Roofing & Cladding

Roofing & Cladding Construction of COP26 House in progress for UN Climate Change Conference

COP26 House will showcase what is achievable with today’s materials and technologies

Work is in progress on the construction of the COP26 House, a zero carbon, timber frame building built by Beyond Zero Homes. Sustainable wood-based panel manufacturer, MEDITE SMARTPLY is playing a vital role in the build. The project will showcase low carbon, circular solutions in building and living during the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this October 31st- November 12th, demonstrating how the climate emergency can be met with products and building strategies that are already in existence. Chris King, Managing Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY, commented on the project: “Actions speak louder than words. This building encapsulates MEDITE SMARTPLY’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. “We in the construction industry have not only the opportunity but the responsibility to put theories into action and show the world how we can build and live sustainably, using wood and ecologically responsible solutions.” The members of Beyond Zero Homes are united by a common goal that goes beyond zero carbon: to demonstrate how beautiful, affordable, healthy homes can be developed with minimal impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle, to help us meet our climate commitments. The Construction

The one-bedroom house has been specifically designed to use homegrown C16 Spruce to avoid the need for imported timber, lending itself perfectly to the specification of SMARTPLY OSB, sustainably produced in Ireland and already stored across the UK. The build features the integration of SMARTPLY PROPASSIV, a structural OSB panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. Additionally, the build is incorporating SMARTPLY ULTIMA for the internal flooring and underside boarding, while SMARTPLY STRONGDECK is being used for the internal mezzanine level flooring. The construction is based on a 1.2m grid, allowing it to be easily panelised and prefabricated, or even self-built on site by two people, driving potential emissions from construction down even further. The design has been adapted from one of Roderick James Architect’s signature designs, the barn house. Max Bishop, Specification Manager at MEDITE SMARTPLY said: “It’s fantastic to see progression on site of the COP26 zero carbon build. This is a statement to the rest of the world that sustainable zero carbon building is possible, and it can happen right now.” While the house has been designed with small scale, rural self-build developments in mind, the potential for it to become the future of sustainable residential building is real, as it can be adapted to larger scale developments and offsite prefabrication. As part of the Coillte Group, MEDITE SMARTPLY prides itself on its sustainable supply chain and manufacturing processes, meaning the company’s products are as environmentally conscious in their make up as they are in their application. MEDITE SMARTPLY has pioneered the sustainable timber industry in Europe, with all specialised woodpanels—MEDITE Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and SMARTPLY Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

Find out more and follow its progress: beyondzerohomes.co.uk Discover more about MEDITE SMARTPLY: https://mdfosb.com/en

Roofing & Cladding COST EFFICIENCIES AND AESTHETIC APPEAL GO HAND-INHAND FOR GRADE II LISTED ROOFING PROJECT

The timeless beauty of the handmade Marley Canterbury clay plain tile is on display at Christ’s Hospital School following the completion of a major extension project. However, as the school was on its present site since the 1890s, and as a Grade II listed building, it was paramount that any developments also integrated into the existing complex of listed buildings.

Over the years the main route of access to the school had changed, which saw NRAP Architects called on to develop a single, largely symmetrical building fronting the approach road, positioned to create two new external spaces. These newly formed spaces would be used to offer a state-of-the-art teaching and catering facility, while the second space would create a new entrance court that would be used to welcome staff, students, and visitors.

This saw NRAP Architects propose a series of linear gableended pitched roofs, with tile to brick upstand junctions at each end, to house the kitchen, with the plant within the roof space above. While chimneys at the end of each gable, run perpendicular to the dining hall and front the public spaces and classrooms. In addition, under roof-lit vaulted ceilings, face the approach road.

The key criteria for the design team at NRAP Architects, as well as conservation officers from English Heritage and local planners, was that all materials scheduled to be used were authentic to the prevailing building style of the school and could seamlessly match the surrounding vernacular. From a roofing perspective, the answer lay in the specification of traditional handmade clay plain tiles. With the existing listed building featuring slate roof tiles, the project’s architects were keen to work with a roof tile which could offer the right amount of texture that arises from having slight variations in shape and colour across the roof surface. Marley’s Canterbury tile not only blended with the rest of the building’s aged appearance, but its distinctive colour character will help to enhance the striking appearance of the school for decades to come.

The decision to specify Marley’s Canterbury handmade clay plain roof tile in a Loxleigh fine sanded finish helped to satisfy the aesthetic demands of all key stakeholders and simultaneously delivered a significant cost efficiency. More than 100,000 Canterbury tiles were handmade by Marley to satisfy the extension project’s requirements and delivered to site to meet the project construction deadlines, which was phased to ensure all facilities were maintained during construction. In addition, with A+ BREEAM environmental credentials and meeting certification for BES 6001, Marley’s Canterbury tile also played a part in meeting the sustainable objectives of the project too.

