Roof Over-Sheeting and External Cladding Refurbishment
- Location - Units 1–9 Arms Park Road, Norwich
- Client - SREIT Property Limited
Crestel Projects Ltd successfully delivered a comprehensive roof over-sheeting and external cladding refurbishment at Units 1–9, Arms Park Road, located within Union Park, Norwich. The project formed part of a wider asset enhancement strategy for the landlord, improving both the performance and appearance of a fully occupied industrial estate.
Delivered within a live, tenanted environment, the works were carefully planned and sequenced to ensure business continuity, safe access at all times, and minimal disruption to occupiers, while significantly extending the lifespan and thermal performance of the buildings.
1. Project Overview
The scheme focused on upgrading ageing asbestos cement roofs and dated external elevations, transforming the estate both technically and visually. Works included the installation of a modern oversheeted roofing system, new fire-rated rooflights, enhanced thermal insulation, and new external cladding to key elevations, alongside associated envelope and services upgrades.
The completed works provide the client with a more energy-efficient, compliant, and market-ready asset, while preserving uninterrupted tenant operations throughout the programme.
2. Scope of Works
Crestel’s scope included:
- Oversheeting of existing asbestos cement roofs using a proprietary support system
- Installation of new insulated single-skin metal roofing sheets with manufacturer's warranty
- Replacement of rooflights with new fire-resistant, non-fragile GRP rooflights
- Full flashing, verge, ridge and penetration detailing to ensure long-term weather tightness
- Cleaning, lining and replacement of valley gutters and rainwater goods
- Removal and replacement of external wall sheets and installation of new metal cladding to gable elevations
- External redecoration and finishing works
- Careful coordination of M&E elements affected by cladding works, including lighting, AC condensers and services
- Working safely around asbestos-containing materials in strict accordance with HSE guidance
All works were undertaken while the units remained occupied and operational.
3. Key Challenges and Solutions
01.
Working in a Live, Tenanted Environment
With multiple tenants operating throughout the estate, maintaining access, fire escape routes, deliveries, and trading hours was critical. Crestel implemented out-of-hours working, temporary protection, debris netting, and detailed tenant liaison to ensure safety and continuity at all times.
02.
Asbestos Management
The existing roof structure incorporated asbestos cement sheets. Rather than removal, a compliant oversheeting solution was designed and installed, significantly reducing risk while improving thermal performance. Regular air monitoring and wipe testing were undertaken before, during and after works to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
03.
Weatherproofing and Programme Certainty
Roofing works were carefully phased, with temporary weather protection and strict sequencing to ensure internal spaces remained dry and protected throughout the programme, critical for tenant operations and asset protection.
4. Sustainability and Compliance
The project delivered tangible sustainability benefits through:
- Improved thermal performance, achieving enhanced U-values
- Extension of the existing roof lifecycle through oversheeting rather than full removal
- Reduced waste and embodied carbon compared with traditional strip-and-replace approaches
- Installation of modern, energy-efficient external lighting
All works were delivered in accordance with CDM Regulations 2015, relevant British Standards, and manufacturer requirements, with full RAMS approval and ongoing site management.
5. Technical Project Data
- Client: SREIT Property Limited
- Location: Norwich
- Contract Administrator and Principal Designer: Woodfellows LLP
- Contract: JCT Minor Works Building Contract (Contractor’s Design)
- Project Type: Industrial Asset Enhancement / External Refurbishment
- Programme: Approx. 10 weeks
- Status: Completed
- Key Works: Roof oversheeting, external cladding, asbestos-managed refurbishment, envelope upgrades
6. Outcome
The completed scheme has significantly enhanced the appearance, performance and longevity of the estate, delivering a robust, compliant solution that supports long-term asset value. The transformation is clear to see, providing the client with a refreshed industrial park that is safer, more efficient, and better positioned for future occupation.