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Case Study

Green Plan in Action For Hospital Roof Refurbishment

Garland UK Technical Manager
Jack Costello

Approved Contractor
Inspire Contract Services

Green Plan in Action For Hospital Roof Refurbishment

Garland System

StressPly Flex Plus

Sector

Healthcare

U-value

0.15

Single-Point Guarantee

25 Years

Memorial Hospital, operated by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, required a critical roof refurbishment to extend the lifespan of its facilities, enhance thermal efficiency, and align with the Trust’s Green Plan commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The existing roof had reached the end of its serviceable life, posing risks of water ingress, increased energy costs, and ongoing maintenance challenges. Pellings LLP, an integrated design, property, and construction consultant, oversaw the project. Following Garland UK’s detailed roof condition survey, the team was appointed to deliver a robust, high-performance waterproofing solution that could be installed with minimal disruption to the hospital’s continuous operations while actively contributing to the Trust’s decarbonisation goals.

Challenge

Hospitals present unique challenges when undertaking remedial works, requiring precise planning and execution to avoid disrupting essential medical services. Memorial Hospital was no exception, remaining fully operational throughout the roof refurbishment project. This meant every aspect of the refurbishment had to be meticulously coordinated to prevent disruption to patients, staff, and critical healthcare functions.

Logistical constraints, including restricted access points and uninterrupted emergency routes, required strategic coordination for material deliveries and contractor movement. Furthermore, fire safety was paramount, necessitating full compliance with Safe2Torch standards to eliminate risks associated with hot works.

Additionally, the hospital’s existing insulation was outdated and failed to meet modern building regulations. An upgrade was essential to comply with current standards, enhance the building’s thermal efficiency, reduce heating costs and overall energy consumption, and support the Trust’s Green Plan objectives.

Solution

Garland UK’s technical manager, Jack Costello, oversaw the project with precision, specifying the StressPly Flex Plus bituminous waterproofing system. This high-performance solution was selected for its durability, resilience to extreme weather conditions, and suitability for complex hospital environments where reliability is paramount. The installation was carried out by Inspire Contract Services Ltd, a Garland UK approved contractor, ensuring expert workmanship and adherence to strict quality controls.

The refurbishment commenced with a comprehensive preparation and substrate inspection phase, during which the existing roof was assessed and areas requiring remedial work identified to ensure a stable base for the new system. A Torch Flex Vapour Barrier was applied to regulate moisture levels, preventing condensation-related issues that could compromise the roof’s longevity. A bitumen-faced PIR insulation board was installed to significantly enhance thermal efficiency and improve overall drainage, reducing the hospital’s long-term heating costs.

A Torch Flex Ultra-Vent Base Sheet was applied to create a robust base layer, forming a sound foundation for the waterproofing system. The final waterproofing layer consisted of StressPly Flex Plus, a durable, weather-resistant cap sheet that provides exceptional protection against environmental elements. This ensured a long-lasting, watertight seal that would support the hospital’s operational needs for decades to come.

As part of the refurbishment, the dated rooflights were replaced to improve the building’s natural light levels and contribute to energy savings. The project also strongly emphasised fire risk compliance, ensuring all high-risk areas were treated with self-adhesive membranes that fully adhered to Safe2Torch guidelines, eliminating the need for open flames in sensitive zones.

Outcome

The hospital roof refurbishment was completed on time and within budget, delivering a significantly upgraded, high-performance roofing system that will ensure the hospital remains watertight and energy-efficient for decades to come.

The roof of the building now achieves a U-value of 0.15, and the insulation improvements have already led to noticeable thermal efficiency improvements and comfort for patients and staff, directly supporting the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s Green Plan to reduce carbon emissions from its buildings.

Jack Costello visited the site twice weekly to oversee the installation and ensure all work met the highest standards. Garland’s RAMP system recorded all inspections, reports, and documentation in real time, providing complete transparency and a clear audit trail for the client and all parties involved.

Through expert planning, technical precision, and stringent quality control, Garland UK has delivered a seamless, future-proof solution that safeguards the hospital’s essential services while ensuring uninterrupted patient care. The refurbishment is fully backed by Garland UK’s 25 year Single-Point Guarantee, which provides complete peace of mind to Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and provides key assurance that the hospital’s critical infrastructure is protected with long-term reliability.

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Green Plan in Action For Hospital Roof Refurbishment

Garland Technical Manager

Jack Costello

Approved Contractor

Inspire Contract Services

Located in Enfield, the Cavell Hospital is a key facility for Circle Health Group. Spanning over 1,000 square metres, the building’s existing mastic asphalt roof had reached a critical state of disrepair, causing water ingress and internal damage. Faced with a significant refurbishment challenge, Circle Health Group turned to its long-term partner, Garland UK, to deliver a durable and cost-effective hospital roof upgrade that aligned with stringent budget constraints and compliance standards.

Quick Facts

Garland System

Dura-Coat

Sector

Residential

Project Saving Cost

£900,000

The storm exposed critical weaknesses in the original roof design, which had failed to cope with the site’s wind load demands. The closure meant immediate loss of revenue, reduced access to community leisure facilities, and growing urgency to reopen.

The replacement roof required complex engineering to match the building’s 40 metre wide dual-curved structure. Standing seam sheets up to 22 metres in length had to be precision-engineered off-site, with escorted delivery, timed road closures, and careful sequencing of work.

With only a small car park as the site compound, storage, crane operations, and contractor access needed meticulous planning. Moisture protection for the exposed structure was critical throughout, with temporary coverings installed until the new system could be sealed.

Garland UK Technical Manager Rob Wall specified the R-MER LOC standing seam metal system, designed for storm resilience, thermal efficiency, and long service life in marine climates. Its penetration-free, zip-free seam design enabled faster installation and allowed for thermal movement without panel distortion.

The system was tailored to the building’s complex geometry, with 22 metre top sheet runs and 18 metre lower runs. Approved contractor, Future Roof Leeds, carried out the works, reusing the existing perforated aluminium liner where possible to reduce waste and disruption.

A high-performance, foil-lined vapour control layer was installed, along with upgraded insulation and a breather membrane suitable for coastal exposure. Acoustic infills were also integrated to maintain internal sound control, enhancing the original system’s acoustic performance.

The 1,200 sqm roofing system was completed on time and within budget, restoring full functionality to SC2 Water Park and preventing further loss of income. Garland UK’s Roof Asset Management Programme (RAMP) now provides the Council with a complete digital record of the project, including inspection reports, guarantees, and maintenance guidance, giving estates teams full visibility for ongoing asset care.

Covered by a 30 year Single-Point Guarantee for design, materials, and workmanship, the Council has complete assurance that any issues will be resolved swiftly, without dispute or additional cost.

The reopening of SC2 Water Park has reinstated a much-loved leisure venue for residents and visitors, supporting local wellbeing, tourism, and economic activity. The storm-resilient design means fewer disruptions and reduced maintenance, and reliable year-round availability, even in challenging weather.

Robin Jones, Senior Building Surveyor at Denbighshire County Council, commented,

“The level of service from Garland UK has been first-class from start to finish. Rob and the team gave us confidence at every stage, from design to handover. The quality of the roof and the management of such a tricky site exceeded our expectations.”

Rob Wall, Technical Manager at Garland UK, added,

“This was a demanding brief in a harsh environment. The combination of curved geometry, extreme sheet lengths and complex logistics called for precision planning and strong collaboration. We’re proud to have supported the Council in getting this key venue back up and running.”