What are the 5 considerations for weatherproofing modular buildings?

Share page here

There are five considerations for weatherproofing of modular buildings:

  • Integration of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services (MEP) and daylight openings
  • Sequencing and scheduling
  • Energy strategy of the development
  • Flexibility of the modular building
  • Quality & aesthetics

Well designed and installed weatherproofing is integral to the protection of building fabric but also plays an important part in supporting the thermal performance of buildings. It is crucial to consider the weatherproofing of a modular building at an early stage of the design.

Integration of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services (MEP) and daylight openings

The architecture of modern buildings has been moving towards human-centred design with optimal daylight levels and increased ventilation. EN 17037 was recently introduced to set the minimum performance target in this area. The specification of roof glazing has also been increasing rapidly as the lack of ground space and financial constraints compel building design vertically.

Modern buildings also require a large number of services to support their functions. The increasing popularity of alternative energy sources, such as PV panels, and low carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, is increasing.

The consequence of this growing number of building services and daylight openings is more specialist roof installations with electrical and mechanical components together with both horizontal and vertical building penetrations. These require careful consideration at the design stage to prevent scheduling, installation and quality issues that can be costly to put right later.

The best approach would be to find a specialist services/rooflight installer who could not only install the required upstands, but also fit the services or rooflights and weatherproof the entire solution in one pass. Not only would this streamline the entire process, but it would also ensure that there are no sequencing issues with the individual stages and any impact from weather conditions is kept to the absolute minimum.

Sequencing and scheduling

Regardless of whether a modular project is managed in-house or through a variety of manufacturers and contractors, early engagement with a weatherproofing expert is key. Each of the project management scenarios will result in variations to the sequencing of works. The move of a large proportion of the on-site works into a factory environment significantly shortens the construction period.

The smallest errors, such as not taking into account transportation height before installing roof windows onto modules in a factory, may have a vast impact on the efficiency of the construction and the speed of project delivery. The risks of lead-time changes for products, or disadvantageous weather, need to be taken into consideration when specifying a weatherproofing system to avoid delays that may cause water ingress and damage to the modules.

Energy strategy of the development

Use of new materials and better build quality of prefabricated modules can help deliver buildings with significantly improved thermal performance. To be energy efficient, the building envelope must deliver in terms of air and water tightness, insulation and condensation control. Poor weatherproofing can result in unsatisfactory building performance and negatively impact the long-term running costs through increased maintenance and energy demand.

The flexibility of a modular building

Modular buildings can be utilised as both temporary and permanent structures. The capacity of temporary modular buildings to be moved to a different location or dismantled and recycled when no longer required is a huge financial and environmental benefit. The choice of weatherproofing should reflect the flexibility of modular buildings to ensure it can be easily removed without causing damage to the modules.

Quality & Aesthetics

Choice of weatherproofing detail should support the building design. Modular buildings can have a large number of matelines and the majority of services are on the roof. Whilst matelines can be used as a design feature, service and daylight penetrations generally require a seamless, colour matched finish. Weatherproofing should retain its colour and remain stain-free and robust, whilst blending into its surroundings for an aesthetically pleasing finish. Insufficient or badly designed weatherproofing, delays in the application, or an inferior weatherproofing quality, could lead to damage to the building fabric, or to any pre-installed services and furnishings of the modules.

For the best possible performance within modular construction, a homogenous integration of the weatherproofing with the building needs to be targeted. Jones & Woolman UK have long been proponents of considering weatherproofing at the design stage. With 40-years of experience in the industry, we are best placed to address the issues encountered with weatherproofing of modular building. Jones and Woolman UK work with the largest modular manufacturers and UK building contractors to deliver innovative weatherproofing across all sectors.

Jones & Woolman UK also pride themself on being able to offer a one-stop-shop approach regarding rooflight installations and other types of services. Experts in upstand installation, rooflight fitting and weatherproofing, the team at Jones & Woolman UK can help any project save time and money on these types of installations by offering the whole package, again backed by their industry leading warranty.

