If I could sum up this stage of the build I would say, detail, interface and weathering.
This stage of the build requires laser focus to ensure all details of roof, façade and windows are working together. Well-designed roofs don’t just happen during installation. There is advance planning of build-ups, falls on roof, dimensions of gutters, heights of parapets, slopes of capping, fixings, durability, coordination of flue installation, insulating around parapet to prevent cold bridge, providing grounds for rainwater pipes and hoppers, spacing of standing seams, the list goes no. We worked with the fantastic Vertex team early on these details and integrated them into the timber frame construction. Nothing is left to chance in designing and installing a roof to last beyond a lifetime.
Our roof needs to have strength, robustness and elegance, we did not want the roof to dominate the design but integrate with the forms of the building. We achieved this by recessing the gutters in the parapet and setting the same height for the sloped roofs and flat roofs at the low point. We’re using a Bauder membrane system which consists of a OSB roof deck, vapour control layer, rigid insulation and the welded Bauder rubber membrane, all the edges have metal flashings which are welded with the membrane and rain water outlets are Bauder products, welded to the roof, it works like a sealed bath with outlets. Vertex roofing have been great to work with and are committed to get the workmanship right. The roof is the unsung hero of the project, defending the structure while installing during unpredictable weather and conditions. Hats off to the vertex team led by the many Lees.
The water is flowing in the right direction now, off the building, the outlets are been tested and more importantly, there is no water getting into the building. The waterproofing element is complete, we still need to install the zinc capping but this will be fitted once the cladding is finished, achieving a tight finish while allowing ventilation for the façade. Lots of technical skill and experience is required to get the final finish right.
