Roofing and Solar PV Under One Guarantee
Garland UK Technical Manager
Sam Rigden
Approved Contractor
Byford Roofing Services
Garland UK System
Sector
Education
Avoided Co2 Emissions
17.25 Tonnes Annually
Return on Investment
4.5 Years
This project delivered roofing and solar PV under a single guarantee. Towers School in Ashford, Kent, embarked on the critical refurbishment of a core teaching block, where extensive roof failure was beginning to disrupt learning environments. In partnership with Richard Carré of Carré, an expert consultant and building surveying firm, Garland UK was appointed to deliver a complete building envelope solution, aiming to restore waterproofing integrity, improve thermal efficiency in line with regulatory targets, and reduce long-term energy costs through the integration of solar technology.
Solution
Garland UK developed a bespoke warm roof specification to meet the unique technical demands of the site. A tapered insulation scheme was introduced to resolve drainage issues and achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K, aligning with current Building Regulations. The build-up included a metal-lined vapour control layer, vented underlay, and a final cap sheet of StressPly Flex Plus, a high-performance bituminous membrane engineered to provide long-term durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress.
Installation was delivered by the approved contractor, Byford Roofing Services Ltd, with Garland providing regular on-site technical oversight through Regional Technical Manager Sam Rigden, ensuring that every detail adhered to the specification. The works were delivered in full compliance with British Standards and Safe2Torch guidance, giving the school’s estate team complete confidence in fire safety, regulatory alignment, and installation best practices.
To future-proof the investment, a 76.11 kWp Solarise PV system was installed by approved contractor Nimbus Solar Ltd. Designed in-house by Garland’s Solarise team, the system features 177 Solarwatt Classic 2.5 AM panels optimised for maximum rooftop output. The installation was seamlessly integrated with the roofing works, with both elements covered under Garland UK’s comprehensive Single-Point Guarantee, which takes full responsibility for design, materials, and workmanship.
Outcome
The project has significantly improved the building’s performance and long-term sustainability. The StressPly Flex Plus system now delivers robust, watertight protection alongside enhanced insulation, ensuring comfortable internal environments and reduced heat loss.
The Solarise PV array is forecast to generate 79,512 kWh per year, substantially offsetting the school’s energy demands and delivering significant annual savings, with an estimated return on investment within 4.5 years.
Environmentally, the system will prevent 17,254 kg of CO₂ emissions each year, reinforcing the school’s commitment to sustainability and contributing to national net-zero goals.
By delivering both the roofing and solar solution under a Single-Point Guarantee, the school benefits from simplified maintenance planning, reduced long-term risk, and a clear line of accountability, crucial for estates teams managing complex facilities portfolios. The completed scheme ensures compliance, lowers operational costs, and secures long-term performance.
Towers School now moves forward with a watertight, future-ready roof, one that supports education today and sustainability for years to come.
Two contractors, two guarantees, one roof?
When roofing and solar are procured separately, responsibility for a leak around a panel fixing tends to sit with nobody. A Free Roof Survey establishes whether the roof can carry an array and how long it has left, and your local Technical Manager can set out how both can sit under a single guarantee.
Commercial, public sector and industrial buildings, and large residential blocks. We do not survey individual domestic properties.
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