Redland courts success with Cambrian Slate

When the team at Forster Roofing first realised that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's building in Glasgow was the ideal showcase for its integrated roofing and solar service, they also realised that Redland’s lightweight Cambrian Slates were perfect for the project.

The commission to install solar panels on a sensitive, fully operational building in central Glasgow was a tall order in itself but an inspection of the existing slate-composite roof showed that it had less than 10 years life left.

So, rather than just install solar panels, the project was expanded to incorporate the renewal of the entire 1,800m² roof covering. And, because the roof structure was not designed to withstand the weight of natural slate, the roof was stripped and 25,000 Redland Cambrian Slates were fitted.

Steve Scott, Managing Director of Forster Roofing Services, says that the Cambrian Slate – in Slate Grey – matched the previous roof colour, complemented the existing roofscape and was also easy to fix, with confidence that it would not fail over its lifespan.

“The existing roof covering was failing and the client was looking for a robust replacement,” he says. “Redland’s Cambrian Slate fitted the remit perfectly, providing a very secure covering whilst enhancing the slate appearance of the roof. The Cambrian’s sleek finish aligned perfectly with the integrated solar PV on the roof.”

The company also installed a total of 96 270Wp panels across the two most suitable roof slopes. Now, the clean, self-generated solar energy is providing power to the offices and helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Made from over 60% recycled Welsh slate, Cambrian captures all the beauty and character of natural slate and provides outstanding aesthetics, performance and installed-cost benefits.

Redland Cambrian Slates are designed with a unique three-point fixing, making them secure on even the most exposed sites. Manufactured to be lightweight with a thin leading edge and surface patterning taken from impressions of real natural slates, and proven on pitches as low as 15°, Redland Cambrian Slates are suitable for a wide range of projects. When installed with recommended fixings under the Redland SpecMaster service, the whole roof is backed by a 15-Year weathertightness, durability and design liability guarantee.

Three colours are available: Heather, Langdale Green and Slate Grey – with Slate Grey also being available in a pre-weathered finish.