Building Research Establishment Report

Overroofing:
especially for large panel system dwellings

Building Research Establishment

Garston
Watford
WD2 7JR
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ohtained lmm:
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This publication is one of a series being prepared as part of the Building Research Establishment's
programme of investigation to assist local authorities and their consultants in appraisal,
maintenance and repair of large panel systcm dwellings.

Other ERE publications on large panel system dwellings are:

Building Research Establishment. The structure of Ronan Point and other Taylor Woodrow-
Anglian buildings. BRE Report. Garston, BRE, 1985.
Building Research Establishment. The struct~rraladequacy and durability of large panel system
dwellings. BRE Report. Garston, BRE, 1987. (Includes ERE Information Paper IP8187.)
Building Research Establishment. The structural adequacy and durability of large panel system
dwellings: summary of the report. B R E Informution Puper 1PXl87. Garston, BRE, 1987.
Cornish J P, Henderson G, Uglow C E, Stephen R K, Southern J R and Sanders C H. Improving
the hubitability of large panel system dwellings. BRE Report. Garston, BRE, 1989.
Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel systems: 1 Identification and typical defects. BRE
Information Paper lP8186. Garston, B K E , 1986.
Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel systems: 2 Remedial measures. BRE Information
Paper IP9186. Garston, BRE, 1986.
Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel systerhs: 3 Investigation and diagnosis of failures.
BRE Information Paper IP10186. Garston, BRE, 1986.
Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel systems: 4 Flat roofs, balconies and deck
accessways. BHE Informution Paper IP15186. Garston, BRE, 1986.
Harrison H W, Hunt J H and Thomson J. Overcladding external walls of large panelsystem
dwellings. BRE Report. Garston, BRE, 1986.
Hotchkiss A R and Edwards M J. Bison large panel system dwellings: constrrrctionul dc!tuils. RRE
Report. Garston. BRE. 1988.
Hotchkiss A R and Edwards M J. Reemu large puncl .system dwelli~lg,~:
constructional details. BRE
Report. Garston, BRE, 1987.
Morris W A and Read R E H. Appraisal of passive fire precautions in large panel syslem blocks of
flats and maisonettes. BRE Information Paper lP18186. Garston, BRE, 1986.
Reeves B R. Large panel system dwelli~lgs:prt<liminuryinformalion on ownerrhip and condition.
BRE Report. Garston, BRE, 1986.

BR 185
ISBN 0 85125 460 8

O Crown copyright 1991

First publibhed 1991
Applicaticrns to reproduce extracts
[rum the text of this publication
should be made to the Publications Manager
at the Building Research Establishment
Contents
Page
Preface v

Definitions used in this report

Introduction

Choosing between repairing a defective flat roof or overroofing

Establishing the condition of the roof
Structural survey of the building
Necessary repairs prior to overroofing

Reasons for choosing overroofing

Inadequate weathertightness of the roof
Improving thermal insulation
Changing appearance

Potential adverse effects of overroofing on the structure

Assessing the overroofing option

Preliminary costings
Life-expectancy considerations
Adjoining properties under different ownership

Choosing an overroofing scheme

Costs in use
Technical information from suppliers and other users
Performance specifications
Quality assurance
Feedback

Performance and functional requirements of overroofing

Codes, Standards and AgrCment Certificates
Strength and stability
Wind loads
Dead loads
Impacts
Anchorpoints
Weathertightness
Airborne water
Run-of7 water
Thermal insulation
Sound
Fire
Durability
Accommodation of movement
Required life
Pollution
Colour fasrness offinishes
Corrosion
Metallic roofing materials
Water ingress
Fixings
Thermal movement
Access to the roof for maintenance
 Replacement of damaged components
Buildability
Weather interference during construction
The necessary skills
Adjustability
Liaison with occupants

Component parts of overroofing

Thermal insulation
Supporting structure
Outer covering or weatherproof membrane
Fixings
Weighting
Adhesives
Clip-over or snup-together systems
Bolts
Shot firing
Screws
Rivets

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Bihliogrnphy

Appendix Case studies of applications of overrooting

Barkis House and Nickleby House, Buckland, Portsmouth
Dee Park Estate, Reading
4-24 St Andrews Crescent, Glasgow
46-52 Beldon Road, Shefficld
Corwen Close and Bala Close, Blackburn, Lancashire
Appleby, Ashfield Valley, Rochdalc
2 4 0 School Lane, Tolworth, Surrey
2,16 and 32 Queen Elizabeth Square, Hutchesontown Gorbals, Glasgow
Evelyn Clarke House, Forcst Row, Sussex
Crathie Court, Laurel Street, Partick, Glasgow
Dunbar Park, Whitfield Housing Estate, Dundee
Preface
In Octobcr 1984 the Minister for Housing and Construction announced a
programme of investigations by the Building Research Establishment of
dwellings constructed from large panel systems. This report is one of
many publications arising from that programme.

Local authorities and other owners are faced with conti~iu~ng defects to
flat roofs and adopt a variety of solutions to deal with them; overroofing
is one of the remedies. This report is based on information from system
suppliers and the experiences of local authorities who have carried out
overroofing. The intention is to share that knowledge with other owners,
and their advisers, who are considering options for their own dcfcctive
flat-roofed housing, so as to reduce the amount of repetitivc studies and
to achieve cost-effective and technically sound remedies. It is not a
design guide, but provides background information on the factors that
ought to be taken into account when considering remedial work for flat
roofs.

The report was edited by John Hunt from papers produced originally by
Marilyn Edwards. The case studies were researched and written by
Marilyn Edwards and Jim Thomson.
Definitions used in this report
Roofing materials the original flat roofing materials covcring the deck.

Repair applying patching to the original waterproof

membrane, but not covering the whole roof.

Re-roofing applying a completely new waterproof membrane to

the existing roof, whilst still maintaining a flat roof
construction. The original membrane may or may not
be left in place.

Overroofing applying a completely new skin, not necessarily a

waterproof membrane, to or over the existing
membrane. The new skin, which may or may not have
a separate supporting structure, increases the pitch of
the roof. It can be applied to roofs of both low- and
high-rise buildings. Overroofing may, and usually
does, include adding thermal insulation on top of the
existing roofing materials, but the primary aim is to
provide a durable weathertight cover protecting the
existing structure.
Introduction

This report discusses briefly the factors to he overroofing and the options available, and describes
examined by owners when considering remedial work the more widely available systems, such as increasing
for defective flat roofs on their housing stock. It is the slope of continuously supported 'flat' roofs, tiled
concerned with overroofing, and provides a technical timber roofs, metal sheeted roofs, and canopics, all of
framework for discussions between decision makers, which may or may not incorporate thermal insulation.
consultants and component suppliers to help them to
achieve an appropriate cost-effective solution. The main performance requirements for overroofing
- strength and stability, weathertightuess, thermal
Overroofing is one of several options for remedying insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance and
faults in flat roofs; it can range from simply improving durability - are discussed, and the major component
the falls on an existing flat roof to crccting a new parts of overroofing - thermal insulation, supporting
pitched structure and covering. structure, outer wcathcrproof laycr, and the fixings -
are described.
The report sets out the options for repairs and
overroofing; it describes how owners and their The report gives guidance on choosing and assessing a
advisers might proceed whcn deciding whether to suitable overroofing scheme, and considers the
repair a flat roof or to convert it into a pitched roof by requirements for future maintcnancc, thc buildability
ovcrroofing, and gives guidance on preparing a design of the chosen scheme and the benefits of liaison with
brief. It does not address the economic details of occupants during the remedial work. It uses case
whether to overroof or not, since each decision will studies to describc ovcrroofing schemes and the
need to be based on the owner's policy, resources and experiences of local authorities in England and
housing needs. Scotland (see Appendix). The report is confined to the
treatment of roofs. A separate report from the
It discusses the importance of inspecting and assessing Building Research Establishment (BRE) deals with
the condition of a flat roof and examines the different overcladding of thc vertical facadel.
mcthods of repair. It reviews the reasons for choosing

Choosing between repairing a defective flat roof or overroofing

Flat roofs have long been used for housing, especially The remedy has to be tailor-made to suit each
when low first-cost was a primary consideration. situation, and no two buildings arc cvcr thc samc.
However, unless designed and installed tn very high Owners also have their own policies and resources
standards, they have generally required major which often dictate the choice of repair. Establishing
maintcnancc or replacement several times during the what that policy is and what the owner intends to d o
lifetime of the building. with the building in the future ought to be one of the
first steps in preparing a remedial scheme.
Owners of flat-rooled housing have adopted different
policies for dealing with the continuing problem of Overroofing is not a panacea for all the ills of flat
defective roofs. Thme is no universal solution. Some roofs. Reinforced concrete of the quality found in
carry out overroofing as a standard policy on all their many non-traditional housing systcms such as large
flat-roofed buildings when they next require panel system (LPS) buildings, must be recoguised as a
maintenance, if the building has a rcasonablc lifc matcrial with a finite life. Overroofing is probably not
expectancy. Other owners reject overroofing, because an economic option if the supporting structure has a
of cost or for technical reasons. Some leave a decision short life expectancy or if the building is to be taken
until maintenance is required, whilst others undertake out of use within 20 years. Instead, one or two roofing
some form of trials before deciding. repair contracts would probably be more cost-
effective. However, in selected circumstances,
It is worth noting that unsuccessful attempts at repair overroofing may be the most cost-effective way of
are common, usually because the n~echanisn~s of improving the internal environment and reducing
failure were not recognised and inappropriate maintenance costs for the whole building over an
remedies were used. The experience of such extended life. Overroofing can be used to change
unsuccessful attempts may bias judgement against dramatically the appearance of a refurbished building.
possible repairs and in favour of overroofing.
Establishing the condition of the roof More information on assessing the condition of LPS
buildings is avdable in other BRE publicationsa'.
Probably one of the first essential things to do 1s to
establish the condition of the flat roof and to identify
It is rarely possible to carry out a full structural survey
the exact causes of any defects. The survey should be
carried out by a competent surveyor experienced in of an occupied building. It may be possible to gain
access to unoccupied dwellings, but the opportunity to
such work; should an incorrect diagnosis be made at
this stage, the final scheme is unlikely to be 'open-up' the structure will be very limited.
satisfactory. Guidance on investigating defects in flat
roofs is given in BRE's report on the weathertightness
of LPS buildings? Necessary repairs prior to overroofing
In LPS buildings, defects do not appear to be system-
Structural survey of the building dependent; that is to say, a wide range of defects can
The appropriate remedy or action on a defective roof and do occur on all kinds of large panel systems3.4J.
will depend not only on the roof itself, but also on the Before any owrroofing is begun, local repairs to the
condition of the building and the owner's concrete of the roof should be carried out. BRE
requirements for its future use. The condition of the D~gests263,264 and 2656 deal with the mechanisms of
building should be established by structural survey. corrosion, diagnosis and assessment, and repair of
reinforced concrete.

Reasons for choosing overroofing

Inadequate weathertightness of the There are many causes of dampness in flat roofs:
roof interstitial or surface condensation (due to faulty
thermal design), entrapped construction water, faulty
plumbing, and faults in the weatherproof membrane.

C
Reeves3 found that rain penetration was common at
discontinuities in the roofs, such as parapets (Figure
I), edges, pipes and flues, around plant rooms, and at
movement joints.
Wi Watemroof membranes can solit when subiect to

I excessive movement, especially movement in the

underlying roof slabs (Figure 2). When new, a

I membrane may be able to accommodate fairly large

local movements. but with age it may become brittle

I and more likely to split.

Figure 2 Tear~ngof the membrane at the movement joint

Figure 1 Rain penetration at parapets is a major source
of water ingress New membranes may be able to accommodate fairly large
local movements in the underlying roof. Without adequate
Successfully sealing the edge of the flat roof at the parapet provision, the membrane may eventually split as it becomes
often proves to be a difficult operation and many fa~lures brittle with ageing
occur. Repairing the leak can also be difficult and several
attempts at patching can be seen
Locating roof faults responsible for rain penetration Improving thermal insulation
can be particularly troublesome, especially if the fault Most of the earlier concrete system-built dwellings do
is on the roof's perimeter. Water can percolate down not have sufficient thermal insulation to meet today's
through cavities in the exterior envelope of the requirements, so additional insulation is usually
building before appearing on the inside, perhaps some specified in refurbishment schemes.
distance from the point or points of entry (Figure 3).
Prolonged wetting causes steel reinforcement to rust Internal insulation beneath the ceiling may be cheaper
and timber to rot, and degrades the insulating than external insulation. However, it is rarely possible
properties of thermal insulation. to eliminate the cold bridges where the roof joins the
infernal and external walls (Figure 4), and more
importantly, because it will be insulated from the
warmth of the dwelling, the deck will be colder and
water vapour is likely to condense on or within it.
Insulating the outside of the roof eluninates most
potential cold bridges (Figure 5). External insulation
should be protected by either a new membrane (re-
roofing) or a pitched roof (overroofing). The

Flgure 3 Water can appear on the inside of the building

some distance away from where it entered
Trac~ngtne source of a lea<can be very frustrating as the
water can oerwlate oown throuah cavities before it appears
in~thebuilding some distance away from its point of entry
Figure 4 Cold bridging paths with internal thermal
If the fault is only minor and the point of entry of rain- insulatton
water is obvious, it is generally advisable to repair Path 'a' - ioins in board and oaraoet
locally, either temporarily or more permanently. Path 'W-joins in boards and at light fittings
Repair methods for flat roofs are covered in BRE Path 'c'- joins in boards, internal door linings.
Information Paper IP151867. If the point of entry is not etc
obvious, or the problem is widespread, consider either Interna~lyinsu~atcngthe ceiling may be a ftnancially
replacing or covering the old weatherproofing layer attractive option but it usually leaves a cold brldge where
(this may or may not include additional thermal the walls jdn the roof
insulation). The alternative is stripping off the existing
roof, repairing the structural members as necessary
and re-laying a new covering, ie re-roofing.