To find out more about the considerations for weatherproofing of modular buildings, download our whitepaper ‘Streamlining weatherproofing in modular construction’. If you need help or advice with a weatherproofing system for your new project or would like design advice, contact our team of technical experts.

How to deal with building envelope penetrations of modular structures

Share page here

To successfully deal with building envelope penetrations for modular buildings, we must overcome a different set of challenges that traditional construction presents us with. Naturally, every project brings different obstacles but there are three challenges all modular projects have in common when it comes to building penetrations:

  • Lack of standardisation
  • Transport limitations
  • Off-site or on-site installation

Regardless of the construction method, building penetrations and their weatherproofing must be designed to form holistic systems within the building. McKinsey & Company quote in their Modular Construction: From projects to products that modular construction can cut the schedule by 20-50%. The design, planning and sequencing for any building penetrations work, installation of various elements and subsequent weatherproofing must be addressed in the initial stages of the project design to deliver a shorter construction phase.

Lack of standardisation

Lack of standardisation within the modular sector means that the design and planning of building penetrations must be managed effectively to adjust for variations between manufacturers of the modular units and variations throughout the supply chain. Early planning and sequencing should address supply chain variations. Appropriate coordination will allow for many MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and daylight elements to be fully installed and weatherproofed off-site, avoiding the need for any adjustments in-situ or reactive specification changes.

Transport limitations

Off-site manufactured modules, including any additional installations, need to be transported to site. Transport restrictions may pose a challenge. Where full pre-installation and building penetration weatherproofing cannot be completed off-site, a partial preinstallation may still be advantageous and should be pursued. As with the lack of standardisation, preinstallation will streamline remaining in-situ works, allowing kerbs, upstands, or plant risers to be designed and prefabricated to synchronise lead and installation times with the glazing or MEP manufacturers and installers.

Off-site or on-site installation?

Despite planning and pre-installation being viable options, some weatherproofing installations cannot be completed in a controlled off-site environment. In some instances, an on-site installation is simply preferred because of project specific needs. Weather changes, on-site accidents and scheduling clashes, among other unpredictable events, can impact the certainty of delivery that modular projects heavily depend on.

Weatherproofing is a part of the construction process that is weather dependent and requires ongoing coordination with other trades on site. Unexpected issues can often call for late changes to penetration positioning. The weatherproofing solution specified, and its installers, should be flexible and the application process robust enough to accommodate these events and to do so without an effect on the project timeline.

The innovation of technologies and materials forming weathering systems can help reduce some of the mentioned risks. Jones and Woolman UK have over 40-years of experience and a reputation for continual improvements to the materials, adhesives and flexible mouldings used on projects of all sizes and types. The weatherproofing systems made by Jones and Woolman UK undergo strenuous independent testing for integrity in extreme temperatures and after accelerated ageing. The long-standing cooperation with contractors and manufacturers put Jones and Woolman UK in a position to work within the modular industry and find innovative solutions based on the specific challenges of modular delivery.

You can read more on how to deal with building envelope penetrations and weatherproofing systems for modular buildings in our whitepaper ‘Streamlining weatherproofing in modular construction’. Contact our team of technical experts if you require help with design, specification or any other advice on building penetrations and weatherproofing systems.

Restructuring our management team: cementing our future as leaders in building penetrations

Share page here

We are pleased to announce that as of Monday, August 10th, Jones and Woolman UK will be making changes to our management team. These internal promotions will help to drive the business forward and cement our place as the leader in roofing and cladding penetrations and weathering systems.

Daren Jones and Steve Jones will become joint Managing Directors, developing strategic guidance, and directing the company into the future.

Daren joined the family business straight out of school at 16 years old. In his previous role as sales director, his eye for detail and pragmatic approach to challenges demonstrated his ability to provide effective leadership.

