Roof and solar upgrade secures long-term savings for industrial estate

Technical Manager Daniel Sandell specified the R-MER CLAD system to overclad the asbestos roof. This avoided a costly strip-out while encapsulating the asbestos safely and eliminating the risk of fibre release. For the client, this meant work could be carried out without the disruption of full asbestos removal, keeping tenants secure in their units.

A new vapour control layer and supporting frame were installed, followed by high-performance mineral quilt insulation to meet the 0.18W/m²K target. The new profiled metal sheets were secured with stainless steel fixings and sealed at laps to ensure a watertight finish. Gutters were refurbished with a liner system to further protect the building envelope. The outcome was a future-proofed roof that complies with Part L, reduces heating bills, and lowers carbon emissions.

Once the new roof was in place, Nimbus Solar installed a 149.52kWp Solarise PV system, rail-mounted onto the R-MER CLAD sheets. The array of 336 Solarwatt panels will generate an estimated 145,500 kWh of electricity each year, meeting around 63% of the building’s demand. The system is forecast to achieve payback in under six years, and generate an accrued cash flow of over £1.2m across 25 years. 

With Solarwatt panels offering a 25 year system life, the client can be confident that the solar system will continue to perform for decades, supported by Garland UK’s roof-first approach. Both the roof and solar system are covered under a 20 year Single-Point Guarantee, ensuring no split liability and complete protection for the investment.

The refurbishment has secured tenant confidence, delivered clear ROI, and supported the Trust’s sustainability commitments. The new roof achieved a U-value of 0.18W/m²K, cutting heating losses and ensuring regulatory compliance. The solar system provides long-term protection against rising energy costs, with first-year savings of £13,500. The solar installation helps the Trust avoid more than 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, the equivalent to planting 1,280 trees every year. 

Around 37 tonnes of asbestos cement were safely encapsulated and diverted from landfill, eliminating future maintenance liabilities. For the Greenham Common Trust, the building is now watertight, energy-efficient, and future-proofed for decades. With Garland UK’s combined roof and solar guarantee, both assets are fully protected, providing peace of mind, risk mitigation, and cost certainty.

Mitch Thomas, Estates Management Assistant at Greenham Common Trust, said “Tenant confidence was our biggest priority, and Garland UK have helped us deliver that. The new roof and solar system not only resolve long-standing leaks but also provide the energy savings and compliance we needed. Their technical manager kept us informed throughout, and the process caused minimal disruption to our tenants. Knowing both the roof and solar are covered under one guarantee gives us absolute confidence in the investment.”

Daniel Sandell, Technical Manager at Garland UK, added:
“This project shows the value of a roof-first approach. By securing the building with R-MER CLAD, we created a compliant and watertight structure ready for solar. It’s a system designed for longevity, with a 20 year guarantee and Solarwatt panels that will perform for decades. Our role was to ensure the client had a future-proofed asset that supports tenant retention, sustainability targets, and long-term cost control.”