” said Tom Peach, Contracts Manager at ICS Roofing.

“Many flat roof membranes do not lend themselves to installation using an abseil, due to the double fix method of insulation and membrane. Heat welding can also become an issue when working on steeper pitched areas, however, Sika-Trocal system offered us a speedy installation that saw the first two roofs installed in under two weeks – much quicker than the 25 days predicted.”

Working for ICS throughout the project, Brightside installed a total of 1,755m2 of the Sika-Trocal Type S roofing membrane across the three main roof areas. Using the unique Sika-Trocal Laminated Metal Discs and thermally broken fasteners, this provided a rapid and economic roofing solution by allowing ICS to secure both the membrane and the insulation in one go, reducing the fasteners required by 40-60% and speeding up installation.

As well as being one of the most rapid and economic systems to install, it allowed the installation team to achieve exceptional waterproofing and durability – approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy, in their opinion, of in excess of 35 years.

Devil is in the detail

The unreinforced nature of Type S membrane offers exceptional malleability and allows high quality detailing works to be completed to an exceptional standard. On the 44° pitched roof, insulation was cleverly installed in a step formation to allow installers safe and easy access to the highest point of the roof – with the membrane allowing a single continuous application towards a stunning box gutter and parapet detail.

For a number of complex details, ICS turned to Sika-Trocal Metal for a neat aesthetic and crisp finish to perimeter flashings and junctions. As well as a stylish aesthetic and a fast application, health and safety of site operatives and members of the public has been a prerequisite from start to finish.

Working closely with Gear Construction, as well as other trades on site from cladding specialists to steelworks contractors, ICS carefully coordinated site deliveries and use of the crane to minimise disruption and risk. With long term performance of the membrane an absolute must for safety both inside and outside of the hotel, ICS also carefully considered wind load calculations prior to the application.

“Due to the complexity of the roofs and with health and safety absolutely paramount, it was imperative that the roofs were correctly designed and secured to resist wind loads, ensuring outstanding performance and longevity,” added Tom Peach.

Sustainable solutions

As part of the overall application, ICS Roofing appointed Eco Green Roofs to complete the installation above 227m2 of Sika-Trocal SGmA membrane. The system was overlaid with sedum matting to create a living roof area and improve the roof’s thermal performance.

The garden roof systems are compatible with all existing membranes and once installed, will extend the life of the green roof, help reduce heating and air-conditioning costs and even water sewage charges. The living roof system consists of everything from traditional sedum mats, drainage layers and edge trims, to security railings and harnesses.

With low environmental impact a key factor on site, ICS utilised a complex array of insulation ranging from flat board and tapered to new ultra-thin vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). Installed on a series of four terraces, 100m2 of the highly innovative new VIPs were used to overcome the common on-site challenge of door threshold heights.

Completed over a four month summer period, but with the wettest August on record, the innovative, fast and high quality application of Type S and SGmA single ply membranes from Sika-Trocal have ensured that Park Plaza Riverbank remains on track for its 2016 completion date. Thanks to careful collaboration between Gear Construction, ICS Roofing and Sika-Trocal, this stunning extension and reconfiguration will soon welcome thousands of new visitors from all over the world to the highest quality accommodation in the heart of London.

Sika Limited’s head office is based in Welwyn Garden City at Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1BQ. Call 01707 394444 or visit www.sika-trocal.co.uk.

/by

Canterbury handmade range is first choice for standout roof design

Marley Eternit’s Canterbury premium handmade clay plain tiles are available in three colours to achieve truly unique roof design.

Loxleigh boasts an antique appearance due to its semi-sanded finish in red and grey shades, Burford is a rich red-brown tone in a fully sanded texture and Chailey offers a vibrant orange tone and can be used on the main roof or as a contrast tile for vertical tiling.

The authentic blend of colours means all three tiles can be mixed on the roof to create their own unique design or replicate a patchwork of colour often seen on traditional roofs in Suffolk, Sussex and Kent. Canterbury clay plain tiles are also available with a complementary range of traditional handmade fittings and decorative accessories to achieve the perfect finish.

