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Case Study

Roofing and Solar PV Under One Guarantee

Garland UK Technical Manager
Sam Rigden

Approved Contractor
Byford Roofing Services

Roofing and Solar PV Under One Guarantee

Avoided Co2 Emissions

17.5 Tonnes Annually

Return on Investment

4.5 Years

Towers School in Ashford, Kent, embarked on the critical refurbishment of a core teaching block, where extensive roof failure was beginning to disrupt learning environments. In partnership with Richard Carré of Carré, an expert consultant and building surveying firm, Garland UK was appointed to deliver a complete building envelope solution, aiming to restore waterproofing integrity, improve thermal efficiency in line with regulatory targets, and reduce long-term energy costs through the integration of solar technology.

Challenge

The existing roof had long surpassed its service life. As a traditional built-up felt system, it showed widespread signs of deterioration, including blistering, debonding at laps and penetrations, and chronic ponding caused by insufficient drainage. Garland UK Technical Manager Sam Rigden conducted a detailed survey using core sampling and Tramex moisture mapping. The findings revealed multiple water ingress points and insulation that was saturated in several areas, with moisture tracking into high-traffic areas, including classrooms and corridors.

The system’s thermal performance was also far below modern standards, with a U-value of 0.68 W/m²K. This presented a dual challenge, to deliver a watertight, compliant waterproofing solution and design-in improved energy efficiency and sustainability through integrated solar PV.

Solution

Garland UK developed a bespoke warm roof specification to meet the unique technical demands of the site. A tapered insulation scheme was introduced to resolve drainage issues and achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K, aligning with current Building Regulations. The build-up included a metal-lined vapour control layer, vented underlay, and a final cap sheet of StressPly Flex Plus, a high-performance bituminous membrane engineered to provide long-term durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress.

Installation was delivered by the approved contractor, Byford Roofing Services Ltd, with Garland providing regular on-site technical oversight through Regional Technical Manager Sam Rigden, ensuring that every detail adhered to the specification. The works were delivered in full compliance with British Standards and Safe2Torch guidance, giving the school’s estate team complete confidence in fire safety, regulatory alignment, and installation best practices.

To future-proof the investment, a 76.11 kWp Solarise PV system was installed by approved contractor Nimbus Solar Ltd. Designed in-house by Garland’s Solarise team, the system features 177 Solarwatt Classic 2.5 AM panels optimised for maximum rooftop output. The installation was seamlessly integrated with the roofing works, with both elements covered under Garland UK’s comprehensive Single-Point Guarantee, which takes full responsibility for design, materials, and workmanship.

Outcome

The project has significantly improved the building’s performance and long-term sustainability. The StressPly Flex Plus system now delivers robust, watertight protection alongside enhanced insulation, ensuring comfortable internal environments and reduced heat loss.

The Solarise PV array is forecast to generate 79,512 kWh per year, substantially offsetting the school’s energy demands and delivering significant annual savings, with an estimated return on investment within 4.5 years.

Environmentally, the system will prevent 17,254 kg of CO₂ emissions each year, reinforcing the school’s commitment to sustainability and contributing to national net-zero goals.

By delivering both the roofing and solar solution under a Single-Point Guarantee, the school benefits from simplified maintenance planning, reduced long-term risk, and a clear line of accountability, crucial for estates teams managing complex facilities portfolios. The completed scheme ensures compliance, lowers operational costs, and secures long-term performance.

Towers School now moves forward with a watertight, future-ready roof, one that supports education today and sustainability for years to come.

This project reflects everything Garland UK stands for, technical precision, proactive support, and a service-led approach that puts the client’s needs first. From our initial condition survey through to the integration of solar PV, we worked closely with the school and Carré to design the optimum solution. It wasn’t just about replacing a roof, it was about delivering long-term value, reducing energy costs, and helping the school move towards a more sustainable future.

Sam Rigden

Technical Manager, Garland UK

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Roofing and Solar PV Under One Guarantee

Garland Technical Manager

Sam Rigden

Approved Contractor

Byford Roofing Services

Quick Facts

Garland System

Dura-Coat

Sector

Residential

Avoided Co2 Emissions

17.5 Tonnes Annually

Return on Investment

4.5 Years

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.”