Supplied by Decra Roof Systems from Icopal, the tiles, which were selected for their light-weight and aesthetic appearance, are helping to enhance the ambience of the retail park.
With the majority of buildings at Bicester Village taking on a three-course brick and timber structure, it was necessary to install a new roofing material that would not cause any constructional degradation as a result of an uneven weight distribution on the building in question. Weighing just one seventh of their clay, slate or concrete counterparts, Decra’s lightweight roof tiles were ideal.
The project, which saw the installation of approximately 1000m2 of Charcoal coloured Decra Stratos tiles, was implemented due to the need to replace the deteriorating felt shingle on the roof.
Andrew Dunn, Director of James Dunn Roofing Limited, commented, “After attending a one day installation training course at Icopal’s Decra site in Crawley, West Sussex, we were ready to start work on the Bicester Village project. Chosen primarily due to their comparative low weight, durability and aesthetic appeal, Decra lightweight roof tiles are guaranteed to last far longer than traditional roof shingles, which normally have a life span of just 10 years, meaning costs can be cut down in the long term too.”
He continued, “Due to the high profile nature of the project, we needed to install a product that would enhance the building’s aesthetics. The Stratos profile tiles complement the roof perfectly, keeping in line with the look of the surrounding buildings, whilst their easy installation method meant we could complete the renovation works as quickly as possible, causing as little interruption as possible to Bicester Village shoppers.”
Installed over the existing felt shingle to help save time and cost, as associated with the normal removal and disposal of a roofing product, the Decra roofing solution provided a less intrusive means by which a new roofing material could be installed.
The simple method by which Decra roof tiles can be installed was of particular benefit on this project. Fixed to the timber roof structure underneath, using a hammer and nails or nailgun, the tiles are fitted through their upturned and downturned edges to deliver a fit that it so strong and secure it is virtually impervious to the effects of weathering, burglary and vandalism, something which could potentially cause a problem due to the nature of the building on which it has been installed.
Mark Bell, Technical Manager for the Decra Roof System at Icopal, said, “Due to the exclusivity of the project and the nature of the building involved, Decra roof tiles were ideal for use. Their steel core makes them incredibly strong and resilient against forms of attack, even if heavy implements are used to attempt entry, as they will simply bounce off the surface of the roof. Accredited with the Police Preferred Specification, Secured by Design, the Decra roof system is ideal for use in retail applications, such as the Bicester Village project.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
