arc System

Historically the UK has, and continues, to produce the best roofing slate in the world. Slates from Wales, Scotland, Cumbria and Cornwall are renowned for their excellent quality and longevity. It has traditionally been the desired roofing choice throughout the country, particularly on buildings of significance, such as schools, churches, train stations, industrial mills, mansions and country estate homes. Many of these listed buildings were constructed at the turn of the 19th century and although the hard wearing slates are still in sound condition, the roof fabric often is not.

The arc System fully repairs a defective slate roof and secures the fabric from deterioration, ensuring a maximum lifespan through the conservation of the roofs revived condition

Complete roof conservation at a fraction of the price of re-slating

Nail fatigue, batten nail rot, and general breakages are all signs of the necessity for full re-roof renewal work. This can be expensive, intrusive and potentially result in the loss of the original roof.

The arc System / Historic building conservation

The arc System offers complete roof stabilisation, to every slate, ridge tile and lead flashing and is delivered at a fair market value suitable for today’s challenging economic climate. The arc System maximises the lifespan of the existing roof, sensitively changing defective elements while retaining as much of the historical fabric as possible.

The arc system explained

The arc System is a three stage process using IRATA NVQ L2 roof technicians, heritage conservation techniques and modern adhesive technology from the world's leading speciality chemical company.

Access

With safety always first, Vertex generates a full safe system of works through our SMSTS qualified staff and our external Health and Safety Consultants. This allows our technicians to safely set up a roof site using traditional ladders and rope systems which negate the need for scaffolding. A complete package of Method Statements, Risk Assessments, asbestos planning and an overall construction phase plan ensure that Vertex Heritage complies with the latest CDM regulations.

Repair

The primary aim of the arc System is to conserve roofs following extensive ‘as new’ repairs. This requires extensive knowledge of all areas of roofing, and Vertex Heritage achieves this with NVQ L2 experienced roofers from a conservation background. All damaged slates are replaced with hidden fixings with slates carefully sourced to blend into the roof. A full package of roof works is undertaken at this stage, including lead replacement, pointing, ridge tile work and masonry repairs. 

Conserve

The arc System sets in place each individual slate with four hidden flexible fixing points. The entire roof is consolidated powerfully together and fixed into the underlying roof timber structure, resulting in complete roof security and the aesthetics of the original roof.

History

Devised and proven in 1990 by roofing experts in North Wales, the arc System has been tested in the harshest of landscapes and it is worthy to note, that of every storm that has ravaged the UK in the last 30 years, the earliest applied roofs, and hence the buildings, are still steadfastly holding strong.

The Future

The arc System patent (1991) which outlines the methodology process has been strictly adhered to for 30 years. This strong historical evidence of the system’s continued success is the basis that is allowing Vertex Heritage to apply for a BBA Licence in 2020, which we believe will provide added assurance to our trusted clients.

Benefits

Cost Effective

  • Renders significant cost savings over a full re-roof

  • Ranging from 20% to 50% the cost of a standard re-slate

  • Efficient completion times, minimising disruption

Established

  • Tried and Tested with a 30 year reference history

  • Experienced  and qualified heritage craft workers

  • Doesn’t affect the breathability or function of the original roof

  • Combining modern adhesive technology with traditional roof conservation techniques

Reactive

  • Small efficient teams can quickly mobilise and apply the system quickly, even as a patch repair

  • A guaranteed holding repair

  • Can be undertaken without any scaffolding

  • All ancillary works can be undertaken (lead, gutter)

  • Skilled and qualified heritage craft workers

Recognised Conservation Technique

  • Fulfils the “limited intervention” of repair rather than renewal requirement from Historic England Conservation Principles, 2008

  • Applicable to listed buildings, including Grade i*

  • Retaining the maximum amount of historic fabric

  • A targeted roof renovation which sees the replacement of every defective slate

  • Least invasive option

  • Does not affect the performance and re-usability of the slates

Resolve multiple roofing issues

  • Dangerous loose slates

  • Poor installation techniques

  • Nail fatigue to slates and battens

  • Roof Ecology, including Bats, Bees and other protected species

  • Cures slate chatter/loose slates

  • Minimises inconvenient and costly disruption to building use

IRATA Safety Standards

  • SMSTS Design management with external Safety consultants

  • Full set of Risk assessments, Method Statements, COSH and CPP literature

  • Principal Designer Contractor

  • Fully insured

To browse the full range of our services, click here or to discuss the arc System further, LiveChat below, email us on info@vertexaccess.co.uk or call 01709 379 453