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CLIENT: AYER Associates, on behalf of IWM Duxford
ROOFING CONTACTOR: ECMS Ltd.
PROJECT: Restoration of a 6,000 m² WWII-era commercial flat roof at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford
CHALLENGE: Original specification required a competitor’s system with approved installers; ECMS needed an alternative high-quality solution to meet tight deadlines and budget
TIMELINE:
SOLUTION: TriRoof HPX 20 Year Guarantee System, including primer, dark grey waterproofing, and light grey finish
SUPPORT PROVIDED:
RESULTS:
When ECMS Ltd., a specialist in commercial roofing and remedial works, was awarded the contract to restore the aging WWII-era commercial flat roof at IWM Duxford, they faced a unique challenge. The deteriorating malthoid sheet roofing required a solution that would preserve the site’s historical integrity while delivering modern performance and reliability. The client, AYER Associates – acting on behalf of IWM Duxford—required a solution that would not only prolong the roof’s lifespan but also preserve the museum’s operational continuity and historical authenticity.
Originally, the project was specified with a well-known roofing product. However, due to product supply issues, ECMS Ltd. was unable to proceed with the specified system. This posed a significant risk to the project timeline, especially with the client’s strict budget constraints and a firm completion deadline at the end of March. The pressure was on to identify a high-performance alternative that could be delivered and installed without delay.
“ECMS secured a major roofing contract in Cambridge involving multiple roofs in need of repair. We had originally specified a well-known roofing product, but due to supply issues, we were unable to proceed with it and needed an alternative quickly to meet our tight deadline,” said Joe Page, Project Manager, ECMS Ltd.
Having previously used Tricel’s TriRoof HPX system on smaller projects, ECMS Ltd. turned to a trusted contact – Adam Hewitt, Regional Sales Executive at Tricel Composites GB & TriRoof – for support on this larger-scale undertaking. Adam responded promptly, visiting the site on short notice to meet with the ECMS team. He provided comprehensive training, demonstrated the system’s key features, and outlined the benefits of the HPX 20-year guarantee system, which includes a built-up primer, dark grey waterproofing layer, and a light grey aesthetic finish. Following this, the system was approved for use on the project.
Initially, AYER Associates expressed reservations. Unfamiliar with the TriRoof brand and concerned about warranty assurances, they were hesitant to proceed. However, Adam’s consistent on-site presence, technical guidance, and commitment to quality assurance helped build confidence. ECMS, already familiar with HPX’s reliability, strongly advocated for its use. Once all stakeholders were aligned, the project advanced with full momentum.
“Having previously used HPX on smaller jobs, we knew it was a reliable product and reached out to Adam for support on using it for a larger-scale project. Adam responded quickly, attending site at short notice to meet with myself and the team. He demonstrated the key features of the product and provided full training to our operatives.
Following this, we placed the order and the materials were delivered promptly, allowing us to complete the project on time. Throughout the job, Adam was extremely helpful and maintained regular communication, attending site visits, and ensuring the product was applied correctly and effectively.”
– Stephen Collier, Senior Surveyor, ECMS Ltd.
The project officially commenced in early February, with on-site installation of the large-scale commercial flat roof beginning in March. Despite the technical complexity of applying the HPX system over corrugated sheeting – and the added requirement for additional primer due to substrate conditions – the ECMS team successfully completed the 6,000 m² roof by March 31st, comfortably within the seven-week schedule.
The following quantities were supplied to complete the 6,000 m² commercial flat roof:
|
PRODUCT
|
QUANTITY
|
UOM
|
LEARN MORE
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
MultiFlex Primer Resin
|
4,630
|
kg
|
|
|
Catalyst
|
2,778
|
ea
|
|
|
TriMat Matting
|
1,320
|
kg
|
|
|
TriRoof Hybrid Polymer HPX Dark Grey Liquid Membrane
|
10,696
|
kg
|
|
|
TriRoof Hybrid Polymer HPX Light Grey Liquid Membrane
|
6,580
|
kg
|
Working together, the Tricel Composites and ECMS Ltd. team delivered a high-quality, compliant, and durable finished roof for IWM Duxford:
“We were presented with an alternative overlay system (HPX) as part of our re-roofing project to Hangar 2 and Adam Hewitt, Regional Sales Executive at Tricel Composites GB & TriRoof, came to site to demonstrate its capability, application and technical data. Adam ensured the project was delivered from inception to handover, going above and beyond to meet the clients expectations. The communication was excellent and the regular site visits gave us quality assurance, enabling the successful award of the guarantee upon completion. Overall, we were very impressed with Adam and the HPX product and together; Ayer Associates, ECMS and TriRoof ensured the project was delivered on time and within budget.”
