Metec Group
Jarrow, South Shields
Full roof replacement and gutter refurbishment before Solar PV installation
Metec Cathodic Protection appointed Roofclad Systems to deliver a comprehensive roof refurbishment at their Visage House facility in Jarrow, South Shields.
The project focused on resolving persistent water ingress issues and preparing the building for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels to support the client’s long-term carbon reduction objectives.
Works included the removal of existing Georgian wired glass atriums, the installation of new anti-condensation profiled roof sheets, the overcladding of the main roof areas, the refurbishment of gutters, and the overlay of lower-level flat roofs. The project was delivered while the facility remained fully operational, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption to day-to-day activities.
Metec were experiencing water ingress across multiple roof areas, impacting the long-term performance of the building envelope. The client also had a strategic objective to reduce carbon emissions through the installation of solar PV panels.
To ensure the PV system could be installed on a reliable and compliant structure, the client required a full roof refurbishment that would improve weather resistance and future-proof the asset.
Roofclad Systems implemented a phased refurbishment programme designed to maintain operational continuity across the facility. Comprehensive safety measures were introduced in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, including triple handrail edge protection scaffolding and a man-safe net system with debris netting installed beneath all stripping areas.
The removal of the Georgian wired glass atriums was carefully sequenced, with each bay progressively stripped and immediately weatherproofed using anti-condensation profiled sheets. This approach ensured protection from the elements and prevented disruption to internal operations.
The main roof area was overclad using a galvanised Z-rail and top hat support system, improving structural integrity while avoiding the need for full roof removal. Redundant rooflights and flues were removed to reduce maintenance requirements and improve overall roof performance.
Gutter refurbishment works included installation of WeatherFAST gutter liners with hot air welded laps and outlets to ensure a fully watertight seal. Valley gutters were upgraded using a self-adhesive single-ply system integrated with existing drainage infrastructure.
All flashings were fabricated by Roofclad’s in-house team, ensuring quality control and efficient installation sequencing. A 160lm safety lifeline system was installed to facilitate safe access for future PV maintenance works.
Following completion of the main roof, the existing scaffold was utilised to support the PV installation programme before Roofclad’s flat roofing team completed the 300m² torch-applied overlay to adjacent lower-level roofs.
The project was completed one week ahead of schedule, supporting the client’s sustainability objectives while maintaining full site operations throughout the works.
The refurbishment has significantly improved the building’s weather resistance, providing a robust, compliant roofing system ready for photovoltaic installation.
The works have helped future-proof the facility, reduce ongoing maintenance requirements, and support Metec’s carbon reduction strategy.
“Roofclad delivered the project efficiently while keeping our site fully operational throughout. The team worked in a structured and professional manner, helping us prepare the building for solar installation while resolving long-standing roof issues. Completing the works ahead of programme was a significant benefit to our wider project timeline.”
– Dave Bennett, Metec Group
