In healthcare estates, where uninterrupted service is essential, maintaining infrastructure such as roofing systems presents unique challenges due to limited budgets, high HVAC demands, and constant foot traffic. Here Garland UK Technical manager, Alex Copp, explains the value of investing in high-performance roofing systems and how these systems provide long-term savings, ensure operational readiness, and support sustainability goals for healthcare facilities, ultimately enhancing the patient and staff experience
Reduced maintenance costs
High-performance roofing systems are designed to reduce maintenance frequency and costs, while lowering the embodied carbon of roofing projects. Often, temporary patch repairs provide only short-term relief while waiting for budget allocations for full repairs. Investing in durable roofing systems minimises these disruptions, allowing Estates teams to focus on wider facility improvements rather than constant maintenance issues.
Improved energy efficiency
Modern roofing systems also bring substantial energy-saving benefits. Advanced materials improve thermal efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs for continuously operating buildings. These energy savings accumulate over time, making the initial investment more economical in the long run. By reducing energy consumption, these systems can align with the organisation's sustainability targets, contributing to financial savings and environmental impact reduction.
Roof lifecycle costing
When choosing a roofing system for new-builds or refurbishment projects, looking beyond the initial installation cost is essential. Lifecycle costing is an effective approach for selecting a sustainable option with the best return on investment (ROI) over time.
For example, a 5,500 m² roofing project over 30 years shows the cost benefits of Garland UK’s multi-layered bituminous membrane system (lasting 40-50 years) compared with a standard EPDM single-ply roofing system (lasting around 15 years). While the EPDM system may seem more affordable initially (£825,000 vs. £1,045,000 for the multi-layered system), the need for a complete replacement after 16 years increases the total cost to £2,577,321. In contrast, the multi-layered system’s longevity reduces overall expenses to £1,186,736, offering substantial savings over time.
Long-term savings
The long-term savings of high-performance roofing systems can far outweigh the initial investment. Reduced maintenance, lower energy costs, extended lifespan, and increased protection contribute to a more cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities. Prioritising lifecycle costs allows healthcare facilities and Estates managers to make informed decisions that support financial goals, while ensuring that healthcare buildings remain operational, safe, and efficient.
Investing in a quality roofing system is not merely about covering a building; it is about securing the facility’s future performance, safety, and operational readiness. This approach is critical in the healthcare estates sector, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.
"Our high-performance roofing systems are engineered for maximum durability and cost savings, ensuring that healthcare facilities operate without the constant concern of roof failure or disruption,” Alex Copp explained.
For more information, visit www.garlanduk.com.