The current generation of polyester felts and rubber-

modified bitumens are stronger and more elastic than
their predecessors, and can therefore provide an
enhanced life to a flat roof. This is invariably cheaper,
in first-cost terms, than overroofing. However, there is
a risk that repair or re-roofing may not restore
weathertightness, in either the short or longer term.

Where there are serious defects in the

weatherproofing membrane and at parapets, plant
rooms and other vertical facades above roof level, it is Flgure 5 Cold bridging reduced by wrrectly applied
worth considering the feasibility of overroofing. external insulation to path 'a' -external wall to
parapet
It is the presumed certainty of a long-term solution Insulating the outside of the roof eliminates most potential
that is the major attraction of overroofing. cold bridges
exception is the invcrted (or upside-down) roof, where dwellings. These risks can be avoided by appropriate
thc insulation lies on top of the memhrancn. designs together with adequate heating and ventilation
in thc buildings.
BRE's experiencc of flat roofs in Scotland has shown
that external thermal insulation is likely to perform Changing appearance
better than intcrnal insulation.
-
Manv LPS buildings have not ~ e r f o r m c das their
designers intended and the drab appearance of some
The introduction of a large amount of extra external estates makes them unattractive to occupants and
thermal insulation and other energy-saving techniques difficult to sell. Owncrs can d o a lot to restore and
such as reducing ventilation rates, may result in improve these estates and overroofing is oftrn used to
interstitial condensation on the internal face of the
insulation. Even with i m ~ r o v e dinsulation. the risk of .. ..
transform the appearance of a refurbished building
aramarlcauy.
surface condensation remains in poorly heated

Potential adverse effects of overroofing on the structure

The main cause o l condensation occurring in flat roof In spitc of taking all reasonable precautions to specify
construction is the poor ventilation of the roof void a durable overroofing system, it may be prudent to
and the absence or deficiency of the vapour check. choose one with removable panels or sections for
Ovcrroofing may make the situation worse, especially access at points where surveys have indicated some
where the original defects remain and the moist air risks to the structure, or where vital fixings may
from the building below is allowed to enter a cold become over-stressed. B R E Digest 2171" gives
roof. Vapour barriers may inadvertently be put in the guidance on the frequency of inspections.
wrong place.
Overroofing may protect the concrelc panels around
Overroofing can make inspections difficult, and could the parapet and thc top of the LPS building from wet
mask the signs of failure. Undetcctcd, prolonged weather. Although they will become dricr, this
wetting by condensation, or exposure in conditions of increases the rate of carbonation and reduces the
high moisture, is likely to cause other side-cffccts, protection of the steel reinforcement. Where added
such as damage to reinforced concrete or to other chloride is present, corrosion can occur in dry
structural elements supporting the roof. conditions. Dry concretc is more permeable to carbon
dioxide than wet concrete and, being drier, is also
Insulation placed above the deck must be sufficient to warmer, which increases the rate of the chemical
make condensation below the original roof covering reaction. Overroofing in this situation cannot be relied
unlikely. The effrctiveness of the added insulation upon to reduce future deterioration of the concrete.
must not be reduced by discontinuity or by ingress of
water or water vapour.

Assessing the overroofing option

Preliminary costings re-roofing and maintenance over the same period.
The following factors will need to be determined
before a final decision to overroof is taken. Since overroofing will normally cost less than
completely new construction, and it is therefore a
(a) The intcnded remaining life of the building. (This question of overroofing making the difference
is commonly taken to be not less than 30 years if betwccn usable and unusable dwellings, the decision
extensive and expensive rcmedial work, such as may become one merely of when sufficient funds
ovcrroofing, is to be carried out.) become available.

(h) The actual condition of the roof and the cost of Life-expectancy considerations
structural repair to achieve the remaining design There are two other important considerations:
life when overroofed, ie whcthcr the proposed
mcasures will achieve the intended life expectancy. (a) What is the expected life of the structure if
nothing is donc?
(c) Whether the total discounted cost of overroofing
and maintenance over the intended remaining life (b) What is the expected life of the structure if ad-hoc
is lcss than the total discounted cost of repeated repairs only are done as and when needed?
Adjoining properties under different Questions to be considered are:
(a) Will the private owner (part owner of the total
ownership roof) join in with the overroofing scheme, perhaps
This is not usually a problcm with high-rise housing. at a subsidised or cost price?
Individual dwellings are normally sold only on
leasehold, the building remaining in the ownership of (b) If not, can the overroofing be terminated
the local authority, a housing association or a tenants' successfully at its junction with non-participating
management trust. The problem is more likely to properties, especially with respect to drainage and
occur in low-rise terraced housing where the property weathertightness?
can be bought freehold and the purchaser is under no
obligation to join (or permit) any repair scheme. (c) Will this be aesthetically acceptable?

Choosing an overroofing scheme

There are several important aspects to preparing the cleaning, inspection, maintenance, repair and possible
design brief and assessing manufacturers' and replacement, for the remaining life of the building. In
suppliers' materials and systems: addition, the expected savings in energy use claimed
for the preferred overroofing systems should be
(a) Will the proposed overroofing system cure the compared.
identified faults?
It may also be important to consider the ease with
(b) What are the practical problems of applying a which components or sections o l overroofing may be
particular overroofing system? Complicated roof replaced or repaired.
plans make fitting prefabricated systems difficult;
site-assembled components allow more flexibility.
Technical information from suppliers
(c) How is a particular system likely to perform - and other users
what difficulties might arise in service Published cost and performance data on any particular
roofing system may be difficult to obtain. System and
with the roofing itself and materials manufacturers should be asked to supply
technical data for their products (certified by the
with the structure, now that its environment is British Standards Institution (BSI) or the British
to be changed? Board of Agrkment (BBA) wherever possible) and
information on the time to first maintenance, life
(d) What are the performance requirements? expectancy under stated conditions, maintenance
requirements, compatibility with other materials, and
(e) Are there any special needs affecting the choice of methods of sealing, jointing and fixing, etc.
materials?
Some systems seem to be deficient in technical back-
(f) Are thc proposals suitable for the type of building up or are himply developments or adaptations of
(eg high-rise needs an 'engineered solution')? existing roofing or even cladding systems, and there is
a limited number of contracting firms with experience
(g) Upon what principles is the design based? How of installing overroofing. Enquiries should be made of
much experience of the system is there? If the type and results of testing which supports the
innovative, are tests needed? Does it comply with supplier's claims and the source of expertise within the
relevant British Standards? firm.

(h) Does the proposed scheme answer the needs of Organisations other than housing authorities have
the building owner? considered, or have used, overroofing. Developers
have also become involved in the housing renovation
(i) Is there any experience of the preferred system? market, and their experiences may be relevant. The
potential suppliers should be asked to provide
(j) Who can assess the proposed scheme and information of such schemes in which they were
manufacturers' claims? Is there in-house expertise involved, so that a visit to see the buildings can be
or are specialist consultants needed? made and further information sought from the owners
and their advisers before any decisions are made.
Costs in use
As well as the capital cost of the overroofing scheme, Performance specifications
the client should consider its likely costs in use, ie Since it is very difficult to test overroofing systems
realistically, any performance specification stands in There are a few materials used in overroofing that are
danger of becoming a theoretical standard. The already subject to QA. They include coated metals,
performance specification therefore should not various kinds of insulation, concrete repair materials,
become part of the contract documentation; in the and anchors for fixing roofing to structures.
event of disputes arising, they will be almost
impossible to resolve. Contract documentation should Aspects of overroofing which are not yet covered by
be based on an explicit offer by a manufacturer and Q A include the crucial ones of design, execution, and
his designer for a specific design. This design, or a the performance of the system as a whole rather than
prototype, should be tested to as realistic a standard as the durability of the isolated components. However,
possible in advance if there is any doubt on any aspect certification to BS 5750 can be applied to any firm and
of its performance. could thus, in principle, be extended to include design,
execution and the performance of a roofing system as
Quality assurance a whole. This has, as yet, only occurred in a very
limited way, in that some firms of roofing contractors
Quality assurance (QA) has in the past been
have been certificated to BS 5750.
concerned mainly with the manufacturing process for
~ n d ~ s l d ucomponent\.
;~l I'herc ;rrc now .;cvcr;rl
ccrlification bodics who \sill cuarnine firms invulvr~Iin Feedback
component manufacture. The British Standards To assist in future decision making, it is advisable to
Institution, for example, operates the Kitemark collect data on the costs-in-use of the rehabilitated
scheme, where the component is checked for building. BRE recommends that a technical log be
conformance with an established British Standard, and established and maintained for all LPS buildings
the management of the manufacturing firm checked required to exceed 25 years of service life from the
for conformance with the Q A standard, BS 575011. date of construction. The log should contain detailed
Yarsley, Lloyds and other certification bodies will also records of the design, the actual construction,
certificate firms for conformance to the Q A standard inspection and maintenance history, use, performance
BS 5750, and, in a general way, for their ability to assessments and modifications4. The records should be
manufacture to any required specification. organised in a way which can be related to
procurement decisions on future schemes, and should
British Board of Agrement certificates are issued for preferably be available for use by colleagues in other
products where there is no existing British Standard authorities.
and where export approval is required for the product.
method of use. and its method of manufacture.

Performance and functional requirements of overroofing

Codes, Standards and Agrkment
- Strength and stability
Certificates A building must be capable of withstanding the extra
loadings that will be imposed by an overroofing
There is no single Code or Standard dealing with
system. Broadly, they fall into three categories: wind
roofing. The most relevant Standards are:
loads, dead loads and impact loads.
BS 6229:1982 Code of practice for flat roofs with
Wind loads
continuously supported coverings12
The ability of the building to withstand wind loads
should have been accounted for in the original
BS 5268:Part 2:1989 Structural use Of Limber' Part
structural design. If overroofing does net substantially
2: Code of practice for permissible stress design,
alter the shape of the building, for example if the new
materials and workmanship13
roof lies mainly below parapet level, it will not
significantly alter the wind loading. However, if it
BS 5268:Part 31985 Structural use of timber. Part
changcs the building profile there may be additional
3: Code of practice for trussed rafter roofsls.
wind forces exerted on the new roof (Figure 6) which
will be transferred to the building below. This subject
Other Codes and Standards dealing with specific
-
asnects of roofing are listed in the Biblio~ranhv.A
considerable number of British Board of Agriment
+
is dcalt with in CP 3:Chapter VPart 2'6.
Dead loads
certificates relate to products used in overroofing; the The building must be able to support the additional
current lists should be consultedl5. weight of the overroofing, which will vary
 anchorage positions identified, before overroofing
starts.

If the new roof lies generally below the exirtng parapet level. 11
Weathertightness
will 001 significantly alter the wind loading on fne building Weathertightness is arguably the most important
performance requirement of a roof; it is certainly the
one from which most complaints stem. The roof must
be capable of preventing wind, rain and snow from
entering the building. The air penetration of
overroofing is perhaps not so important; the original
roofing will probably still be performing fairly well in
this respect.

Airborne water
Driving rain is the most seeking of airborne water and
the roof is usually the most vulnerable element of a
building. Roofing materials should therefore be
relatively impermeable, with joints either fully sealed
or of sufficient overlap to prcvent rain-water
,
113,errooI ng r.os,av 3 3 lcrr I!c sn4ve ul !we o. a np inr.e penetrating the joint" (Figure 7). As a general guide
ma, DB ao010na n-0 IorCer e*enea on ,,,a ns* roof m c r w
38 lranrfeneo lo tne 0. a l g oeou
for low-pitched roofs, end laps should he a minimum
of 150 mm for normal exposure or 300 mm with a
Figure 6 Changed building profile may change wind mastic seal for regions of high exposure. Methods of
forces on roof assessing exposure ratings and heights of upstands are
Overroofing can substantially alter the profile of the building given in DD 93:198418.
and there may be additional wind forces exerted on the new
roof which will need to be safely transferred to the building
below

considerably depending upon the system used. Extra

imposed loads must also be taken into consideration,
and thc ovcrroofing skin, as well as the building
underneath, must he able to support any additional
snow loads and the weight of maintenance staff and
their machinery.