Steve will be moving up from his previous role as Contracts Director. He will continue to working in a very customer-focused position, spending much of his time supporting our clients to continue the development of strong relationships that are at the heart of what we do.

Matthew Jones will be promoted to Sales Director. Matt joined the family business in December 2016, after spending four years in service delivery management with Capgemini. His passion for the business is clear and, in his new role, he will provide leadership, making strategic decisions and looking to expand the business in to new areas while ensuring excellent service and quality for all of our clients is maintained.

Neil Boylan will be taking Steve’s place as Contracts Director. Neil joined the business in 1996 as a site operative. His attention to detail, ambition and forward-thinking nature have helped him to establish himself as a valued member of our team and grow with the company over the last 20 years. He will play a key part in the new management team, overseeing our commercial contracts and further building relationships with clients across the UK.

To support these promotions, Kelly Cunningham and Emma Bradshaw will also be taking on new roles.

Kelly has been with the business since 2008 and over the last year, her responsibilities have shifted to office manager and marketing assistant. Thanks to her excellent organisational skills and ability to get things done, she is instrumental in the day-to-day running of the business.

Emma will be dealing with the administration and accounts side of the business. Emma has proven herself to be a valued member of the team. She works well with management and provides a motivating influence on the entire company with her positive and outgoing attitude.

Commenting on the changes to the management team, Matt Jones explained: “This is an exciting time for Jones and Woolman UK, and these moves will help us to offer more to our clients. The company was established as a family business in 1979, and we continue to treat it as a family business, more than 40 years later.”

He added: “We believe in promoting from within, helping our valued team members reach their full potential and these moves will make the most of the vast talent we have within our team.”

As well as these moves occurring within the management team, Jones and Woolman UK is also looking to bring in some new talent. We are looking for a sales/business development manager who can help to grow our brand further and generate new business leads. For more information or to apply for the role, visit our careers page.

A guide to choosing commercial rooflights

Share page here

Commercial rooflights can bring many benefits to a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings – from shopping centres, hotels and hospitals, to office blocks, factories and warehouses.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the appearance of a building, bring in more light, reduce energy costs, improve working conditions for occupants, or incorporate the latest EN 17037 daylighting standards, commercial rooflights can help.

Why should I consider a commercial rooflight?

Commercial rooflights, along with other glazing options such as tall windows or curtain walling, all help to bring the outdoors in, creating a space that feels more inviting and comfortable.

Natural daylight incorporated into indoor spaces can dramatically reduce energy costs, while also improving performance and the mood of the building occupants. They also create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing architectural feature, making the building more attractive, both inside and out.

Numerous studies have shown increased exposure to natural daylight can help to improve focus, reduce stress, and decrease cases of illness, all resulting in a happier and healthier workforce, while also benefiting other visitors to the building.

In fact, natural light is so important, its provision is incorporated into the new European Standard, EN 17037. The new standard was published at the end of 2018 and provides comprehensive guidance on everything from how to integrate daylight in building design to methods of calculating daylight levels.

Depending on the commercial rooflight you choose, it may also provide natural ventilation, further contributing to the air quality of the building and the overall comfort of occupants.

What are the different types of commercial rooflights?

Commercial rooflights come in a wide range of shapes and sizes – and the right choice will depend on criteria such as roof construction, the amount of light desired and aesthetic preferences. Options include:

Flat rooflights – These can be used to cover large spaces, providing a considerable amount of daylight. These are often chosen for more modern buildings due to their minimalist appearance, and some products can be installed flush with the roofline. Depending on maintenance and access requirements, these can also be designed in a way that makes them safe for walking on.

Barrel rooflights – Semi-circular in shape, barrel rooflights are ideal for larger spaces and can even fit together to cover an entire roof.

Box rooflights – These are often used to enhance natural lighting indoors, while also providing access to roof terraces since they can create the headroom required for staircases.

