Home Our Approach Case Studies Ynystawe Primary School Tile Replacement with Metal System

Case Study

Ynystawe Primary School Tile Replacement with Metal System

Garland UK Technical Manager
Jordan Thomas

Approved Contractor
Glamorgan Services

Ynystawe Primary School Tile Replacement with Metal System

Garland System

R-MER TILE ST

Sector

Education

Client

Local Authority

The existing concrete roof tiles at Ynystawe Primary School were at the end of their natural life, causing severe internal leaks and daily disruption to the student’s and staff’s learning environment. The Local Authority instructed Technical Manager Dale Thomas to survey the school roof, specify a waterproofing solution that was durable and low-maintenance, and, importantly, ensure that the new system came with a trusted long-term guarantee.

Before works commenced, Garland UK Technical Manager, Dale Thomas, worked with the Local Authority client and the school’s Headmistress across site visits and meetings to fully understand the building’s requirements.

Challenge

As part of the roof works, a very large atrium rooflight needed replacement which was a challenging aspect of the project due to the short time available to install it.

Garland UK and Approved Contractor Glamorgan Services had a strict 2-week deadline to carry out the atrium removal and new installation (during the Easter school holidays) to ensure there was no disruption to the daily use of the school during their typical opening hours. Once Glamorgan Services had removed the atrium glass and frame, they installed a beautiful aluminium and glass rooflight to create a stunning new feature for the school’s atrium and entrance. There was a fantastic team effort from Glamorgan Services to complete the atrium installation in this timeframe.

The roof works were scheduled in a series of phases to minimise disruption as much as possible at the school, mitigating the need for blanket scaffolding or significantly restricting the student’s recreational areas.

Ynystawe Primary School is a prominent building on the main road in the middle of the village. It was essential to phase the works to guarantee smooth materials delivery and storage. Being a fully operational school Monday-Friday, special care and attention were made to ensure that on-site safety was considered. Providing site access points did not restrict any areas of the school’s playground or recreation facilities.

Solution

The Ynystawe Primary School utilised Garland UK’s R-MER TILE ST system, which combines traditional roof tile’s classic aesthetics with steel’s high-performance characteristics.

Ideal for complete roofing restoration, R-MER TILE ST was used as a replacement for the traditional concrete tiling at the school, available in a range of profiles and colour options to suit the building’s aesthetics. R-MER TILE ST offered superior performance and durability without the drawbacks of traditional tile, making it the optimum choice for Ynystawe’s roofing project. R-MER TILE ST is also incredibly simple to install and is 30% faster than traditional tile installations and up to 70% lighter than clay tiles.

Approved Contractor Glamorgan Services stripped the main pitched roof completely, removing the aged and broken concrete tiles before removing the existing felt and timber battens.

Additional ventilation rafters were added to the original timbers, followed by the rafter roll, which stops the insulation from blocking the ventilation gap. A carrying tray was also installed at the eaves to ensure the breather membrane did not sag, collect moisture, and keep the membrane free from ventilation openings.

A breather membrane was installed over the new rafters, allowing any warm moist air to be released into the atmosphere, but critically no rainwater was allowed into the building.

Battens were applied on top of the Breather Membrane before the R-MER TILE ST panels were positioned carefully and fixed before fine detailing, fascias and guttering were installed to complete the project.

Outcome

The Ynystawe Primary School project was completed on time and within budget, with all parties working closely together throughout the project.

Dale carried out twice weekly site visits to oversee the quality of workmanship and conduct detailed progress reports for all parties to review, providing complete transparency on the project’s advancements.

The local authority was pleased with the final R-MER TILE ST roof, noting the excellent communication, a high-quality waterproofing system, and a specialist installation that a professional outfit had carried out.

With a durable and watertight roofing system now in place, the school can also benefit from additional environmental advantages where the embodied carbon of the R-MER TILE ST system is dramatically reduced, thanks to its 100% recyclable qualities and long-term lifespan.

On final inspection of the installation, Dale supplied the school with Garland UK’s 20+20 year Single-Point Guarantee, providing market-leading cover that takes ownership of the design, material and quality of installation workmanship.

The school is now 100% leak free, meaning the students and staff now have a safe, dry and well-insulated learning environment for the future. The 20 year Single-Point Guarantee has given the Headmistress complete confidence in the long-term durability of the R-MER TILE ST system and peace of mind that their roof investment has been safeguarded for the future.

Ynystawe Primary School Tile Replacement with Metal System

Garland Technical Manager

Jordan Thomas

Approved Contractor

Glamorgan Services

Modern metal tile roof refurbishment at Ynystawe Primary School, with R-MER TILE ST, retaining the traditional aesthetics of the building whilst providing superior long-term durability.

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.”