The success at IWM Duxford has set a new benchmark for ECMS Ltd., who have adopted HPX as a preferred solution for future roofing projects.
“We genuinely couldn’t have completed the job without Adam’s support. A huge thank you to Adam and the Tricel team—we’ll definitely be using them again on future projects.”
– Joe Page, Project Manager, ECMS Ltd.
Let Tricel’s team guide you to success with our TriRoof Liquid Roofing Systems. Contact us today to discuss your project needs.
Tricel Composites is a leading global provider of composite product solutions with a reputation for quality, dependability, and technical expertise. Furthermore, we supply into all industries, including construction, environmental, marine, automotive and custom moulding. Additionally, our products are designed to meet the highest standards in each of these sectors.
Through our many years of experience, we have established contacts with the best global composite manufacturers and only offer the highest quality products to our customers at a great price.
TriRoof is the premium range of Fibreglass / GRP Roofing materials for the flat roofing industry in the UK and Ireland. Our team at Tricel have sourced only the best composite roofing materials for our TriRoof brand which can be used for any flat roofing structure.
ECMS Ltd. is a London-based facilities management company with over 35 years of experience, offering a wide range of services across the South East and Home Counties. Among its core offerings, commercial roofing stands out as a specialist service, providing expert solutions for roof repairs, maintenance, and full-scale installations.
ECMS’s roofing division handles everything from leak detection and emergency repairs to complete roof replacements, working with a variety of materials including felt, asphalt, slate, and metal systems. Their team is fully accredited and trained to deliver safe, compliant, and long-lasting roofing solutions for commercial and industrial properties.
In addition to roofing, ECMS operates across three main service areas: Build, Maintain, and Clean, offering integrated support for commercial environments. Led by Managing Director James Grimsley, the company is known for its transparent, client-focused approach and commitment to quality, combining the agility of a family-run business with the capabilities of a larger provider.
IWM Duxford, part of Imperial War Museums, is the UK’s largest aviation museum and a historic airfield located in Cambridgeshire. Originally opened in 1917 as a Royal Flying Corps base, it played a vital role in both World Wars, notably during the Battle of Britain and as a base for the USAAF in WWII.
Today, IWM Duxford houses over 200 aircraft, military vehicles, and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of air power and 20th-century conflict. Visitors can explore historic hangars, walk the original airfield, and witness live air displays featuring iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and Lancaster.
The museum is undergoing a major redevelopment to enhance its storytelling, integrating personal narratives with its extensive collection. This transformation aims to deepen public engagement with the human experiences behind military innovation and conflict.
IWM Duxford remains a leading destination for aviation heritage, education, and remembrance in the UK.
Ayer Associates is an independent, multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in development, property, and facilities management. With over 30 years of experience, the firm delivers tailored solutions across both public and private sectors, helping clients unlock the full potential of their property assets.
Combining technical expertise with a collaborative approach, Ayer Associates offers services in project management, building surveying, cost consultancy, and strategic advisory. Their team is known for mitigating risk, streamlining complex portfolios, and delivering measurable results through proven processes and deep industry knowledge.
Driven by innovation and independent thinking, Ayer Associates supports clients across sectors including local government, healthcare, education, and commercial property. Their commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and client-focused service ensures successful outcomes at every stage of the project lifecycle.
Tricel and ECMS restored a WWII-era commercial flat roof at IWM Duxford using TriRoof HPX System, delivered ahead of schedule with a 20-year guarantee.
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