Retrofit and refurbishment are exciting and fast-growing areas within the flat roofing industry. These approaches are becoming increasingly important due to the global push to achieve a sustainable built environment, increase energy efficiency and extend the lifespan of existing buildings.
Advances in technology, coupled with specialist expertise from companies like Axter, are unlocking new possibilities to maximise roof performance and make the most of the world above our heads.
The terms ‘retrofit’ and ‘refurbishment’ are often used interchangeably when discussing roofing projects, but they signify distinct processes.
Understanding the differences between these two can help building owners, architects, and contractors make informed decisions about maintaining and improving flat roofing systems.
Refurbishment: Restoration and upgrade
Refurbishment involves the repair, renewal, or replacement of components of a flat roof to restore it to its previous condition or to upgrade it with modern materials and technologies.
This process is often undertaken when the roof has sustained damage, wear and tear over time, or is nearing the end of its service life. It addresses common issues such as water ingress, insulation degradation, and structural damage.
“Refurbishment refers to essential work that must be completed for a roof to continue to work effectively and fulfil its basic functions,” says Sam Heard, Divisional Manager for Distribution and Refurbishment at Axter. “If a roof has significant wear, damage, or structural issues, refurbishment will likely be necessary.”
Read more about refurbishment in our interview with Sam: Meet Sam Heard: Driving innovation in roof refurbishment and distribution.
Retrofit: Added features to maximise performance
Retrofit involves adding new technologies or features to an existing flat roof to improve its performance, energy efficiency, use, and sustainability. This process does not require removing the existing roof structure but rather integrating new systems into the current setup.
Retrofitting is an ideal solution when an existing roof is fundamentally sound, but the owner wants to upgrade it to meet modern standards or a specific performance criterion or to unlock additional functions such as green or blue roof elements, or solar panel integration.
“Retrofit is about maximising the full potential of a flat roof, going above and beyond what is necessary for the basic functioning of a roof to unlock additional benefits and make the most of the space,” says Sam.
“The opportunities for retrofit are very exciting right now,” says Sam. “We’re seeing flat roofs transformed from unused spaces into rich, biodiverse havens through the addition of green roof elements. We’re seeing the integration of solar panels on flat roofs to generate renewable energy for a building, slashing energy bills and carbon emissions alike.”
Retrofits can help bring older buildings up to current building codes and standards, particularly in terms of energy performance and environmental regulations.
“As we’re seeing more and more extreme weather events because of climate change, blue roof elements are being added to flat roofs to help with stormwater management and meet SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) requirements,” says Sam.
Read more about how blue roofs are becoming essential with the tightening requirements for controlling stormwater here.
The more sustainable choice
Roof retrofit and refurbishment projects are playing a key role in helping the UK achieve its 2050 net zero emissions target, as a significant portion of the current building stock will still be in use by then.
“Refurbishment or retrofitting features to an existing roof is the smart and sustainable choice. As well as reducing waste, the benefits of these approaches – over new construction – include cost savings, reduced project timelines, and less disruption to occupants. It also preserves the character of existing buildings while upgrading them to meet modern standards,” says Sam.
“Over the coming years, I expect to see increased government regulation and standards, pushing for higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact. Refurbishment and retrofit are both well-placed to add value here.”
“I would love to see the introduction of green roof finishes more frequently in retrofit projects,” adds Sam. “Green roofs are common on new buildings to meet legal requirements such as biodiversity net gain (BNG), but it would be fantastic to see more green roofs retrofitted onto existing structures. Of course, there are some challenging elements of green roof retrofit, primarily related to structure and additional loading, but that’s where our expertise as specialists in this area can assist.”
The Axter approach
We fuse our extensive roofing expertise with state-of-the-art digital technology and advanced diagnostic tools to offer a full refurbishment and retrofit service. We deliver building owners a comprehensive end-to-end service — from initial surveys to the final roof handover.
“Axter’s expertise, innovative tools, a strong commitment to sustainability, and our quality roofing systems make us well-placed for refurbishment and retrofit projects. Our comprehensive range of high-performance products and experienced team ensure we can tackle any challenge effectively,” concludes Sam.
If you’re interested in learning more about Axter’s refurbishment or retrofit services, contact the team at Axter; we would love to hear from you.
