Commercial Roof Replacement in Braintree, Essex

Cambridge Roof Exchange was appointed by CRS Technics Ltd to safely remove an ageing asbestos roof and install a brand new composite roofing system on their industrial building in Braintree, Essex.

The existing roof was made of Double 6 asbestos cement sheets over plasterboard liners, with very little insulation. It had reached the end of its serviceable life, and the original asbestos cement gutters were too small for the roof they served. That meant a full strip-out and replacement was needed rather than a refurbishment.

Our team safely removed and disposed of almost 2,000m² of asbestos roofing in line with current regulations. We then installed a new 130mm insulated composite roofing system designed to improve the building's thermal efficiency, weather resistance and overall appearance. As well as delivering the works as Principal Contractor, we also produced the roof design drawings.

This approach gave CRS Technics a safe, fully compliant and high-performing new roof. It's a practical route for other commercial and industrial property owners in Braintree and across Essex who are dealing with ageing asbestos roofs.

Asbestos Removal

The project began with the safe removal of the existing asbestos roof. Before any sheets were lifted, around 2,000m² of safety netting was installed beneath the roof. A perimeter scaffold, a stair tower for safe access and 190m of edge protection were also put in place.

Trained operatives then removed the asbestos sheets and gutters under strict non-licensed asbestos procedures. Asbestos air monitoring was carried out at the start and end of the works. All asbestos waste was double-wrapped and placed in enclosed containers for safe, licensed disposal, with a single load alone accounting for almost 13 tonnes of asbestos sheeting. Non-hazardous materials, including metal and plasterboard, were separated for recycling.

Asbestos cement roofs like this are common on older industrial units. Our guide to asbestos roofs on pre-2000 industrial buildings explains what property owners need to know.

Removing the asbestos roof cleared the way for a completely new, modern roofing system to be installed.

New Roof Installation

With the asbestos roof removed, a new composite roofing system was installed. The new roof works included:

• Joris Ide JI 1000/333 composite roof panels with a 130mm PIR insulated core
• A Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra coated finish in Goosewing Grey
• 90m of new triple-skin GRP rooflights
• 198m of new bespoke composite gutters with new uPVC downpipes
• New associated flashings and finishing details

Together, these works created a brand new protective building envelope that significantly upgraded the condition and performance of the roof compared with the original asbestos structure. We used the same composite system on our roof refurbishment and solar project in Bury St Edmunds.

Improved Thermal Performance

Improving thermal efficiency was a key objective of the project. The 130mm PIR insulated core gives the new roof a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K, a major improvement on the old asbestos sheets, which had only minimal fibreglass insulation beneath them.

For commercial and industrial buildings, replacing an old asbestos roof delivers benefits that go beyond weather protection and compliance. Better insulation can help reduce energy consumption, improve internal working temperatures and strengthen a building's EPC rating. EPC performance is an increasingly important factor for commercial landlords and occupiers.

New Rooflights for Improved Daylighting

90m of new Brett Martin triple-skin GRP rooflights were installed as part of the new roof, increasing the amount of natural daylight entering the building.

The rooflights were fully integrated into the new composite roofing system, giving a secure, weather-resistant finish. Their triple-skin construction gives better thermal performance than standard single-skin rooflights. They help create a brighter working environment while reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day.

Gutter Upgrades for Long-Term Protection

The original asbestos cement gutters were undersized for the roof. We replaced them with 198m of new bespoke composite gutters and new uPVC downpipes to improve rainwater management and protect against future water ingress.

Commercial gutters are particularly vulnerable to deterioration over time. Dealing with them alongside the roof replacement delivers a more complete, long-term roofing solution rather than storing up problems for the future.

Long-Term Protection: 40-Year Warranty

On completion, the new roofing system was backed by a 40-year warranty, giving CRS Technics long-term reassurance and confidence in the performance of their new roof.

The Result

The finished project delivered:

• Safe removal of almost 2,000m² of asbestos cement roofing
• A new 130mm insulated composite roof achieving a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K
• 90m of new triple-skin rooflights for better natural daylight
• 198m of new bespoke composite gutters
• A 40-year warranty for long-term peace of mind

The project safely removed a hazardous, ageing asbestos roof from CRS Technics' building and replaced it with a modern, insulated, weather-resistant roofing system. It transformed both the safety and the performance of the building and secured its long-term future.

Dealing With an Asbestos Roof in Essex?

For commercial and industrial property owners in Braintree and across Essex with ageing asbestos roofs, safe removal and replacement offers a compliant, long-term solution. It delivers significant improvements in safety, thermal performance, weather protection and longevity. If you're unsure whether your roof needs replacing yet, our article on the signs your commercial roof needs replacing is a good place to start.

Get in touch with Cambridge Roof Exchange today to discuss safely removing and replacing your asbestos roof.

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