Getting services into cleanrooms and other controlled environments can be tricky – and protecting these critical environments from contamination requires careful planning and construction of the vertical penetrations.

After all, the connections between buildings and floors need to be sealed and reliable, allowing pipes, ductwork and cables to get in while keeping out everything else – from vermin and insects to rainwater and dust particles.

Sealed, reliable connections between buildings and floors

While vertical penetrations are among the most challenging details in the building industry to get right (especially in controlled environments) the team here at Jones and Woolman UK have extensive experience in completing this kind of project.

We’ve worked with clients in industries such as pharmaceutical production, food plants, data centres and other critical environments to create bespoke solutions, resulting in vertical penetrations that are effective, structurally sound and reliably sealed – as well as compact with a seamless finish.

Because vertical penetrations are more visible to people – as opposed to roof penetrations which are mostly unseen – Jones and Woolman UK is able to professionally colour match to any cladding colour, ensuring the vertical penetration is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, becoming a part of the building instead of appearing like an afterthought tacked on at a later date.

Watertight solutions that keep out vermin and insects

The point where services enter and exit a building is critical, and careful attention must be paid to keep out rainwater and wind, as well as any pests that might try to make their way in, contaminate the interior environment or cause physical damage.

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we have a variety of techniques at our disposal to help ensure weather and pests stay where they’re meant to – outside – while providing reliable connections to air ducts, electrical wiring, fibre optics and other services.

We can design and fit complex cable trays and pipework, as well as dealing with any sort of ductwork or steel structure that is required to pass in and out of the building. A fibre-reinforced, cold-applied liquid is used to provide a reliable and low-maintenance seal and it can be used with any type of cladding, as well as single-ply membrane roofs.

We can also manufacture and fit reliable roof penetrations, comprising custom-made GRP curbs and service risers to suit customer units, access hatches, ventilation, pipework and other building services.

Our system is extremely versatile, and there is no restriction in terms of size, shape or position of the vertical penetrations. It also allows for last-minute positional changes or ancillary equipment to be added easily.

Vertical penetrations for pharmaceutical production areas, data centres and other critical environments

As experts in vertical penetrations, Jones and Woolman UK have more than 40 years of experience in delivering reliable and attractive vertical penetrations for a wide range of clients.

Over the years, we’ve worked with planning contractors, M&E contractors, architects and other specifiers to create effective solutions for cleanrooms and other critical environments where external contamination is not an option.

If you’d like to find out more about our vertical penetrations and sealing systems, or discuss the unique requirements of your next project in more detail, please contact us today.

Whether you’re designing a new building or refurbishing an old one, getting the look of the structure right is essential. And one of the best ways to create a unique and aesthetically appealing result is with GRP architectural mouldings.

Also known as glass-reinforced plastic or fibreglass, GRP is a lightweight yet durable material that can be formed into just about any shape you can imagine. While architects were once held back by the limitations of materials like timber and steel, GRP opens up a vast range of possibilities, as it can be moulded into any shape you can imagine, while also providing a high level of strength and impact resistance.

From simple curves to complex designs, GRP architectural mouldings enable architects to unleash their creativity and achieve truly unique building designs easily and effectively.

Why choose GRP architectural mouldings?

GRP is a strong and versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, ranging from commercial and retail, through to healthcare, education, leisure and residential projects.

While we’ve already briefly mentioned some of the benefits of glass-reinforced plastic (strong, lightweight, versatile), let’s look at the reasons to opt for GRP architectural mouldings in a bit more detail:

• Lightweight and strong – GRP is up to 75% lighter than steel, while its strength-to-weight ratio means that for non-structural purposes it can actually be far superior to steel. In addition, their light weight means that GRP architectural mouldings are more cost-effective to transport and they can be manoeuvred easily onsite.
• Versatile – GRP can be used to create just about any shape you desire, from simple, undulating curved roofs to the most intricate detail work. Although GRP architectural mouldings are generally associated with more modern buildings, it’s important to note that the material is equally useful on older structures. In fact, GRP mouldings have been used to re-create ornate carvings and other decorative elements on traditional homes and historic structures, and they can be finished to match the existing mouldings perfectly, providing a simple, affordable and effective solution for refurbishment projects.
• Weather resistant – GRP does not swell or shrink during fluctuations in temperature or humidity. It is also UV-stable and will not discolour over time.
• Impact resistant – The strength of GRP means that it can withstand heavy impact and severe point loading with no damage, and any distortion due to impact will generally return to its original shape.
• Thermally efficient – Since GRP is a natural insulator, it can help to make a building more thermally efficient, and you don’t need to worry about thermal breaks.
• Long lifespan with minimal maintenance – Once installed, GRP architectural mouldings should last a very long time, and the only maintenance required is simple cleaning.

