Green Plan in Action for Hospital Refurbishment

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, part of the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, recently underwent a critical roof refurbishment to extend its building lifecycle, improve thermal efficiency, and meet the Trust’s Green Plan target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The original roof had exceeded its service life, increasing the risk of water ingress, rising energy costs, and costly reactive maintenance. Following a detailed condition survey by Garland UK, the Trust appointed the team to deliver a high-performance waterproofing solution that could be installed with minimal disruption to daily hospital operations, and with sustainability at its core.

Navigating Site Challenges

Hospitals present unique challenges when undertaking remedial works, requiring precise planning and execution to avoid disrupting essential medical services. At Memorial Hospital, operations continued uninterrupted throughout the project. This involved coordinating every step, from deliveries to contractor access, in alignment with patient care and emergency response pathways.

Restricted access and critical fire safety requirements shaped the project strategy. All hot works were fully compliant with NFRC Safe2Torch guidelines, ensuring all high-risk areas were treated with self-adhesive membranes, eliminating the need for open flames in sensitive zones.

A Robust, Sustainable Solution

Jack Costello, Garland UK Technical Manager

Garland UK Technical Manager, Jack Costello, oversaw the project with precision, specifying the StressPly Flex Plus bituminous waterproofing system for its proven performance in demanding environments. The installation, carried out by approved contractor Inspire Contract Services Ltd, followed stringent quality control measures throughout.

The refurbishment commenced with a thorough substrate inspection and preparation, during which the existing roof was assessed and areas requiring remedial work were identified to ensure a stable base for the new system. A Torch Flex Vapour Barrier was applied to regulate moisture levels, preventing condensation-related issues that could compromise the roof’s longevity. A bitumen-faced PIR insulation board was installed to significantly enhance thermal efficiency and improve overall drainage, reducing the hospital’s long-term heating costs.

A Torch Flex Ultra-Vent Base Sheet was applied to create a robust base layer, forming a sound foundation for the waterproofing system. The final waterproofing layer consisted of StressPly Flex Plus, a durable, weather-resistant cap sheet that provides exceptional protection against environmental elements. This ensured a long-lasting, watertight seal that would support the hospital’s operational needs for decades to come.

Results That Matter

The refurbished hospital roof now achieves a U-value of 0.15, significantly improving thermal performance and reducing energy consumption. This directly supports the Trust’s Green Plan ambitions while enhancing comfort for patients and staff. Backed by Garland UK’s 25 year Single-Point Guarantee, the Trust can rely on long-term protection, expert support, and peace of mind that its infrastructure is ready for the future.

To find out more, visit the Garland UK website.

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