Pyramid rooflights – If you’re looking to combine natural lighting with an attractive architectural feature, then a pyramid rooflight might be the best choice. Sometimes called roof lanterns, these create a spotlight-like effect, and are beautiful both inside and outside.

Dome and tube rooflights – These are usually small rooflights that combine a dome on the outside of the building with a reflective tube that guides light into the building.

We’ve been providing commercial roofing solutions for more than 40 years, and we’ve installed commercial rooflights for an array of commercial and industrial projects, including shopping centres, airports, sports stadia, factories and office buildings.

Can you put a rooflight on a flat roof?

The short answers is yes. As previously discussed, there are many different types of rooflights, and many of them are suitable for flat roof applications, so long as they are correctly installed and adequately weatherproofed.

Depending on the design, some rooflights may require an upstand for installation on a flat roof. Despite its name, a flat roof requires a fall to allow for water drainage and is therefore not truly “flat”.  An upstand is the frame that sits around the rooflight, and ensures the rooflight is installed at the right pitch so that rainwater can naturally drain away. Custom-made GRP upstands can be manufactured to suit the specific requirements of your roof and rooflights, and once installed, they offer long lifespans and require minimal maintenance.

Are rooflights a good investment?

In almost every case, as long as the rooflight is installed professionally, the answer is yes. As with all investments using a highly skilled team with experience installing commercial rooflights ensures that planning and execution will keep disruption at an absolute minimum, while the overall gains will benefit the building and its occupants.

Commercial rooflights help to reduce energy use throughout the day, as they provide natural lighting and reduce reliance on electrical lights. Finally the improvements in occupant wellbeing and performance should also be considered and not underestimated when looking at the value of investment.

Do rooflights require maintenance?

If installed correctly, commercial rooflights should require minimal maintenance. This means by an expert that can ensure the rooflight is installed at the right angle, and well-sealed against wind and water ingress. Experts such as the team here at Jones and Woolman UK have extensive experience in installing and weatherproofing rooflights, and all work will be covered by an industry leading 25 year warranty for added peace of mind and long term cost savings.

Choosing commercial rooflights for your next project

If you’re thinking about having commercial rooflights, the next step is to speak with an expert. They will go over the specifics of your project, providing advice and guidance about everything from the ideal shape, size and placement of your rooflight, through to planning permission, installation and maintenance.

As trusted installers of commercial rooflights and other building penetrations, Jones and Woolman UK can create bespoke solutions for even the trickiest designs. To find out more, or to discuss your project, please get in touch.

How to waterproof a rooflight

Share page here

Rooflights and roof windows can be extremely beneficial for commercial buildings, however, you’ve got to know how to waterproof a rooflight. After all, a rooflight should flood an interior with warm, bright sunshine on a clear day – not rainwater during a downpour.

So how do you waterproof a rooflight? As with most things, prevention is critical, and opting for expert rooflight installation from the very beginning is likely to save you a lot of time and hassle.

Not only does installing a rooflight require working at height with a big bulky item made of breakable glass. It also requires putting a hole in the roof. The entire process, from planning through to cutting, installing and finishing, is best left to people with the right skills and plenty of experience.

Plus, having a rooflight installed by a professional will give you additional peace of mind that the project is being carried out by an expert who can ensure the result is weatherproof and looks professional – and their work should be backed by a guarantee.

Why is my rooflight leaking?

There are many reasons why a rooflight might start leaking. For example, it could be the result of an inadequate installation, or the rooflight may have been damaged after being exposed to high winds or suffering an impact. In some cases, a leak can even turn out to be not a leak at all, but a condensation problem.

Whatever the reason for a leaking rooflight, getting the problem fixed needs to be a top priority. Even a small leak can be a source of inconvenience for a building’s occupants, and it could damage expensive equipment or decor. Problems like damp and mould can also result from a leaking skylight, leading to uncomfortable conditions and potential health hazards.