Impacts
Roofing is not normally prone to impact damage.
However, if the roof is accessible, such as on very low-
Minimum overlap x = 150 m m for pitches greater than 15'
pitched roofs, the subject of impact resistance should = 225 mrn for pitches less than 15'
he addressed. Walkways may be needed to allow
access for inspection and maintenance, and extra Figure 7 End laps in surface materials such as metal
protection might be needed over insulation placed on sheeting
top of the original flat roof. Where the newly formed
Ends aps sn roofing materials w II nee0 to be of s ~ lclent
roof space is available to occupants, eg as a drying overlap to prevent drfvingrafn from penerratfngthe lo nt
area, then the skin is vulnerable from the inside.

Anchor points Run-off water

The loads from the overroofing must be transferred to Water will accumulate on the surface of a roof unless
the structural components in the building. In LPS its fall is such that the water will flow away under
buildings, these are typically loadbearing cross walls, gravity. Because flow velocities will be low on shallow-
or loadbearing external walls. pitched roofs, joints (especially lap joints) should be
designed so that wind pressure acting against the flow
The anchor points must be identified, and designated, of water does not force water back into the joints.
so that their location on the original building can be Weathertightness will be improved if the joints can be
inspected and ascertained as sound. Anchorages must kept clear from the flow of water run-off (Figure 8)
be securely fixed into the structure. Any deteriorated and positioned above splash height -usually taken as
concrete will need to be made good, or alternative 150 mm.
Surface fixings should be driven in perpendicular to If overroofing is to he installed above a flat roof which
the surface, so that the weatherproof washer is is surrounded with a parapet, some of the original
compressed evenly (Figure 9). Sealants between outlets must be retained to prevent the roof area from
sheets must also be compressed evenly to make a good flooding and overloading the structure. Consideration
seal, and should be placed on the weather side of the should he given to overflows from roof-top tanks for
fixing point (Figure 10). the same reason.

Figure 10 Sealant positioning around or to the weather

side of the fixing's penetration hole
Figure 8 Joint in surface material above water level Sealants between sheets should be placed on the weather
side of the fixing point and compressed evenly to make a
Keeping the joint away from the flow of water run-offand good seal
positioning it above splash height will improve
weathertightness
Thermal insulation
Overroofing presents an ideal opportunity to upgrade
thermal insulation; it may even hc done for this reason
alone. Thermal insulation can he used in the new roof
structure in a variety of ways, but to be efficient it
should be laid directly on top o l the old roof without
any intcrvcning ventilated airspace. There are five
ways of adding thermal insulation:

1 on top of the weatherproof membrane (inverted

roof) (Figure l l ) ,
2 'inside' the weatherproof membrane (sandwich
roof) (Figure 12),
3 immediately underneath the weatherproof
membrane or separated from it by a small air space
(composite roof) (Figure 13),
4 laid on the old flat-roof membrane and protected
with an uninsulated canopy roof (Figure 14). or
5 internally at ceiling lcvcl in the dwelling below
Figure 9 A skew surface fixing resulting in an unevenly (Figure 15).
compressed washer
Surface fixings need to be perpendicular to the surface so Whichever method is used, it is important that the
that the weatherDr00f washer is com~ressedevenlv and a dew-point is calculated~~2o to avoid the risk of
weathertight seal is achieved interstitial condensation. This is especially important if
the original roof is insulated already, or if there is
more than one 'impervious' memhrane. In these cases,
Falls should be designed so that water flows directly to it will not immediately bc obvious where the dew-
outletslu. The new drainage system can be linked into point is likely to occur, even with calculation, because
the original system or the two systems kept separate. the relative permeability of the two membranes is
Using the original drainage system will entail unknown.
exposing, and perhaps removing, roof outlets in order
to make the new connections. In some situations the
Water vapour produced in kitchens and bathrooms
connections may have to be made inside the top-floor
should be extracted at source to prevent it migrating
dwellings.
 Ballast canopy roof
ltrussed rafter
/ z:t::boards and tlles, or
prof~ledmetal
Screed laid
to fa115
New waterproof

..

.:
. . . . .A
.# .......a.
.A'.'
.:
. :a,..
......
:. .

.:-
: a ,~.,:?j...5~.
. . . . . . . . . ,..
# ..
.:u . :
. . .. ". .?,
. ....,
.. . . .. . . . . . -. e . o , ~ . ' ; . , . , ..;;.:
..
. .
membrane
Old surface
\ material
\
Concrete deck
- Alr space

Figure 11 Addition of thermal insulation - inverted roof

-
Optlonal
,"s"lat,o"

.. ..". : . .. . ... .. ... . . . ..:. ,,,. ,

. . . . . .. . : , , . * . . : a
,:. . ;. . . , 1
metallfoamlmetal
sandwich panel

Air space
...
'. . ,.,.
a,:,
...
, ,

. .. .. .. .....
.
dd.
. 0 . . . .
. . . . Y . ,. .,.. :9.:
. . .. . .. . . . ? . . . . . . . .
,

....
,,

A,..
Original surface
material
. ,, Concrete deck
. .
a,. ;, ;.... : 6 ..:'. : . , : .
°
. . . .. . .. . . a.: . . . . .. . . .:-.=,Original
,.:
.
surface
Figure 14 Addition of thermal insulation -canopy roof
. .. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . s o
. . . .: .. :.; .. ;.;,:. ' " material
Concrete deck

-
Ors~nalsurface

New surface

Figure 15 Addition of thermal insulation - ceiling

Figure 12 Addition of thermal insulation - sandwich roof Upgrading the thermal insulation on the roof is often a major
part of an overroofing scheme. There are several ways of
adding the new insulation, but to be efficient it should be
-Profiled Sheeflng laid directly on top of the old roof without any intervening air
\Foam sprayed directly space
,,"tn "rn',ld sh.-tinn

. * .. . . . :...a ... , . o r ,
$ : ,: 2\0riginai surface Figure 11 shows an 'inverted roof' where the insulation is
0

.
9
.
.

.
. . .. .
.
. .
.'
'. :
. . ' '..
., . . . . .. .. . .. .. . .. . ; i . .
.6".
.
..:. . ... , . . 4 .,:', to,. ":' ;;;. -concrete
;
mater~al
dock
laid on top of the weatherproof membrane
'
Figure 12 shows a 'sandwich roof' with the insulation within
the weatherproof membrane

Figure 13 shows a 'composite roof' which has the insulation

immediately underneath the weatherproof membrane or
separated from it by a small air space

Figure 14 shows the option of laying the insulation on the

. .~ -., ,.. .. . .a
. .
' 7 , .. '.. . .,..a
. .
:..+ .:.2 -Original
material
surface
old flat-roof membrane and protecting it with an uninsuiated
a . . . .
# . ... : .P;.. .....;. . ..
.. .. . *,# . . . .
.. .*... ... ... . . . .& a. , . . e
4
.. .D .
. .
',
.,..
:;"
< ' '..C'
. I.'.:
. %Concrete
~. deck
canopy roof

Figure 15 shows the insulation installed internally on the

ceiling below the roof

A f i tProfiled sheeting
Sound
If the original roof is a continuous concrete deck

.
-..
. . . .
.
. : :.;,
D

.. . .
. ...,i

.:.
.<:
a
. . .'.' . .'b. . . .
': . /;-: -Concrete
.'
-Original
material
surface

deck
shared between two or more dwellings, this should
have sufficient sound resistance Lo meet the
... , ,
. . . . . . .. .. .. :..
requirements of the new roof. If the original deck i s of
a less sound-resistant material (some terraced housing
Figure 13 Addition of thermal insulation -composite roof has woodwool cement decking for example), the
separating walls should be continued u p to the new
into the roof. An extra safeguard is to ventilate the roof and sealed t o i t (Figure 16) to prevent airborne
roof above the uppermost layer of insulation. sound transmission within the enclosed air space.
 Fife stopping accepted Roof covering of maintaining their weathertightness. Therefore
as sound resistant seal I jointing materials such as sealants must also be
capable of similar movements.

In general terms, overroofing with small components

gives fewer design difficulties than overroofing with
larger ones, as the movement at each joint is very
small. Joints between larger components, especially
metal, must be designed to accommodate the
appropriate large movement. Slotted fixings are
normally used to accommodate the movement, but
cases are known of the fixings, usually steel, shaving
the edges off the softer metal sheets, and shearing off
Figure 16 Sound insulation in roof space the cleats in very long buildings. It may be possible to
use a continuous sheet from ridge to eaves, but the
In some situations, overroofing may create enclosed roof movement must then be accommodated at the eaves
spaces over dwellings which have roofs with poor sound and ridge.
insulation. Whereas in the past this may not have been a
nuisance, the separating walls may need to be continued up
to the new roof and sealed to it, to prevent airborne sound In roofs greater than 15 degrees pitch,
passing between dwellings weathertightness can be maintained by lapped joints.
and these seem to suffer less leakage due to
Overroofing may be used to improve sound insulation movement problems than lower-pitched roofs with
from exterior noises, such as aircraft noise. Since this sealed joints.
noise will mostly be airborne, any air paths into the
building, such as redundant drain-pipes or flues, will In theory, lighter-coloured components reflect more
need to be covered over. However, metal roofing may sunlight than darker ones and remain cooler, so
produce an unwanted drumming noise during heavy reducing movement stresses on laminated materials
rain which may have to be tolerated. Sound-proofing and joint seals, which prolongs their life. They will last
techniques such as damping or deep profiling can be longer if sheltered from sunlight. Jointing materials
used to reduce the 'tin-canning' effect on metal too can fail when they are degraded by exposure to
roofing. ('Tin-canning' is where the centre of a pancl ultra-violet radiation from direct sunlight.
expands or contracts more rapidly than the perimeter
and a loud report results.)
Required life
The normal expectation for the life of a rehabilitated
Fire dwelling, as a whole, is 30 years. In practice though, it
United Kingdom Building Regulations require is unlikely that all parts of thc system will achieve that
measures to prevent: figure, but special care must be taken to ensure
adequate life for any components which are difficult
(a) the spread of fire over the roof, and to inspect and are critical to safety. The durability of
the separate parts, their maintenance needs and ease
(b) the spread of fire from inside the building through of replacement must also be considered.
the roof to another building.
Although there is a lack of real data on the service
Each situation can only be assessed separately, with lives of the various materials and overroofing systems,
due regard being taken of the height, use and siting of some effort, even if nothing more than approximate
the building. calculations, should be made to match the expected
life of the system with the expected residual life of the
rehabilitated dwellings.
Durability
Accommodation of movement
Materials expand and contract with changes in their Pollution
temperature. Surface temperatures can be Marine conditions are particularly aggressive, and can
substantially higher, or lower, than air temperatures be experienced several miles inland. The combinations i
I
and, in any given orientation, the darker the colour of different materials under these conditions need to
the greater the extreme of temperature. Overroofing be assessed carefully. For example, precautions have
systems are usually of low mass, and being on top of to be taken to isolate stainless steel fixings from
the building exposed to solar radiation, and backed by aluminium roofing.
thermal insulation, their temperature rises rapidly.
However, at night they lose heat. The thermal Some materials may need special coatings; it is unwise
expansion and contraction of the roofing components to use anodised or mill finish aluminium in a marine
is accommodated at the joints, which must be capable atmosphere.
Care is also needed to specify the correct grade of in the form of an organic coating, eg epoxy, will be
material; type 316 stainless steel is very durable, but required.
with types 302 and 304 stainless steels in marine
conditions, care is required in design to prevent One type of ferrous metal which can be used without
crevice corrosion. additional protection is a weathering steel, eg Cor Ten.
These steels have a low rate of corrosion, and can
Whatever the location, it is as well to he aware of all weather to an attractive colour. However, there is a
sources of local industrial pollution. major drawback as the run-off from such material is
rust coloured and will stain adjacent materials i f it is
Colour fastness of finishes allowed to come into contact with them.
Suppliers may find that colour fiistness is impossible to
guarantee. Ultra-violet radiation is a factor, for Aluminium is a suitable material for overroofing, as it
example, in the degradation of plastics which may give has a low rate of corrosion. However, as the white
rise to colour changes in coatings. Needs should be corrosion product forms, the surface will become
assessed with each supplier. rough, and will entrap dirt and become unsightly.
Pollutants and contaminants will also be collected, and
Corrosion there will be a risk of accelerated corrosion.
The long-term performance of metallic components
will he dictated to a large extent by their resistance to The surface of aluminium can be protected with
corrosion and the environmental conditions they anodic coatings which can be coloured. Anodising
experience. Metals, even when given a protective produces a layer of oxide on the surface of the
coating, perform bcst in a clean, dry environment. aluminium which in practical terms delays the onset of
However, in practice it is virtually impossible to corrosion. However, when corrosion does occur in
achieve these ideal conditions, so metallic overroofing dark-coloured anodic coatings, the white corrosion
should be designed to be as free-draining as possible product is more readily seen than on non-anodised
in order to reduce the lodgement of dirt, dust and sheet. Aluminium sheeting pre-coated with organic
moisture on the surface. The roof space should be coatings is available. The visually acceptable life of
ventilated to reduce the risk of condensation occurring such material is essentially the life of its organic
on the underside of the sheeting, and the roof should coating. For some finishes, in excess of 30 years is
be undersheeted to drain away any condensate. claimed by the manufacturers, depending on type of
coating, environment, thickness and bond. In
Bimetallic corrosion of metals should be guarded aggressive environments it will he necessary to repaint
against, both in fixings and between fixings and metal at more frequent intervals to restore appearance.
roofing sheets. Contact between two metals does not Aluminium sheeting can also be coated by selected
necessarily cause corrosion, but the wrong alloys.
combination of metals under particular conditions
(including the presence of moisture) will accelerate Whilst mild steel and aluminium are likely to be the
the corrosion of the less noble. Guidance is available metals most commonly used for overroofing, other
in PD 6484:19792'. metals, such as stainless steels, copper, zinc and lead,
may also be usedl3. Most metallic systems, and somc
Metallic roofing materials non-metallic ones, are likely to be supported on a
The life of ferrous metals is directly related to the structure made from plain carbon steel, aluminium
nature and thickness of their protective coatings; alloy or stainless steel - the material being selectcd as
unprotected they are insufficiently durable for much for its strength or its light weight as for its
external use. Protective coatings can either be corrosion resistance. The degree of corrosion
metallic, eg zinc, or organic, eg PVC, or more resistance necessary for the supporting structure will
frequently a combination of both (a duplex coating). be determined by the conditions expected to occur
The most common metallic coating is zinc, although undcr the roof skin. Plain carbon steels will require
other hot-dipped coatings, eg of aluminium zinc alloys some protection, the most common coatings being
and aluminium, are available. hot-dipped galvanising or organic coatings, or both.
The required thickness of the zinc will he determined
The life of a zinc coating is dependent upon the by the size, chemical composition and method of
thickness of the zinc and the environment (especially manufacture of the components as well as by the
acidity of rain) to which it is exposed22. The thickness required life. Depending upon the service conditions,
of the zinc coating required to give protection depends aluminium may require protection, eg organic
upon many factors, but generally overroofing sheeting coatings.
is formed from pre-galvanised sheet, and this method
of manufacture generally restricts the total zinc Care must be taken to use suitable alloys. Copper-
coating weight to not grcater than 275 dm2 including bearing aluminium alloys should be rigorously
both sides. This thickness is unlikely to provide avoided.
adequate protection on its own, and further protection
The supporting structure and the cladding must be
compatible or isolated from each other. Similar
precautions may be required between the supporting
structure and the original building. Run-off water
from a copper roof should not be carried down
aluminium drainpipes.

