Over the years Twinfix have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof-glazing.

Last year, £8 million was invested in to a 12-month programme to refurbish Aberdeen Station's roof. Story Contracting were the Principal Contractor for the project, Twinfix supplied the roof-glazing system and Macleod Roofing installed it.

The main challenge Story Contracting faced was how to safely access the works at height to carry out the glazing replacement with as little impact as possible on the daily operation of the station and passengers. They overcame this by using an innovative rolling access platform to carry out the work allowing access to one third of the main concourse roof from below and the works to progress quicker and more safely due to fewer dismantling and erecting phases.

The glazed panels were replaced with the innovative Multi-Link- Panel NF (Non-Fragile) roof-glazing system with 6mm solid obscure Georgian wired effect polycarbonate. Approximately 8000 square metres of our Multi-Link-Panel NF system were installed at Aberdeen.

Twinfix offers a range of different glazing options for these non-fragile rooflight panels:
• multiwall polycarbonate: incredibly light in weight
• solid polycarbonate: the clear product looks like laminated glass but is virtually unbreakable
• 6mm solid obscure Georgian wired effect polycarbonate

The quick and easy install meant that Macleod Roofing could easily install a large number of panels each night maximining the possession time.

David Mackinnon, General Manager for Macleod Roofing Ltd said: “We have worked with Twinfix on several large projects to date. Due to the lightweight nature, strength and versatility of the Twinfix product, you can cover large areas in a limited time, this is really helpful when working on live railway stations, when you are restricted to night shifts and trackside possession hours.”

As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, the addition of the Twinfix Georgian wired polycarbonate at Aberdeen has preserved the listed building’s unique appearance and character, while providing modern levels of safety for passengers and staff. A further improvement at Aberdeen was the introduction of 482 hatches, enabling staff to safely carry out gutter cleaning without having to gain access above the glazing – something that wasn’t previously possible at the station.

Network Rail were pleased that the project was a success and that Aberdeen station had been restored to its former glory. Valerie McMillan, Asset Manager for Network Rail commented: “Twinfix provided an excellent service throughout the project. From designing a solution specific to Aberdeen station with larger access hatches for safe roof cleaning, to visiting the site regularly to oversee the installation and provide expert advice to the Contractor as required. As a Client this was important and provided us with the assurance that a quality solution was implemented. The Georgian wired effect polycarbonate is indistinguishable from the traditional Georgian wired glass which appeased the Planners and means that cracked and leaking panels will be a thing of the past. The new roofs provide a much-improved station environment for our customers and passengers to enjoy.”