Re-roofing works Le Moulin de Quétivel, Jersey

Le Moulin de Quétivel – Re-Roofing Works

Located in one of Jersey’s most picturesque valleys, Le Moulin de Quétivel is the only surviving working watermill in the island. Surrounded by water meadows, a visit to the mill will give you a fascinating insight into Jersey’s agricultural and industrial heritage. This historical site, meticulously restored by the National Trust after a fire in the 1970s, and now with new thermal upgrades in 2024, showcases the traditional art of milling and the significance of water mills in the region’s agricultural history.

As you step into this enchanting location, you are greeted by the gentle sound of flowing water and the rustic charm of the mill, which stands as a testament to the ingenuity of past generations. Visitors to Le Moulin de Quétivel can embark on guided tours that delve into the mill’s fascinating history, learning about the intricate workings of the machinery and the vital role the mill played in the community. The museum offers engaging exhibits that illustrate the evolution of milling techniques and the everyday life of those who once operated the mill. During special events, you might even witness heritage milling days, where the mill is brought to life with demonstrations of traditional milling practices. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Le Moulin de Quétivel provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and exploration. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pathways. Whether you are an avid history buff or simply looking to enjoy a serene day out in nature, this heritage site offers a unique experience that encapsulates the charm and history of Jersey.

The System Build-Up

The below is the specification used in the re-roofing works, the anticipated thermal improvements are expected to achieve 0.34W/m².K.

Pitched Roof (BBA Certified Specification)

General Build Up (Outside to Inside)

Tiles/Sheeting
50mm Ventilation Zone
- 25mm tile batten
- Minimum 25mm counter batten with PAVAFIX SN Band
30mmISOLAIR-MULTI
- STRH fixings (1 per board to pin in place – 40mm Embedment)
- TOPIX fixings (6/m2, fix through the batten into stud – 40mm embedment)
Rafters fully filled with 80mm PAVAFLEX
DB3.5 – Taped with PAVAFIX (60, 20/40, 150)
25mm Batten (service void)
15mm FIBROLITH

Here are some of the benefits of using wood fibre insulation:

Keep the building warmer for longer in cold weather:
High vapour permeability and low thermal conductivity provide high thermal insulation with practically no risk of interstitial condensation build up. Isolair-Multi wood fibre boards reduce the effect of thermal bridging and the interlocking board design easily achieves good wind tightness, further increasing thermal performance. The amount of energy required for heating the property is significantly reduced, leading to far lower CO2 emissions and running costs.

Keep the building quieter:
The high mass and the fibrous texture of our wood fibre boards gives allows the inhabitants to benefit from excellent acoustic performance.

Keep the building cooler in hot weather:
The unique combination of high density, high specific heat capacity and low thermal conductivity gives Unity Lime’s Pitched Roof solutions the effect of thermal mass that would normally be associated with green roofs. Compared to conventional sarking material the risk of condensation behind it during cold nights is minimized as the boards will store the day’s heat.

Keep the building dry and breathable:
PAVATEX wood fibre boards are both vapour permeable and hygroscopic. This allows them to disperse accumulating short term moisture and protect vulnerable elements of the building fabric, with no reduction in the performance of the boards themselves. The boards will allow moisture from within the structure to pass easily to the outside of the building. This provides protection against high moisture content. This is absolutely critical for the long-term health of the building fabric, and is completely overlooked by many conventional insulation systems.