Filon, one of the UK’s market leading manufacturers of GRP rooflights, recently provided its innovative rooflight replacement system, ‘Fixsafe’, for a project at Wood Henry & Sons Farm. The Filon Fixsafe system enables contractors to replace rooflights from inside the building, eliminating the inherent risks associated with accessing fragile roofs.

Wood Henry & Sons Farm, part of the esteemed Crown Estate, faced significant issues with its old and deteriorating GRP rooflights. Green & Heritage Roofing, a contractor based in Halifax had successfully used Fixsafe in previous projects and was confident in its ability to safely and effectively address the farm’s needs. In collaboration with SIG Roofing and Green & Heritage Roofing, Filon identified the specific profile required for the project and provided a comprehensive Fixsafe specification. This collaborative approach ensured that all project requirements were met with precision and efficiency

For this project, 22no Filon Fixsafe kits were supplied which included the new Big Six GRP rooflights, sealant and fasteners specifically designed for timber framed buildings. The new GRP rooflights were Filon DR (double reinforced) nominally 2.44kg/m2, providing extra reinforcement and enhanced strength along with an SAB Class 3 fire rating, ensuring compliance with building regulations and Filon Protect UV surface protection to provide long-term durability.

The Fixsafe system allowed for the replacement of the old rooflights entirely from within the building, not only minimising the risk to contractors but also reducing the need for extensive safety measures typically required for working at height on fragile roofs, making it a very cost-effective solution.

Filon Fixsafe offers several key benefits that made it the ideal solution for Green & Heritage Roofing at Wood Henry & Sons farm:

1. Safety: By replacing the rooflights from inside the building, Fixsafe eliminates the need to access fragile and dangerous roofs. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall site safety.
2. Efficiency: The system is designed for quick and easy installation, minimising disruption to the farm’s operations. The internal installation process is streamlined, reducing project timelines and labour costs.
3. Durability: The new GRP rooflights with a sheet of double reinforced nominally 2.44kg/m2 with SAB Class 3 fire ratings ensuring strength of sheet and conformity with Building Regulations.
4. Filon Protect UV surface protection to the weather face of the sheet provides long-term durability.
5. Enhanced Natural Light: The natural lighting within the farm was dramatically improved with the new Filon GRP rooflights, creating a brighter, safer and more welcoming environment.

Chris Hopkins, Managing Director at Green & Heritage Roofing expressed his satisfaction with the Fixsafe system:

“When using the Filon Fixsafe system to replace the existing rooflights, it was like night and day. Wood Henry & Sons Farm commented that it was amazing the fact that before it was so dark in their barn, but now it looks like somebody has put bright lights on! Sanderson Brown, the architectural practice responsible for the project, were also really impressed with how the Fixsafe system worked and the difference that the new Filon GRP rooflights made to the building’s natural lighting.”

The successful installation using the Fixsafe system at Wood Henry & Sons Farm highlights the product’s effectiveness in ensuring safety and improving natural lighting. This project demonstrates the significant benefits of using innovative solutions in building maintenance, setting a benchmark for future projects within the industry.