To request a brochure or samples contact 01283 722588 / www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade

/by

Cembrit Hits the Heights with its FC Ridges

Stocking and fitting the correct ridges for fibre cement roofs is simple with Cembrit’s comprehensive range. Available immediately, the ridges are lighter in weight and easy to cut and fix, qualities which make them superior to the commonly used mortar bedded, concrete or clay alternatives. An additional benefit for stockists is the lower weight per linear metre ratio, equaling smaller footprint, which makes Cembrit ridges easier to store and a more cost effective stock item then substitute products.

Cembrit fibre cement ridges are lighter in weight, do not require electric power for cutting and dust suppression and are easy to install. Being dry fixed with easily available “sela” type screws, installation is not dependent on getting the correct mortar mix, nor having to wait for dry weather. This means the roof will comply with the latest editions BS 5534, BS 8000-6 and chapter 7.2 of the NHBC recommendations.

Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit explains: “Accessories should not be an after-thought, they are an integral component of the roof, contributing to its functionality Increasing demands for energy efficiency, through improved levels of insulation, means ventilation at roof level becomes more crucial. Particularly with tight fitting roof coverings like fibre cement slates, it is necessary to remove moisture carrying warm air from voids in the roof space. The most efficient solution will incorporate inlets at the eaves with outlets along the length of the apex.”

Cembrit has developed a continuously ventilated ridge, to cope with typical roof pitches as well as helping the roof design comply with the latest version of BS 5250. For tricky ventilation problems, where there is no clear airpath from eaves to ridge, Cembrit has developed low-profile vents for use on the roof slope. These are unobtrusive and can also be used as terminals.

Cembrit’s emphasis on customer service extends to rapid availability. Accessories, together with slates are available at five locations around the UK. Customers can get advice on the design, installation and fixing of the fibre cement range either on the telephone from one of the depots, or in print from Cembrit’s recently launched 80 page Guide to Double Lap Slating with Fibre Cement Slates.

Manufactured from the same raw materials and pigments as their fibre cement slates, Cembrit ridges are the perfect complement to a Cembrit fibre cement roof. The products match the slate colour, with no unsightly protrusions or changes of angle, contributing to the sleek effect that can be achieved with Cembrit fibre cement slate roofs. Cembrit can also provide a range of unobtrusive In-line slate vents and slate and ridge fixings specifically designed to meet the most demanding aesthetic requirements.

For more information, and to download the fibre cement slate guide, visit www.cembrit.co.uk

/by

Flat Roof Manufacturer Bauder Launches New Website

Bauder, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of flat roof waterproofing solutions, has officially launched its new website. The refreshed site delivers an engaging and interactive user experience with regards to content, structure, navigation and resources available for download. Key features include; design guides, installation videos, CPD seminar overviews and a Technical Centre that offers free CAD drawings, specifications, product and system certifications and maintenance advice.

According to Bauder’s Managing Director Andrew Mackenzie, the new website has been designed to vastly improve user experience and provide real value. “Our aim is to use our new website and social media channels to deliver interesting, relevant and unique content that users will find beneficial to their professional working lives. In order to achieve this we have significantly increased the amount of resources available for download on the site, as well as utilising our extensive industry knowledge and expertise to provide insightful and reliable technical data. Regardless of who is using our website – architects, surveyors, building owners, facility managers, contractors etc., we want them to be able to easily find the information and answers they are looking for to assist them with their projects.”

The easy to navigate site showcases the company’s full range of flat roof, green roof, and photovoltaic solutions in a comprehensive product and system library that includes Bauder’s new combined PV and green roof offering Bauder BioSOLAR. The online library ensures that users always have access to the latest technical data and product information, helping them fully understand Bauder’s complete range of waterproofing systems. Also included on the site is all of the company’s technical literature, CAD detail drawings and design guides that are packed full of valuable information for designing, specifying and installing flat roofs.

To coincide with the website redesign Bauder has also launched a blog and new social media channels on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ that will enable the company to deliver the latest news, views and industry information. Bauder employees will be regularly contributing insightful articles to the on-site blog on current and upcoming industry topics. Bauder invites you to explore its new website and social media channels today at www.bauder.co.uk.

