Decarbonising Local Fire Stations for a Greener Future

One of the primary objectives was to upgrade the roofs’ thermal efficiency to meet the stringent U-value requirement of 0.15 W/m²K, a critical target for aligning with the council’s decarbonisation goals. To achieve this, the StressPly Flex Plus warm roof system was selected for its multi-layer waterproofing capabilities, which allow for thermal movement without risking breaks in the membrane. This warm roof design incorporated 160mm PIR tapered insulation, providing exceptional energy efficiency for the fire station.

The roof refurbishment project, executed by approved contractor Ryan Roofing, began with the installation of a metal-lined vapour control layer. This was followed by a combination of flat board and tapered rigid board insulation to ensure a uniform thermal barrier. The final phase of the installation involved adding a vented underlay and a mineralised cap sheet, completing the high-performance roofing system.

The project was completed on time and within budget in just eight weeks, with minimal disruption to the operations at East Grinstead Fire Station. Throughout the project, Sam Rigden conducted weekly site visits to oversee the quality of the installation, ensuring that the work met Garland UK’s high standards. He provided regular updates and maintained complete transparency with all stakeholders through the online Roof Asset Management Programme (RAMP), which detailed progress reports, project images, and ongoing updates.

The initial U-values at the fire station were recorded at a thermally inefficient 3.04 W/m²K. After the successful roof refurbishment, the building achieved a U-value of 0.15 W/m²K, meeting the stringent Part L regulatory requirements. The decision to use an overlay method not only achieved this significant improvement in thermal efficiency but also mitigated the need to send up to 8 tonnes of waste to landfill, contributing to the council’s sustainability efforts.

Upon completion, Sam Rigden provided the council with Garland’s leading 25-year Single-Point Guarantee. This guarantee ensures full accountability for the system design, materials, and quality of workmanship, giving the council confidence that the refurbishment and thermal efficiency upgrade will deliver reliable performance for years to come.

Ben Rickard, senior building surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, praised the outcome:

“Garland UK’s early roof investigations and technical approach to the roof refurbishment played a crucial role in our decarbonisation efforts. The new roofing system not only meets the stringent U-value requirements but also ensured the fire station can continue its critical operations without interruption. This project is a significant step towards the council’s net-zero goals.”