30 May 2006

SHEERLITE ROOF MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The installation of a conservatory roof at Red Lodge Care Home in Taunton, Somerset was a tough challenge for Sheerlite manufacturers L.B. Plastics Ltd and Bridgewater-based fabricator and installer S. Notaro Windows Ltd, but the end result has been an outstanding hit with residents and staff alike.

The challenge was to build a roof that would join the existing care home building with a new 16-room extension and create an expanded dining area. Following a detailed survey, designers at L.B. Plastics needed to take into account the large size of the roof at 48sq metres, but also that none of the three adjoining walls were the same length and none of the angles 90 degrees.

In order to ensure that the roof was constructed in a way that it would be strong and safe, unique Sheerlite galvanised steel rafters were used with hidden bolster to provide exceptional snow loading provision, without detracting from the visual appeal of the roof.

S. Notaro Windows Ltd and a team of specialists from L.B. Plastics constructed the roof in just 3 days. Once constructed, the roof required box gutters to be fixed to the wall in order to distribute the load correctly.

Tony De Sena, factory manager, S. Notaro Windows Ltd, commented, “The versatility and structural integrity of the Sheerlite roof system, coupled with the experience, support and expertise of the L.B. Plastics team, makes non-standard and large commercial applications easily achievable.”

The Sheerlite roof system has many unique features, setting it apart from others in the market in terms of its design, and the assembly process has been designed to simplify installation.

The Sheerlite roof system has a unique time saving clip lock mechanism, the capacity to fit all PVC window systems, fast fit gutter system, pre set factory-fitted ‘captive bolts’, a choice of four glazing bars – one with bolster, twin clipped glazing bar caps and a choice of ovolo or bevelled caps. Sheerlite roofs are also available with a choice of two ridge options. The variable ridge allows for pitches between 5 and 40 degrees and provides maximum flexibility of design. For standard 20, 25 or 30 degree pitches a pre set pitch ridge is available.

As with all L.B. Plastics’ products Sheerlite roof systems are manufactured from a lead-free polymer compound. Whilst still providing exceptionally high levels of colour stability and mechanical durability, the Sheerlite roof system sets the environmental standard by using new organic stabilisers.