It’s also important to note that even if you have what seems like a tiny leak right now, without an expert to correctly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs, it’s likely that the problem will only get worse.

This is where our teams at Jones and Woolman UK excel. We are able to assess and solve such leaks and potential problems and act quickly to ensure your rooflights and roofs are leak free for years to come with our peace of mind 25-year warranty on all works carried out.

Methods for waterproofing rooflights

As with any type of building penetration, there are several ways to waterproof a rooflight, and the right choice will depend on the roof construction, as well as the finished appearance that you wish to achieve.

In residential buildings with pitched roofs, for example, roof window and rooflight installations are typically sealed using flashings, with tiles layered carefully over the top for a weatherproof finish.

However, this method won’t work on most commercial buildings – particularly those with flat or low-pitched roofs and no roof tiles. So other techniques will be required to waterproof rooflights in commercial applications. Although a waterproof rooflight can be achieved with materials such as EPDM rubber, or even traditional roofing felt, GRP is one of the best ways to ensure a leak-free result that will look good and last for many years with minimal maintenance.

Roof top view of installed commercial rooflights installed at a nusery
Roof top view of rooflights installed on Cherry Tree nursery
Rooflights on pitched roof
Waterproofing rooflights
Multiple rooflights in commercial building
image of a rooflight on a modular building that has been weatherproofed

GRP roofing systems for leak-free skylights

As experts in GRP roofing systems, the team and Jones and Woolman UK have extensive experience in installing waterproof rooflights for a wide range of commercial buildings, including shopping malls, factories and even sports stadia.

Our system starts with load-bearing upstands, which can be custom-made to fit your rooflights perfectly. The upstands can incorporate our unique inclined shape, which means rooflights and roof windows can be installed on roofs with very low pitches, and even flat roof rooflights can be accommodated.

We also use a specialist weathering system comprising a flexible, reinforced cold-applied liquid that works well with most types of cladding, as well as single-ply roofs. It creates a smooth, clean finish that will provide years of leak-free service – and a skylight that lets only the sunshine in.

Waterproof rooflight installations from Jones and Woolman UK

Whether you’re thinking about adding rooflights to a commercial building, or need repairs to stop a leak, the team at Jones and Woolman UK can help. We’ve been carrying out commercial roof repairs and building penetrations work for over 40 years, and all of our work is backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty.

To find out more about our GRP roofing solutions, or discuss your project with one of our experts, please get in touch.

What are architectural mouldings?

Share page here

Architectural mouldings are structures and finishes that add character and specialist designs to buildings and structures. They can also be used to house and protect utilities with the added benefit of ‘hiding’ them from plain sight in a more aesthetically pleasing way.

They can be comprised of different materials such as aluminium or PPC steel, however, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) architectural mouldings are setting the new standard for what can be achieved within the industry.

GRP architectural mouldings are lightweight yet durable and can be formed into almost any shape imaginable. While architects were once held back by the limitations of materials like timber and steel, GRP opens up a vast range of possibilities. Giving the end results a high level of strength and impact resistance for longevity.

 

The difference between casting and moulding

Casting is the process of pouring molten metal into a cast which then solidifies and the cast is then broken away from the formed shape. The resulting product needs finishing by other means to give it that finished look such as polishing or filing to remove rough edges. Due to the required breaking of the mould, this process is, therefore, a one-off creation. With the negative to this being that if you require copies you would need to create more castings – incurring additional costs and time.

Moulding is the process of pouring liquid plastics or other such materials into a mould which can then be removed without the need of breaking the mould. The end product also requires no further finishing. This process also lends itself easily to duplication because the mould remains intact throughout the whole process. This allows the manufacturer to create multiple exact copies, saving time and resources compared to the casting process.

This process is undertaken for GRP mouldings meaning the product output is of the highest quality. Whilst at a competitive price, and affording the benefit of duplication should your project need it.

