Skip to content
BPindex — The Largest Building Products Directory in the UK

Roofing

Enhancing Safety and Natural Light with Filon’s Fixsafe at Wood Henry & Sons Farm

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the Filon entry on BPindex

View the Filon website

Project Overview

Filon, one of the UK’s market leading manufacturers of GRP rooflights, recently provided its innovative and patented rooflight replacement system, ‘Fixsafe’, for a project at Wood Henry & Sons Farm. The Filon Fixsafe system enables contractors to replace rooflights from inside the building, eliminating the inherent risks associated with accessing fragile roofs.

Wood Henry & Sons Farm, part of the esteemed Crown Estate, faced significant issues with its old and deteriorating GRP rooflights. Green & Heritage Roofing, a contractor based in Halifax had successfully used Fixsafe on previous projects and was confident in its ability to safely and effectively address the farm’s needs. In collaboration with SIG Roofing and Green & Heritage Roofing, Filon identified the specific profile required for the project and provided a comprehensive Fixsafe specification. This collaborative approach ensured that all project requirements were met with precision and efficiency.

Solution & Benefits

For this project, 22 No. Filon Fixsafe kits were supplied which included the new Big Six GRP rooflights, sealant and unique fasteners specifically designed for timber framed buildings. The new GRP rooflights were Filon DR (double reinforced) nominally 2.44kg/m2, providing extra reinforcement and enhanced strength along with an SAB Class 3, BROOF (t4) fire rating, ensuring compliance with building regulations and Filon Protect UV surface protection to provide long-term durability.

The patented Fixsafe system allowed for the replacement of the old rooflights entirely from within the building, not only minimising the risk to contractors but also reducing the need for extensive safety measures typically required for working at height on fragile roofs, making it a very cost-effective solution.

Filon Fixsafe offers several key benefits that made it the ideal solution for Green & Heritage Roofing at Wood Henry & Sons farm:

  • Safety: By replacing the rooflights from inside the building, Fixsafe eliminates the need to access fragile and dangerous roofs. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall site safety.
  • Efficiency: The system is designed for quick and easy installation, minimising disruption to the farm’s operations. The internal installation process is streamlined, reducing project timelines and labour costs.
  • Cost savings: Safe access and work equipment costs were greatly reduced as there was no need for:
    1. Edge protection scaffold
    2. Crawler boards
    3. Internal safety netting
  • Durability: Filon Protect UV surface protection to the weather face of the sheet provides long-term durability and expected life-span of more than 30 years.
  • Enhanced Natural Light: The natural lighting within the farm was dramatically improved with the new Filon GRP rooflights, creating a brighter, safer and more welcoming environment.
  • Compliance: The new GRP rooflights with a sheet of double reinforced nominally 2.44kg/m2 with SAB Class 3, BROOF (t4) fire ratings ensuring strength of sheet and conformity with Building Regulations.

Client Feedback

Chris Hopkins, Managing Director at Green & Heritage Roofing expressed his satisfaction with the Fixsafe system:

“When using the Filon Fixsafe system to replace the existing rooflights, it was like night and day. Wood Henry & Sons Farm commented that it was amazing the fact that before it was so dark in their barn, but now it looks like somebody has put bright lights on! Sanderson Brown, the architectural practice responsible for the project, was also really impressed with how the Fixsafe system worked and the difference that the new Filon GRP rooflights made to the building’s natural lighting.”

Conclusion

The successful installation using the patented Fixsafe rooflight replacement system at Wood Henry & Sons Farm highlights the product’s effectiveness in ensuring safety and improving natural lighting. This project demonstrates the significant benefits of using innovative solutions in building maintenance, setting a benchmark for future projects within the industry.

For further information, please see www.filon.co.uk or email to sales@filon.co.uk

Panorama P-TK: Transforming Flat Roofs into Safe, Stylish Terraces

Building Products Index Ltd balustrades, Roof system, Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Dani Alu entry on BPindex

Visit the Dani Alu website

Dani Alu’s Panorama P-TK is a fully engineered, freestanding roof terrace system with integrated balustrading. Designed for flat roof applications across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, it creates safe, stylish, and compliant outdoor spaces without compromising the roof’s integrity.