Further information is given in BSI p~blications242~~.

Figure 17 Corrosion risk to protruding ends of fixings
Water ingress
The performance requirements for overroofing
Self-drivefixings may only have a thin protective coating as
become increasingly stringent with the height of the the cutting edge has to be sharp. Thereforethey can have a
building. Correct detailing will be needed to ensure very short life when exposed externally, and especially in
that the roofing is weathertight, to prevent water damp conditions. With care, the outer part can be protected
being trapped in the insulation, or joints, and held for but the cutting edge remains vulnerable
long periods against metal surfaces. It would be
wind action may also cause failure. For these reasons,
prudent, particularly at high levels, to assume some
self-tapping and self-driving screws should not be
water ingress, and to remove this as speedily as
considered as a permanent fixing where regular
possible by drainage and ventilation. Condensate
inspection would be difficult and the consequences of
should also be removed in the same way.
failure serious.
Fixings
Selection is based on factors such as strength, ease of Thermal movement
installation, compatibility with other materials in the The materials used in overroofing panels can be
roofing system, inherent corrosion resistance and cost. damaged when over-stressed as a result of thermal
The eventual choice is inevitably a compromise. movement being restrained by the fixings.
Components will either buckle or stretch and
Fixings must be manufactured from corrosion- excessive movement at the joints can over-stress
resistant materials, or have a corrosion-protective jointing materials and lead to failure. The effects are
coating which is adequate to withstand the service exacerbated if there is thermal insulation directly
conditions. These can be very severe, especially on under the roofing skin, since this prevents dissipation
of heat. This can cause severe problems in sandwich
high-rise blocks and where the loss of fixing in a
critical area will almost certainly result in the loss of panels, where the two skins, being at different
roofing in adverse weather. Some fixings, even those temperatures, move differently and may delaminate27.
Dark-coloured materials tend to get hotter than light-
manufactured from materials with a low rate of
corrosion, may need replacing before the roof coloured materials. The range of surface temperatures
covering itself. For example, there is evidence that can be high; BRE has measured a range of 100 K on
an insulated flat roof of sandwich construction and
corrosion of aluminium blind rivets has caused the loss
of otherwise sound roofing sheets. made recommended values for calculation2a.

Durability of fixings into the existing structure must

be assessed carefully. The risk of corrosion is greatest Access to the roof for maintenance
with chloride-bearing concretes. In these concretes, in No matter how durable the overroofing, it should be
the presence of moisture, 18-8 stainless steels are designed to allow inspections, maintenance and drain
subject to crevice corrosion: type 316 stainless steels clearing to be carried out. The overroofing, or roof
should bc specified. beneath, may also be the anchor point for access
cradles and the overroofing design must either
Particular care should be taken in the specification of incorporate these, eg under a canopy, or provide
self-drive screws.These are generally manufactured alternative means of access to the vertical facade
from carbon steel in order to achieve the desired (Figure 18).Future access needs should be considered
mechanical properties. The corrosion protection, at the design stage, since temporary measures, such as
normally a thin zinc or cadmium coating, has to be scaffolding, can be costly.
applied without dulling the cutting edge, and the life
of these coatings is usually measured in months rather On housing up to four storeys, access is usually not a
than years when exposed externally. The outer part problem - traditional scaffolding or long ladders will
can be protected, given an adequate slandard of normally be suitable. For inspection and minor repairs
workmanship, with an O-ring and plastics cup, but the above this height, internal access is obviously the
back is vulnerable (Figure 17). These fixings may be easiest and most convenient. If an existing trap-door
adequate in dry conditions, but in damp conditions or plant room accessway can be accommodated into
their durability is suspect. Repeated loading under the new roof, then all that is required is a trap-door
Rgum 18 Removable panels for
facadeaccess supports
Accea to the original roof and
maintenance cradles must
be provided in the overroofing

out onto the overroofing. If the original roof has a higher the building, the worse the sirnation becomes.
reinforced concrete deck, it may not be easy to cut a Work may have to stop. Fog can prevent the safe I
new trap-door;thraugh it; if the deck is pre-stressed operation of cranes, and high wind makes the handling
concrete then it would be undesirable to cut it. of large roofing sheets both difficult and dangerous,
especially when ladders and scaffold boards may be
Where access cannot be gained from the interior, it slippery with ice and snow. The curing time and ease
may be possible to extend any existing access upwards of installing sealing compounds and adhesives will be
from the facade; otherwise, either scaffolding, affected by hot or cald and wet conditions. Risks of
hydraulic platforms or climbing hoists will have to be hold-up should be considered at the planning stage.
used. The Meteorological Office offers a forecasting service
to the construction industry.
Replacement of damaged components
Some means of access to replace damaged If overroofing involves stripping back some of the
components will be necessary and specific measures original membrane, provision must be made (eg
may be requited to prevent access equipment, such as polyethylene sheet canopie) to cover up the exposed
unsecured cradles or crawling boards, causing further work. Some roofing materials are vulnerable to
damage. It should be possible to take out and replace wetting and must be protected.
individual panels or sheets without disturbing a whole
run. Special one-off replacement panels can be very The necessary skills
costly to supply, and uon-standard or unusual profiles Overroofing systems may need specialist skills not
may become discontinued and difficult to match. normally associated with construction. Their correct
installation is vital if they are to perform as intended.
Buildability Many are highly sophisticated designs: a missing
Simple and uncomplicated roof designs are not only gasket separating different metals, or the wrong type
more likely to be cheaper to build, they are also more of fixing, may easily negate months of w e f d
likely to be built as designed. Complicated investigation and design work. Every detail of the
workmauship, tight tolerances and omitted details work should be considered and clear instructions
from the working drawings, all contribute to on-site prepared.
improvisation, sometimes with unhappy
consequences. Some exampies of buildabiity Re-contract training, both for workmen and for
problems are descnid later, in the case studies. supervisors, may be necessary and 'trial runs' may
reveal problems and provide an early opportunity for
training. Appropriate trades should be briefed
Weather interference during beforehand of any special details, as many of these
construction roofs will, of necessity, be one-off designs.
It is virtually certain that werroofing work wiIl be
delayed or interfered with by bad weather; and the
Adjustability through the new roof or be capped over.
Buildings are never flat, plumb or square. Deviations
are often considerably greater than expected. It Liaison with occupants
should not be assumed that the dimensions shown on Overroofing can normally be carried out without
the original drawing have actually been achieved. The temporarily rehousing the occupants. Experience has
building should be measured, if at all possible, so that shown that tenants need to bc properly informed
fixing devices and components can have sufficient about the nature of the work, and its likely effects.
adjustability built-in to cope with the expected Liaison between the occupiers, the contractor and the
deviations. Re-entrant corners may complicate its owner is beneficial to all parties before and during the
plan; and plant rooms and the like must be contract.
accommodated - they may either be extended

Component parts of overroofing

Overroofing usually consists of four components: Supporting structure
Some overroofing systems, usually the added thermal
I thermal insulation applied either direct to the old insulation and new weatherproof membrane types, are
roof or incorporated within the overroofing system. laid directly on top of the old roof. The new
membranes can be supported by:
2 the supporting structure for the new weatherproof
covering, lightweight screeds laid to falls (Figure 19),
3 the outer covering or weatherproof layer, and tapered, or cut-to-falls insulation (Figure 20),
4 the fixings
polyurethane foam sprayed to falls (Figure 21), or
There is a range of materials and systems, and
sheet decking on firings or joists
numerous possible combinations to choose from. This
report can deal only with generic types and the
The material should be water-tolerant in case the
solutions found to have been used in the schemes
surface covering fails, and needs to be sufficiently
inspected.
robust such that it does not deform under imposed
loads. Some lightweight screeds need to be
compressed, usually by roller; the original roof deck
Thermal insulation has to support this weight and the weight of the
roofers. There may be no problem with a concrete
On a shallow-pitched roof subject to pedestrian slab, but lightweight roofs may not be strong enough
access, the thermal insulation is normally a rigid type and will need temporary propping.
of plastics or mineral wool hoard covered with
concrete tiles. Other insulation materials such as glass
fibre, cork and foamed glass are also available.
Materials which are not fire resistant must be
protected if used in public areas.

Quilted insulation is more suited to pitched

overroofing, where it is laid loose on top of the old
roof. It can accommodate irregularities in the roof
surface, and can easily be fitted around upstands.

Water tanks and piping isolatcd from the warmth of

the building below will need to be insulated to protect
them from freezing in cold weather.

