Kendal College roof refurbishment works – complete
Project Overview: Commercial Roof Refurbishment Services
Although a little later than originally planned, the roofing refurbishments at the Milnthorpe Road Campus at Kendal College, based in the South Lakes, are now complete. Our working compound has been removed, and scaffolding has been dismantled. We have now decamped site and handed the premises back over to the college.
Solution
The scheduled 12-week program of works overran by 3 weeks, mainly due to the inclement weather which is synonymous with the Lake District. A slight variation in the scope of works also attributed to the program running over; this included the removal of the existing uPVC wall cladding which was replaced with new Foreclad 200W 0.7mm Anthracite wall cladding.
As part of the new roofing refurbishments, we are delighted to hand over a new waterproofing system which has been installed in compliance with “BS 6229:2018: Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings” code of practice. The waterproofing systems are guaranteed for the next 20 years, certified by the BBA Approval Inspection Certification and have a life expectancy of at least 40 years. To offer Kendal College additional peace of mind, we also carried out an Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) Test which confirmed the integrity of the new roof waterproofing system.
DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors would like to thank our supplier, Moy Materials, for their support during the installation of the Protan single-ply PVC warm roof system. We would also like to thank North East Refurbishments for the Asbestos removal, and UCS Renewables for their support with the re-installation of the solar photovoltaic panels.
We would also like to commend Hadrian for their help with the M&E works, such as upgrading the air conditioning units and HVAC systems. Finally, we would like to thank Swale Scaffolding for their services and 1st Degree Heating and Plumbing for their assistance with the solar thermal system.

Collaboration & Contractor Support
Successful completion required collaboration with multiple specialist contractors:
- Moy Materials: Supplied the Protan single-ply PVC roof system.
- North East Refurbishments: Managed asbestos removal safely and efficiently.
- UCS Renewables: Assisted with re-installation of solar photovoltaic panels.
- Hadrian: Upgraded air conditioning units and HVAC systems.
- Swale Scaffolding: Provided scaffolding services to ensure safe access.
- 1st Degree Heating and Plumbing: Supported the solar thermal system installation.
These partnerships allowed DVC Roofing to maintain project efficiency, high-quality standards, and safety compliance throughout the refurbishment.
Commercial Roof Replacement Benefits
The completed project provides:
- Fully waterproof and durable roofing system for the entire campus.
- Improved thermal efficiency, helping to reduce energy costs.
- Integration with solar panels and HVAC upgrades for better building performance.
- Minimal disruption to day-to-day college operations during construction.
- Long-term durability with 20-year warranty coverage and a 40-year expected lifespan.
This refurbishment demonstrates the importance of proactive commercial roofing solutions for educational institutions.
Why Schools Should Invest in Professional Roof Refurbishment
Schools are high-traffic, multi-functional buildings. A professional roof refurbishment ensures:
- Protection of students, staff, and assets from leaks and weather damage
- Compliance with building safety regulations
- Reduced long-term maintenance costs
- Improved energy efficiency through high-performance insulation and membranes
DVC Roofing specialises in commercial roof replacement, refurbishment, and repair services for schools and educational facilities across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: How do I know if my school needs a roof refurbishment?
Signs include water leaks, ponding, ageing membranes, damaged insulation, or structural issues. A professional commercial roof inspection services identifies the best course of action.
Q2: What is the difference between roof repair and roof refurbishment?
Roof repair fixes isolated defects, while roof refurbishment upgrades the existing system to extend lifespan, improve performance, and prevent future issues.
Q3: What are the benefits of a single-ply PVC roof for schools?
PVC roofs are lightweight, durable, flexible, and resistant to weather and UV exposure. They offer excellent thermal efficiency and long-term cost savings.
Q4: How long does a school roof refurbishment take?
Timelines vary based on roof size and complexity. Typical projects range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on weather and scope.
Q5: Can a roof refurbishment be completed without disrupting school operations?
Yes, with careful planning, phased work, and coordination with contractors, roof refurbishment can be completed safely without major disruption.
Q6: Are warranties provided on school roof refurbishments?
Yes, reputable contractors like DVC Roofing offer 20-year warranties and products certified with BBA Approval, ensuring long-term reliability.
If your school needs professional commercial roofing services, contact DVC Roofing to arrange a survey and discuss the best solution for your building.