What are architectural mouldings?

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Architectural mouldings are structures and finishes that add character and specialist designs to buildings and structures. They can also be used to house and protect utilities with the added benefit of ‘hiding’ them from plain sight in a more aesthetically pleasing way.

They can be comprised of different materials such as aluminium or PPC steel, however, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) architectural mouldings are setting the new standard for what can be achieved within the industry.

GRP architectural mouldings are lightweight yet durable and can be formed into almost any shape imaginable. While architects were once held back by the limitations of materials like timber and steel, GRP opens up a vast range of possibilities. Giving the end results a high level of strength and impact resistance for longevity.

 

The difference between casting and moulding

Casting is the process of pouring molten metal into a cast which then solidifies and the cast is then broken away from the formed shape. The resulting product needs finishing by other means to give it that finished look such as polishing or filing to remove rough edges. Due to the required breaking of the mould, this process is, therefore, a one-off creation. With the negative to this being that if you require copies you would need to create more castings – incurring additional costs and time.

Moulding is the process of pouring liquid plastics or other such materials into a mould which can then be removed without the need of breaking the mould. The end product also requires no further finishing. This process also lends itself easily to duplication because the mould remains intact throughout the whole process. This allows the manufacturer to create multiple exact copies, saving time and resources compared to the casting process.

This process is undertaken for GRP mouldings meaning the product output is of the highest quality. Whilst at a competitive price, and affording the benefit of duplication should your project need it.

Jones and Woolman UK has collaborated on a number of unique and bespoke GRP architectural moulding projects and we have the resources to bring your structural imaginations to life. To find out more or to discuss your next project with a member of our team, please get in touch here or call us on 01922 712111.

Commercial roof repairs – everything you need to know

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Commercial roofing and commercial roof repairs are completely different from the residential roofing sector. In this article, we’ll be answering everything from what a commercial roof is, what they’re made of and the options available to you to when they need repairing or replacing, how to weatherproof them and the best materials to use.

What is a commercial roof?

A commercial roof is the top covering of your business’ premises. A lot of, commercial roofs have a flat slope and the type of materials used tends to differ – we’ll cover this in detail a little later on.

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we’re the industry’s go-to for all things roofing. Our weathering options are endless, our approach is flexible, and our design selection’s comprehensive. To find out more, check out our design and build services.

What are the different types of commercial roofs?

Generally speaking, commercial roofs can be split into two categories: flat or pitched.

Flat roofs need to be finished with a layer of weatherproofing felt or a single-ply membrane, and, despite their name, they aren’t actually 100% flat – they do have a slight fall. Flat roofs tend to be more cost-effective as less labour is needed and materials are usually cheaper.

Made up of at least two slopes that create a peak, pitched roofs are usually more durable than flat roofs and have additional benefits such as extra storage space and potentially more efficient weatherproofing qualities.

What variations of commercial roofs are there and what are they made of?

Some of the most common types of commercial roofs include; felt roofing, liquid roofing, single-ply roofing, metal roofing, slating and tiling, green roofs and rooflights and skylights.

In terms of weatherproofing a roof, acrylic and silicone are a couple of the most used membrane materials. Acrylic membranes are usually on the cheaper side and have the added benefit of being able to give them a re-coat later down the line. One thing worth noting though, is acrylic polymers don’t operate as well when water pools, so if you’ve got a flat roof, it might not be the best option for you.

Silicone membranes generally offer better resistance to water and are relatively easy to apply however, unlike their acrylic counterpart, they can’t be re-coated with any other liquid products.

Roof penetrations

Some common commercial roof penetrations include; soil vent pipes, hot pipes from boiler flues for example, electrical cables for air-con units, and extraction ducting.

Penetrations are often needed to house important installations on the outside of a building where space is at a premium inside, however, because they can compromise your roof’s weatherproofing qualities, they should be implemented carefully and not without speaking to your weatherproofing installer first.