The roof spacc above thermal insulation levcl should

be ventilated to reduce the risk of water vapour
condensing on cold surfaces. If the enclosed roof space
1s to be used as a clothes-drying area, this source of
extra water vapour must be removed by increased
ventilation in the form of louvred panels or the like. Figure 19 Lightweight screed being laid on original roof
 Figure 20 Tapered rigid insulation being laid on original
roo7
Where overroofing is la~ddlrectly on top of the old flat roof,
the new weatherproof membrane can be supported by
llghtwetght screed laid to falls (Ftgure 19), or tapered or cut-
to-falls raid lnsulation (Figure 20),by polyurethane foam
sprayed to falls (Ftgure 21) or by sheet decking
of Pittsburgh Coming (UK) Limited
Photo by c o u ~ s y

Photo of Mulhspray by wunesy of Freeman lnsulation LM

Some plast~csinsulation boards are intolerant of heat. On medium- and high-rise blocks, the overroofing is
They need to be h e d to both the substrate and the usually supported on steel trusses, or a steel
covering with cold adhesives, or bonded to another framework and purlins, which is relatively easy and
material which is less affected by heat. For effective quick to erect. Lightweight, low-pitch metal structures
and proper consistency, in-situ sprayed foams need to supporting long-spanning lightweight metal coverings
be sprayed in temperatures in excess of 18'C. have a weight advantage over the traditional tiled
roof. On taller buildings, a shallower pitch is generally
Other overroofing systems are based on a self- more viable from the wind loading aspect.
supporting structure spanning the original flat roof.
Tunber trussed rafters with concrete or clay tiles are A major performance requirement of these structures
commonly used for overroofing low-rise housing is durability. Timbers, even though they are not
schemes, where access and materials handling is not exposed to rain, can become damp in the cold
normally a problem. Their traditional appearance too environment of a roof void and should therefore be
makes them popular. The main problem with these treated with preservative. Metal structures should be
types of structure is weight, but substitute lightweight protected against damp caused by condensation. In
metal tiling can be used. uninsulated canopy roofs, condensation can occur on
the underside of the surface material at times of clear concrete tiles and metal sheets. Because some water
night sky radiation. Hygroscopic coatings are available will penetrate these coverings in adverse weather, a
which absorb the excess moisture at these times, and sarking felt is usually fixed beneath them. Unsealed
then later release the moisture back into drier air. roofs are generally acceptable for roofs over 15
These have been used with some success in storage degrees of pitch. The tiles or sheets do not have to be
hangars. As a general rule, metal overroofig will manufactured to high tolerances, and can be easily
have a maximum life of about 20 years to first fitted to suit the building by adjusting the overlaps.
maintenance. Thermal movement of the covering is provided for by
allowing the components to slide at the overlaps.
Outer covering or weatherproof
membrane Fixings A

Weighting
Sheet metals are usually of steel or aluminium. Steel is
Aggregate, paviqg tiles and interlocking boards are
protected by galvanlsing and powdercoated paint
used to hold down (and protect) membranes and
systems, or by stoved or vitreous enamels. Galvanised
insulation on flat and low-pitched roofs. The weight
steel is available with polyester coatihgs, silicone
should be calculated, as the ballast has to hold down
polyester coatings and vinyl coatings. Aluminium is
the covering and resist wind scouring29 (Figure 22).
protected by polyester coatings, PVF2 and modified
Some boards have interlocking edges to resist wind
alkyd coatings. These powder-coated paint systems are
uplift, and being light they are easy to install and to lift
re-paintable when maintenance becomes due, usually
for subsequent inspection and maintenance. The
after about 20 years.
ballast is often used to provide the roof with its
Long steel sheets up to 20 metres in length are surface-spread-of-flameprotection.
available, but are susceptible to curvature due to the
'roll memory'. Care will be needed to provide for their
thermal movement lengthways; movement across the
width will be automatically compensated for by the
inherent flexibility of the cormgations. Provided the
sheets are protected to a standard not less than that
given in the appropriate Agrtment Certificate, and
there are no abnormal pollutants, a basic life of
approximately 30 years ought to be expected, with a
maximum life to first maintenance of 20 years.

The quality of the cover on the back of the sheets

should not be inferior to that on the front, because of
the risk of condensation oecumng on the underside of
the roofing. However, it is not possible to maintain the
PhOtO WUneSY Of SECO, B~ssels
full protection to cut edges, so sawn edges especially
should be protected by a joint overlap wherever Figure 22 Wind scour of gravel ballast on roofs
possible. Sheared edges are less vulnerable to
corrosion. Many profiled metal sheets have, as Loose gravel will move under the scourlng action of stoml-
forcewind and may be Mown off the roof. The abilfty of
standard, a less protective coating on the inside than loose ballast to resist scour for the particular situatlon
that on the outside, and are not recommended for should be calculated. The size of ballast may have to be
overroofing situations. ~ncreasedor gravel in thevulnerable areas of the roof
replaced wfth pavlng stones
'Sealed roofs', which are sealed against air and water,
have a continuous weatherproof layer such as built-up Adhesives
felt or a sealed metal skin. They are recommended for Epoxy resins, rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate,
roofs below 15 degrees of pitch, but must remain and bituminous and spray-on foam insulants, are the
sealed to perform satisfactorily. Common materials types of adhesives used in overrwfing.They are
used in sealed roofs are bitumen felts and single-ply sometimes supplemented with mechanical fixings.
membranes, which have adhesively fixed or welded However advanced the formulation, adhesives alone
seams. Other materials used are profiled metal and must not be relied on to fix the supporting structure or
glass-fibre-reinforcedpolyester sheets, and metal the covering.
sandw~chpanels, whose seams may or may not be
sealed. Many manufacturers attach stringent conditions to the
use of their adhesives, and set strict limits on the
'Unsealed roofs' are designed to be watertight with temperature, moisture and cleanliness of the substrate
little or no air sealing. They are either loose-laid and and components. This could restrict their use under
lapped, like plain tiles, or nested or clipped together site conditions.
by their overlapping profiles, like interlocking
The majority of adhesives are nut fireproof and need The main disadvantage of this group of fixings is that
protcction, to prevent surface flame spread or there is very little room for crror ol'alignment. They
softening. Adhesivcs must be compatible with the are suitable only when joining sheets of the samc typc:
other materials; some solvcnl adhesives attack even sheets of nominally similar profile may not fit
insulants, and substrates such as plastics melt and together properly.
soften at the high tcmprralure5 at which some
bituminous adhesives are applied. Bolts
Bolts are often used in the assembly of the supporting
Clip-over or snap-together systems steelwork and proprietary roofing systems.
Variants of these (Figure 23) are found in proprietary
metal sheet systems. Sometimes known as 'secret' Where layers of covering include a crushable thermal
fixings, they are ideal for fixing weathertight surfaces insulation or mclal profile, it is easy to over-tighten
because they do not penetrate the material. In 'zip-up' the bolts. This causes the crushablc layer to collapse
systems, a machine folds the joint together once the gradually, and the fixing becomes loose. Specially
components have been positioned (Figurc 24). designed largc-headed washers and spacers or torque
wrenches should be used to avoid this (Figures 25
and 26).
Sheet steel
cladding
Ins"la.0"
Lming board
1-bar

Figure 25 Spacers used to avoid crushing non-rigid

materials (spacers should be small to minimise
reduction in thermal performance at fixing
points)

Figure 23 Example of secret fixing system

'Secret' f,xlngssdcn a s tnose n proprietary metal sneet
systems are dea lor f ~ nax weatnerproof s~rlacesoeca,so
they do not penetrate the material

Figure 26 Spreader washers to avoid crushing non-rigid

materials

If fixings are over-tightened, any crushable thermal

insulation within the covering. or the metal orofile. mav
gradually collapse and so loosen the fixing: Figure 25'
shows the use of spacers and Figure 26 shows the use of
specially designed large-headed washers to avoid this

The heavier expansion-bolts or resin-grouted anchors

are usually specified to tie the supporting structures
Figure 24 Example of zip-up roofing down to thc building, but they need to be carefully
installed. The concrete must bc sound, and care taken
Machine-foldedjoints, the so-called 'zip-up' systems, are
suitable when joining sheets of the same type, but even not to crack it when the holes are drillcd or the fixing
then there is very little room for error of alignment or in the tightened. Ideally, the bolts should be tightened to a
sheet profiling specified torque.
The strength of resin anchors is determined by the
composition of the grout; this must be thoroughly
mixed and of the right consistency and speed of set to
stop it slumping down the side of the bolt and running
out of horizontal holes. The strength gain of the resin
will be much reduced by lower temperatures; these
fixings must not be loaded until the resin has reached
full strength, as premature loading may reduce their
ultimate strength. Some concern has been exprcsscd
about the possible softening of resin fixings in a fire.
This is currently being investigated at the Fire
Research Station.

Shot firing
Shot firing of hardened steel pins into precast
reinforced concrete should be avoided. The fixing may
he insecure under heavy or cyclical loading, and the
firing destroys the protective plating on the pin,
making it non-durable.

Screws
Most proprietary sheet coverings will need to be fixed
through the sheet. Self-tapping screws into metal
should be avoided, but corrosion-resistant wood
screws into timber is an acceptable fixing.

Rivets
Choose compatible metals for the rivet, sheeting and '

supports.
Conclusions 4 Building Research Estahlishment. The structural
adequacy and durability of large panel system
1 Overroofing is one of several options for remedying dwellings. Building Research Establishment
faults in flat roofs. However, few LPS dwellings Report. Garston, BRE, 1987.
have been overroofed, and BRE therefore has only
a limited knowledge of how well they havc 5 Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel
pcrformcd to date. systems: 3. Investigation and diagnosis of failures.
Building Research Establishment Information
2 Before the decision to overroof is made, all othcr Paper IP10186. Garston, BRE, 1986.
options concerning repairs or re-roofing should be
examined. The condition of the building and its 6 Building Research Establishment. The durability
suitability for overroofing should be established, of steel in concrete. Part 1: Mechanism of
and the likely effect that overroofing might have on protection and corrosion. Part 2: Diagnosis and
the building should be assessed. assessment of corrosion-cracked concrete. Part 3:
The repair of reinforced concrete. BRE Digests
3 Overroofing is not a panacea for defective flat 263,264 and 265. Garston, BRE, 1982.
roofs, but in selected circumstances it can improve
living conditions for tenants and reduce 7 Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel
maintenance costs. It can be used to alter thc systems: 4. Flat roofs, balconies and deck
appearance of a refurbished building. accessways. Building Research Establishment
Information Paper IP15186. Garston, BRE. 1986.
4 Considerable care needs to be taken when assessing
overroofing systems. For example, the chosen 8 Building Research Establishment. Flat roof
scheme should be capable of curing the identified design: the technical oplions. ERE Digest 312
defects in the flat roof, but it should not adversely Garston, BRE, 1986.
affect the performance of the rest of the building.
Prospective contractors and suppliers should be 9 Cornish J P, Henderson G , Uglow C E, Stephen R
asked for evidence supporting claims for their K, Southern J R and Sanders C H. Improving the
systems and materials; wherever possible they habitability of large panel system dwelling.^.
should be 'Quality Assured'. Building Research Establishment Report.
Garston, BRE, 1989.

Acknowledgements 10 Building Research Establishment. Wall cladding

defects and their diagnosis. BRE Digest 217.
In addition to John Hunt, Marilyn Edwards and Jim
Garston, BRE, 1978.
Thomson, the following other BRE staff have
contributed to this report: J R Britten, D Buckton,
11 British Standards Institution. Quality systems.
A J Butler, R N Cox, R J Currie, K E Fletcher,
British Standard BS 5750. London, BSI, several
H W Harrison, W T Hide, E J Keeble, J R Mayne,
parts 1981 to 1987.
J L Smith, S J Wozniak. Thanks are also due to the
many officers in local authorities who contributed to
12 British Standards Institution. Code of practice for
the studies and who gave facilities for buildings to be
flat roofs with continuously supported coverings.
inspected, and to several consultants, manufacturcrs
British Standard BS 6229:1982. London, BSI, 1982.
and contractors for information freely given.
13 British Standards Institution. Structural use of
timber. Part 2: Code of practice for permissible
References stress design, materials and workmanship. Briti.sh
1 Harrison H W, Hunt J H and Thomson J. Standard BS 5268:Part 2:1989. London, BSI, 1989.
Overcladding external walls of large panel system
dwellings. Building Research Establishment 14 British Standards Institution. Structural use of
Report. Garston, BRE, 1986. timber. Part 3: Code of practice for trussed rafter
roofs. British Stan~iardBS 5268:Part 31985.
2 Edwards M J. Weathertightness: a guide to London, BSI, 1985.
understanding and improving the weathertightness
of large panel system dwellinsv. Building Research 15 British Board of Agrkment. List of certificates.
Establishment Report. Garston, BRE, 1990. BBA, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford.

3 Reeves B R. Large panel system dwellings: 16 British Standards Institution. Code of basic data
preliminary information on ownership and for the design of buildings. Chaptcr V Loading.
condition. Building Research Establishment Part 2:Wind loads. Code (of Pructice CP 3:Chapter
Report. Garston, BRE, 1986. VPart 2:1972. London, BSI, 1972.
17 British Standards Institution. Code of practice for
sheet roof and wall coverings. Part 1: Aluminium,
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CP 143:Parl 1:1958. London, BS1, 1958. to the repair and replacement of built-up felt roofs.
London, Bickcrdikc Allen Partners. 198.5.
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assessing exposure to wind-drivcn rain. Draftfor Euroroof Ltd. Re-roofing: a guide to flat roof
Development DD 93:1984. London, BSI, 1984. maintcmuncc! and rqfurhi.shment. Cheshire, Euroroof
Ltd, 1985.
W British Standards Institution. Code of practice for
drainage of roofs and paved areas. British March F. Flat roofing: a guide lo good practice.
Standard BS 6367:1983. London, BSI, 1983. London, Tarmac Building Products Limited, 1982

W Building Research Establishment. Condensation. Property Services Agency. PSA technical guide ro'lat
BRE Dige.71 110. Garston, BRE, 1972. roofing: Volumes I and 2. Garston, BRE, 1987.