Lightweight and project-specific, Panorama P-TK minimises structural load and requires no fixing into the roof. The system accommodates any terrace finish, from slabs and tiles to timber decking – with versatile balustrading options including glass, railings, or infill panels.

Quick Highlights:

  • No roof fixings – protects waterproofing
  • Lightweight & project-specific – tailored for each building
  • Flexible terrace finishes – slabs, tiles, decking
  • Versatile balustrading – glass, railing, infill panels
  • BS6180 compliant – safety assured
  • Full technical support – from design to installation

 

Imagine the possibilities: Create rooftop terraces that are safe, stylish, and completely bespoke to your project. Explore how Panorama P-TK can elevate your next design.

Learn more:
https://www.danialu.co.uk/panorama-p-tk-freestanding-roof-terrace

Email:
contact@danialu.co.uk

Phone:
01865 595162

How a Roof Lantern Brought Light and Life to a Historic Home Extension

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company entry on BPindex

Visit the Rooflights & Skylights website

When a growing family needed more space—and more light—they turned to Rooflights & Skylights for expert advice. The result? A stunning 6-panel roof lantern that transformed a deep extension into a bright, welcoming living space.

Project: Set in the heart of a quiet Northamptonshire village, this charming semi-detached home has a unique past. Originally built in 1820 as a schoolhouse, the property carries a rich sense of character and history. When Jason and his partner purchased it in 2018, they saw the potential to create something really special. With its distinctive L-shaped footprint and three-bedroom layout, the home offered both space and charm – but as their family plans grew, so did their need for more room. That’s when the idea for a modern extension began to take shape.

Brief: With their first child on the way, Jason and his partner knew they needed more space to grow as a family. Their vision was to add a single-storey extension to the home, creating a larger, more comfortable living area where they could relax and spend time together. The extension would sit off the back of the property with a flat roof design – ideal for blending with the existing structure. However, because the new space was quite deep, they quickly realised that relying on standard vertical windows might not bring in enough natural light, especially towards the middle of the room. That’s when they started exploring rooflight options to brighten up the space.

Solution: To bring natural light into the new extension and create a standout architectural feature, Jason reached out to Scott Couldrey at Rooflights & Skylights for advice on the best product for the space. Given the depth of the extension and the property’s traditional character, the rooflight wouldn’t just serve a functional role – it would become a visible feature from all areas of the garden, so style was just as important as performance.

Working closely with his builder, Jason specified the need for a rooflight to fit an overall kerb of  3000mm x 2000mm. After reviewing options that balanced style, performance, availability, and budget, Scott recommended a 6-panel roof lantern from Brett Martin as the ideal solution.

The roof lantern is built with a sleek aluminium frame, finished in RAL 9010 White internally and RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey externally – ensuring a clean look inside while blending beautifully with the exterior of the home. It features six self-cleaning, double-glazed panels with a blue tint, helping to soften natural light and reduce glare in the living space.

While Brett Martin also offers a 4-panel version in the same size, the 6-panel design was chosen for two key reasons: the smaller glass panels made handling and installation easier for the builder, and the multi-panel layout gave the lantern a more ornate, decorative appearance – enhancing its visual impact from both inside and out.

Ease of delivery was also a consideration. The property sits at the end of a narrow village lane that had previously caused issues for larger commercial vehicles. Taking this into account, Scott arranged for the lantern to be delivered on a suitably sized truck, ensuring smooth access and a stress-free delivery to site.

Conclusion

“Buying a rooflight or lantern is not an everyday purchase, and it’s certainly not one you can afford to get wrong,” said Jason. “However, I felt supported at every step. Scott’s detailed questioning about the project and what I was aiming to achieve reassured me about purchasing a roof lantern from Rooflights & Skylights. This became even more clear when issues about access to the property were highlighted and the lengths he went to ensure the chosen roof lantern was shipped on a suitable vehicle. I can’t recommend Rooflights & Skylights highly enough.”

For Jason and his family, the roof lantern hasn’t just transformed the extension with natural light – it’s added a stylish architectural focal point to the home, delivered with care, expertise, and a truly personal approach.

