Aberporth Primary School Refurbishment & Thermal Upgrade

Overview:

Aberporth Primary School is situated on the Ceredigion Coast, in a seaside village approximately 7 miles north of Cardigan. It is only 100 meters from Aberporth Beach and enjoys the views of Cardigan Bay.

LEB Construction, based in Llanbardarn Fawr, Aberystwyth was awarded the refurbishment contract at the school to enhance its overall thermal efficiency. The initial work outline included the removal of an existing steel frame window system and replacing it with a new AluK SL52 curtain wall system covering 400m2, a new passenger lift internally, and isolated classroom works.

While the previous roof was fine structurally, its thermal performance was underperforming due to its age and specification build-up. Therefore, additional works were awarded during the contract, including the refurbishing of two near flat roofs with Flex-R RubberBond FleeceBack EPDM* over an existing torch-on bitumen felt roof covering. The work also included new Britmet Plain tile roof sheets on an existing pitched roof.

Overroofing the existing roof is an effective method of roofing that ensures the building can continue to be in use, in this case by teachers and pupils, during its refurbishment.

The main school flat roof renewal was initially completed. It was 350m2, and in just five days on-site, the contractor incorporated a comprehensive system buildup of 18mm OSB* TG4 sheeting, AVCL*, Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 insulation fully adhered and mechanically fixed, followed by the RubberBond Fleeceback EPDM Single Ply Membrane.  The client’s Project Coordinator and Architect were on inspection, delighted with the quality of the work and the rollout of the remaining flat roof spaces continued and were completed by the end of June.

The contractor, LEB Construction Ltd., recommended the Flex-R RubberBond Fleeceback EPDM product for the over-roofing part of the project covering around 650m2:

Carwyn  Henson, Site Manager at LEB Construction Ltd said of the Flex-R product:

“We suggested the Flex-R product because it is one of the most versatile and proven membranes for new and re-roof low-slope applications. This innovative product provides a durable, hard-wearing, leak-resistant option for flat roofs. The product’s workability allows us, as a Flex-R accredited installer, an efficient installation procedure.”

*EPDM-Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a synthetic rubber material increasingly used in the construction industry. It is durable and flexible and can withstand extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and weathering, making it ideal for use in roofing.

*OSB-Oriented Strand Board. A versatile, structured wood panel made from waterproof heat-cured adhesives and rectangular-shaped wood strands arranged in cross-orientated layers. The panels share many of the strength and performance characteristics of plywood.

*AVCL-Air and Vapour Control Layer