Buckley Court Case Study: Green Roof Refurbishment & Waterproofing Upgrade

Jul 15
2 min read

Green rooftop with HVAC units, gravel paths, and low vents beside trees under bright sunlight.

Commercial roofing projects often present challenges beyond simply replacing the waterproofing system. At Buckley Court, a seven-storey residential apartment building in South London, the project required the careful removal and reinstatement of an existing green roof and solar PV system, while resolving long-standing drainage issues and keeping the building fully occupied throughout the works.

The Project

Buckley Court had experienced persistent water ingress due to failures within the existing single-ply roofing system. Investigations also identified drainage problems and a faulty automatic opening vent (AOV), which was contributing to further water ingress.

To provide a long-term solution, the existing roof build-up was stripped back to the concrete deck before a new Nimbus waterproofing system was installed.

The Challenges

This project involved several challenges that required careful planning.

The existing green roof and solar PV panels had to be temporarily removed before the roofing works could begin and reinstated once the new waterproofing system was complete.

Restricted roof access meant materials had to be carefully managed to maintain safe working areas, while waste removal required temporary pedestrian management below. Poor weather also affected the programme, with weekend working introduced to recover lost time.

Flat black rooftop with white vents and scaffolding, overlooking trees and city buildings under a cloudy sky.

The Solution

The existing waterproofing, insulation and vapour control layer were removed before the concrete deck was prepared for the new roofing system.

A new Nimbus waterproofing system was installed incorporating:

Vapour control layer
Tapered insulation scheme laid to improved falls
Nimbus underlay
Root-resistant capsheet

To improve drainage, new rainwater outlet boreholes were formed through the blockwork, allowing new outlets to be installed with improved falls. A replacement AOV was also fitted before the existing green roof and solar PV system were carefully reinstated.

Rooftop construction site with soil, gravel bags, and rolled mesh under scaffolding, overlooking city buildings and a cloudy sky

The Outcome

The completed refurbishment provided Buckley Court with a modern waterproofing system designed for long-term performance.

The project delivered:

Approximately 290m² of new Nimbus waterproofing
Improved roof drainage
New AOV installation
Reinstated green roof
Reinstated solar PV system
Manufacturer-approved installation with warranty
Residents safely remaining in occupation throughout the eight-week programme

Sunlit green rooftop with HVAC units and gravel paths, surrounded by trees and a low gray parapet.

Key Takeaways

Projects like Buckley Court demonstrate that commercial roof refurbishment often involves far more than replacing the waterproofing membrane.

Careful planning, effective communication and the ability to work around existing features such as green roofs and solar PV systems are essential to delivering successful projects while minimising disruption for building occupants.

Aerial view of a green rooftop garden with gravel paths, gray vents, and dense wild plants in a calm, sunny setting.

Planning a Commercial Roofing Project?

Whether you're dealing with persistent roof leaks, ageing waterproofing systems or planning a full commercial roof refurbishment, early planning can make a significant difference to the success of your project.

At Premier Roofing & Construction, we deliver commercial roofing projects for housing associations, managing agents, local authorities and commercial property owners across London, Essex and the South East. From initial site visits through to completed roof replacements and refurbishments, we work closely with our clients to deliver long-term roofing solutions with minimal disruption.