Ward Topdek, a new all-in-one single ply insulated roofing panel, was chosen to roof the new Oak Grove College in West Sussex.

The college, which recently opened its doors to 256 secondary pupils, is one of the largest generic special school’s in Britain.

Over 5000m sq of Ward Topdek, in copper green, was specified, as one of the buildings main aim was to be sympathetic and in keeping with the rural setting which surrounds the college.

Ward Topdek is a factory pre-engineered composite roof panel that facilitates faster on-site assembly. It comprises a proven high performance single-ply PVC outer membrane integrally bonded to a Firesafe rigid PIR insulation core approved to LPBC standards. In addition a pre-finished steel trapezoidal inner deck provides structural strength.

A key advantage of specifying Ward’s Topdek was the projects extremely tight deadline. As an all in one single ply roofing solution, Topdek replaces the three-stage process of laying deck, insulation and membrane with one simple installation process. A new self-coring screw – unique to Topdek – speeds the installation process even further. Conventional fixing required a core of insulation to be removed, a self-tapping screw to be fixed then the core replaced prior to the welding of the side-lap. Now, in one simple operation, the self-coring screw eliminates these three steps. Plus compared to traditional built up roofing systems, Topdek is proving up to 50% faster to install.

The Roofing Contractor, Cobsen-Davies, specified Topdek, not only for its colour range, but also for its impressive time saving qualities. Trevor Pettifier, managing director of Cobsen – Davies, states: “These relatively new systems save significant installation time, in addition to Topdek’s excellent thermal performance, vapour control layer and air leakage qualities. Its time saving qualities were a real advantage of this job - the college had to be open in time for the start of term after all!
“Recent projects show that, aesthetically, Topdek can look top class too on a variety of projects, from supermarkets, commercial buildings, residential properties through to schools and colleges, it really is quite multi-functional.”

From an insurers point of view Topdek’s PIR fire rated core is approved to LPBC standards. In fire situations, Topdek maintains its integrity and does not contribute to the promotion of the fire. This quality, as well as being vital to the preservation of life and minimising damage to the building, is essential to gain acceptance from insurers who have taken an increasingly tougher stance towards a building’s composition before underwriting.

“Ward has confirmed that, compared to traditional built up single ply roofing systems, Topdek is proving up to 50% faster to install, and I can well believe them. Time is always an issue and the fiscal benefits of this time saving are even greater to developers and contractors.”

But it’s not only contractors within the industry that are under increasing pressure to ensure that buildings are not only well designed, efficient, meet budget and are completed on time. Architects and specifiers too are faced with these challenges. With Topdek Ward has set out to make sure that its single ply roofing solution meets all these criteria. The new self - coring screw is testament to our ongoing commitment to product and process enhancement.

Alongside tighter deadlines and budgets, one area which categorically cannot be compromised is the quality of the job. Cobsen-Davies has an extensive customer base which ranges from building contractors to private individuals. Trevor continues:”The experience of our craftsman has ensured success on unusual and demanding projects such as railway stations, sports centres and educational buildings to supermarket chains all of which continue to specify us for future projects because of one simple fact. We use quality products, are reliable and do not fail to deliver. Our relationship with Ward Insulated Panels spans many year’s probably due to the like-mindedness of our approach to business.”

The Main Contractors throughout the project were Willmott Dixon Construction and the architects were Hunter & Partners.

Click here to view the Wards Topdek Photo Gallery