Cornish Flats
Central is working on housing refurbishment in the City of Hereford. The seven blocks of flats are in the “Cornish unit” style, made from pre-cast reinforced concrete sections. With distinctive hipped mansard tiled roofs around the top floor, they were originally built to boost housing supply after WW2.
- Client
- Sustainable Building Services Ltd
- Timescale
- 8 months
- Date
- December 2022
- Budget
- 975k
- Project Manager
- Guy Hedley , Herefordshire
- Project Location
- Hereford
Progress
After
task
Our refurbishment work involved removing existing tiles, strengthening roof rafters and installing steel metrotile roof tiles, known for their durability. We also replaced old roof insulation with modern thermal insulation, meeting building regs and limiting heat gains/losses.
Access to the site posed some challenges due to the presence of nearby shops and occupied sections of the properties during the installation process. The Central team had to navigate these difficulties by implementing traffic management plans and site security measures.
The close proximity of the site to nearby shops required careful coordination with the public to ensure minimal disruption to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Traffic management plans were put in place to regulate the flow of vehicles and maintain safe access to the area for both the public and construction personnel.
approach
The main product used on this project was Metrotile’s Burnt Umber Shingle tiles. These tiles were chosen for several reasons; versatility, suitable for non-traditional roof designs, lightweight and easy installation, and long-term guarantee.
The installation process of the product involved transforming the original mansard roofs, into a safer and more efficient roofing system. Firstly, hazardous formaldehyde insulation was removed by the asbestos removal company. Once the roofs were stripped down to the joists, a Vapour Control Layer was applied to the timber. Next, high-quality insulation was installed to maintain thermal efficiency and prevent heat loss, ensuring a comfortable living environment inside the building.
To ensure proper installation and ventilation, a counter-batten system was placed on top of the insulation. A breathable membrane was then carefully felted on top of the counter-batten system. Finally, foam battens were used to provide further support and stability to the roof structure.
solution
The project was completed on time, within the budget, and to the client’s approval. This indicates that the project was managed successfully, meeting its scheduled milestones, adhering to the financial constraints, and meeting the client’s expectations. The successful completion of the project suggests that the project team effectively planned, executed, and delivered the project to the satisfaction of the client.
The application of Metrotile’s Burnt Umber Shingle tiles significantly improved the sustainability of the project through a series of eco-conscious decisions and measures.
Additionally, the tiles’ durability and long-term guarantee further contribute to sustainability. With a 40-year guarantee provided by Metrotile, the roofing system’s lifespan is significantly extended. This reduced need for frequent replacements or repairs lowers the overall material consumption and waste generation over time. By opting for a durable and long-lasting roofing solution, the project minimizes its environmental impact and reduces the burden on landfill sites.