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Case Study

How Permavent products helped ensure confidence, performance and continuity throughout a major hospital roof replacement.

The Bernard Meade Building forms a key part of Kingston Hospital's operational estate and required a complete roof refurbishment to replace its ageing roof covering with a modern, high-performance natural slate system. Spanning more than 1,800m², the project was successfully completed over a fully operational hospital, with no disruption to patient care or essential clinical services. This demanded meticulous planning, phased construction and tightly coordinated logistics. Restricted access, limited storage space and the need to avoid disruption to clinical services meant materials were delivered on a just-in-time basis throughout the programme. The finished roof combines the timeless appearance of natural slate with modern roofing technology, delivering a durable, weatherproof solution backed by a 40-year warranty. Kingston Hospital praised both the quality of the completed roof and the high standard of workmanship delivered throughout the project.

View products used in project

Location

Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames

The Project

Replacing more than 1,800m² of roofing above a fully operational hospital created a challenge where failure simply was not an option. Patients, staff, and emergency access routes all had to remain fully operational while a major roof replacement was carried out overhead. The project therefore demanded not only a high-performance roofing specification, but complete confidence that the roof could be installed safely, efficiently and without disrupting the care taking place below. In such a critical healthcare environment, the roofing system needed to provide more than compliance; it needed to give the project team confidence that the building would remain protected throughout its service life.

Permavent in Action

Maintaining a fully operational hospital throughout the refurbishment required meticulous planning and careful sequencing of the installation. Clinical services continued uninterrupted beneath the works, so the roofing programme was delivered in tightly controlled phases, ensuring the building remained protected from the elements at every stage.

Permavent Dry+ was installed first as the primary secondary weather barrier before the batten system was fixed. Its highly vapour-permeable construction provided reliable weather protection while allowing moisture to escape from the roof structure, contributing to the long-term performance of the roof. During the early stages of the project, a Permavent technical representative also provided on-site installation guidance, helping to ensure the specification was delivered to the highest standard.

The Permavent Easy Slate system was then installed beneath every natural slate, delivering consistent secondary weather protection across the entire roof area. The system enabled the roofing team to work confidently while ensuring every section of the roof achieved the required performance standards.

The Bernard Meade Building project demonstrates how modern roofing technology can support the successful delivery of large-scale natural slate roofing within one of the most demanding construction environments imaginable. By combining over 36,000 natural slates with the enhanced protection provided by the Permavent Easy Slate system, the project delivered a roof that meets the highest standards of durability, weather performance and craftsmanship while ensuring hospital services continued uninterrupted throughout the works. The result is a roofing project that demonstrates not only technical excellence, but also the careful planning and teamwork required to protect the people working and receiving care beneath it every day.

“We would have no hesitation in using Permavent products again and would happily recommend them for future projects. The products were straightforward to install, performed exactly as expected and integrated seamlessly within the overall roofing specification. The additional technical support provided by the Permavent team was a valuable benefit and contributed to the successful delivery of the project.”

Project Manager, GS Moore Roofing

Products Used

Permavent Easy Slate

Patented low pitch slate roofing system

  • Low pitch roofing system as low as 10°
  • Extends the life of the roof by keeping battens dry
  • Creates new areas for slate application
  • 40-year product guarantee
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Permavent DRY+

High Performance Membrane

  • High performance construction membranes
  • Vapour permeable
  • Integrated tapes, suitable in all UK wind zones
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Permatac® Butyl Waterproof Sealant Tape

High Tack airtight sealing tape

  • High Tack
  • Airtight
  • Strong & flexible
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