星空传媒

Because it鈥檚 kind to the environment

No, not the ballast (stones). We鈥檙e talking about the thermo-plastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membrane used at this new PFI hospital in Hexham. The membrane produces no fumes, lasts 25 years or more and resists bacteria and lichen.

Enquiry number 200

Because the ruler of Dubai needed something a little bit special

This is the Gate House in Surrey, which houses staff who look after Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, when he鈥檚 in England. The roof comprises Alwitra鈥檚 Evalon singly ply roofing system. Why is it so special? 鈥淭he Evalon membrane is low in volatile plasticisers鈥� says Alwitra, 鈥渁nd is less prone to migration, splitting and cracking in places where the roof may be exposed to dramatic temperature changes鈥�.

Enquiry number 201

It鈥檚 like slate, but minus the nails

The maker of this tiling system, Nu-Lok Roofing Systems, is trying to break into the UK market. Apparently the system is commonly used in America and Down Under. Slate-coloured porcelain tiles snap on to galvanised steel battens, providing a strong, light infrastructure. This patented, weatherproof system resists corrosion and warping.

Enquiry number 202

Because you can just roll it out of the way

Mansell is building a new top floor on top of the engineering block at Overton Grange School in the London Borough of Sutton. They鈥檝e got to keep the rain off, but allow materials to be craned in. So, access contractor SGB supplied a temporary roof on rails covering 625 sq m.

Enquiry number 203

To keep out the draft

It looks just like the old building, but this extension of an 18th Century farmhouse in Cumbria used a modern membrane from Tyvek to benefit from its thermal efficiency. This membrane, the Supro breather membrane, allows you to build roofs without vents, says Tyvek, but the company鈥檚 vapour permeable membrane has been the subject of some controversy. Earlier this year the Advertising Standards Agency upheld two complaints regarding inflated claims about the Tyvek product and then the British Board of Agrement suspended the product鈥檚 certification. The ventilated roof lobby SureVent was quick to publicise both the ASA鈥檚 ruling and the BBA suspension, but the BBA soon issued another certificate for what seemed to be the same product. Tyvek itself maintained that the BBA suspension was just part of a planned upgrade to the manufacturing process that would expand the product鈥檚 durability.

Enquiry number 204