GRP is also resistant to corrosion, chemicals and parasitic attack. It is non-conductive, inert and non-sparking, making it ideal for use in locations with potential electrical hazards or where combustible gases may be present. It is also unaffected by electromagnetic or radio frequencies.

Incredible building design using GRP architectural mouldings

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we’ve worked on a number of bespoke design projects using GRP architectural mouldings, enabling architects to turn their structural dreams into reality – all while ensuring a robust, long-lasting and low-maintenance building.

To find out more about how GRP architectural mouldings can take your building design to the next level – or to discuss your next project with a member of our team, please get in touch.

Discovering that a commercial roof has been damaged is far from an ideal situation – and it’s likely to lead to many questions. Where did the damage come from? How will you get it repaired? Does the roof need to be replaced? Is the damage going to cause damage to the building’s structure or interior? And, of course, how much is this all going to cost?

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, our team of experts is here to help you sort out the answers to all of these questions. Our surveying team can help you to work out the cause of the damage, find the best solution and help to ensure the commercial roof repairs provide many years of trouble-free service.

What causes roof damage?

There are many reasons why a commercial roof may need repair – and the actual cause of the damage can range from general wear and tear over time, through to weather damage, vermin or even people walking over the roof.

For example, if the weather becomes hot, the bitumen or felt can move around on its own; people working over a roof structure can cause damage, even if they’re careful; and building penetrations, if they’re not properly installed, could lead to roof damage over time. Birds and rodents may start out making small holes, but these can get bigger and worse over time.

Older roofs, meanwhile, also tend to need repairs due to elements simply wearing out. In particular, roof sheets and end-lap details, flashing junctions and cladding intersections can become water-entry points over time.

It’s also important to remember that what looks like a small amount of roof damage now can quickly get worse. A single leak may seem like something you can easily deal with, but water and wind can be incredibly destructive, and it won’t take long for the roof condition to deteriorate.

The benefits of commercial roof repairs

One of the first responses many people have to discovering roof damage is thinking that the roof must be replaced. But the good news is that’s not always the case. Thanks to modern materials and techniques, commercial roof repairs can often be carried out, resulting in a durable and weather-tight roof that should last for many years.

So, why opt for commercial repairs instead of a roof replacement? Here are just some of the benefits:

• Cost effective – Replacing an entire roof, or even a section of one, can be an expensive undertaking, especially on large commercial roofs. Repairs, on the other hand typically are a fraction of the replacement cost, and the results are just as reliable.
• Fast – As you can imagine, a roof replacement can take a long time. Depending on the severity of the damage, however, commercial roof repairs can be relatively quick. Not only does this help to keep costs down, but it also means less disruption to business in the commercial building.
• Environmentally friendly – When a roof is replaced, the old materials often end up going to landfill. With a repair, however, most of the old structure is left in place and continues to serve a purpose, while the repair materials are used to add reinforcement and weatherproofing.

Commercial roof repairs from Jones and Woolman UK

Established in 1979, Jones and Woolman UK has extensive experience in commercial roof repairs, as well as service risers and building penetrations. This means we can provide a complete commercial roof service.

Through our extensive surveying service, our team of experts can assess a damaged roof and come up with long-term solutions that not only repair the damage but also ensure the roof’s life is extended and works better than it ever did.

Using cold-applied liquid waterproofing and our specially developed fibre-reinforced system, we’ve worked on a wide range of commercial projects, from shopping centres, office blocks and factories to schools and sports stadia. In fact, our repair methods are suitable for use on any roof, including flat and low-pitch roofs.

To learn more about our commercial roof repairs service and find out if repairs are a better option for your building than a roof replacement, please get in touch.