| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Project | Forsythia Gardens - Nottingham |
| Client | East Midlands Homes / Novus Property Solutions |
| Contractor | Thomas Cassie Roofing |
| Product | Deck-VQ |
| System | 40-Year Derbigum Bituminous Felt System |
| Area m2 | 1100m2 |
The challenge
At Forsythia Gardens, the point where the properties met the adjoining private land fell on a downward pitch, creating a significant technical constraint for the refurbishment. Achieving the 0.16 U-value required for the residential re-roof would normally call for a substantial thickness of PIR insulation. On this junction, however, that build-up would have created a water check, disrupting the roof's fall and leaving it vulnerable to ponding across the affected area.
With 1,100m² to refurbish and a 40-year system warranty riding on the outcome, the specification needed to resolve this conflict without altering the existing roof design or compromising long-term performance. The challenge was clear: find a way to meet current thermal regulations without adding the depth of insulation that would undermine the roof's drainage.
The Gradient solution
Gradient's Deck-VQ was specified to resolve the conflict between thermal performance and roof fall. As a vacuum insulation panel, Deck-VQ delivers significantly higher thermal performance than standard PIR at a fraction of the thickness, allowing the design to achieve the 0.16 U-value required on this residential project without the build-up that would have created a water check and ponding risk.
Beyond the product itself, Gradient's support was central to the project's success. From initial design through to installation, the team provided clear, detailed explanations of the proposed build-up, the reasoning behind each decision, and exactly how the design would perform on site. That level of technical guidance gave Thomas Cassie Roofing the confidence to overcome the site's constraints and deliver the project to the standard required for a 40-year Alumasc system warranty.
Project outcome
The result is a fully refurbished 1,100m² roof at Forsythia Gardens, with the existing design and profile of the buildings left entirely unaffected. By resolving the pitch and thermal performance challenge with Deck-VQ, the project achieved full compliance with current thermal regulations without any visual or structural compromise to the properties.
Why Deck VQ?
Deck-VQ is a vacuum insulation panel offering exceptional thermal performance at a fraction of the thickness of standard PIR. On projects like Forsythia Gardens, where roof falls, upstands, or adjoining structures limit how much build-up can be added, Deck-VQ makes it possible to meet demanding U-value requirements without altering roof levels or risking drainage issues such as ponding.