/by

Cembrit to invest in natural slate

Cembrit is pleased to announce the creation of a dedicated natural slates division to offer the UK’s specifiers and slaters greater choice of top end material for prestigious roofing contracts. The philosophy will be to enhance the existing range with additional high quality slates. The new brands will offer reliable, long term availability. This will be supported by dedicated personnel and focused marketing. As a start of the investment and long term commitment to Natural Slate, the group has decided to dedicate a specific person to this product group, Sales Director, Rob Wallace.

Cembrit’s ancestry in the UK begins with Alan Blunn Ltd, one of the UK’s original natural slate agents, set up in 1924, offering customer service and technical expertise to all involved in pitched roofing. Acquired by Cembrit in 2000, the reputation and sales of the combined company has continued to grow, to the extent that Cembrit’s natural slates activities became an attractive proposition for others seeking to enhance their position in the UK market.

Encouraged by this, Cembrit has realized that there is a responsibility as well as huge potential to provide durable, verifiable, high quality natural slates to the British market. The new division will be headed by Rob Wallace, who has 18 years of experience in growing Cembrit’s business from its Welsh depot in Llandow. Cembrit’s growth has been achieved through unbeatable customer service.

“We have seen continued growth in the demand for natural slate, particularly with proven origin and consistent supply,” comments Rob Wallace, Sales Director, Cembrit. “Our stance will be one of honesty and transparency as this is important to clients but not always available in our complex market”.

Marketing Manager Ged Ferris adds “This marks the beginning of a new phase in Cembrit’s commitment to natural slate. Cembrit will be making substantial investments in this environmentally attractive material. Look out for more news as the division takes shape”.

For more information, and to download the fibre cement slate guide, visit www.cembrit.co.uk

/by

Swish Building Products seals the deal with ALMO

Swish Building Products has been named roofline and rainwater supplier for a rolling refurbishment programme by ALMO, Your Homes Newcastle (YHN). Supplied and installed by Swish Approved Installer JDP Contracting Services, the Swish roofline and rainwater systems will be installed on around 500 homes per year.

YHN demanded an ‘equal or approved’ product in response to its performance specification. The contractor selected the products which best fitted the criteria. “We are very happy with the Swish products and have recently started using the Sustainable Rainwater range which contains a high percentage of recycled content,” commented Tom Jarman, environmental sustainability coordinator, property services for YHN. “In using this particular range of products we are able to fulfil our environmental commitments. Also we are now starting to replace older PVC-U products so in buying rainwater goods with recycled content we are helping to ‘close the loop’ when the waste items are taken away.”

Swish’s Sustainable Rainwater products contain up to 84% recycled content, a combination of old windows and guttering systems. This can save up to 70% in CO2 output during the production process when compared to 100% virgin material. The products are two-tone; the recycled material is grey and is co-extruded with an outer skin of virgin material, avoiding the unnecessary use of additional colouring agents. Co-extrusion improves the aesthetics of the product and allows installers to achieve a colour match.

The use of the Gateshead-based collection depot meant that the product choice also supported local employment, an important factor in meeting the ALMO’s social responsibilities.

YHN reached Decent Homes Standard in 2012 so now all its work is lifecycle replacement. The roofline and rainwater products are being installed in conjunction with its rolling re-roofing programme, replacing timber and asbestos cement products. “The reason behind the replacement was maintenance,” continues Tom. “We wanted to cut right back on the level of painting required; in doing so we would not only withdraw the cost from the maintenance programme but also reduce the overheads associated with it, scaffolding for example. Swish’s PVC-U products have allowed us to achieve this.”

Swish roofline and rainwater products have been fitted on 300 YHN homes with a further 230 currently underway. The refurbishment of 300 more homes is planned for the remainder of 2015 as part of an ongoing schedule of works.

YHN manages council houses on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Established in 2004 with the specific target of meeting Decent Homes Standard, the ALMO now manages around 30,000 properties. One of its main objectives is to ‘make the money deliver’, the use of low maintenance products like those available from Swish Building Products go some way in helping to achieve this.

For more information on Swish Building Products’ full range of rainwater, roofline and cladding products visit www.swishbp.co.uk or call 01827 317 200.

/by