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Case Study

Solar & Roof Refurbishment for Multi Academy Trust

Garland UK Technical Manager
Rob Wall

Approved Contractor
Future Roof, ERS

Solar & Roof Refurbishment for Multi Academy Trust

Garland System

R-MER CLAD

Sector

Education

1st Year Energy Savings

£5,840

Return on Investment

4.2 Years

As part of its wider strategic estates and asset management planning, the South Bank Multi Academy Trust wanted to install a solar PV system at Carr Junior School to reduce electricity bills and protect the site from future energy cost increases.

In the early discovery stages of the project, the Trust instructed Garland UK Technical Manager Rob Wall to conduct a roof condition survey and solar yield analysis at Carr Junior School. The detailed reports help to understand the solar project’s suitability and potential yield capabilities at the site and determine if a solar PV installation makes a suitable long-term investment.

Challenge

The detailed roof condition survey revealed various issues with the existing build-up, including signs of cut-edge corrosion that had severely diminished the composite steel roof panels. In some cases, the protective coating was non-existent in large sections, exposing bare steel to the elements. In addition, multiple seal washers had corroded, and the fascia and gutters needed repair.

Following the survey findings, Rob Wall advised the Trust that the existing roof was unsuitable for solar PV installation in its current state. The roof would likely fail well before the expected lifespan of newly installed solar panels, meaning that for any future roof repairs to take place, the solar PV system would have to be completely removed and reinstalled again. This would result in significant repair and installation costs for the Trust and considerable downtime for the school’s electricity generation.

A roof refurbishment and solar system installation were recommended to ensure the Trust’s investment in decreasing future energy costs and long-term roof asset management plans were met effectively.

By simultaneously completing a roof refurbishment and solar PV installation, the Trust would benefit from Garland’s industry-leading Single-Point Guarantee. The unique guarantee provides complete liability coverage for the design, system, and installation quality of the roof and solar systems, whereby if any issue occurs, both investments are 100% protected. Importantly, the guarantee would include all the fixing points for the Solarise PV modules into the new roof system, ensuring complete investment protection, knowing that the solar and roof were covered solely by Garland for the future.

Solution

An initial Solar Yield Analysis revealed that by installing 70 PV modules using the Solarise system, Carr Junior School would realise a 28.7 kWp system, generating 26,287 kWh a year and providing £5,840 in first-year energy savings.

The optimum solution for the roof refurbishment was an overlay, utilising the hardy yet lightweight R-MER CLAD system. The steel-profiled metal sheet cladding was designed to retrofit over the existing roof, mitigating the need to remove and replace the roof structure and sending any unnecessary waste to landfill.

Before works commenced, a structural engineer reviewed the site and confirmed the project’s viability. Rob Wall assisted the Trust with the tendering process, and Garland UK Approved Contractors, Future Roof, was appointed to carry out the quality R-MER CLAD installation works. A vapour control layer was installed, followed by 2mm galvanised steel top-hat profiles, and a bar and bracket system with adjusted bracket height, to accommodate the 150mm additional insulation. Finally, the R-MER CLAD metal profile was installed to seal and securely waterproof the site from the elements.

Once the R-MER CLAD system was in place, the Approved Installer, ERS, installed the custom Solarise system, which comprised 70 Solarwatt Classic 2.0 Photovoltaic panels at a 15° inclination across the southeast and northwest roof orientations. The lightweight Solarwatt panels deliver high energy yields, even in challenging weather conditions.

A bespoke mounting system was used to fit the unique profiles of the R-MER CLAD system. This ensured the solar panels were firmly anchored while distributing the load evenly, preventing damage to the roof sheets. A Solis inverter was chosen for its excellent conversion efficiency and robust monitoring capabilities, offering high reliability and service life for the school.

Outcome

Rob Wall was the single point of contact throughout the project, providing twice weekly site visits throughout the roof refurbishment and solar installation and supplying detailed progress reports to all parties via Garlands’ cloud-based RAMP (Roof Asset Management Programme) system.

The roof refurbishment saw Carr Junior School significantly improve its overall thermal efficiency, achieving a 0.18 U-value. In addition, with the Solarise system in place, the school has successfully reduced its carbon footprint and is expected to negate up to 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly.