Jones and Woolman UK has collaborated on a number of unique and bespoke GRP architectural moulding projects and we have the resources to bring your structural imaginations to life. To find out more or to discuss your next project with a member of our team, please get in touch here or call us on 01922 712111.

Commercial roof repairs – everything you need to know

Share page here

Commercial roofing and commercial roof repairs are completely different from the residential roofing sector. In this article, we’ll be answering everything from what a commercial roof is, what they’re made of and the options available to you to when they need repairing or replacing, how to weatherproof them and the best materials to use.

What is a commercial roof?

A commercial roof is the top covering of your business’ premises. A lot of, commercial roofs have a flat slope and the type of materials used tends to differ – we’ll cover this in detail a little later on.

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we’re the industry’s go-to for all things roofing. Our weathering options are endless, our approach is flexible, and our design selection’s comprehensive. To find out more, check out our design and build services.

What are the different types of commercial roofs?

Generally speaking, commercial roofs can be split into two categories: flat or pitched.

Flat roofs need to be finished with a layer of weatherproofing felt or a single-ply membrane, and, despite their name, they aren’t actually 100% flat – they do have a slight fall. Flat roofs tend to be more cost-effective as less labour is needed and materials are usually cheaper.

Made up of at least two slopes that create a peak, pitched roofs are usually more durable than flat roofs and have additional benefits such as extra storage space and potentially more efficient weatherproofing qualities.

What variations of commercial roofs are there and what are they made of?

Some of the most common types of commercial roofs include; felt roofing, liquid roofing, single-ply roofing, metal roofing, slating and tiling, green roofs and rooflights and skylights.

In terms of weatherproofing a roof, acrylic and silicone are a couple of the most used membrane materials. Acrylic membranes are usually on the cheaper side and have the added benefit of being able to give them a re-coat later down the line. One thing worth noting though, is acrylic polymers don’t operate as well when water pools, so if you’ve got a flat roof, it might not be the best option for you.

Silicone membranes generally offer better resistance to water and are relatively easy to apply however, unlike their acrylic counterpart, they can’t be re-coated with any other liquid products.

Roof penetrations

Some common commercial roof penetrations include; soil vent pipes, hot pipes from boiler flues for example, electrical cables for air-con units, and extraction ducting.

Penetrations are often needed to house important installations on the outside of a building where space is at a premium inside, however, because they can compromise your roof’s weatherproofing qualities, they should be implemented carefully and not without speaking to your weatherproofing installer first.

When it comes to roof penetrations and weathering systems Jones and Woolman UK is the expert. We’ve built a name for ourselves designing, building and installing first-class solutions that are structurally sound and weatherproof, and everything we do is bespoke to you. To learn more, take a look at our roof penetration and vertical penetration solutions.

What is the best material for a commercial flat roof?

Because flat roofs don’t disperse water quite as easily as pitched roofs, extra attention needs to be given to its waterproofing properties.

Popular weatherproofing solutions include GRP roofing systems, liquid coatings, single-ply membranes, EPDM rubber, reinforced bituminous membranes, asphalt, and waterproof paint toppings. Above all, however, GRP roofing systems offer the best performance and durability and should be the first choice for commercial roof repairs.

When should I replace my commercial roof?

There isn’t a set answer for this. Commercial roofs can last anywhere from 5 to 100 years depending on the type of materials used, quality of installation, and whether or not you’ve maintained adequate weatherproofing measures (like re-coating your membrane, for example).

Outside of wanting a new roof for aesthetic reasons, an internal leak or evident external damage is an obvious sign repair or replacements are needed.

Before you decide whether to replace the whole roof or just patch up a problem area, weigh up the pros and cons.

While on the one hand simply repairing your roof will be cheaper, it could be more costly in the long-run if a) it’s not done by an expert, and b) you end up having to replace the whole thing down the line anyway.

On the flip side, replacing your whole roof will undoubtedly result in a more structurally sound and weatherproof surface, however, it will also cost substantially more.

