Titchfield Barn
Banner Homes used Profile 6 fibre cement sheets to replace an existing steel roof on the barn, which will become a car garage for the residents. The steel roof sheets had deteriorated beyond repair and were also creating issues as a result of condensation.
Posbrook Farm is a development of 10 houses, including six new build and four converted units, within the grounds of the Grade II* listed barn. It was originally used as a working building on the farm and dates back many hundred years. Typical of the oak-frame construction methods of the time, the barn has low roof eaves, which are only five feet from the ground, to maximise the internal span and save on materials.
Ultimately, it was decided that Marley Eternit’s Profile 6 sheets, in Anthracite colour, best replicated the appearance of the existing steel sheet roof, which had been on the barn for many decades. The fibre cement material used to manufacture Profile 6 also helped to minimise the detrimental effect of condensation in the barn.
Condensation was a major concern for planning officers, because it was known that the hot engines of recently parked cars would create a warming effect inside the barn. This warm air from the cars rises and when it meets the relatively cooler outer envelope of the building condenses to form water droplets. This moisture could potentially lead to damage to the structural elements of the building and the planners were concerned that new steel sheets, which are completely impermeable to water vapour, would have worsened the situation.
Profile 6 sheets, because they are made from fibre cement material, are vapour permeable, which significantly reduces condensation occurrence and therefore the potentially damaging effect of moisture. Although vapour permeable, the fibre cement remains completely waterproof.
Adding to the issues of condensation is the presence of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide fumes from the cars been driven into the barn, which makes the condensation slightly acidic. Therefore any roofing material that reduces the presence of this moisture would help protect the barn. Fibre cement has high levels of corrosion resistance and therefore, unlike steel sheets, is relatively unaffected by the noxious fumes.
Profile 6 sheeting has achieved BBA Certification 00/3700 and can be used on roof pitches as low as 5º. It can be used for vertical cladding in both single skin and insulated constructions and is available with a range of accessories, including a wide selection of colours.
Charlotte Hughes, Marley Eternit Campaign Manager - Cladding & Profiled Sheeting, explains: “Visually, the barn looks stunning and we are delighted that our Profile 6 sheeting is helping to protect this historic barn for future generations.”