Bituminous roofing and solar panels installed at London university

The Queen Mary University of London’s (QMUL) library has benefited from the installation of a bituminous roofing system in addition to a series of energy producing solar panels.

The previous library roof had surpassed its natural life expectancy and had been experiencing considerable water ingress, requiring urgent remedial work to prevent disruption to students.

In order to determine the most appropriate solution, the 2,000m² roof area was surveyed by flat roof specialists Bauder, who proposed stripping the existing roof covering down to the structural metal deck and replacing it with a long lasting bituminous system.

In addition to the bitumen membrane, the client decided to use the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the university’s carbon reduction programme through the addition of energy producing solar panels.

Bituminous roofing

The main library roof and three connecting tank rooms were all waterproofed with Bauder’s BTRS bituminous system. Capable of withstanding premaritally sited loads of up to 2000Kg/m², BTRS has a life expectancy in excess of 40 years.

^{The Queen Mary University Library roof during the installation}

The system build-up included a highly efficient 120mm PIR FA-TE insulation, which achieves the required 0.18 U-value for thermal performance.

Tapered insulation was also used around the perimeter of one of the tank room roofs to effectively provide drainage falls without having to incorporate them into the structure.

Roof areas totalling 1,000m2 were fitted with 126 monocrystalline BauderSOLAR PV modules, set at a 10 degree angle to optimise energy generation.

The panels are expected to generate 32.43 MWh of energy within the first year and deliver CO2 savings of 17.155 tonnes, equal to 8,358kg of coal burned.

The PV system was installed using a unique drill-free technique which ensures the condition of the roof is upheld. The entire array was installed in two days.

Logistical challenges

One of the major challenges for the project was performing the required works on a busy campus whilst keeping noise levels to a minimum. The achieve this, the project team developed a work and delivery schedule; with many of the materials brought to site and unloaded at the weekend. 

Bauder also provided ear plus for all library users to ensure that they weren’t disturbed from their work.

Despite the logistical challenges, all roofing works were completed in time for the beginning of the new academic year.

Jennifer Raagas, QMUL Project Manager, commented: “We are incredibly pleased with the work performed by Bauder and their approved contractors on the library roof. They have been extremely accommodating during an eventful summer period at the university, and their service has been of the absolute highest quality. 

Our new BauderSOLAR PV panels will not only help us generate our own solar energy but will also provide excellent research and learning opportunities for our students. With Bauder delivering a single source solution of roof renewal with PV install we have complete peace of mind over our roof’s guarantee and long-term future performance.”

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