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Restoring Sandown's Boots Store with a New 400m² Felt Roof

Nigel Brayley • December 18, 2024

When Boots in Sandown approached N Brayley Roofing & Building, they had been experiencing a series of persistent leaks that were causing disruption to the premises. 

Upon closer inspection, our team discovered that the roof was showing significant signs of deterioration, with worn materials and patches that had been hastily repaired in the past. It was clear that the time had come for a complete re-roofing to ensure the building was fully watertight and ready to withstand the elements for years to come.


Taking on a 400m² Challenge

A roof of 400 square metres isn’t your typical domestic job—it’s a substantial surface that comes with its own set of challenges. Larger roofs like this require meticulous planning, not just for the roofing work itself but also to ensure the safety of our team and the continued operation of the business beneath. For this project, we opted for a Built-Up Roof (BUR) system, often referred to as a felt roof, which involves multiple layers of felt being hot-applied to create a durable and long-lasting surface.


The Importance of Safety and Preparation

Given the size and scope of the roof, safety was paramount. We erected a scaffold railing around the entire perimeter, creating a safe working environment for our team while preventing any risk to passers-by below. Setting up and dismantling scaffolding on a roof of this size is no small task, but it’s a critical part of ensuring that every project is completed safely and to the highest standard.


Before we could begin applying the new roofing system, the old, deteriorated materials had to be stripped away. This process revealed the full extent of the damage beneath, including areas where water ingress had begun to compromise the structure. With everything prepared and the surface cleaned, we moved on to installing the layers of the Built-Up Roof.


Why a Built-Up Roof Was the Perfect Solution

For commercial roofs like this one, a BUR system is an excellent choice. Its multi-layer design provides enhanced waterproofing, and the hot application process ensures each layer bonds seamlessly with the one below it. This creates a robust, long-lasting barrier against the Isle of Wight’s unpredictable weather.


The scale of the project required us to work in stages, dividing the roof into sections to ensure consistent quality across the entire surface. Precision and efficiency were key—delivering a smooth, even finish over such a large area demands expert craftsmanship and careful coordination. Our team of experienced roofers rose to the challenge, completing the project on schedule and with minimal disruption to the store’s operations.

The Final Result

The new roof at Boots in Sandown is not only watertight but built to endure for many years to come. The seamless finish of the BUR system offers both functionality and a clean, professional appearance. This project exemplifies the expertise and reliability that N Brayley Roofing & Building brings to every job, regardless of size or complexity.


Why Choose N Brayley Roofing & Building?

At N Brayley Roofing & Building, we’ve worked on over 2,000 properties, from small domestic repairs to large-scale commercial projects like this one. Our extensive experience means we can tackle roofs of any size with confidence, and our commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency ensures outstanding results every time.


If your commercial property is experiencing leaks or needs a complete re-roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re proud to serve businesses and homeowners across the Isle of Wight with roofing solutions tailored to their needs.

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