21 British Standards Institution. Commentary on Public Hcallh Act, 1936, Part 3, section 92.
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Published Docunient PD 6484:1979. London, BSI, The National Fcdcration of Roofing Contractors.
1979. I.ryuirl roof coatings: a guide to specifying procedures,
diagnosis and preparation. London, The National
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steel. BRE Di,qe.sr 305. Garston, BRE, 1986.

23 Building Research Establishment. Stainless slecl Building Research Establishment

as a building material. BRE Digest 121. Garston, publications
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Edwards M J. Weatherproof joints in large panel
24 British Standards Institution. Specification for systems: 1. Identification and typical defects. Builrlirlg
aluminium alloy sections for structural purposes. Re.search Estahli.shment Information Paper IP8186.
British Standard BS 1161:1977. London, BSI, 1977. Garston, BRE, 1986.

25 British Standards Institution. Code of practice for Laidlaw R A and Pinion L C. Metal plate fasteners in
protective coating of iron and steel structures trussed rafters treated with preservatives or flame
against corrosion. Hriti.vh Standard BS 5493:1977. retardants - corrosion risks. Building Re.~mrch
London, BSI. 1977. Esrablishnient Information Sheer IS11177. Garston,
BKE, 1977.
26 British Standards Institution. Guide to life
expectancy and durability of buildings and Roberts M H. Carbonation of concrete made with
building clcmcnts, products and components. dense natural aggregates. Building Research
Draft Standard for Public Comment DC 87115323. Establishment Information Paper IP6181. Garston,
London, BSL BKE, 1981.

27 Thorogood R P and Saundcrs G K. Metal skinned BRE Digests

sandwich panels for external walls. Blrilding 8 Built-up felt roofs (1970)
Re.search E.stablislzment Infornzarion Paper
IP17179. Garston, BRE, 1979.

28 Building Research Establishment. Estimation of 119 Thc assessment o l wind loads (1 984)
thermal and moisture movements and stresses:
Part 2. RRE Digest228. Garston, BRE, 1979. 121 Stainless steel as a building material (1982)

29 Building Research Establishment. Wind scour of 141 Wind environment around tall buildings (1972)
gravel ballast on roofs. BRE Digest 311. Garston,
BRE, 1986. 44 Asphalt and built-up felt roofings: durability
(1972)

180 Condensation in roofs (1978)

217 Wall cladding dcfccts and their diagnosis (1978)

227 Estimation of thermal and moisture movements 33 Flat roofs: built-up bitumen felt - rcmedying
and stresses: Part 1 (1979) rain penetralion (1983)

228 Estimation of thermal and moisture movements 34 Flat roofs: built-up bitumen felt - remedying
and stresses: Part 2 (1979) rain penetration at abutments and upstands
(1983)
229 Estimation of thermal and moisture movements
and stresses: Part 3 (1979) 55 Roofs: eaves gutters and downpipes -
specification (1984)
263 The durability of steel in concrete. Part 1:
Mechanism of protection and corrosion (1982) 56 Roofs: eaves gutters and downpipes
installation (1984)
264 The durability of steel in concrete. Part 2:
Diagnosis and assessment of corrosion-cracked 60 Single wall flue pipes for class 11 appliances -
concrete (1982) location, fixing and shielding (1984)

265 The durability of stecl in concrete. Part 3: The 63 Flat or low-pitch roofs: laying flexible membranes
repair of reinforced concrete (1982) when weather may be bad (1985)

284 Wind loads on canopy roofs (1986) 83 Dual-pitched roofs: trussed rafters; bracing and
binders - specification (1986)
295 Stability under wind load of loose-laid external
roof insulation boards (1985) 84 Dual-pitched roofs: trussed rafters; bracing and
binders- installation (1986)
305 Zinc-coated steel (I 9%)
93 Chimney stacks: taking out of service (1987)
311 Wind scour of gravel ballast on roofs (1986)
106 Cavity parapets - avoiding rain penetration
312 Flat roof design: the technical options (1986) (1987)

332 Loads on roofs from snow drifting against 107 Cavity parapets -installation of copings, dpcs,
vertical obstructions and in valleys (1988) trays and flashings (1987)

Defect Action Sheets 110 Dual pitchcd roofs: trussed rafters -

1 Slated or tiled pitchcd roofs: ventilation to specification of remedial bracing (1987)
outsidc air (1982)
3 Slated or tiled pitched roofs: rcstricting the entry 111 Dual-pitchcd roofs: trussed rafters - installation
of water vapour from the house (1982) of remedial bracing (1987)

4 Pitched roofs: thermal insulation near the caves 112 Dual-pitched roofs: Lrubsed rafters -
(1982) specification of remedial gusscts (1987)

5 Pitched roofs: trussed rafters - site storage

(1982) British Standards Institution publications

7 Pitched roofs: boxed eaves -preventing fire British Standards on roofing

spread between dwellings (1982) There is no single Standard for roofing. The most
relevant Slandards are:
8 Pitched roofs: separating wall/roof junction -
prevcnting fire spread between dwcllings (1985) BS 6229:1982 Code of practice for flat roofs with
continuously supported coverings
9 Pitched roofs: sarking felt underlay - drainage
from roof (1982) BS 5268 Structural use of timber

10 Pitched roofs: sarking felt underlay - Part 2: 1989 Code of practice for permissible
watertightncss (1982) stress design, materials and workmanship

27 Extcrnal and separating walls: lateral restraint at Part 3: 1985 Code of practice for trussed
pitched roof level - specification (1983) rafter roofs

28 External and separaling walls: lateral restraint at

pitchcd roof level - installation (1983)
 Part 4: Fire resistance of timber structures. BS 5493:1977Code of practice for protective coating of
Section 4.1:1978 Method of calculating fire iron and steel structures against corrosion
resistance of timber members
BS 5534:Part 1:1978 Code of practice for slating and
Part 5: 1977 Preservative trcatments for tiling. Part 1: Design
constructional timber
BS 5930:1981 Code of practice for site investigations
Other British Standards relevant to roofing
BS 44Y:Part 2:1969 Specification for the use of BS 6229:1982 Code of practice for flat roofs with
structural steel in building continuously supported coverings

BS 6XO:Part 2:1971 Specification for roofing slates BS 6367:1983 Code of practice for drainage of roofs
and paved areas
BS 747:1977 Specification for roofing felts
BS 6399:Part 1:1984Loading for buildings. Part 1:
BS 1161:1977 Specification for aluminium alloy Code of practice for dead and imposed loads
sections for structural purposes
CP 3:Chapter VPart 2:1972. Code of basic data for the
BS 2989:1982 Specification for continuously hot-dip design of buildings. Chapter V Loading. Part 2: Wind
zinc coatcd and iron-zinc alloy coated steel: wide strip, loads
sheetlplate and slit wide strip
CP 143:Part 1:1958 Code of practice for sheet roof and
BS 4978:1988 Specification for softwood grades for wall coverings. Part 1: Aluminium, corrugated and
structural use troughed

BS 5228 Noise control on construction and open sites CP 144:Parts 3 and 4:1970 Roof coverings. Part
3:Built-up bitumen felt. Part 4:Mastic asphalt
BS 5250:1975 Code of basic data for the design of
buildings: the control of condensation in dwellings DD 93:1984 Methods for absessing exposure to wind-
(under revision) driven rain

HS 5427:1976 Code of practice for performance and

loading criteria for profiled sheeting in building
Appendix Case studies of applications of overroofing
Barkis Home and Nickleby House, Buckland, Portsmouth

Owner Portsmouth City Council

Building Reema 18-storeyLPS flats

Date built 196465

Site details Estate in town centre, approximately 1mile from sea

Original roof 41 m x 15.4 m reinforced concrete slab covered with asphalt, re-entrant at
centre of block by plant room, parapet, pipes, flues, television aerial, stair-well, tank room
(Figure 27)

Figure 27 Photo by couriesy of city ~rchitectomm mouth

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing History of rain penetration, roofs patched and taped

Designed by City of Portsmouth Architects Department

Consultants Ove Arup

Contractor Hall and Tawse

Installed January 1988

Rehabilitation scheme Dry-pack installation and strengthening anchors with plates on

gable ends, gable ends overclad, overroofing, repair and cleaning of concrete panels on
main elevations, new windows, some internal refurbishment of public areas, construction
of new community centre
Overroofing system
Pitched canopy, comprising profiled sheet steel; higher over stair-well, plant and tank
rooms (Figure 28).

Figure 28

Supporting structure (Figures 29,30 and 31)

Light steel lattice framework tied down to the main building structure via built-up plinths
tied to loadbearing cross walls under roof slab. Canopy constructed inside the perimeter
of the original parapet. Roof pitch 30 degrees. Hipped roof at gable ends. Highest part of
canopy covers plant and tank rooms, and stair-well.

Photo by courtesy of City Architecf Portsmouth

25
 Photo by murtesy of City Architscf Portsmouth

Flgure 31 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the City Architect Portsmouth)

Thermal insulation
None.

Outer covering
Profiled steel BSC Colorcoat sheeting coated on both sides to the same specification to
resist marine environment attack. Gutter connects to existing drain-pipes. Sheet ends
plugged with profiled foam infiffl strips.

Roof ventilation
Vents at ridge to which bathroom extract fans connected. Soil and waste vent pipes
extended through new roof.
Other details
Existing television and radio masts to be retained with minor re-siting, removable panels
for installation of cradle outriggers above parapets, gutter walkway incorporated and
headroom under roof for maintenance.

BRE comments and feedback

The framework gave limited headroom. No thermal insulation was incorporated into the
final design, but there is ample room for loose-laid insulation on top of the original flat
roof surface, should it be desired in thc future. The specification of the surface material's
coating reflects the need to protect the sheet steel from corrosion in a marine
environment. Exposed tips of fixings on the underside of the overroof have been painted.

It is early days to give feedback on this scheme. However, during construction therc were
a few complaints from occupants of excessive noise during a heavy thunderstorm, thought
to be transmitted through either vent pipes or upper-storey windows. Overall, the scheme
has been well accepted by the occupants.
Dee Park Estate, Reading

Owner Reading Borough Council

Building Bison three-storey LPS terraced flats, internal stair-wells

Date built 196749

Site details Estate on rising ground above town centre

Original roof 43 m x 9.5 m reinforced precast concrete slab covered with asphalt and
chipping cover on 25 mm fibre board insulation, central internal rain-water outlets, terrace
is staggered, small parapet

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Roof leakage, condensation and mould growth in all flats, flats
were cold to live in

Designed by Reading Borough Council Architects Department. Trussed rafters bv

TRADA

Installed August 1985

Cost £16 500 (note: part of major refurbishment scheme)

Rehabilitation scheme Complete internal refit, replace wooden window subframes, install
double glazing units, replace timber infill panels, overroofing

Overroofing system
24 degree pitch trussed rafter roof, Marley interlocking tiles, hipped at ends, split level at
stagger (Figure 32).

Figure 32
Supporting structure (Figure 33)
Loadbcaring cross walls built up in 100 mm blockwork. Rolled steel joists (rsjs) span
between thcsc walls the length of the terrace. Trussed rafters assemblcd and bolted
together in sitti and erected on top of rsjs at 1900 mm centres. Common rafters 38 mm x
100 mm, purlins 50 mm x 175 mm, rafters 100 mm x 50 mm. Height of blockwork and rsjs
sufficient for verges to clear parapet.

Corlcrefe or block Concrete padstone '

suppan we,,

Figure 33 (Based on architect3 drawino, by permission of TRADA)

Gable ends formcd from 12 mm external grade plywoodITAC board stud partition. At the
stagger, this partition continued across the roof (TAC replacing the plywood sheet) to give
half-hour fire resistance. Sole plates fixed to structural concrete by Hilti system resin-
bonded anchorages. Partitions fixed back to rafters and purlins for required rigidity and
stability.

Thermal insulation
100 mm thick glass fibre loose-laid on original roof surfacc

Outer covering
The pitched roof finished with Marlcy Modern roof tiles with Marley uPVC dry verge, on
25 mm x 38 mm softwood battens, on BS 747 type if sarking felt. A fanlight installed for
access in the rear elevation.

Plywood gable ends clad with 'Trespa' cladding boards on battens on BS 747 type If
sarking felt, fixed with brass screws complete with centre rings and cover caps. Cladding
closed by raking batten at stagger intersection. Lead flashing detail at stagger intersection
held by tile clips every fourth course, and by copper clout nails.

Roof ventilation
Provided by 10 mm (approximately) slots in the soffits.

Other details
Existing rain-water outlets redundant and therefore sealed and capped. Existing soil and
vent pipes cxtended and projected through new roof covcring via lead flashings. Ncw
central boiler flues also extended but flashed using flue manufacturer's preformed
flashings. Water tanks for the new central boilers accommodatcd in the roof space on
specifically dcsigned tank stands.

