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Case Study

The regeneration of Redcar Central creates a welcoming gateway, made possible by the specification of Permavent APEX membrane and Permaflex® lead alternative.

Redcar Central Train Station

Conservation work to transform Redcar Central Station from a derelict building into a vibrant gateway to the town began in May 2024. Now restored, it serves as both a leisure and retail hub and a key transport link, offering rail facilities with ticket machines, travel information, and covered waiting areas, alongside food and drink outlets operating throughout the day. Built in the 1860s as part of the Stockton-Darlington Railway coastguard extension, the station had not served rail passengers since the late 1980s and ceased business use in 2013. This listed Victorian landmark features a red brick Flemish bond structure with yellow brick and ashlar dressings, a Welsh slate roof, and a glazed central train shed. The single-storey engine shed, now a retail space, retains its hipped roof and ornate cast iron supports, creating an open-plan birdcage effect—an elegant example of Victorian industrial design. As the only station in Cleveland with its original train shed, preserving Redcar Central’s historic character was essential. Both the station and shed have been sympathetically restored to their former glory.

View products used in project

Shortlisted for “Best Use of Slate on a Commercial Project” for the Pitched Roof Awards 2025.

Location

Redcar, North Yorkshire

Requirements

A central focus of the restoration was the complete overhaul of the station’s extensive 1,520m² slate roof, a task that was both technically demanding and historically significant. As a defining feature of the Victorian structure, the original Welsh slate was carefully salvaged and reused where possible to preserve the building’s architectural integrity. Where the original Welsh slate could not be reused, particularly on the engine shed, high-quality Spanish slate was carefully selected to match the appearance and performance of the original material.

Permavent APEX and Permaflex® were both specified for the re-roofing of the government and Railway Heritage Trust-funded project to revive the dilapidated station, playing a vital role in safeguarding the historic building’s future and demonstrating excellence in roofing innovation, sustainability, and heritage conservation.

Why Permavent was chosen

Preserving the integrity of Grade II Listed Redcar Central Station required a roofing solution that could meet the highest standards of modern performance while preserving the building’s history. Permavent APEX was selected as the roofing membrane of choice for this landmark project, offering a unique combination of advanced technology and heritage sensitivity.

As a 3-layer, air-open and vapour-permeable membrane, APEX allows moisture to escape naturally, removing critical moisture from traditional structures, providing the essential air movement to prevent condensation, rot, and long-term structural damage. Unlike conventional membranes, APEX eliminates the need for low and high-level ventilation, preserving the original roof design and avoiding invasive alterations that could compromise the building’s historic integrity.

APEX’s high water resistance and UV stability provided robust protection during the re-slating process, particularly important in Redcar’s coastal climate. Lightweight and easy to handle, APEX features an integrated double tape system that secures laps in all weather conditions, reduces material usage by up to 25%, and minimises disruption to fragile roof structures, all qualities ideal for a sensitive conservation project of this scale. Trusted by conservation architects and heritage specialists, APEX ensures long-term roof performance while maintaining the authenticity of listed buildings.

Permaflex® was used to weatherproof the 52 metre continuous glazed skylight running along both sides of the train shed. As a premium lead alternative, Permaflex® offers high adhesion, flexibility for deep-profile slates, and self-sealing overlaps. The fully adhesive Butyl backing enabled quick, tool-free installation without the need for primers or additional adhesives. Resistant to UV and chemical exposure, Permaflex® delivers a clean, lead-like finish with a life expectancy of at least 20 years, making it a durable, low-maintenance solution perfectly suited to heritage roofing applications.

How Permavent was installed

The restoration of Redcar Central Station demanded a slating approach that honoured the building’s heritage while delivering long-term performance. A full strip-out of the original roof was required, during which all salvageable Welsh slate was carefully reclaimed and reused across the main roof and the East and West wings. Where replacements were necessary, particularly on the engine shed—high-quality Spanish slate were selected to match the original in both appearance and durability.

This project was not just about replacing slate, it was about doing so with precision, care, and respect for the building’s historic fabric. Once the original slates were removed, essential cleaning and structural checks were carried out on the timber framework. All sound structures were retained, and for the boarded engine shed roof, a counter batten system was incorporated to ensure proper ventilation and drainage beneath the new slates.

Permavent APEX was installed and exceeded the requirements of both BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 and BS 5250:2021, provided a breathable, air-open and vapour-permeable layer that allowed moisture to escape naturally, critical for maintaining the health of traditional roofing materials. APEX’s integrated double tape system enabled efficient installation across the large roof area, even during the wet and windy autumn months, reducing waste and ensuring a secure, weather-tight finish.

Importantly, APEX eliminated the need for additional ventilation, preserving the original roofline and avoiding any visual disruption to the station’s historic appearance—an essential consideration for a listed structure.

Permaflex® was applied around the 52-metre-long bespoke glazed skylights. Permaflex®, is a highly advanced, premium 3^rd generation lead alternative that utilises cutting-edge technology to set it apart.

Permaflex® lead free flashing offers superior weatherproofing, delivering a long-lasting, effective waterproofing solution. Installed in accordance
with manufacturer guidance, the highly adhesive Butyl backing and flexible composition allowed it to be dressed neatly into place, forming a durable,
lead-free seal that will protect the roof for decades to come.
This project showcases heritage slating at its best—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern materials for lasting beauty and durability.

*A counter batten is not required for APEX installation. It was included in the Redcar Central Station because the project involved a specialist commercial roof application.

“Working on a heritage project like Redcar Central Station comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the building’s historic integrity while ensuring modern performance.
Permavent APEX was specified for this particular project as a roofing solution that could meet modern performance standards without compromising the building’s historic integrity. Permavent APEX was the clear choice. Its ability to control condensation without the need for traditional ventilation was a game-changer—especially for a heritage site where maintaining original aesthetics is essential. The membrane’s air permeability and vapour control gave us confidence in the long-term health of the roof structure, and its compliance with BS 5534 meant we could trust it to perform in Redcar’s coastal climate.
We also used Permavent Permaflex® around the 52 metre-long glazed skylights, and it proved to be an outstanding product from start to finish.
The Butyl backing made installation quick and clean, even in tight, awkward areas. It adhered perfectly to all surfaces without the need for additional primers or adhesives, which saved us both time and labour. The flexibility of Permaflex® made it easy to dress into deep profiles and around complex detailing, and the self-sealing overlaps gave us confidence in the long-term weatherproofing.
It’s rare to find a lead alternative that performs this well while maintaining a traditional appearance. For a listed building like this, Permaflex® was the perfect solution. We’d absolutely recommend it for any project where durability, ease of use, and heritage sensitivity are key.
With Permavent APEX membrane and Permaflex, we didn’t just install a roof—we preserved a piece of history while ensuring it’s protected for generations to come.”

Dave Manging BA (Hons), Operations Manager, Barclay Roofing Ltd – Redcar Central Train Station