Click for more info:  https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/products/brett-martin-classic-6-panel-roof-lantern

MARLEY LAUNCHES NEW DELIVERY TRACKING OPTION FOR MERCHANTS

Building Products Index Ltd Roof system, Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Marley entry on BPindex

Visit the Marley website

Leading roof systems manufacturer, Marley, has launched a new, real-time, delivery tracking option for its customers – giving builders’ merchants greater visibility and control over their deliveries.

The new delivery tracking function is available through Marley’s online customer portal, ‘My Account’. Merchants ordering from Marley can create a free My Account profile to get instant access to all of their account details in one place – including information about prices, orders, deliveries and products – as well as access a host of free online training resources.

The introduction of delivery tracking via My Account means customers can now easily monitor their Marley deliveries in real-time, from when a delivery is on the road.

Once logged in to their account, merchants can quickly view all their tracking data in one place, including the vehicle location and estimated time of arrival. Also, should orders be distributed across two or more deliveries, merchants can easily toggle through the details of each active delivery by using the order tracking function.

For busy merchants dealing with multiple suppliers, Marley now ensures its deliveries are electronically signed for. With the new upgrades to My Account, this now means specific delivery information, including pinpoint location and electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) documentation, can be viewed and downloaded via the online portal.

Dan Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications at Marley, says: “Through online delivery tracking, Marley’s My Account platform now gives greater visibility into order progress for merchants. This enables quick and easy answers to questions around order arrival times and proof of delivery, saving merchants time and hassle.

“The real-time delivery tracking adds to My Account’s growing functionality for merchants, offering a single place for them to easily access everything they need relating to their Marley orders, deliveries, prices and products.

“And further supporting merchants, My Account also offers a wide range of free online training modules, alongside TEAMS and in-person courses, all designed to help merchants boost their roofing and product knowledge.”

For more information, visit Marley’s My Account platform.

Contemporary design: Cedral provides architectural solutions for stylish makeovers

Building Products Index Ltd Facade, Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Cedral entry on BPindex

Visit the Cedral website

At Cedral, we build more beautiful homes. With a wealth of experience in fibre cement roofing and facade materials, Cedral offers a range of facades and slates to help bring your vision to life.

Discover the beauty of Cedral Facades

Elevate a building’s aesthetics with our exceptional fibre cement facades. Offering premium quality cladding, we provide the perfect blend of durability and sophistication. Cedral Facades offers four unique collections based on research into the latest colour trends.

With 2 styles across 21 colours and 2 finishes, Cedral offer unparalleled and stunning design options.

Discover the quality and innovation of Cedral Roofs

Cedral Roofs light-weight fibre cement slates are the ideal material for every project. Combining the benefits of modern slate technology with the look of a natural slate.

Offering a range of finishes to suit every project, our range of slates are available in a palette of colour options including our popular Blue-Black. Cedral slates are not only the perfect roofing material but can even be used on facades to create that unique full envelope look for complete continuity between roofs and facades.

Pyramid Roof Lanterns: Eye-Catching Centrepiece. Daylight-Catching Solution.

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company entry on BPindex

Visit the Rooflights and Skylights website

The Brett Martin Pyramid Roof Lantern, available from Rooflights & Skylights, brings striking symmetry, exceptional thermal efficiency, and rapid installation to contemporary flat roof designs. With its square footprint and clean, pitched form, this lantern delivers evenly distributed natural light – while also serving as a dramatic architectural focal point, both inside and out. It’s ideal for residential, commercial, and public spaces – including atriums, stairwells, or central reception areas – where daylight performance and visual impact are equally critical.

Manufactured by Brett Martin with slender aluminium profiles, precision-cast ridge detailing, and neat sight lines, this rooflight offers architects a crisp, minimalist aesthetic, while providing contractors with a robust, installation-friendly solution. Available in three standard sizes – 1000 x 1000mm, 1500 x 1500mm and 2000 x 2000mm – with bespoke options typically delivered in 15–17 days, it mounts directly to a weathered builder’s upstand for a seamless fit and swift installation.