BRE comments and feedback

Two different roof designs were at first proposed. The one that was rejected by Reading
BC incorporated a hipped detail at the stagger; this would have made the terrace look like
two blocks, and incorporated an inaccessible gulley between the two roofs, making
maintenance of drains difficult.
Reading BC comments
No specific methods of working were required other than normal construction skills.
Generally, performance has been good, both from the aesthetic and a practical point of
view. However, two points have arisen and been dealt with:

(a) The existing roof was constructed in what was assumed to be pre-stressed precast
concrete and, as such, has presented practical difficulties and cost implications in
forming access hatches. As a result, access hatches were formed in the pitched roof.
This in turn proved difficult especially during winter conditions. During demolition of
similar blocks, it was discovered that the roofs were indeed precast but not pre-
stressed. Loft access hatchways have now therefore been formed internally.

(b) Despite double insulation of pipework and storage tanks, and tubular heaters fitted
next to the tanks (operated thermostatically), freezing of pipework still occurred
during severe winter conditions due to eaves ventilation. Pipe tracing has now been
added to avoid recurrence.

This type of overroofing is proving very popular in low-rise housing stock.

4-24 St Andrews Crescent, Glasgow
Owner Housing Department, Glasgow District Council

Building Six-storey deck-access block of flats and maisonettes, Bison slab floors, column
and beam construction with brick infill

Date built 196671

Site details Town centre

Original roof 47 m x 12.4 m reinforced concrete Bison slab with sandlcement screed,
asphalt covering

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Asphalt detailing had failed owing to thermal movement, and
water penetration had occurred through brickwork of parapets and plant rooms

Designed by Glasgow District Council Architects Department

Contactor BJK Aitken Ltd

Installed 1985

Cost fl5.601m2

Rehabilitation scheme Overroofing only at present, may be overclad at a later date

Overroofing system
Profiled insulated steel sheet (Ruberseam) mansard roof covering parapet (Figure 34).

Figure 34

Supporting structure (Figure 35)

Existing parapet walls removed and a new mansard shape formed in steel columns and
beams bolted to existing concrete roof structure. Gable ends formed in vertical roof
sheets. Metal Z sections fastened to columns and beams to carry surface sheeting.
Thermal insulation
Thermal insulation integral to Ruberseam system.

Outer covering
Ruberseam system with large box guttcr at foot of mansard roof. Roof area for
maintenance access only, translucent panels in area of the roof. All pipes taken through
the roof with flexiblc rubber bolt-on collars.

Roof ventilation
Permanent ventilation provided by vent panels.

Figure 35 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the City of Glasgow)

Other details
Access for maintenance, etc, via doors to stair-wells, and then to outcr roof via a trap-door
in the Ruberseam system. Vertical facades maintained via mobile platforms. No drying
areas on the roof. Plant and tank rooms accommodated in the mansard roof shapc.

No roof repairs were carried out on the existing roof. The steel structure was erected over
the whole root', then sheeting proceeded. The existing roof structure continued to function
until the new roof was completed. Some temporary sealing was required at new column
details.

B R E comments and feedback

The reason for overroofing this building was a purely functional one; that is, the
elimination of water penetration. This has been succcssfully achieved. The mansard
structure effectively covers all of the defective roof. Since matching of existing materials
would have been difficult, a conscious decision was made to have a contrasting, hut still
environmentally acceptable, material for the roof.
46-52 Beldon Road, Sheffield

Owner Sheffield City Council

Building Vic-Hallam two-storey timber-framed terraced housing

Date built About 1965

Site details Estate in town outskirts, on a hillside ;. -' .~

_ ' I . $ .

Original roof 20.7 m x 7 m plywood decking covered with asphalt, staggered terrace with
nominal upstands, soil and vent pipes (Figure 36)

Figure 36
Photo by courtesy of the City of Sheffield Metropolitan District

Overroofmg
Reasons for overroofing Existing structure was rotten

Designed by Sheffield City Council, Department of Design and Building Services

Contractors Pearson and Satterley

Installed December 1986

Cost &228/m2

Rehabilitation scheme Refurbishment of vertical facades, tile hanging replaced by brick

on gable ends and exposed walls at the stagger. Internal renovation of water penetration
damage

Overroofing system
Decra steel tiles on 22.5 degree pitch gang nail roof trusses, hipped at ends of terrace
(Figure 37).
 Figure 37
Photo by courtesy of the City 01 SheIfioid Matmpolitan District

Supporting stmcture (Figure 38)

Existing roof deck stripped to first-floor ceiling (after removal of electrics for later
reinstatement) and rebuilt, except for the asphalt. Trusses then erected. Three different
trussed rafters manufacturer-designed to Sheffield CC's specification, one for the main
body of the roof, two others to form the hipped ends; braced at ceiling and rafter level,
and each tied to the wall plate by truss clips. Wall plate strapped down to the main frame
of the building by a 450 x 30 x 3 mm stainless steel strap and coach screw between each
truss. Ridgeboard formed by 100 x 37 mm timber, hip line by 200 x 37 mm timber. A 150
mm overhang at the gables formed by a flying rafter and gable ladder. At the stagger, a
partition formed from 50 x 25 mm battens on felt on 12 mm Supalux boards closed the
exposed gable. Supalux partitions installed above party walls for fire protection.

Figure 38 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the City of Sheffield Metropolitan District)

Thermal insulation
150 mm Rockwool laid between trusses.

Outer covering (Figure 39)

Decra steel tiles on 50 x 50 mm battens on sarking felt, with ridge capping and gable closer
in the same material. 300 mm wide damp-proof course on 5 mm thick external grade
plywood gave continuity of drainage between the sarking and the new uPVC gutter.
Existing rain-water fall-pipe sealed off, and new rain-water fall-pipes connected to the
existing drain. At the intersection of the opposing pitches at the stagger, a valley gutter
formed from code 4 lead flashing. Fibreglass blanket fire stopping installed on the
studding at this point to prevent fire passing between properties. uPVC fascia boards,
soffits and shiplap boarding on the exposed gables at the stagger.
 Figure 39
(Based on architect's drawing, by permission of
the City of Sheffield Metropolitan District)

Roof ventilation
Proprietary ventilation strip installed in the soffit to maintain a 25 mm wide ventilation
gap.

Other details
Existing flues, soil and vent pipes extended and cranked as necessary, and fitted with new
cowls and flashings. New flues specified to be True Flue Twin-Wall or equal approved.

Sheffield CC checked on the suitability of existing foundations to take the extra load, the
trussed rafter design and bracing (to Trussed Plate Association recommendations), and
drainage.

BRE comments and feedback

Two drawings were submitted giving two alternatives for fire protection - Supalux
partitions or blockwork. Alternative centres for trussed rafters were given - 610 mm or
1.17 m. The hipped roof design was chosen so that drainage from the duo-pitched roof
could be collected into the original drains on one side of the building. The roof covering
may suffer on occasion from condensation due to cold night sky radiation.

This lightweight system of overroofing is proving to be very popular for low-rise flat-
roofed buildings.
Corwen Close and Bala Close, Blackburn, Lancashire

Owners Blackburn Borough Housing Committee

Building Traditional two-storey terraced housing with garage under downhill side

Date built 1962

Site details Exposed steep hillside in Pennines town

Original roof 84 m x 37 m approximately. Deck material: boards on joists. Surface

material: built-up roofing, no insulation (Figure 40)

Figure 40
Photo by wunesy of the Borough of Blackburn

Overroofing
Reasonsfor overroofing Additional accommodation required, felt roofing at the end of
its useful life

Designed by Blackburn Borough Council, Department of Development Services

Contractor Hindle and Padbury, Accrington

Installed 1987

Cost £190 000 (f372Im2 including cost of additional accommodation)

Rehabilitation scheme Overroofing an integral part of a scheme to convert three-

bedroomed dwellings to five-bedroomed, extra accommodation incorporated within the
roof space

Overroofing system
Trussed rafter, 50 degree pitch with dormers, gable end pikes clad in Celuform (Figure
41).

Supporting structure (Figure 42)

Pikes at party walls built-up off existing party walls and new gable end pikes in building
blocks. Purlined roof. Additional beam inserted to floor below to take additional load.
Roof timbers fixed with normal timber fixings.
Flgure 42 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the Borough of Blackburn)

Thermal insulation
100 mm Rockwool rollbats laid between rafters.

Outer covering
Redland Cambrian interlocking tiles nailed to softwood battens on BS 747 sarking felt.
New dormers (Figure 43) and Velux rooflights installed to illuminate the extra bedrooms.
Gutters at eaves for drainage -new drainage required at one side of block because
previous flat roof drained to one side only. Gable pikes and dormers clad in Celuform
uPVC cladding.

Roof ventilation
Eaves ventilation to both main roof and dormers, dry ridge vent system to main roof

Other details
Soil and vent pipes extended through roof. Tanks accommodated within the roof space.
Conversion of two- to three-storey accommodation required a protected staircase.
Maintenancc via ladders: all new materials chosen to minimise maintenance -fascias,
soffits, bargeboards, pike cladding in Celuform, uPVC window frames, uPVC gutters.
Order of work:

(a) Weatherproof sheeting erected over the block.

(b) Existing flat roof, deck and timbers removed.

(c) Existing perimeter and interior walls repaired and built up to wall plate level.

(d) New steel beam inserted at new second-floor level, new lintels to new first-floor
window heads.

(e) New purlined timber roof constructed.

BRE comments and feedback

Full use is made of space under the new roof in response to local housing demands. The
original roof was strengthened to take the extra imposed loads caused by habitable rooms.
Low maintenance materials have been used wherever possible to reduce maintenance
costs.

Ventilation rates above the insulation could be low, especially at junctions between the
main and dormer roofs where air passages are restricted. Inspections should be canied out
during the first winter season on schemes like this, to check for condensation which may
damage the fabric of the roof if left to accumulate.
Appleby, Ashfield Valley, Rochdale

Owner Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale

Building Seven-storey Crudens Skarne LPS deck-access flats and maisonettes (Figure 44)

Date built 1968-69

Site details Estate in suburban area on the Pennine,Moorlands

Original roof 38 m x 8.8 m (approximately) reinforced concrete slab covered with two
layers felt on 12 mm thick fibreboard. Roof has two re-entrants and a small parapet

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Rain-water penetration, excessive internal condensation.
Maintenance: patching following specific incidents of rain penetration

Designed by Stramit Industries (UK) Ltd; Barry George, DipArch, RIBA, Borough
Architect

Installed March 1985

Cost f21 168 (f73.501m2)

Rehabilitation scheme Overroofing only

Overroofing system
Stramit Speeddeck laid to llh degree pitch.

Supporting structure (Figure 45)

Metsec galvanised steel purlins on steel cross beams on steel stools bearing at cross-wall
positions, to give 1112 degree mono-pitch.

Figure 45 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the Borough Architect of Rochdale

Metropolitan Borough Council)

Thermal insulation
100 mm Fibreglass quilt laid over existing structure.

Outer covering
Mill-finished 0.7 mm aluminium roll-formed sheeting, fixed using galvanised patent secret
fixing. New aluminium box gutters and down pipes to existing drainage system. Pipes
extended and sealed using Dektite collars. Flues renewed in aluminium to detail.
Roof ventilation
Cross ventilation provided within corrugations of formed sheet and behind fascias.

Other details
Access available from deck two storeys below

Method of working:

(a) Drainage completed by separate contract.

(b) Scaffold.

(c) Strip defective areas of existing roof and seal with bitumen, maintaining waterproof
layer which also forms vapour barrier.

(d) Cut out for stools and wall plate and bitumen seal.

(e) Erect steelwork

(f) Extend pipes and flues

(g) Fix Speeddeck system.

BRE comments and feedback

No faults are apparent to date. The very low pitch ensured that the outline of the building
was not altered substantially. However, should a fault occur in the new roof's surface
material, the slope is not great enough to drain water away from the fault.

Following this pilot scheme, Rochdale Council have now decided that, owing to the high
cost of improvement, all but three of the blocks at Ashfield Valley will be demolished.
Jevington, Kilburn and Langley blocks will be improved. Unfortunately Appleby block,
the subject of the pilot scheme, is being demolished now (late 1990).
2-40 School Lane, Tolworth, Surrey

Owners Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Building -0-storey Wates LPS dwellings (Figure 46)

Date built 1968-72

Site details Suburbs of London

Original roof 70 m x 7.5 m reinforced concrete slab. Surface material: asphalt

- -

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Improved thermal insulation and drainage falls

Designed by Vencel Resil Ltd (Jablite Mfg) -drainage falls

Consultant Messrs Norris and Reading, Raynes Park

Contractor Pitchmastic Ltd, Sheffield

Installed September 1987

Cost f6.201mz of roof area (533 mz) without cost of fibre insulation board

Rehabilitation scheme First block to be treated on a small estate, other overroofing may
follow

Overroofing system
Tapered cut-to-falls boards of Jablite Thermodek, covered with high-performance
weatherproofing.