Richard Owers, Director at

NRAP Architects, adds: “When working on a project of this type, it is essential that all specified materials and finishes seamlessly match the existing

The unrivalled aesthetic appeal, functionality, and cost effectiveness of Marley’s Canterbury handmade clay plain tile, has made a significant contribution to the success of a building project after being specified as the ideal roofing solution for a Grade II listed school in Horsham, Sussex.

buildings and setting. We went through a careful process with the choice of brick and mortar and followed these principles when it came to the selection of the final roof tile that would complete the new extension’s appearance.

“With Marley’s help, we were able to make the case for the specification of the Canterbury handmade clay plain roof tile. The Loxleigh colourway creates an ideal blend with the surrounding school buildings, providing an attractive colour character that helps to complement the overall look we aimed to create. As well as the unique and traditional properties the Canterbury tile offers, by specifying it we achieved a 30% cost saving when compared to other similar roof tiles.”

Stuart Nicholson from Marley,

comments: “The design project team had originally specified an alternative handmade clay plain tile. But following discussions with Marley it was clear that our highly functional Canterbury handmade tile would deliver a crafted, quality product that would aesthetically match the current building. And it also presented a guide cost saving of approximately 30% compared to the original roof tile specified. This powerful combination provided a compelling argument to ensure that the Canterbury solution was chosen and installed on the new extension areas at the Christ’s Hospital School.”

For more information on Marley’s Canterbury range visit:

www.marley.co.uk/roof-tiles/ clay-roof-tiles/canterburyhandmade-plain-tile

ROOFING ALL YEAR ROUND: WHY RUBBER EPDM IS A WINTER SOLUTION

What makes EPDM winter-proof?

EPDM is developed using a synthetic rubber ethylenepropylene-diene terpolymer, which is formed into a 100% cured, single-ply roofing membrane. This material is long-lasting and durable, making it ideally suited to winter weather, and the low maintenance nature of the solution ensures customers gain reliable peace of mind from their investment. Suitable for any type of flat roof, EPDM offers a comprehensive waterproofing solution for both domestic and commercial buildings, and is particularly convenient for use on garages and sheds to guarantee valuables are protected from water damage. A year-round roofing option, EPDM rubber roofs also resist UV and ozone, due to the material containing a high proportion of carbon black and no plasticisers or antioxidants, giving it a life expectancy of more than 50 years. Simplified installation Completing roofing projects and repairs in the winter can be a job that people dread, due to the added challenges presented by the inclement weather. Therefore, a quick and easy installation is essential to beat the elements, complete the job and prevent further damage. EPDM is supplied in large, seamless sheets, up to 15.24m in width and 61m long, negating the requirement to cut and piece many sheets together. Not only does this make using it time efficient, as one sheet can cover an entire roof, but also improves longevity as it reduces the number of seams required.

developer-update.co.uk

As we head into the winter months, external building and maintenance work enquiries often slow down due to the cold, wet weather. However, when a roof needs repairing, it’s usually a job that can’t be left unaddressed due to the potentially catastrophic effects it can have on a structure. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaRoof, part of PermaGroup, discusses why EPDM rubber is the ideal material to equip roofs for the winter.

An EPDM rubber roofing installation requires no specialist tools and no heat or flame, which means less time on site and an easier application when out in the elements. However, we strongly recommend that installers attend our Firestone EPDM training centre to guarantee the best possible finish on a project. Efficient repairs Full training on EPDM instillation reduces the potential of issues developing further down the line with the roofing system as, when a tradesperson hasn’t completed the training, there is a higher chance the membrane has been laid incorrectly. However, no matter how durable the material is, there will always be a possibility of repairs being needed.

Unavoidable splits and cracks can, fortunately, be easily repaired by the reliable repair method used on EPDM roofs, liquid PU – or “liquid rubber” as it’s commonly referred to. The liquid rubber creates a watertight and weatherproof seal to protect roofs all year round, particularly from the elements in winter. Applying the liquid PU is simple and it quickly cures on a variety of surfaces – ideal characteristics for when you are working within a short and unpredictable gap in cold, wet, or dark conditions.

Only one coat of PU liquid is required to effectively seal a repair and it comes in a premixed solution that can be applied straight from the tin using a brush – no complex process required. For this reason, we advise every roofer to keep a tin of liquid rubber to hand for those emergency calls and quick, reliable fixes, when faced with the harsh climate of a British winter.

Winter ready roofing As a tradesperson, winter can bring a feeling of dread as the weather leads to more issues with roofs and an increased challenge with repairs, however, EPDM rubber’s natural attributes ensure it’s the quickest, most effective, all-weather solution.

With smaller projects, such as adding outdoor buildings, on the rise due to the impact of people spending more time at home, as well as larger extensions being considered due to house moves becoming less likely, flat roofing is certainly a market that offers plenty of opportunities for installers – especially during the winter months.

