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Pioneer House

Commercial Roof Overcladding & Refurbishment

Pioneer House presented an opportunity to significantly improve the performance, longevity and reliability of the existing roofing system without the disruption and cost associated with a complete roof replacement.

Cambridge Roof Exchange designed and delivered a comprehensive overcladding solution, providing the building with a new, specification-backed roof system designed around the requirements of the existing structure and the needs of the building going forward.

Rather than simply replacing the existing roof, the project focused on improving the overall performance of the building while extending the service life of the roof and minimising disruption to the site.

A New Approach to an Existing Roof

The existing roof was showing the signs of age, making refurbishment an important consideration for the future of the building.

Our solution was to install a new design and specification-backed overclad system over the existing roof. Overcladding can provide an effective alternative to complete roof replacement, allowing an existing roof to be upgraded while retaining much of the existing structure beneath.

The new system provides a modern, durable external weathering layer while also allowing the thermal performance of the building to be improved.

For the client, this meant addressing the condition of the existing roof while investing in the long-term performance of the property.

Improved Thermal Performance

A key objective of the project was to improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

The new overclad system incorporates additional insulation, helping to reduce heat loss through the roof and improve the overall thermal performance of the building.

For commercial and industrial properties, improving the roof specification can play an important role in reducing energy demand and supporting wider energy-efficiency objectives.

The upgrade also provides the building with a more modern roofing specification, helping to future-proof the property and potentially support future improvements to its energy performance.

A 25-Year Single-Point Warranty

The completed roofing system is backed by a 25-year single-point warranty, giving the client additional confidence in the installation and the performance of the new roof system.

For a commercial property owner, a roof is a significant investment. The aim is not simply to complete the work and leave the client with a new roof, but to provide a system that offers long-term protection and reassurance.

A single-point warranty provides a clear point of responsibility for the specified roofing system, helping to give the client confidence in the solution delivered at Pioneer House.

PVC Membrane Gutter Lining System

As part of the refurbishment, Cambridge Roof Exchange also installed a PVC membrane gutter lining system.

Gutters are a critical part of any commercial roofing system. Even a high-quality roof can be compromised if water management is not properly addressed.

The new gutter lining provides a durable waterproofing solution, helping to protect the building from water ingress and ensuring that the roof drainage system works effectively alongside the new roof.

By considering the roof and guttering as part of the wider refurbishment rather than treating them as separate issues, we were able to provide a more comprehensive solution for the building.

Complete Site Setup

A successful commercial roofing project involves far more than the installation of the roof itself.

At Pioneer House, Cambridge Roof Exchange provided a full site setup, ensuring that the works could be carried out safely and efficiently while maintaining a professional working environment.

This included:

• Welfare facilities
• Scaffold edge protection
• Site compound
• Waste disposal
• Site management and coordination

Providing these elements as part of the project allowed the works to be properly planned from the outset and helped minimise disruption throughout the installation.

Working on an existing commercial property also requires careful consideration of the surrounding environment. Site access, materials, waste, safety and the day-to-day operation of the building all need to be managed alongside the roofing works.

Our approach was to coordinate these requirements as part of the overall project, rather than treating them as an afterthought.

Refurbish Rather Than Replace

Pioneer House is a good example of why an ageing commercial roof does not always mean that a complete roof replacement is the only option.

An overcladding system can provide a practical way of upgrading an existing roof, improving thermal performance and extending its service life without necessarily removing the entire existing roof structure.

Every building is different, however, and the right solution depends on the condition of the existing roof, the structure of the building, the required thermal performance and the client's long-term plans for the property.

This is why the design and specification stage is so important.

At Cambridge Roof Exchange, we assess the existing building before recommending a solution. Where appropriate, overcladding can provide an efficient way to transform an ageing roof into a modern, higher-performing roofing system.

The Result

The completed works at Pioneer House have provided the building with a significantly upgraded roofing solution, combining improved thermal performance with a new external weatherproofing system and upgraded rainwater management.

The project demonstrates how a carefully designed refurbishment can provide a long-term alternative to simply removing and replacing an existing roof.

From the initial design and specification through to the installation, gutter lining and full site setup, Cambridge Roof Exchange delivered a complete commercial roofing solution designed around the building and its requirements.