Tyvek® Helps Restore The Glory Of Historic St. Augustine’s

During the challenging restoration of St Augustine’s in Scotland, skilled craftsmen were able to faithfully recreate the original unventilated roof – while also improving energy efficiency and working to meet new Building Regulations – with the help brand-leading breather membrane DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro.

A thriving parish since 1873, this Grade A listed church by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson has undergone a programme of conservation since 1992 to ensure that it is wind and watertight, well heated, lit and safe. The second phase of external fabric repairs includes the replacement of defective roof slates, renewal of lead flashings, plus various masonry, drainage and window repairs.

Contractor Southwest Roofing Services was required to carry out complex detailing on various sections of the roof. In order to protect against harmful condensation while still providing an air and watertight barrier to external weather conditions, DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro was laid directly onto sarking boards. New Burlington slates had to be individually hand-cut on site and the roof is tiled up to the lead facing and punctuated by various turrets recreated for an authentic Victorian appearance.

Southwest Roofing Managing Director Hugh McLean says: “We have been using DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro for a number of years, so were confident it would provide the necessary levels of performance and protection for St Augustine’s. The challenge with the total refurbishment of a historic building is to preserve its character while still meeting tough new regulations. Thankfully science is always catching up, and high technology products like DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro make this type of installation that much easier.”

Providing improved thermal efficiency and controlling condensation by allowing water vapour to diffuse across the whole surface of the roof, DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro helps to eradicate potential timber decay without the need for any unsightly vents. The only single-layer breather membrane on the market, Tyvek® offers the kind of durability and performance that such a painstaking restoration investment deserves. The added peace of mind that comes with its inherent robustness and ease-of-installation, plus technical support from a global science company, brings further benefits to such a complex building project.