When Parmiter’s School faced escalating issues with a deteriorating pitched metal roof, the solution required a strategic, and sensitive approach. The project, funded through the CIF, required a solution that improved durability, safety, and energy efficiency while keeping the school fully operational. Garland UK’s technical manager, Daniel Sandell, led the design to transform the failing roof into a high-performance flat roof system.
Tackling Challenges Head-On The 2,742 m² roofing area presented serious structural and environmental challenges. Years of water ingress had caused extensive deterioration to the roof’s structure, posing potential safety risks due to wind uplift and detachment of internal timber framing. Compounding these issues, the roof’s thermal performance was severely inadequate, with a U-value of 3.36, far from current standards.
For a busy academy like Parmiter’s, high energy costs and thermal inefficiencies were a concern for the facilities that directly affected the comfort levels of pupils and staff. The need to drastically improve both safety and energy performance was paramount.
Designed For Learning Environments Daniel Sandell collaborated closely with main contractor Synergy Construction and Garland UK’s approved contractor, Accurate Roofing, to deliver a safe, efficient solution that would support the school’s day to day function without disruption. The specification involved converting the steeply pitched metal roof into a flat roofing system, retaining and upgrading the structure rather than fully replacing it. This solution minimised waste and avoided the noise and delays of full demolition.
A self-adhesive vapour control layer was added to reduce fire risks, a crucial safety measure given the composition of the original deck materials. To further enhance the roof’s performance, a tapered insulation system was installed to improve energy efficiency, followed by a base sheet to bond with the final layer. The final layer consisted of Garland’s BBA-certified StressPly Flex Plus torch-on cap sheet, widely trusted for its proven durability and waterproofing capabilities. This system was backed by a 25 year Single-Point Guarantee, covering design, materials, and workmanship, allowing the school to rely on a fully accountable building envelope partner to protect its learning spaces well into the future. Modern triple-skinned polycarbonate rooflights replaced the outdated Georgian-wired glass units, significantly improving natural daylight within classrooms and enhancing the learning environment.
Supporting Education Estates
This refurbishment was shaped by a commitment to creating a safer, more comfortable environment for teaching and learning. By reducing the roof’s U-value from 3.36 to 0.18, the school now benefits from vastly improved energy efficiency, translating into more consistent internal temperatures and lower running costs. The result is a building that better supports pupil wellbeing, staff productivity, and operational resilience.
School Business Manager Jon Whitehouse summed up the impact: “The transformation of our school’s roof has been remarkable. Garland UK’s thoughtful technical approach and smooth project management tackled our long-standing waterproofing and energy efficiency issues while keeping disruptions to our operations minimal. Their focus on safety, sustainability, and long-term performance shines through in every detail of the project.”
Garland UK continues to work with schools, academies, and trusts nationwide to deliver roofing solutions that align with both educational needs and estate strategies. With a service model that includes in-depth condition surveys, tailored designs, and ongoing maintenance support, all led by a dedicated technical manager, ensuring each project enhances both the building and the learning environment it supports.