When it comes to roof penetrations and weathering systems Jones and Woolman UK is the expert. We’ve built a name for ourselves designing, building and installing first-class solutions that are structurally sound and weatherproof, and everything we do is bespoke to you. To learn more, take a look at our roof penetration and vertical penetration solutions.

What is the best material for a commercial flat roof?

Because flat roofs don’t disperse water quite as easily as pitched roofs, extra attention needs to be given to its waterproofing properties.

Popular weatherproofing solutions include GRP roofing systems, liquid coatings, single-ply membranes, EPDM rubber, reinforced bituminous membranes, asphalt, and waterproof paint toppings. Above all, however, GRP roofing systems offer the best performance and durability and should be the first choice for commercial roof repairs.

When should I replace my commercial roof?

There isn’t a set answer for this. Commercial roofs can last anywhere from 5 to 100 years depending on the type of materials used, quality of installation, and whether or not you’ve maintained adequate weatherproofing measures (like re-coating your membrane, for example).

Outside of wanting a new roof for aesthetic reasons, an internal leak or evident external damage is an obvious sign repair or replacements are needed.

Before you decide whether to replace the whole roof or just patch up a problem area, weigh up the pros and cons.

While on the one hand simply repairing your roof will be cheaper, it could be more costly in the long-run if a) it’s not done by an expert, and b) you end up having to replace the whole thing down the line anyway.

On the flip side, replacing your whole roof will undoubtedly result in a more structurally sound and weatherproof surface, however, it will also cost substantially more.

Our approach

At Jones and Woolman UK we opt to repair over replace to give our clients the best service, price and roof-life while safely postponing full replacements for up to another 25 years.

If your end laps are rusting we’ll seal over the laps, and if it’s your cladded structure that’s under the spotlight we’ll line the gutters, create new detail valley gutters, and then seal them over your existing ones.

The only type we’d instinctively advise to replace are felt roofs, and we’d do this with our premium replacement service which includes GRP which offers an incredibly resilient solution that can increase the longevity of a flat roof.

Are commercial roof repairs covered by building insurance?

Building insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your roof if a natural disaster (like a storm, fire or flood) hits or if it’s damaged by vandalism of subsidence.

How much you’re covered for will vary from provider-to-provider and you may have to pay an excess, but the money you recoup from your building insurance cover could make the cost of repairing or replacing your roof considerably less than you originally thought.

When it comes to the condition of your roof, cost should be secondary. Leaving structural concerns unattended will not only cost more to fix in the long-run but, worst case, could put your employees and customers in harm’s way too.

If you want to chat to one of our technical experts about your next roofing project or need some
practical and impartial advice, get in touch with the team on 01922 712111 or contact us here.

GRP flat roof repairs and installations

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The traditional method for finishing a flat roof is with a combination of felt and bitumen. Although this option does provide an attractive and durable result, it’s not particularly reliable over the long term. That’s why GRP roof repairs and roof installations are becoming increasingly popular.

GRP (also known as glass-reinforced plastic or fibreglass) is an extremely strong yet lightweight material that can be quickly and easily applied to flat roofs, providing a robust and weathertight finish that should last for many years. It is suitable for a wide range of projects, from domestic applications like small garden sheds, garages and house extensions, all the way through to massive commercial buildings like sports stadia and shopping centres.

The benefits of GRP roofing

GRP offers a number of benefits over traditional felt roofs – from its lifespan to its resistance to weather impact, mould, rot and fire. It is cold-applied, simplifying the installation process, and it can even be applied over existing roofing solutions, so you don’t need to worry about removing the old roofing materials before carrying out flat roof repairs.

