Even in today’s growing industrial sector, roofing continues to play an integral role in the construction of warehouses and distribution facilities.
For temperature-sensitive environments, particularly in food, pharmaceutical, and chilled logistics facilities, maintaining consistent internal climates isn’t just desirable; it’s business-critical.
As energy costs continue to rise and regulatory requirements tighten, the thermal performance of industrial roofing has moved from a technical specification to a core operational concern.
Why temperature control is critical in modern industrial environments
The growth in cold storage requirements across the UK has accelerated dramatically in recent years, driven by the rise in e-commerce, pharmaceutical storage, and fresh and frozen food distribution. As demand increases, so too does the pressure on businesses to maintain precise environmental conditions.
For facilities handling temperature-sensitive goods, even slight deviations in thermal performance can have significant repercussions. Condensation can lead to structural degradation, including corrosion of metal fixtures and compromised insulation.
Spoiled inventory, particularly in industries like food processing or vaccine distribution, can result in financial losses, as well as reputational damage and regulatory issues. Additionally, inefficient temperature regulation drives up energy consumption, reducing operational efficiency and increasing carbon footprints.
In this high-stakes environment, thermal integrity begins at the top – literally. Industrial roofing plays a crucial role in maintaining stable internal conditions.
Beyond protection, a well-designed industrial roofing system can contribute to sustainable operations by minimising heat transfer, reducing the load on refrigeration systems, and supporting energy-efficient performance.
A modern industrial facility requires an industrial roofing system that is:
- Airtight – to prevent warm, moist air infiltration that can cause internal condensation.
- Waterproof and leak-free – to protect against external weather conditions that can compromise internal temperatures and product safety.
- Mechanically strong – to withstand wind loads, foot traffic, and long-term wear without compromising performance.
The role and limitations of composite panels in industrial roofing
While insulated composite panels offer significant thermal benefits and have become the industry standard for temperature-controlled warehousing, they have important limitations. Despite their effectiveness as a foundation for thermal performance, they require high-performance waterproofing to ensure long-term protection and to avoid thermal bridging – those unwelcome paths where heat can escape or enter.
An incomplete or substandard installation can compromise the entire thermal envelope and lead to early replacement of the roof. Strong structural elements and reliable waterproofing work together to keep thermal performance consistent, meeting the needs of today and the future.
IKO single ply membrane systems: A smarter seal for industrial roofing
Single ply membrane systems have become increasingly prevalent in UK industrial roofing, namely for their efficiency and performance benefits. Among the market-leading options, IKO Armourplan and IKO Spectraplan membranes deliver durable, long-lasting protection and are ideally suited to temperature-controlled environments.
Here’s why:
- Substrate compatibility: These systems can be effectively applied across various substrates, including directly onto composite panels, creating a continuous waterproof layer.
- Thermal performance: IKO Spectraplan delivers enhanced performance with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 91, helping to minimise solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency, and IKO Armourplan offers long-term durability with UV resistance.
- Minimal cold bridging: Through full adhesion techniques, these systems virtually eliminate the thermal weak points that can develop at joins and penetrations in other roofing approaches.
- Future-proofed from day one: With guarantees of up to 25 years, facilities are protected from the increasing costs of unexpected maintenance or premature replacement.
Beyond waterproofing: real-world project benefits for temperature-controlled warehousing
The benefits of IKO’s single ply membrane systems extend well beyond basic waterproofing protection. In practice, these solutions deliver tangible advantages throughout the project lifecycle.
Enhanced installation and operational safety
The flame-free installation process reduces fire risks during construction – a particularly important consideration for food and pharmaceutical facilities where contamination and business interruption must be minimised. This safer approach also translates to reduced insurance premiums for many operators.
Additionally, the low-waste installation process helps facilities meet increasingly stringent ESG requirements, supporting the sustainability credentials that are becoming essential for modern industrial operations.
Long-term durability under extreme conditions
The UV-resistant formulation of IKO’s membranes ensures they maintain their physical properties even under constant exposure to sunlight – a crucial factor in preventing degradation that can lead to leaks and thermal performance issues.