Supporting structure (Figure 47)

Tapered boards, form continuous support for the surface material: thickness varies from
40 mm to 120 mm,are graded HD (high duty) expanded polystyrene, adhesively fixed
with hot bitumen both to the original roof surface and, via the factory-bonded bituminous
felt layer type 3B, to the 13 mm bitumen-impregnated fibreboard covering. Boards classed
Type N (normal) fire resistant.
 chimney f~asntng ~ y ~ f cverge
ai
I

Figure 47 (Based on architect's drawings, by

permission of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon
Thames)

Thermal insulation
Tapered boards fabricated from expanded polystyrene to BS 3837.

Outer covering
High-performance built-up roofing felt. New drainage and edge details as shown in Figure
47.

Roof ventilation
None -warm-deck design.

BRE comments and feedback

Vencel Resil have been installing this system for 25 years. This case study has been
included to demonstrate that the pitch of a flat roof and its insulation can be substantially
improved at low cost and with minimal increase in imposed loads.
2,116 and 32 Queen Elizabeth Square, Hutchesontown Gorbals,
Glasgow
Owners Glasgow District Council

Building In-situ concrete-framed 19-storey slab block with precast window-wall panels

Date built 1962-64

Site details Central location, very flat (ri"er basin) '

Original roof 13 m wide, long link block. Roof shape very complicated (see Figure 48).
Deck material: 75 mrn levelling screed on concrete slab. Surface material: three layers
bituminous felt on 25 mm fibrous insulation board

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Constant rain penetration to flats, rain-water ingress to l i i
shafts, and from there to switch rooms causing power failure. Maintenance history:
lengthy, extensive, constant and 'un-recordable' according to Glasgow DC

Designed by Glasgow District Council, Department of Architecture

Contractor Miller Construction Ltd, Glasgow

Installed Feb-Nov 1987

Cost f567 700 (tender), £210/mz (actual)

Rehabilitation scheme Separate contract. Upgrading proposals to follow: Coyer entrances

and stair cladding, window rcplacernent, lift rcplacemcnt

Figure 48

Overroofing system
Custom design. Dual 25 degree pitch, steel-framed trusses aligned over parapet cross
walls, and adjacent to fins (Figure 48). Hipped gable ends, and feature dormers at the
three stair towers. Patent glazing Apron screens in garden areas.
Supporting structure (Figures 49,50and 51)
Steel frame coated with red oxide primer, undercoat and two coats gloss finish. Trusses
aligned at parapet cross walls. Steel bolted to concrete by resin anchors or by long-
shanked bolts to protruding cross walls. Ward purlins span 6 m at 1.5 m spacing between
trusses, fastened by steel bolts of various sizes.

Thermal insulation
None.

Figure 49 Figure 50

Figure 51 (Based on architect's drawing, by permission of the Cify of Glasgow)

Outer covering
Profiled steel sheeting, 0.7 mm thick, coatcd with polyester powder, screwed to purlins
using a range of Buildex Tex screws (codcs 1.4,3.54.). Frequency varies in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions. Filon translucent uPVC strips (two per unit) for general
daylighting, full length o f slope. Aluminium gutters (2 mm thick x 12.0 m long) overlapped
but not sealed, secret-gutter arrangement, rain-water piped across to existing outlets for
flat roof.

Roof ventilation
Continuous ridge vent. Eaves louvre vent grillcs, 450 mm high, demountable for
maintenance, full width of 'unit'.

Other details
Refuse chute extended through roof in metal casing. Soil and vent pipes extended through
roof, from rain-water outlets. Access hatches included. Roof over existing tank rooms, lift
motor room. 'Umbrella' nature of structure allows free movement through roofspace.

Maintenance access by roof hatch, no public access - existing wall ladders to be removed,
caretakcr's access by existing stairs for internal work. Outside maintenance by Hilti
mansafe Latchway system. Ridge-located cable run continuously, join system from
rooflight.

No preparatory rcpairs. Erection in sequence, to suit Satellite Tower Cradles used by

contractor. Work progresses along roof east to west as each area completed. Littlc time
lost owing to weather, but high winds can restrict operations.

BRE comments and feedback

This was an exceedingly complicated operation owing to the complexity of thc original
roof. The scheme was visited during construction, and it was noted that work was
progressing from west to east, instead of east to west as instructed, which meant that the
laps in the steel sheeting wcrc pointing into the direction of the prevailing wind. The
significance of the designer's instructions had not been appreciated. This was pointed out
at the time, and it transpired that the work was progressing from west to east to minimisc
wind interference.

The opportunity to upgrade the roof thermally was not taken; but there is room within the
roof space for extra insulation to be installed later if requircd.
Evelyn Clarke House, Forest Row, Sussex

Although this is not an LPS structure, the case study demonstrates overroofing over a
complex plan form, and might well be used on LPS blocks.

Owner Wealden District Council

Building Traditional two-storey warden flats

Date built About 1960

Site details Near centre of small village

Original roof Timber boarded deck covered with asphalt. Flats are built in a multi-
staggered complex (42 flats in the block)

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Long history of roof leakage, many unsuccessful attempts at
repair, expensive to heat

Consultants Wealden D C

Manufacturer Decra Roofing Systems (UK) Ltd

Installer James Chandler (Lewes) Ltd

Contractor Design Service Builders Ltd, Crowborough, Sussex

Trussed rafter supplier TRIAD of Worthing

Installed November 1986

Cost Approximately f45/m2

Rehabilitation scheme Overroofing with additional thermal insulation in the roof space

Overroofing system
Decra lightweight roofing systcm; complex roof shape includes normal pitch, staggered
and mansard roofing; pitches vary from 12 degrees to vertical (Figure 52).

Supporting structure (Figure 53)

Trussed rafters erected at 600 mm spacing over the existing roof and strapped to the
external walls; wall plates cemented into the external walls.

Thermal insulation
100 mm insulation loose-laid on original roof surfacc.

Outer covering
Pitched roof finished with Decra lightweight roofing system comprising profiled metal
tiles coated with acrylic and granular finish, soil and vent pipes extended and flashed with
lead collars, plant and tank rooms enclosed within the roof space.

Roof ventilation
Roof ventilation provided at the eaves.
 Photo by owrtesy of Decra Roof Systems (UKJ Ltd

, .
GWarsed rmd afssl
w m m a n *
mud mms and
exisgne psts

Flgure 53 (Based on engineer's drawings, by permission of Wingate & Higgins Associates,

Consulting, Civil & Stwctural Engineers)
BRE comments and feedback
The local authority reported that, in addition to curing the weathcrtightncss problem,
there had been a great improvement in both thermal and acoustic performance.
The system was chosen because it could be fitted without moving the residents and staff
out, and for its light weight. (The original building and its foundations would not have
been able to withstand heavier roofing systems.) It combined the opportunity to add extra
insulation, as well as to climinate once and for all the long-standing problem of water
penetration.

Thcrc could bc occasional condensation on the underside of the tiles, caused by cold night
sky radiation.
Crathie Court, Laurel Street, Partick, Glasgow
Owner Glasgow District Council

Building Eight-storey Wilson block

Date built 1949

Site details Isolated block, very exposed to prevailipg south-west wind

Original roof Reinforced concrete slab roof covered by bitumen felt on 25 mm mineral
insulation. Roof had 1200 mm high parapet walls, profusion of water tanks, supply and
expansion pipes. Access via walk-through doors from adjacent stair-wells

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Rain penetration

Designed by Glasgow District Council Architects Department

Contractor Glasgow District Council Building & Works Department

Installed October 1982

Cost El23 000 (E2331m2)

Rehabilitation scheme Overroofing only

Overroofing system
Profiled aluminium sheets laid to 15 degree pitch, gable ends (Figure 54).
Supporting structure
Portal frames made from steel universal sections protected by red lead. Portals bolted to
existing column heads. PVC breaker tape used between connection points of dissimilar
materials. 20 mm steel anchor bolts 450 mm long used to bolt portal base plates to column
heads -four bolts per column base.

Thermal insulation
100 mm Rockwool laid across top of roof slab after the slab had been coated with cold-
applied bitumen.

Outer covering
Profiled aluminium draining to pre-formed aluminium inboard gutters with welded joints.
Stainless steel clips to secure profiled sheeting to sleeve purlins at 150 mm (maximum)
centres (horizontally). Translucent profiled sheet used to light roof enclosure. Transparent
roof skylights also installed. Expansion pipes from hot water systems and soil and vent
pipes taken through the roof.

Roof ventilation
Enclosed roof area provided with continuous ventilation at gutter levels

Other details
Access for maintenance, etc, via doors to stair-wells, and then to outcr roof via skylights.
Safety anchors installed. Facade access from roof impracticable owing to existing
balconies. No drying areas on the roof. All existing water tanks encloscd within new roof.

Method of working:

(a) Install portal bays.

(b) Sheet bays with profiled sheeting and lay gutters

(c) Install insulation.

No roof repairs carried out before overroofing other than the cold-applied bitumen. Main
area of skill in accurately locating and fixing steel support system. No further works done
to roof since contract completed.

BRE comments and feedback

No complaintsiadverse reports have been noted since the roof was completed. However,
the installation of water tanks in the new roof space poses the extra problems of freezing
pipes and access to shut-off valves (see also the second case study, Dee Park Estate,
Reading). Frost-activated heating coils on pipes are not fail safe, and experience from the
Reading case study shows that double insulation of tanks and pipes, if above a thick
concrete slab, is not sufficient to stop water freezing in the air flow caused by eaves
ventilation. Shut-off valves should be located beneath the original roof, ie in the main
body of the building, to facilitate their use.
Dunbar Park, Whitfield Housing Estate, Dundee

Owner Dundee District Council and private purchasers

Building Skarne four- and five-storey LPS flats and maisonettes

Date built 1968-72

Site details Hilltop estate approximately 6 miles from town centre, north perimeter wcll
exposed

Original roof Flat rectangular roof (area unknown). 125 mm thick in-situ concrete slab
covered with asphalt, with internal falls to eccentrically located Fulbora type rain-water
outlet points. Cavity construction parapet 400 mm high

Overroofing
Reasons for overroofing Severe condensation. Major social problems such as lack of
amenities, lack of privacy and security due to deck accessways, stark environment.
Overroofing chosen to help to break down visually thc mass of buildings, and create
individuality

Designed by City of Dundee District Council, Chief Architect and Quantity Surveyor

Contractor W H Brown Construction Ltd. Dundee

Installed September 1986 to mid-1989 in seven phases

Cost f 17 200 per roof (f46lm2)

Rehabilitation scheme Complete internal refurbishment of each block, external insulation

and rendering, new wooden windows, access decks reduced in length, overroofing

Overroofing system
Houses for sale: hipped roof of trussed rafters and Redland Regent concrete tiles, 30
degree pitch. Houses for rent: roofs subdivided with concealed lead-lined valleys abutted
by Dutch hips, gable ends also Dutch hipped.

Supporting structure (Figure 55)

Original roof left with roof finishes intact to act as vapour barriers. Prefabricated timber
trusses set on timber wall plates fixed to outer leaf of cavity wall. Bat truss clips at every
truss, and Bat standard straps 500 mm long with central twist on multiple trusses,
otherwise at alternate single trusses. Deep overhangs at eaves and verges to protect the
elevations.

Thermal insulation
100 mm glass wool quilt laid over existing roof.

Outer covering
Redland Regent concrete roof tiles of contrasting colours (Figure 56). finished with
mortared verges. Later conversions finished with Redland Cloaked Verge tiles for
additional security and freedom from maintenance. Rain-water disposal: Marley deep
flow gutter system to new rain-water down-pipe system.

Roof ventilation
Vent slots incorporatcd at both eavcs overhangs, and ridge vent tiles.
 Half mund dge
file wm mntvluwr
sdge W n g

~ o o f ' mtimr
~

lm x sdM wbll plan, beddea in mom,

mm wall plata

New renderfinrulatno
q88m

Figure 55 (Based on architect's drawifl~,bvpermission of the City of Dundee District Council)

~./~.: : .~<.:.= . .,
,: ~~- ~,
~ ~

:i

..
:3*&%-
. .- =:; *--- - ~.

Figure 56

Other details
On some blocks, the long ridge line broken with a valley detail. On others, a similar effect
achieved more economically by the use of different coloured tiles. Existing rain-water
pipes extended and vented through new roof. Existing soil and vent pipes extended and
vented through new roof. No special fire precautions required because of existing concrete
roof slab construction. Access for maintenance, etc, via a traditional skylight located in the
gable hip of each roof. No repairs required to existing roofs.
BRE comments and feedback
The scheme comprises both public- and private-sector dwellings. The tiling on the public-
sector dwellings is monochromatic and on the private-sector ones is variegated in colour.
The standard of application and detailing in both sectors is first class. If the normal
lifetime of the tiles is assumed, the alteration should result in an effective and long-lasting
roof.