 

Flat roofing: GRP vs felt
GRP Felt
Expected lifespan 25+ years 5-10 years
Can be installed over an existing solution X
Resistant to fire X
Capable of withstanding regular foot traffic X
Mould and rot resistant X
Weather resistant X
Cold applied X
Quick installation X

 

When a flat roof needs to be repaired, a quick solution is essential. After all, water and wind can cause a lot of damage in very little time. One of the main benefits of GRP – both for flat roof installations and repairs – is that it’s a cold-applied liquid, meaning that it is quick and easy to install. This is also advantageous for new roof projects, as it means you won’t have to wait long for the roof to be completed.

GRP is also a versatile material, and that’s why we also use it to construct other elements of a roof – such as architectural mouldings and upstands for roof windows and ventilation units, and it can be used to provide reliable weatherproofing around building penetrations.

GRP roof repairs and flat roof installations from Jones and Woolman UK

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, our team has extensive experience in both installing GRP flat roofs and carrying out flat roof repairs.

We work with a wide range of customers, from homeowners wishing to carry out improvements or repairs, through specifiers responsible for large commercial buildings. No job is too big or too small, and we are committed to providing a high level of service to every one of our customers.

Every month we buy in around two metric tonnes of GRP, and buying in bulk like this saves us around 40% on materials – savings that we pass on to you.

Whether you’re looking to repair a flat roof or install a new one, and whether it’s a garden shed or an international airport terminal, Jones and Woolman UK can help. To find out more or to discuss your project in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Vertical penetrations for cleanrooms and controlled environments

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Getting services into cleanrooms and other controlled environments can be tricky – and protecting these critical environments from contamination requires careful planning and construction of the vertical penetrations.

After all, the connections between buildings and floors need to be sealed and reliable, allowing pipes, ductwork and cables to get in while keeping out everything else – from vermin and insects to rainwater and dust particles.

Sealed, reliable connections between buildings and floors

While vertical penetrations are among the most challenging details in the building industry to get right (especially in controlled environments) the team here at Jones and Woolman UK have extensive experience in completing this kind of project.

We’ve worked with clients in industries such as pharmaceutical production, food plants, data centres and other critical environments to create bespoke solutions, resulting in vertical penetrations that are effective, structurally sound and reliably sealed – as well as compact with a seamless finish.

Because vertical penetrations are more visible to people – as opposed to roof penetrations which are mostly unseen – Jones and Woolman UK is able to professionally colour match to any cladding colour, ensuring the vertical penetration is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, becoming a part of the building instead of appearing like an afterthought tacked on at a later date.

Watertight solutions that keep out vermin and insects

The point where services enter and exit a building is critical, and careful attention must be paid to keep out rainwater and wind, as well as any pests that might try to make their way in, contaminate the interior environment or cause physical damage.

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we have a variety of techniques at our disposal to help ensure weather and pests stay where they’re meant to – outside – while providing reliable connections to air ducts, electrical wiring, fibre optics and other services.

We can design and fit complex cable trays and pipework, as well as dealing with any sort of ductwork or steel structure that is required to pass in and out of the building. A fibre-reinforced, cold-applied liquid is used to provide a reliable and low-maintenance seal and it can be used with any type of cladding, as well as single-ply membrane roofs.

We can also manufacture and fit reliable roof penetrations, comprising custom-made GRP curbs and service risers to suit customer units, access hatches, ventilation, pipework and other building services.

Our system is extremely versatile, and there is no restriction in terms of size, shape or position of the vertical penetrations. It also allows for last-minute positional changes or ancillary equipment to be added easily.

Vertical penetrations for pharmaceutical production areas, data centres and other critical environments

As experts in vertical penetrations, Jones and Woolman UK have more than 40 years of experience in delivering reliable and attractive vertical penetrations for a wide range of clients.

Over the years, we’ve worked with planning contractors, M&E contractors, architects and other specifiers to create effective solutions for cleanrooms and other critical environments where external contamination is not an option.

If you’d like to find out more about our vertical penetrations and sealing systems, or discuss the unique requirements of your next project in more detail, please contact us today.