For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.

TAKE FULL CONTROL OF YOUR SITE INSPECTIONS

Increase inspection efficiency with Scafftag’s reliable holders and inserts that can communicate the safety status of any type of equipment at the point of use. Furthermore, planning, inspecting and reporting can be streamlined, customised and largely automated to save time with SafeTrak software and app. Discover complete solution from Scafftag - A Brady Company.

Visual Tagging solutions from Scafftag

Visual Tagging solutions communicate the latest equipment inspection and status at the point of use and record an audit trail of equipment maintenance, tests and inspections to comply with health and safety legislation.

Scafftag inspection tag systems help control pre-shift inspections, maintenance and identification of all and any aspect of site and/or equipment, improving workplace safety and communication. Scafftag offers visual tagging systems to meet your needs for a wide variety of applications, including (but not limited to) hoarding, fencing, temporary works, spill, fire and first aid, excavations and excavators …

Highly efficient equipment inspections Scafftag holders and inserts can communicate best practice inspection procedures on the equipment that needs inspection. Both the holders and removable inserts are highly customisable and can support the standardisation of inspection procedures. A QR code can also be printed on the inserts or holders to activate a digital inspection flow via a smartphone and Safetrak software, complete with inspection planning management and automatic inspection report generation. Extremely robust and reliable Scafftag holders and inserts are designed to last in extreme outdoor conditions. Holders are made out of ABS or Nylon and will rarely break. The polypropylene inserts can withstand water, oil and dirt while still being easy to write on. Both the holder and insert can resist prolongued UV exposure in order to stay legible in construction sites.

Clear communication at the point of use When properly used and applied on equipment and in plain view, Scafftag can always communicate the latest equipment status to anyone who wants to use a specific piece of equipment. Tags are available for almost any tool or equipment, including ladders, scaffolds, drills, vehicles and engines. Inspection records on the tag’s insert will show when equipment was considered fit for use. When equipment fails inspection, the inspector can remove the insert to

show a clear ‘Do not use’ message on the tag’s holder. In this way, Scafftag helps prevent costly workplace accidents resulting from the use of unfit equipment. The majority of our solutions comprise 2 components - a holder attached to the asset or equipment, and replaceable inserts to record latest inspection and noteable data. This creates a simple 3 stage looped process for latest equipment status and a clear data trail.

1. Empty holder displays: Do not

Use, Do not enter, Inspection

Required .. etc 2. Equipment is inspected periodically, the insert is completed and placed in the holder

3. If equipment should not be used, remove the insert from holder

This ensures you have a permanent data trail of inspections and work carried out, as well as evidence in a court of law if you need it. Specialised solutions for construction sites

Excavation inspection tags from Scafftag help convey information on site, where it’s needed. High-lighting hidden services (note: 2 variations), help provide information on potential hazards, hidden services, actions to be taken and record the all important daily and weekly inspections. Improve workplace safety with proper inspection tagging. Number of custom types have been developed based on user experience and customer requirements: • Excavation Tag (2 offers) • Weekly Inspection Multitag® • Temporary Works Tag • Hoarding Tag • Fencing Tag • ... and more

Faster equipment inspections with SafeTrak

SafeTrak enables you to keep track of inspections digitally and eliminates the need to make time consuming duplicates, decipher hasty handwriting or search for lost inspection papers. At the same time, the web application also includes an advanced inspection planning system that offers a full overview of every inspection planned and enables users to easily plan recurring inspections.

SafeTrak can be used to keep track of a wide range of equipment such as personal protection equipment, drills, hammers, screwdrivers, scaffolding, ladders, label printers or lockout bags. With SafeTrak, every tool can easily be checked in or out as long as it is labelled with a serial number, barcode or RFID label. Predefined inspection templates can be created in SafeTrak to standardise and digitalise a variety of inspection reports. The web application can generate automated high level reports by extracting data from the inspection templates at regular intervals or on demand. With just a few clicks, inspection reports containing the most recent and complete data will always available via SafeTrak. on any smartphone. Internet access is not required. Enter an equipment serial number to access a predefined inspection template and equipment location information, or scan the equipment’s barcode. Log out after an inspection and the app will automatically upload data for immediate reporting once internet connection is restored.

Visual Tagging Solutions from Scafftag

Tracking inspections and relaying information on working sites can be a very difficult task. Work or construction site machinery that does not receive the necessary inspections poses a risk to your workers and their environment. Protect your team and relay the latest information. Discover Scafftag’s site and plant equipment inspection solutions to comply with legislation and manage safety.

Download the free guide: OPTIMISE EQUIPMENT SAFETY >>

Scafftag – A Brady Business

customer.services@scafftag.com

Tel 0845 089 4060

SafeTrak Mobile

The SafeTrak Mobile App can easily be accessed in the field www.scafftag.co.uk