Ambulance Station Roof Upgrade Ensures Uninterrupted Emergency Care

Garland Technical Manager

Tom Ferry

Approved Contractor

NRA Roofing

A key ambulance station in the East Midlands was facing severe water ingress, significantly impacting its functionality and safety. The most affected areas were around the gutters and outlets, where substantial water penetration had occurred. The perimeter edge trim had also delaminated, causing further structural degradation.

Construction partner Stepnell instructed NRA Roofing to carry out the works. Tom Ferry, technical manager at Garland UK, conducted detailed roof surveys to identify the root cause of the issues and recommend a tailored waterproofing solution.

The investigation revealed that the existing bituminous waterproofing system had failed, and the insulation, with only 50-60mm of PUR and PIR materials, provided inadequate thermal performance. Standing water and debris on the metal and timber roofing deck further weakened the structure.

The roof refurbishment project was tendered through the SCAPE framework to ensure best-in-class delivery partners, robust governance and value for money.

Quick Facts

Garland System

StressPly Flex Plus

Sector

Blue Light Estates

Construction Partner

Stepnall

The ambulance station refurbishment presented several key challenges, primarily related to maintaining full operational capacity throughout the project. As an essential service provider, the site needed to remain fully functional 24/7, with minimal disruption to staff and daily operations. This required precise, phased planning and close coordination with all involved parties to ensure that ongoing work did not interfere with the building’s critical services.

Additionally, it was crucial to maintain the building’s watertight integrity during the refurbishment process. Given the existing water ingress and failed membrane system, careful attention was necessary to prevent further water damage while work was being carried out. The combination of ensuring continuous operations and safeguarding the structure’s integrity made this project particularly complex and sensitive, demanding a strategic and well-executed approach.

To address the critical issues faced by the facility, a warm roof design utilising Garland’s StressPly Flex Plus system was proposed as the optimal solution. This high-performance, multi-layer roofing system was selected for its exceptional durability, weather resistance, and long-term reliability.

NRA Roofing began by removing the existing waterproofing down to the deck and installing a vapour control layer. The introduction of 180mm PIR insulation significantly improved the building’s thermal efficiency, while the StressPly Flex Plus mineral cap sheet provided robust protection against the elements.

In line with Safe2Torch guidelines, high-risk areas, such as upstands and timber decking, were identified and protected before applying torch-on membranes. Flame-free self-adhesive membranes were used in areas where open flames were unsuitable, ensuring maximum safety throughout the process.

Harry Taylor, Contracts Manager at NRA Roofing, praised the system and collaborative effort,

“the StressPly Flex Plus system was an excellent choice for this project, not only because of its durability but also due to its ease of installation. The multi-layer system allowed us to work efficiently while ensuring a long-lasting, weather-resistant solution. The collaboration with Tom Ferry and the team at Garland UK was seamless, and their technical support throughout the process helped us complete the project smoothly and on schedule.”

Thanks to the swift and efficient work by NRA Roofing and Garland UK, the ambulance station remained fully operational throughout the 4-week project, ensuring essential services continued without interruption. NRA Roofing and Stepnell worked closely to schedule the work phases with precision, minimising any impact on daily operations.

Tom Ferry conducted weekly site visits to oversee the quality of the installation, ensuring every aspect met Garland UK’s rigorous standards. He provided regular updates to stakeholders through Garland’s online Roof Asset Management Programme (RAMP), offering detailed progress reports, project images, and ongoing updates.

The roof refurbishment significantly enhanced the building’s thermal efficiency, achieving a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K, meeting regulatory standards and contributing to a reduction in energy costs. The newly implemented tapered roof design also resolved standing water issues, ensuring the building no longer suffers from water ingress or ponding water.

Upon completion, Tom Ferry provided the station with Garland’s industry-leading 25 year Single-Point Guarantee. This comprehensive guarantee covers the system design, materials, and workmanship, ensuring long-term performance and durability for years to come.