The benefits of GRP architectural mouldings

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Whether you’re designing a new building or refurbishing an old one, getting the look of the structure right is essential. And one of the best ways to create a unique and aesthetically appealing result is with GRP architectural mouldings.

Also known as glass-reinforced plastic or fibreglass, GRP is a lightweight yet durable material that can be formed into just about any shape you can imagine. While architects were once held back by the limitations of materials like timber and steel, GRP opens up a vast range of possibilities, as it can be moulded into any shape you can imagine, while also providing a high level of strength and impact resistance.

From simple curves to complex designs, GRP architectural mouldings enable architects to unleash their creativity and achieve truly unique building designs easily and effectively.

complex shapes and curves architectural mouldings

Why choose GRP architectural mouldings?

GRP is a strong and versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, ranging from commercial and retail, through to healthcare, education, leisure and residential projects.

While we’ve already briefly mentioned some of the benefits of glass-reinforced plastic (strong, lightweight, versatile), let’s look at the reasons to opt for GRP architectural mouldings in a bit more detail:

  • Lightweight and strong – GRP is up to 75% lighter than steel, while its strength-to-weight ratio means that for non-structural purposes it can actually be far superior to steel. In addition, their light weight means that GRP architectural mouldings are more cost-effective to transport and they can be manoeuvred easily onsite.
  • Versatile – GRP can be used to create just about any shape you desire, from simple, undulating curved roofs to the most intricate detail work. Although GRP architectural mouldings are generally associated with more modern buildings, it’s important to note that the material is equally useful on older structures. In fact, GRP mouldings have been used to re-create ornate carvings and other decorative elements on traditional homes and historic structures, and they can be finished to match the existing mouldings perfectly, providing a simple, affordable and effective solution for refurbishment projects.
  • Weather resistant – GRP does not swell or shrink during fluctuations in temperature or humidity. It is also UV-stable and will not discolour over time.
  • Impact resistant – The strength of GRP means that it can withstand heavy impact and severe point loading with no damage, and any distortion due to impact will generally return to its original shape.
  • Thermally efficient – Since GRP is a natural insulator, it can help to make a building more thermally efficient, and you don’t need to worry about thermal breaks.
  • Long lifespan with minimal maintenance – Once installed, GRP architectural mouldings should last a very long time, and the only maintenance required is simple cleaning.

GRP is also resistant to corrosion, chemicals and parasitic attack. It is non-conductive, inert and non-sparking, making it ideal for use in locations with potential electrical hazards or where combustible gases may be present. It is also unaffected by electromagnetic or radio frequencies.

25-year warranty GRP architectural mouldings

Incredible building design using GRP architectural mouldings

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, we’ve worked on a number of bespoke design projects using GRP architectural mouldings, enabling architects to turn their structural dreams into reality – all while ensuring a robust, long-lasting and low-maintenance building.

To find out more about how GRP architectural mouldings can take your building design to the next level – or to discuss your next project with a member of our team, please get in touch.

Commercial roof damage: repair or replace?

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Discovering that a commercial roof has been damaged is far from an ideal situation – and it’s likely to lead to many questions. Where did the damage come from? How will you get it repaired? Does the roof need to be replaced? Is the damage going to cause damage to the building’s structure or interior? And, of course, how much is this all going to cost?

Here at Jones and Woolman UK, our team of experts is here to help you sort out the answers to all of these questions. Our surveying team can help you to work out the cause of the damage, find the best solution and help to ensure the commercial roof repairs provide many years of trouble-free service.

What causes roof damage?

There are many reasons why a commercial roof may need repair – and the actual cause of the damage can range from general wear and tear over time, through to weather damage, vermin or even people walking over the roof.

For example, if the weather becomes hot, the bitumen or felt can move around on its own; people working over a roof structure can cause damage, even if they’re careful; and building penetrations, if they’re not properly installed, could lead to roof damage over time. Birds and rodents may start out making small holes, but these can get bigger and worse over time.

