A birdseye view of the refurbished bituminous membrane warm roof system at memorial hospital

Green Plan in Action For Hospital Roof Refurbishment

Garland Technical Manager

Approved Contractor

  • Inspire Contract Services

Memorial Hospital, operated by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, required a critical roof refurbishment to extend the lifespan of its facilities, enhance thermal efficiency, and align with the Trust’s Green Plan commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The existing roof had reached the end of its serviceable life, posing risks of water ingress, increased energy costs, and ongoing maintenance challenges. Pellings LLP, an integrated design, property, and construction consultant, oversaw the project. Following Garland UK’s detailed roof condition survey, the team was appointed to deliver a robust, high-performance waterproofing solution that could be installed with minimal disruption to the hospital’s continuous operations while actively contributing to the Trust’s decarbonisation goals.

Quick Facts

Garland System
Sector

Healthcare

U-value

0.15

Single-Point Guarantee

25 years

Hospitals present unique challenges when undertaking remedial works, requiring precise planning and execution to avoid disrupting essential medical services. Memorial Hospital was no exception, remaining fully operational throughout the roof refurbishment project. This meant every aspect of the refurbishment had to be meticulously coordinated to prevent disruption to patients, staff, and critical healthcare functions.

Logistical constraints, including restricted access points and uninterrupted emergency routes, required strategic coordination for material deliveries and contractor movement. Furthermore, fire safety was paramount, necessitating full compliance with Safe2Torch standards to eliminate risks associated with hot works.

Additionally, the hospital’s existing insulation was outdated and failed to meet modern building regulations. An upgrade was essential to comply with current standards, enhance the building’s thermal efficiency, reduce heating costs and overall energy consumption, and support the Trust’s Green Plan objectives.

Garland UK’s technical manager, Jack Costello, oversaw the project with precision, specifying the StressPly Flex Plus bituminous waterproofing system. This high-performance solution was selected for its durability, resilience to extreme weather conditions, and suitability for complex hospital environments where reliability is paramount. The installation was carried out by Inspire Contract Services Ltd, a Garland UK approved contractor, ensuring expert workmanship and adherence to strict quality controls.

The refurbishment commenced with a comprehensive preparation and substrate inspection phase, during which the existing roof was assessed and areas requiring remedial work identified to ensure a stable base for the new system. A Torch Flex Vapour Barrier was applied to regulate moisture levels, preventing condensation-related issues that could compromise the roof’s longevity. A bitumen-faced PIR insulation board was installed to significantly enhance thermal efficiency and improve overall drainage, reducing the hospital’s long-term heating costs.

A Torch Flex Ultra-Vent Base Sheet was applied to create a robust base layer, forming a sound foundation for the waterproofing system. The final waterproofing layer consisted of StressPly Flex Plus, a durable, weather-resistant cap sheet that provides exceptional protection against environmental elements. This ensured a long-lasting, watertight seal that would support the hospital’s operational needs for decades to come.

As part of the refurbishment, the dated rooflights were replaced to improve the building’s natural light levels and contribute to energy savings. The project also strongly emphasised fire risk compliance, ensuring all high-risk areas were treated with self-adhesive membranes that fully adhered to Safe2Torch guidelines, eliminating the need for open flames in sensitive zones.

The hospital roof refurbishment was completed on time and within budget, delivering a significantly upgraded, high-performance roofing system that will ensure the hospital remains watertight and energy-efficient for decades to come.

The roof of the building now achieves a U-value of 0.15, and the insulation improvements have already led to noticeable thermal efficiency improvements and comfort for patients and staff, directly supporting the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s Green Plan to reduce carbon emissions from its buildings. 

Jack Costello visited the site twice weekly to oversee the installation and ensure all work met the highest standards. Garland’s RAMP system recorded all inspections, reports, and documentation in real time, providing complete transparency and a clear audit trail for the client and all parties involved.

Through expert planning, technical precision, and stringent quality control, Garland UK has delivered a seamless, future-proof solution that safeguards the hospital’s essential services while ensuring uninterrupted patient care. The refurbishment is fully backed by Garland UK’s 25 year Single-Point Guarantee, which provides complete peace of mind to Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and provides key assurance that the hospital’s critical infrastructure is protected with long-term reliability.