Roof Refurbishment and Replacement for Commercial and High-Rise Buildings

We help commercial, high-rise, and heritage building managers and surveyors to extend the life of roofs through expert refurbishment and, where necessary, safe, efficient replacement.

Regular and targeted maintenance is essential in preserving waterproofing membranes, preventing drainage issues and leaks, and extending the lifetime of your commercial roof. Working in partnership with your management teams, we put our focus on preserving your existing roof wherever possible. Building Transformation’s expert team can apply high-performance systems to extend its lifespan and minimise cost, disruption, and waste. When refurbishment isn’t viable, we also deliver complete roof replacement for even the most complex or difficult-to-access structures.

We’re not commercial roofers. We’re building fabric specialists, and we take a long-term view and approach. By combining in-depth condition surveys, expert access knowledge, and LRWA-accredited refurbishment systems, we can deliver intelligent roofing solutions that match the unique demands of each property.

So, whether it’s a flat roof in need of an overlay, a failing skylight requiring a liquid coating, or a historic slate roof that demands careful replacement, we provide seamless, safe, and professional execution with minimal disruption to occupants.

Roof Insulation Replacement

Effective insulation is critical for any commercial roofing system to ensure compliance with Part L of Building Regulations standards for the energy performance of new and existing buildings. Sound insulation reduces energy consumption, regulates internal temperature, and supports sustainability goals.

It should be a priority in any building maintenance budget because over time, insulation materials can degrade, absorb moisture, or become compressed, which ultimately reduces its performance.

Working with Building Transformation, we can also help you with your wider refurbishment strategy by replacing failed insulation with new, high-performance products that help lower operational costs and meet commercial EPC targets. This is a key step in any retrofit strategy, particularly for older buildings, where poor insulation often goes unnoticed.

Insulation upgrades are particularly valuable in commercial settings with large roof spans, where heat loss can be significant. Our teams handle everything from insulation removal to reinstallation. We work closely with manufacturers to offer warranties and ensure the insulation is BBA approved and in line with the latest fire, thermal, and safety regulations.

Plant Room Tanking

Plant rooms are particularly vulnerable to water ingress, which can result in operational shutdowns and costly equipment damage. At Building Transformation, we apply specialist waterproof coatings (also known as plant room tanking) to create a protective, sealed environment around mechanical and electrical equipment.

These coatings are impact-resistant, moisture-proof, and easy to maintain. They bond tightly to the substrate and are designed to withstand foot traffic, chemical exposure, and damp conditions common in rooftop and basement plant rooms.

We carry out plant room tanking as part of wider refurbishment programmes or as standalone projects, working quickly and with minimal disruption to building operations. All work is fully documented for compliance and facilities management purposes.

Flat Roof Refurbishment or Replacement

Flat roofs are some of the most common types of roofs used on large industrial and commercial buildings. If your flat roof leaks, and localised repairs are not feasible, it’s possible that the best course of action is to replace it as quickly as possible.

We are LRWA members and 2024 award winners for liquid roofing application, so you can trust our technical expertise and product selection.

We have been specialising in flat roof refurbishments and replacements for years, and use advanced membranes tailored to your building’s condition and future needs. These typically include:

  • Liquid waterproofing systems – seamless, flexible, ideal for complex or irregular shapes
  • Bituminous felt systems – robust and cost-effective for large areas
  • Single-ply membranes – lightweight, UV-stable, and durable

Where possible, we overlay the existing roof, avoiding the cost, time, and waste of a full strip. Refurbishment is viable when the existing substrate is sound and undamaged by trapped moisture or structural movement.

If a survey reveals that the roof has failed beyond repair, we will carry out a full replacement. This may involve new insulation, decking, waterproofing, and drainage, which will always be delivered with safe access and minimal impact on building users.

Flat roof refurbishment is also an opportunity to upgrade drainage systems and resolve thermal bridging that will extend the roof’s life by decades.

Book a Roof Condition Survey

Pitched Roof Refurbishment or Replacement

Whether your building has a traditional slate roof or modern clay tiles, pitched roof refurbishment requires care, access expertise, and heritage awareness. We inspect, repair, and replace pitched roof elements including:

  • Slates and tiles
  • Underlay and battens
  • Lead flashings
  • Ridges and verges

We can safely reach pitched roofs, often without the need for intrusive scaffolding. These access methods are perfect for hotels, heritage buildings, and tenanted blocks where access must be discreet and controlled.

If a full roof replacement is required, we can handle the removal and installation with precision as well. We preserve aesthetics while ensuring long-term protection against water ingress, wind uplift, and thermal inefficiency.

Roof Glazing, Atriums, Lanterns & Skylights

Glazed roof structures, such as atriums, skylights, and roof lanterns, need specialist attention. We typically refurbish these features using liquid waterproofing systems, flexible sealants, and precise access techniques to ensure long-term performance.

Typical issues include:

  • Failed seals and gaskets
  • UV degradation
  • Cracked or slipping panels
  • Water ingress at junctions

Don’t worry – our teams can access even the most difficult glazed roof elements using rope systems, MEWPs and cradles. We can reseal, clean, and waterproof all components which will restore visual quality and watertightness without affecting natural light.

Our roof refurbishment journey always starts with a roof condition survey. This enables us to identify whether your roof can be refurbished or whether full replacement is the best option. In many cases, we help clients avoid expensive strip-and-replace projects by applying seamless overlays, liquid waterproofing, or targeted upgrades.

Book a Roof Condition Survey