Specifying the R-MER CLAD system saw significant environmental savings for the Trust, where the encapsulation process (rather than complete removal) mitigated 4.7 tonnes of waste to landfill. The metal R-MER CLAD system is 100% recyclable, meaning that when the roof reaches the end of its natural life, the school has another opportunity to recycle the panels and avoid further unnecessary waste in landfills in the future.

On completion, Rob Wall supplied the South Bank Multi Academy Trust with Garland’s industry-leading 20 year Single-Point Guarantee for the R-MER CLAD system and a 15 year product and 20 year performance guarantee for the Solarise system.

With the Solarise system now in place, the Trust will see a return on investment for the solar installation in just over 4 years.

The team at Garland UK did a fantastic job! The new metal sheet roof and solar panel installation addressed our concerns about the building’s ageing roof and provided a sustainable energy solution for the school. We’re particularly impressed with the service we received from Rob Wall – his professionalism and clear communication throughout the project were invaluable. The school is already seeing the benefits of the improved roof and solar panels, and we’re confident this project will achieve the Trust’s long-term sustainability and cost savings goals.

Oliver Johnson

Director of Estates, South Bank Multi Academy Trust

Solar & Roof Refurbishment for Multi Academy Trust

Garland Technical Manager

Rob Wall

Approved Contractor

Future Roof, ERS

Technical Manager Rob Wall worked closely with the South Bank Multi Academy Trust to reduce the electricity bills at Carr Junior School and protect the site from rising energy costs in the future.

Quick Facts

Garland System

Dura-Coat

Sector

Residential

Project Saving Cost

£900,000

The storm exposed critical weaknesses in the original roof design, which had failed to cope with the site’s wind load demands. The closure meant immediate loss of revenue, reduced access to community leisure facilities, and growing urgency to reopen.

The replacement roof required complex engineering to match the building’s 40 metre wide dual-curved structure. Standing seam sheets up to 22 metres in length had to be precision-engineered off-site, with escorted delivery, timed road closures, and careful sequencing of work.

With only a small car park as the site compound, storage, crane operations, and contractor access needed meticulous planning. Moisture protection for the exposed structure was critical throughout, with temporary coverings installed until the new system could be sealed.

Garland UK Technical Manager Rob Wall specified the R-MER LOC standing seam metal system, designed for storm resilience, thermal efficiency, and long service life in marine climates. Its penetration-free, zip-free seam design enabled faster installation and allowed for thermal movement without panel distortion.

The system was tailored to the building’s complex geometry, with 22 metre top sheet runs and 18 metre lower runs. Approved contractor, Future Roof Leeds, carried out the works, reusing the existing perforated aluminium liner where possible to reduce waste and disruption.

A high-performance, foil-lined vapour control layer was installed, along with upgraded insulation and a breather membrane suitable for coastal exposure. Acoustic infills were also integrated to maintain internal sound control, enhancing the original system’s acoustic performance.

The 1,200 sqm roofing system was completed on time and within budget, restoring full functionality to SC2 Water Park and preventing further loss of income. Garland UK’s Roof Asset Management Programme (RAMP) now provides the Council with a complete digital record of the project, including inspection reports, guarantees, and maintenance guidance, giving estates teams full visibility for ongoing asset care.

Covered by a 30 year Single-Point Guarantee for design, materials, and workmanship, the Council has complete assurance that any issues will be resolved swiftly, without dispute or additional cost.

The reopening of SC2 Water Park has reinstated a much-loved leisure venue for residents and visitors, supporting local wellbeing, tourism, and economic activity. The storm-resilient design means fewer disruptions and reduced maintenance, and reliable year-round availability, even in challenging weather.

Robin Jones, Senior Building Surveyor at Denbighshire County Council, commented,

“The level of service from Garland UK has been first-class from start to finish. Rob and the team gave us confidence at every stage, from design to handover. The quality of the roof and the management of such a tricky site exceeded our expectations.”

Rob Wall, Technical Manager at Garland UK, added,

“This was a demanding brief in a harsh environment. The combination of curved geometry, extreme sheet lengths and complex logistics called for precision planning and strong collaboration. We’re proud to have supported the Council in getting this key venue back up and running.”