Older roofs, meanwhile, also tend to need repairs due to elements simply wearing out. In particular, roof sheets and end-lap details, flashing junctions and cladding intersections can become water-entry points over time.

It’s also important to remember that what looks like a small amount of roof damage now can quickly get worse. A single leak may seem like something you can easily deal with, but water and wind can be incredibly destructive, and it won’t take long for the roof condition to deteriorate.

The benefits of commercial roof repairs

One of the first responses many people have to discovering roof damage is thinking that the roof must be replaced. But the good news is that’s not always the case. Thanks to modern materials and techniques, commercial roof repairs can often be carried out, resulting in a durable and weather-tight roof that should last for many years.

So, why opt for commercial repairs instead of a roof replacement? Here are just some of the benefits:

  • Cost effective – Replacing an entire roof, or even a section of one, can be an expensive undertaking, especially on large commercial roofs. Repairs, on the other hand typically are a fraction of the replacement cost, and the results are just as reliable.
  • Fast – As you can imagine, a roof replacement can take a long time. Depending on the severity of the damage, however, commercial roof repairs can be relatively quick. Not only does this help to keep costs down, but it also means less disruption to business in the commercial building.
  • Environmentally friendly – When a roof is replaced, the old materials often end up going to landfill. With a repair, however, most of the old structure is left in place and continues to serve a purpose, while the repair materials are used to add reinforcement and weatherproofing.

Commercial roof repairs from Jones and Woolman UK

Established in 1979, Jones and Woolman UK has extensive experience in commercial roof repairs, as well as service risers and building penetrations. This means we can provide a complete commercial roof service.

Through our extensive surveying service, our team of experts can assess a damaged roof and come up with long-term solutions that not only repair the damage but also ensure the roof’s life is extended and works better than it ever did.

Using cold-applied liquid waterproofing and our specially developed fibre-reinforced system, we’ve worked on a wide range of commercial projects, from shopping centres, office blocks and factories to schools and sports stadia. In fact, our repair methods are suitable for use on any roof, including flat and low-pitch roofs.

To learn more about our commercial roof repairs service and find out if repairs are a better option for your building than a roof replacement, please get in touch.

How do service risers help achieve improved U-values?

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When carrying out work on a building’s fabric, the structure’s U-value is a critical consideration. This is especially true when dealing with building and roof penetrations since the holes created will need to be properly constructed and sealed to keep the U-values as low as possible.

Here at Jones and Woolman, we understand the importance of U-values, and that’s why we’ve developed our unique GRP service riser solutions for commercial buildings. These have been designed to provide a thermally efficient seal around roof penetrations, ensuring that the thermal efficiency of the building fabric is maintained.

 

Service risers and U-values

There are many different ways to measure a building’s environmental performance, and the main focus is generally on carbon and energy usage. The amount of heat that leaks from a structure plays a big part in how easy it is to maintain the internal temperature – and that’s where U-values come into the equation.

Also known as thermal transmittance, the U-value is calculated by determining the rate of transfer of heat through a structure and dividing it by the difference in temperature across the structure. Individual materials have U-values, but it’s the overall U-value of a building that ultimately matters. This means that all the materials used must be considered, as well as workmanship and the standard of installation.

Design can also play a part in a building’s U-values. For example, when finding a solution for service risers in a building, common ‘dog kennel’ or cladded ‘shed’ systems can have a detrimental impact on thermal transmittance. The GRP service risers from Jones and Woolman UK, however, are designed to protect and seal in important systems – such as air conditioning equipment, electrical systems, factory plant and other building services – while also preventing unwanted heat loss from the building.

Service risers from Jones and Woolman UK – the better option

Here at Jones and Woolman, our fibreglass roof penetration solutions and service risers have been developed to ensure optimal U-values. They are a particularly good option for concrete insulated flat roofs on commercial buildings, but can also be used with other roof constructions.

