Roof Insulation for Mixed-Use Building in North London
An early 20th-century mixed-use building in North London needed a roof upgrade after the existing covering reached the end of its life. The property has commercial units on the ground floor with eight flats above, making the project more complex than a typical residential job.
The owner approached Pyramid Eco to renew the roof, reduce heat loss, and improve living conditions using funding from the Great British Insulation Scheme. As the building is in a conservation area, the work also had to meet additional regulatory requirements.
Project Snapshot:
Location: North London
Property Type: Early 20th-century mixed-use building
Client: Charity property owner
Purpose: Renew ageing roof and reduce heat loss
Solution: Flat roof insulation with ventilation upgrades
System: Single-ply membrane system with rigid insulation
Funding: Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Challenge
The existing roof had reached the end of its life and was allowing heat to escape from the flats below. Like many older buildings, it was uninsulated, increasing heating costs and the risk of condensation in the top-floor properties.
Because the project was funded through GBIS, only a single insulation measure could be installed. The roof upgrade had to be carefully designed and paired with appropriate ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
As the building is in a conservation area, additional checks were required before work began, including an airtightness test and a ventilation strategy approved by the Retrofit Coordinator.
Why Pyramid Eco?
This project required more than a roofing contractor. It needed a fully accredited retrofit installer with access to funding, manufacturer approval, and experience working under PAS and TrustMark requirements.
Experience with Complex Retrofit Projects
This was a mixed-use building in a conservation area, so the client needed a contractor able to manage technical, regulatory, and funding requirements together.
Access to GBIS Funding
Pyramid Eco handled the full funding process, from eligibility checks to inspections and final sign-off, allowing the work to be completed at a much lower cost.
Manufacturer-Approved System
The roof insulation was designed in partnership with the manufacturer, with testing and inspections to ensure the system was installed correctly and backed by a full guarantee.
Returning Client
The owner had worked with Pyramid Eco before and chose to use the team again based on previous experience and confidence in the quality of their work
Our Approach: A Roof System Designed for Long-Term Performance
Working with the Retrofit Coordinator and funding provider, Pyramid Eco specified a complete flat roof insulation system designed to meet current regulations and manufacturer requirements. The existing roof deck was assessed before installing rigid insulation boards and a new single-ply membrane system to create a durable, watertight finish.
System: Single-ply membrane roofing system
Insulation: High-performance rigid insulation boards
Coverage: Full flat roof area
Funding route: Great British Insulation Scheme
The manufacturer carried out structural checks before installation and inspected the work during and after completion, ensuring the system met specifications and qualified for a long-term guarantee. Because the building is in a conservation area, an airtightness test and ventilation strategy were required before installation. Continuous extract fans were fitted in kitchens and bathrooms to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of condensation.
Related: Why Pyramid Eco Is Moving from Torch-on Felt to Single-Ply Membrane for Flat Roof Insulation
Overcoming Key Challenges
This project presented challenges beyond those of a typical roof insulation job.
1. Conservation Area Requirements
The building sits within a conservation area, so the work had to meet additional regulations. An airtightness test was required before installation, and the ventilation strategy had to be approved before work could proceed.
2. Working on a Mixed-Use Building
The property includes commercial units below residential flats, so the roof had to remain secure and weatherproof throughout the project. Work was carefully phased to avoid disruption to tenants and businesses.
3. Cold-Weather Installation
The work took place in winter, when temperature and humidity must be monitored closely. The manufacturer checks conditions during installation to ensure the system remains valid under the guarantee.
4. Maintaining Ventilation and Moisture Control
Improving insulation without upgrading ventilation can lead to condensation problems. The ventilation system was upgraded alongside the insulation to maintain healthy airflow inside the flats.
Results and Benefits
The new roof insulation has reduced heat loss from the top-floor flats and improved comfort for residents, while also providing a fully renewed, watertight roof covering.
Key Outcomes:
- Improved living conditions for tenants with reduced condensation risk
- Lower heat loss through the roof
- Full roof renewal combined with insulation upgrade
- Major cost savings through GBIS funding
- Long-term protection backed by a manufacturer guarantee.
All Work Is Protected by Robust Guarantees and Full Compliance:
- 20-year manufacturer guarantee on the roofing system
- Insurance-backed guarantee for additional protection
- Retrofit Coordinator oversight
- Manufacturer inspections during installation
- Compliance with funding and building regulations.
Client Satisfaction
The client was extremely pleased with the result and the savings achieved through the funding scheme. Without support, the roof replacement would have cost around £70,000, but the charity only needed to contribute a small amount towards the work.
As the client explained:
“It would have cost the organisation about £70,000 to £75,000 without the funding. We only had to contribute around £7,000 or £8,000, so it’s been a huge saving for the charity.”
They were particularly pleased that the work caused minimal disruption to residents and that the process was handled professionally from start to finish.
“We wanted as little disruption as possible for the tenants, and we had no complaints at all. The job was clean, neat, and tidy, and we got all the guarantees before the final payment. We’re very happy.”
This was not the first project completed for the client, and they confirmed they plan to continue working with Pyramid Eco on future buildings based on the quality of the work and the smooth delivery of the project.
Planning a Roof Upgrade Using the Great British Insulation Scheme?
If your roof is nearing the end of its life, the right insulation upgrade can improve comfort, reduce heat loss, and extend the building’s lifespan. Pyramid Eco delivers fully specified roof insulation systems designed to meet funding rules, conservation requirements, and current building regulations.
We manage everything from funding applications to inspections and final guarantees, so the work is completed safely and with minimal disruption to tenants.