IKO Armourplan combines high tensile strength with UV resistance to withstand on-site handling, building movement, and long-term exposure, offering more robust protection than standard PVC membranes. IKO Spectraplan offers strong dimensional stability to help maintain its form and performance over time, while its white colour enhances solar reflectivity.
Both systems are designed to handle the expansion and contraction cycles typical in cold storage environments, where temperature differentials can place significant stress on building materials.
Sustainability spotlight: Circular thinking in action
IKO’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through forward-thinking initiatives, such as the single ply membrane take-back scheme.
Piloted in 2024 with a national supermarket chain, this initiative collected installation offcuts for reprocessing at IKO’s Clay Cross facility into high-performance Damp Proof Course (DPC) membranes, extending the life of the material and reducing the need for new raw inputs.
The results of this closed-loop process were impressive:
- 910 kg of PVC waste diverted from landfill.
- 100% of collected offcuts successfully reprocessed.
- 2,471 kg CO₂e in net emissions savings.
- Avoided extraction of 546 kg of non-renewable and 364 kg of renewable resources.
Following this success, IKO is expanding the scheme across more projects and product lines, supporting its wider ambition to reduce Scope 3 emissions and incorporate circularity into core operations.
Why choose IKO for warehousing roofing
From design to installation, IKO systems are ideally suited to meet the unique challenges of demanding environments, offering dependable protection, long-term energy savings, and streamlined project delivery backed by local manufacturing and technical expertise.
UK manufacturing and supply chain resilience
With UK manufacturing facilities and a national delivery network, IKO provides supply chain security and greater responsiveness in an unpredictable global market. IKO products travel an average of just 263 miles from production to end use, significantly reducing carbon footprint and delivery risks.
Complete system support
Rather than isolated products, IKO delivers fully integrated systems, compatible accessories, and dedicated technical support. This system integration ensures performance is maintained across all components, eliminating the weak points that can develop when mixing solutions from different manufacturers.
Demonstrated experience in cold-store projects
With decades of experience working with leading contractors in temperature-controlled environments, IKO brings unparalleled expertise to every project. This knowledge is backed by comprehensive guarantees that provide assurance throughout the facility’s operational life.
ESG alignment for future-ready facilities
IKO’s commitment to ESG and responsible operations support a more sustainable future for construction. By 2030, IKO aims to cut Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 42%, certify 70% of suppliers with SBTi alignment, use 50% recycled materials in packaging, and ensure 100% of raw material suppliers have decarbonisation plans.
For temperature-controlled facility operators with their own ambitious sustainability targets, this alignment provides valuable support for ESG reporting and compliance.
Cold chain confidence: scalable, sustainable performance with IKO
As the demand for sustainable, high-performance cold storage solutions rises, real-world applications are the true measure of a system’s value. IKO’s advanced roofing and waterproofing technologies are proving their impact on the ground, delivering reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability where it matters most.
This is clearly demonstrated at Magnavale Easton, the UK’s largest single-stage cold storage facility, where IKO Armourplan plays a vital role in providing robust waterproofing and thermal efficiency for 100,000 pallet positions.
At Magnavale Chesterfield, a flagship sustainable cold store is engineered for a net-zero future. IKO systems support top-tier performance while helping to cut emissions. Located just five miles from IKO’s manufacturing plant, the project also benefits from significantly reduced transport-related carbon emissions, enhancing its overall sustainability profile.
Ensuring long-term performance in temperature-controlled warehousing
For specifiers, architects, and contractors designing temperature-sensitive facilities, selecting the right industrial roofing system is a pivotal decision – one with long-term implications for energy performance, compliance, and operational reliability. As thermal efficiency, energy costs, and sustainability targets grow in importance, industrial roofing solutions must rise to meet these evolving demands.
IKO’s single ply membrane systems offer a robust response, combining seamless waterproofing, airtight thermal protection, and proven durability. Backed by comprehensive support and long-lasting guarantees, they provide confidence at both the build stage and across the facility’s lifecycle.
In environments where precise climate control is essential, high-performance industrial roofing isn’t simply a protective layer but the foundation for long-term efficiency and resilience.
Specifying for a temperature-controlled facility?
Let’s talk about how IKO can help you deliver long-lasting performance from the roof down. Contact our team today for expert guidance on your next project.
