West Town Lane Academy

The existing flat roof areas across Roofs 1–9 had reached the end of their serviceable life and required significant refurbishment works to maintain the building’s performance and protect the occupied school environment. Existing waterproofing systems and ancillary components showed signs of deterioration, requiring strip works, repairs, and replacement detailing across multiple roof sections.

The project also required improvements to insulation performance and drainage provision. Existing rooflights, rainwater outlets, edge details, and associated roof components required replacement or upgrading as part of the refurbishment programme. Several areas also involved specialist coordination works around air conditioning units, cables, and roof-mounted equipment.

Garland’s specification proposed a new StressPly Flex warm roof waterproofing system with tapered insulation designed to improve falls and achieve upgraded thermal performance. The scheme covered approximately 1,200m² of flat roofing areas across the academy.

Delivering roofing works across an operational academy environment required detailed planning, phased working, and close coordination with the client team and specialist contractors. Maintaining safe access and minimising disruption to the school throughout the programme was a key priority.

Several roof areas included complex detailing around rooflights, cladding abutments, perimeter edges, drainage points, and rooftop services. Specialist fire-risk procedures were implemented throughout the installation process, with torch-free self-adhesive systems used around timber details, rooflight kerbs, stripped substrates, and other identified high-risk areas in accordance with Garland’s specification guidance.
The project also required coordination with specialist contractors to complete degassing and recommissioning works to air conditioning units and associated cable systems on selected roof areas.

By combining detailed preparation works, phased installation, and manufacturer-approved systems, Central Group successfully delivered a durable roofing solution backed by a 20-year Garland system warranty.

Central Group carried out the flat roofing refurbishment of Roofs 1–9 in accordance with the Garland StressPly Flex bituminous waterproofing specification. Existing waterproofing and ancillary products were stripped where required, with roof surfaces prepared to receive the new warm roof system.
The new roofing build-up incorporated Garland’s StressPly Flex SBS modified bituminous waterproofing membrane system alongside tapered PIR insulation to improve drainage and thermal efficiency. The system included Garland Torch Evolution vapour control layers, Torch Flex Ultra-Vent underlays, and StressPly Flex mineral cap sheets, with self-adhesive systems utilised in identified fire-risk areas.

Tapered insulation schemes were designed and installed in accordance with Garland drawing GAR 1053H, helping improve rainwater management across the roof areas. New internal rainwater outlets and associated drainage components were also installed to support long-term roof performance.
As part of the refurbishment, existing rooflights were removed and replaced with new Whitesales triple-skinned polycarbonate dome rooflights installed on insulated kerbs to improve natural daylighting and thermal performance. Additional rooflight openings were infilled where required, with associated making-good works completed internally.

Additional works formed part of the wider programme, including cladding installation to Roof 6, coatings applied to chimney areas on Roof 8, and cladding works to associated wall areas. Temporary works and reinstatement to adjoining pitched roofs were also undertaken to facilitate access and sequencing for the flat roof refurbishment works.