The Bodleian Library
The South Wing of the Upper Reading Room
Project Location:
The Bodleian Library, Oxford - Upper Reading Room - Re-Roofing of the South Wing
Project Manager:
The Senior Building Surveyor, Oxford University Estates
Contractor:
Knowles & Son (Oxford) Ltd, Osney Mead, Oxford
Knowles and Son have been maintaining the historic fabric of Oxford since 1797.
The Building:
The Bodleian Library is one of the most prestigious buildings in Oxford. The Bodleian first opened to scholars in 1602 and is still actively used by students and scholars from all over the world. The library now houses over 8 million books and manuscripts including rare and incomparable collections.
The area to use Thermafleece was in the roof of the South Wing of the Upper Reading Room, this is the principal research reading room for access to printed books and perioicals published after 1640. 
The Copper Roof
The Roof Vents
The building was entirely re-roofed using copper which was fitted by a specialist copper roofing company working with the builders Knowles & Son. The expected lifespan of the newly installed copper roof is approximately 150 years. The existing timbers were in good condition and didn't need replacing. Repairs to stonework are made when the scaffolding is in place, the historic references for the building means that the Surveyors can determine where the original stone is sourced and then obtain similar stone from the relevant area.
Installation:
250 mm of Thermafleece laid in the roof void
250mm of Thermafleece installed between the roof timber rafters over an area of 500 sq metres. A spokesperson for Oxford Estates reported the ease of installation of Thermafleece within the uneven spaces of the roof. The compatability of Thermafleece as a natural product fits with the historic fabric of the building. This, along with the breathability of the insulation, absorbing and releasing moisture was a significant factor for procuring Thermafleece.
Funding:
Funded with capital funding. The University has set also up an Energy Investment Fund to help its departments pay for energy efficicency improvements on their buildings which was accessed for this project.
Programme Dates:
The re-roofing of the South Wing of the Upper Reading Room was completed over a six month period and was completed in Spring 2008. Scaffolding and a temporary roof had to be erected over the building during this time.
Oxford University Estates log and record within a building manual all the work undertaken ensuring that future generations are aware of the materials used and the building work completed.
Distributor:
Encon Insulation, Witney, Oxfordshire