Key Benefits

  • Balanced daylighting: Pyramid geometry offers even natural light distribution across square-plan spaces.
  • Slim frame design: Clean lines and minimal visual obstruction suit both contemporary and heritage buildings.
  • Fast, clean installation: No need for site-applied silicone except at the roof junction.
  • Safety built-in: Laminated inner pane protects occupants in the unlikely event of a breakage.
  • High thermal performance: Thermally broken frame and Low-E double glazing reduce heat loss.
  • Rapid delivery: Standard sizes delivered in just 3–5 days, helping meet tight project schedules.
  • 10-year warranty: Long-term assurance for specifiers and building owners.

Specifications

  • Sizes: Standard – 1000x1000mm, 1500x1500mm, and 2000x2000mm. Bespoke sizes available (typical lead time 15–17 days).
  • Glazing: Clear or blue self-cleaning solar-control glass as standard; optional aqua and neutral solar-control finishes available.
  • Frame finishes: Powder-coated, both internally and externally, in a combination of three colours – RAL 7016 anthracite grey, RAL 9010 white, or RAL 9005 black.
  • Installation: Direct to weathered builder’s upstand; precision-engineered for efficient site installation.

Click for more info: https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/brett-martin-roof-lantern-pyramid/

MARLEY LAUNCHES WINTER SAFETY CAMPAIGN – SUPPORTING ROOFERS WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Marley entry on BPindex

Visit the Marley website

The UK weather is known for being unpredictable, and winter is no different. In fact, UK winters are now 1°C warmer and 15% wetter on average – yet at the same time, still susceptible to unexpected icy snaps. This can make working outdoors even more challenging and unpredictable.

From battling icy conditions to sheltering from heavy rainfall, UK roofers are seeing significant impacts from changing winter weather conditions. In fact, Marley’s recent research reveals 60% are experiencing increased delays to projects, 54% are seeing projects going over budget and 54% are having to replan work more often. What’s concerning is that all of these impacts is leading to 53% seeing a rise in customer dissatisfaction as a result.

To support the safety of roofers and other outdoor construction workers throughout the winter months, leading roof systems manufacturer, Marley, has launched its Winter Safety campaign – offering essential support and guidance, for whatever the weather throws at them.

Dan Redfern, Marketing Communications Manager at Marley, said: “Our goal with this campaign is to help roofers stay safe while continuing to deliver quality work throughout the winter. Whether it’s offering practical safety tips, or providing resources for winter weather preparedness, we want to ensure roofers are equipped with everything they need to remain safe on site.”

 

Essential Tips for Winter Roofing

Roofers are encouraged to follow a few key guidelines to help mitigate winter-specific risks:

  • Reduced winter daylight: As number of daylight hours decreases, it’s essential that roofers ensure they leave sufficient time to collect all tools and equipment and make their way safely to ground level before darkness descends. In some special circumstances, it may be possible to work under artificial light, providing this in line with the job specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS).

 

  • Correct PPE: Cold, wet and windy conditions require specialist PPE to protect from the elements. Roofers should ensure they have insulated clothing, suitable headgear for extra warmth (special liners are available for hard-hats), safety boots which are checked to ensure the soles and uppers are in good condition and gloves designed for winter use.

 

  • Safe Working Conditions: Roofs can become slippery in winter. Roofers should ensure that surfaces are cleared of snow and ice before accessing the roof. Where the choice exists, it is often better to start work on the side of the roof facing the sun as this is likely to defrost quicker and feel a few degrees warmer. Roofers should also be mindful of the risk of frostbite or hypothermia in extremely cold conditions and follow any guidance given in tool box talks or similar, on working in cold conditions.

In addition to safety advice, Marley is also giving away 500 branded insulated mugs, together with a £5 Costa Coffee voucher.

“We know that the winter months can be particularly tough on roofers, but with the right planning and precautions, roofing can continue safely and successfully,” adds Dan. “Our campaign is about providing the tools and knowledge roofers need to face these challenges head-on.”