Our approach

At Jones and Woolman UK we opt to repair over replace to give our clients the best service, price and roof-life while safely postponing full replacements for up to another 25 years.

If your end laps are rusting we’ll seal over the laps, and if it’s your cladded structure that’s under the spotlight we’ll line the gutters, create new detail valley gutters, and then seal them over your existing ones.

The only type we’d instinctively advise to replace are felt roofs, and we’d do this with our premium replacement service which includes GRP which offers an incredibly resilient solution that can increase the longevity of a flat roof.

Are commercial roof repairs covered by building insurance?

Building insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your roof if a natural disaster (like a storm, fire or flood) hits or if it’s damaged by vandalism of subsidence.

How much you’re covered for will vary from provider-to-provider and you may have to pay an excess, but the money you recoup from your building insurance cover could make the cost of repairing or replacing your roof considerably less than you originally thought.

When it comes to the condition of your roof, cost should be secondary. Leaving structural concerns unattended will not only cost more to fix in the long-run but, worst case, could put your employees and customers in harm’s way too.

If you want to chat to one of our technical experts about your next roofing project or need some
practical and impartial advice, get in touch with the team on 01922 712111 or contact us here.

GRP flat roof repairs and installations

Share page here

The traditional method for finishing a flat roof is with a combination of felt and bitumen. Although this option does provide an attractive and durable result, it’s not particularly reliable over the long term. That’s why GRP roof repairs and roof installations are becoming increasingly popular.

GRP (also known as glass-reinforced plastic or fibreglass) is an extremely strong yet lightweight material that can be quickly and easily applied to flat roofs, providing a robust and weathertight finish that should last for many years. It is suitable for a wide range of projects, from domestic applications like small garden sheds, garages and house extensions, all the way through to massive commercial buildings like sports stadia and shopping centres.

The benefits of GRP roofing

GRP offers a number of benefits over traditional felt roofs – from its lifespan to its resistance to weather impact, mould, rot and fire. It is cold-applied, simplifying the installation process, and it can even be applied over existing roofing solutions, so you don’t need to worry about removing the old roofing materials before carrying out flat roof repairs.

 

Flat roofing: GRP vs felt
GRP Felt
Expected lifespan 25+ years 5-10 years
Can be installed over an existing solution X
Resistant to fire X
Capable of withstanding regular foot traffic X
Mould and rot resistant X
Weather resistant X
Cold applied X
Quick installation X

 

When a flat roof needs to be repaired, a quick solution is essential. After all, water and wind can cause a lot of damage in very little time. One of the main benefits of GRP – both for flat roof installations and repairs – is that it’s a cold-applied liquid, meaning that it is quick and easy to install. This is also advantageous for new roof projects, as it means you won’t have to wait long for the roof to be completed.

GRP is also a versatile material, and that’s why we also use it to construct other elements of a roof – such as architectural mouldings and upstands for roof windows and ventilation units, and it can be used to provide reliable weatherproofing around building penetrations.

GRP roof repairs and flat roof installations from Jones and Woolman UK

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, our team has extensive experience in both installing GRP flat roofs and carrying out flat roof repairs.

We work with a wide range of customers, from homeowners wishing to carry out improvements or repairs, through specifiers responsible for large commercial buildings. No job is too big or too small, and we are committed to providing a high level of service to every one of our customers.

Every month we buy in around two metric tonnes of GRP, and buying in bulk like this saves us around 40% on materials – savings that we pass on to you.

Whether you’re looking to repair a flat roof or install a new one, and whether it’s a garden shed or an international airport terminal, Jones and Woolman UK can help. To find out more or to discuss your project in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Vertical penetrations for cleanrooms and controlled environments

Share page here

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.

The benefits of GRP architectural mouldings

Share page here

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.

complex shapes and curves architectural mouldings

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.

25-year warranty GRP architectural mouldings

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.