In addition, our installation teams are experts at creating finished results that are weatherproof and effectively insulated, without gaps or cold bridges that could negatively affect a building’s U-values.

As well as the improved U-values of Jones and Woolman UK service risers, our solutions also have a lower profile than other options. This is ideal for building aesthetics, as the riser is less noticeable once installed. It’s also beneficial in locations like London where space and planning permission can be an issue. Other benefits include a quicker installation time, longer lifespan and a more cost-effective effective solution.

To find out more about the benefits of GRP service risers, and to discuss your requirements with the experts at Jones and Woolman UK, please contact us today.

Celebrating 40 years of building penetration solutions

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Here at Jones and Woolman, we take pride in providing high-quality and reliable building and roof penetration solutions – and we are delighted to announce that 2019 marks our 40th anniversary!

Over the years, we have worked hard to perfect our systems, improve techniques and make the most of new materials and technology to ensure that the work we do looks good, is weatherproof and will withstand the test of time – just like our company.

Many of the building penetrations, roof windows, rooflights and architectural mouldings that we installed decades ago are still in use today. We expect the projects we work on today to last through their 25-year warranty and beyond, and we look forward to re-visiting them on our 65th anniversary.

To celebrate our ruby anniversary, we thought we’d take a quick look at some of the roofing projects we’ve worked on during our four decades in business.
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Weathering to sports stadia

Successfully weatherproofing a sports stadium requires significant planning and effort – columns, supports, ties, struts and other structural elements penetrate various types of cladding, including composite, single skin and in-plane GRP rooflight areas.

We’ve worked on many such projects over the years, for high-profile clients whose solutions haven’t failed for over 20 years. One such client was Celtic FC in Glasgow. Others have included Manchester United, Blackpool FC, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea FC, Norwich City, Bradford City, Walsall FC and Dundalk Greyhound Stadium.

In 2015, we also worked on the project to transform the Olympic Stadium in London to the new home of West Ham United.

Roof and wall cladding penetrations for factories, shopping centres and other large buildings

We’ve worked on a number of roof and wall penetrations, including service risers, to accommodate building services, plant and rooflights for large buildings such as factories, shopping centres, warehouses, social housing, hotels and transport hubs.

For example, in 2014, we completed several contracts at the new Jaguar Land Rover Advanced Engine Manufacturing plant in Wolverhampton. The projects included penetrations through the roof and wall cladding for M&E services and structural steelwork.

Other projects have included rooflights at Cadbury Leominster, the new Leeds railway station and the new Doha international airport in Qatar.

Smaller projects and historic buildings

While much of the work we carry out is for large projects and new builds, our team is also capable of carrying out smaller projects, and we even have experience working on historic properties.

Success in these projects is all thanks to our extensive experience, careful planning and expert team. It just goes to show how our long history has helped us to perfect our quality and processes. Plus, since our staff retention is extremely high, the knowledge and skills of our team are extensive – and they are capable of handling bespoke projects of any size or complexity.

One such project that we worked on was a weathering and roof repairs for a historic windmill. Following completion, the client praised the team, the workmanship and the quality of the weatherproofing. He noted that before we began work, the windmill’s leaky roof let in “pints if not gallons” of water whenever it rained – but now “not one drop of rain makes its way in”.

Jones and Woolman: building penetrations, rooflights, roof windows and GRP architectural mouldings

As experts in roof and building penetrations, Jones and Woolman UK is delighted to be celebrating our 40th anniversary, and we’re thankful to all the clients we’ve worked with over the years. We’ve come a long way since we started out, and we look forward to another four decades of building customer relationships and providing weatherproof solutions.

Whether you’re looking for durable, low-maintenance and weatherproof roof penetrations, cladding penetrations, roof windows or GRP architectural mouldings, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be happy to discuss your project in more detail.

 

J&W Corporate Brochure

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To view the full range of our services you can look through the Jones and Woolman UK corporate brochure here.