To learn more about Marley’s Winter Safety Campaign, access resources, or tips, visit Marley’s

MARLEY ACHIEVES BBA CERTIFICATION FOR ITS SOLARTILE® RANGE

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing, Tiles Leave a Comment

View the Marley entry on BPindex

Visit the Marley website

Leading roof systems manufacturer, Marley has been awarded with a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification for its innovative SolarTile® 410W range, which includes flashing kits and integrated solar panels. This certification uniquely confirms that Marley SolarTile® meets stringent standards for electricity generation from sunlight on pitched roofs between 20° and 60° on both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

The BBA certification validates the performance, safety and sustainability of Marley’s SolarTile®, confirming its full compliance with building regulations, technical specifications and design considerations. It also reflects the outcome of rigorous assessment in areas such as mechanical resistance, fire safety, hygiene, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and durability.

Assessment criteria

In response to a significant uplift in the use of solar PV, the NHBC announced more stringent requirements in the 2024 Technical Standards update. As roof integrated solar systems are classified as products that perform critical fire-resistance and weatherproofing functions. The new standards now include the requirement to demonstrate an acceptable level of durability, and that the life expectancy should be confirmed by an independent technical approvals authority.

This BBA certification included an assessment of the durability of the complete solar system and confirms the lifetime of the product is equivalent to the roof structure with which it is applied.

Key areas evaluated included:

  • Mechanical resistance and stability: Ensuring the system can withstand wind loads, physical impacts and other stresses.
  • Safety in case of fire: Verifying the system’s fire resistance, to protect building occupants.
  • Hygiene, health and environmental safety: Ensuring the range has no harmful impact on building occupants or the environment.
  • Energy economy and heat retention: Demonstrating the system’s ability to generate energy efficiently and contribute to heat retention.
  • Durability: Assessing the system’s long-term performance and lifespan.

In addition to product evaluation, the BBA’s review also included an assessment of Marley’s manufacturing processes, delivery, handling, storage, and maintenance protocols. The company’s commitment to regular production assessments and formal 3-yearly reviews ensures quality controls remain consistent throughout the system’s lifecycle.

Future-ready roofing
The BBA certification provides housebuilders and specifiers with confidence in the performance and reliability of Marley’s SolarTile® system solution for pitched roofing applications. Whether for new builds or roof refurbishments, this solar energy solution is designed to integrate seamlessly within the roof, offering a sleek, unobtrusive aesthetic whilst generating electricity from sunlight.

Marley’s SolarTile® brings together cutting-edge solar technology with a traditional roof aesthetic, whilst a system that is fully compliant with current building regulations.

Daniel Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications at Marley, commented: “Achieving BBA certification for our SolarTile® 410W system further reinforces our commitment to delivering high-performance, durable roofing solutions. The certification assures customers that Marley’s SolarTile® 410 panels and associated fixings and flashings, meets stringent standards for safety, durability and efficiency, providing a reliable choice for those seeking to incorporate solar energy into their building projects.”

For more information, visit Marley’s website.

Five Tips for Effective Blue Roof Design

Building Products Index Ltd Green Roofing, Roofing Leave a Comment

View the ACO Building Drainage entry on BPindex

Visit the ACO Building Drainage website

Stormwater management and flooding pose significant risks in urban settings.  Blue roofs have evolved as an innovative technique for storing rainwater, decreasing flood hazards and supporting sustainable development. However, misconceptions about blue roofs can cause design issues. Kevin Bohea, Manging Director of ACO Building Drainage, shares five recommendations for de-risking blue roof projects.

1.    Understand what a blue roof really is 
It should be noted that blue roofs are not actually roof waterproofing systems: they are separate attenuation systems intended to temporarily hold rainwater and slow its discharge, reducing urban flood hazards. Recognising this distinction is critical for good design and integration with modern construction methods.

2.    Separate blue and traditional roofs

A popular misconception is that blue and conventional roofs are the same system. Blue roofs are intended to hold and keep water, whereas standard roofs aim for quick water removal. Separating these systems prevents design compromises and assures compliance with British Standards and Building Regulations. ACO’s blue roof system keeps water away from the roof and off of the waterproofing layer except in extreme cases, meaning the risk of unwanted water ingress is kept to an absolute minimum.

3.    Address key design considerations early

It’s important to address the number, placement, and size of roof outlets, roof fall gradient, kind of roof construction, and time period for water retention of a roof system at the design stage. These elements are required for both the roofing and blue roof attenuation systems to function properly.4.    Mitigate risks with independent systems

Considering blue roofs and traditional roofs as independent systems means any risks associated with design compromises can be mitigated early on. This approach ensures sustainable drainage and prepares for worst-case weather scenarios, enhancing overall building resilience.

5.    Selecting the Right Attenuation System 

The biggest challenge is knowing which attenuation system to select as part of the project. It is recommended that a blue roof attenuation system, that keeps form and function distinct, should be adopted. Systems like ACO’s RoofBloxx, for example, operate independently of the roof waterproofing and drainage system, ensuring compliance with building standards. They also ensure efficient water management during extreme weather events. Given how frequent extreme weather conditions appear to be happening across the UK, this couldn’t be more important.

What’s next? 

Architects and designers have a crucial role to play in the implementation of blue roofs. From ensuring they are designed to meet the regulations, to determining the full environmental benefits when assessing any potential future impacts, architects will be pivotal in integrating these systems into infrastructure.

By following these tips, and working closely with the manufacturers themselves, architects and engineers can effectively de-risk blue roof projects and contribute to sustainable urban development.

To learn more about the Patented  ACO Blue Roof System please click here

Why Cedral is the industry choice for high spec facades and roofs

Building Products Index Ltd Facade, Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Cedral entry on BPindex

Visit the Cedral website

 

With over 100 years’ experience in fibre cement facade and roofing materials, Cedral products are highly sought after and trusted in the industry. Here’s why:

  • Long-lasting durability: Cedral fibre cement facades and slates have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years.
  • Low maintenance upkeep: fibre cement doesn’t rot, rust, warp or crack and is insect, bacteria and algae resistant; it doesn’t need painting and is easy to clean.
  • Easy-to-install products: with pre-holed slates, dry fitting roofing processes and all-in-one cladding solutions.
  • Excellent fire performance classification: Cedral materials comprehensively meet the fire performance classification A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018.
  • Sustainable options: Cedral wants to build a more durable world and bring sustainability to life, each day focusing its business towards building a more sustainable world for those around us. Find out more

Cedral facades – what’s on offer

Stylish contemporary designs: Cedral Lap facades overlap when installed to create a traditional clapboard aesthetic while Cedral Click’s tongue and groove design creates a modern, flush fitting facade. Find out more about our products

Cedral Colour Collections: The Cedral Collections are designed to offer customers a wealth of choice, with 21 on-trend shades curated into four unique collections. Explore the Cedral Collections

Accessories to complete the job: Cedral colour-matched trims include corners and edges, as well as Cedral Click clips and colour matched screws to ensure facades can be assembled quickly and correctly, creating a refined, premium finish. Find out more

Longevity and high performance: Cedral materials are thicker and therefore stronger ensuring the longevity and high performance of every facade.

Increased energy efficiency and insulation: The rainscreen cladding helps the building stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter for improved thermal comfort and energy saving, while the ventilated air cavity improves thermal and acoustic insulation and helps reduce condensation and humidity.

Cedral slates – the benefits

Uniform, lightweight and strong: Fibre cement slates are lighter and thinner yet equally as strong as clay, concrete and natural slates. They don’t require a heavy load bearing roof construction, so less timber is required for the structure. Their size and quality uniformity means they don’t suffer from inconsistent grading, size and thickness like natural slates.

Essential accessories: Roofing products include a range of fittings and accessories for pitched roof ventilation, verges, ridges and hips and general fixings. Find out more

Style choices: Slates come in four eye-catching designs, perfect as both a roofing material and a unique option to create a full envelope with the facade. Read more

Customer service support

Whether it’s support, installation advice, documentation, product information or certifications, Cedral has all the tools you need to help serve your clients.

Visit our Cedral Professionals portal, dedicated to supporting the building industry. Here you’ll find everything you need for your next Cedral cladding or slates project.

Talk to Cedral

Get in touch through the Cedral website, email infouk@etexgroup.com or phone: +44 (0) 1283 501 555.

1 2 3 4 … 8