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The UK construction sector is at a pivotal moment. With the government’s net zero targets, stricter energy efficiency regulations, and the urgent need to remediate RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in public buildings, the demand for rapid, sustainable, and compliant refurbishment solutions has never been higher. Liquid roofing systems are emerging as a key technology for commercial and public sector projects, offering a unique combination of speed, durability, and sustainability.
This article explores the latest market trends, regulatory drivers, including MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) and net zero, and the growing role of liquid-applied roofing in RAAC remediation and energy-efficient refurbishment.
The UK’s commercial and public sector refurbishment market is experiencing a significant shift. According to the Construction Products Association’s Autumn 2025 Construction Industry Forecasts, “refurbishment and fit-out projects are providing a steady stream of work – especially in offices, education, healthcare, and logistics facilities,” even as new build activity remains subdued due to economic uncertainty and high financing costs. In 2025, commercial output is forecast to fall by 1.9%, but refurbishment and energy efficiency upgrades are offsetting declines in new build activity (CPA, 2025).
The UK’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is reshaping the priorities of asset managers, local authorities, and contractors. The government’s Warm Homes Plan, School Rebuilding Programme, and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme are all channelling investment into energy-efficient upgrades, including roofing. Liquid roofing systems, with their ability to seamlessly overlay existing substrates and integrate with insulation upgrades, are ideally suited to support these decarbonisation efforts.
The CPA reports that the government’s Warm Homes Plan will invest £13.2 billion over five years, averaging around £2.6 billion per year, to upgrade five million homes
(CPA, 2025, p.47).
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme allocated £611 million to 244 projects in 2025 and 2026, with NHS projects securing 39% of the funding pot
(CPA, 2025, p.77).
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are tightening for commercial properties, with a minimum EPC rating of C required by 2027 and B by 2030. According to Savills, over two-thirds of UK office stock currently falls below these standards, creating a significant compliance challenge for building owners (CPA, 2025, p.88). Liquid roofing enables rapid, low-disruption upgrades that can help improve thermal performance and support MEES compliance.
A tightening of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial properties, which require a minimum EPC rating of C by 2028 and a minimum EPC rating of B by 2030, is a key long-term consideration for office refurbishment. Savills estimates that 67.5% of the existing London office stock and 71.8% in the rest of the UK have an EPC rating of C-E.
— Construction Products Association, Autumn 2025 Forecasts, p.88
The discovery of RAAC in schools, hospitals, and public buildings has triggered a wave of urgent remediation projects. The School Rebuilding Programme and NHS estate upgrades are prioritising the removal of RAAC and the installation of safer, more durable roofing systems. Liquid-applied roofing is increasingly specified for these projects due to its speed of application, minimal disruption, and compatibility with complex roof geometries.
RAAC has been removed from 52 schools with targeted grant funding, and a further 71 schools with RAAC are in the process of being rebuilt under the School Rebuilding Programme
(CPA, 2025, p.67).
NHS Trusts’ estimate of ‘backlog maintenance’ increased by 17.6% to £13.8 billion in 2023/24, with RAAC remediation a key priority
(CPA, 2025, p.80)
The discovery of RAAC in schools, hospitals, and public buildings has triggered a wave of urgent remediation projects. The School Rebuilding Programme and NHS estate upgrades are prioritising the removal of RAAC and the installation of safer, more durable roofing systems. Liquid-applied roofing is increasingly specified for these projects due to its speed of application, minimal disruption, and compatibility with complex roof geometries.
Modern liquid-applied membranes offer seamless, joint-free waterproofing with excellent resistance to UV, chemicals, and weathering. Many systems are low-VOC and can be specified with recycled content, supporting sustainability goals. Their compatibility with insulation upgrades and solar PV installations further enhances their value in energy-efficient refurbishment.
The CPA notes that demand for refurbishment is expected to remain high, and not just in the offices sub-sector. A focus on improving the quality and energy-efficiency of existing assets has also been notable in corporate strategies across retail, student accommodation and university buildings, as well as private healthcare
(CPA, 2025, p.63)
Liquid roofing systems are increasingly recognised for their role in supporting compliance with MEES, net zero, and fire safety regulations. Their long service life and ease of maintenance provide asset managers and local authorities with a cost-effective, future-proof solution.
The School Rebuilding Programme is prioritising RAAC remediation and energy efficiency. Liquid roofing has been used to rapidly overlay existing RAAC panels, providing a safe, compliant, and thermally efficient solution with minimal disruption to teaching.
RAAC has been removed from 52 schools with targeted grant funding, and a further 71 schools with RAAC are in the process of being rebuilt under the School Rebuilding Programme
(CPA, 2025, p.67)
NHS estate upgrades are using liquid-applied systems to address waterproofing, infection control, and compliance requirements. The cold-applied nature of liquid roofing minimises disruption in sensitive healthcare environments.
NHS Trusts’ estimate of ‘backlog maintenance’ increased by 17.6% to £13.8 billion in 2023/24, with RAAC remediation a key priority
(CPA, 2025, p.80)
Large logistics facilities require durable, low-maintenance roofing that can be installed quickly. Liquid systems offer rapid coverage of large areas and are compatible with solar PV and insulation upgrades, supporting sustainability and operational efficiency.
The main drivers are the UK’s net zero carbon targets, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and urgent remediation of RAAC in public buildings. MEES requires commercial properties to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2027 and B by 2030 (CPA, 2025, p.88).
Liquid roofing systems can be installed over existing roofs, improving thermal performance and enabling integration with insulation and solar PV. This supports compliance with net zero and MEES requirements.
Liquid-applied roofing is cold-applied, rapid to install, and minimises disruption—making it ideal for schools and hospitals where operational continuity is essential
Modern liquid systems are often low-VOC, can include recycled content, and are compatible with insulation upgrades. They support decarbonisation and long-term asset value.
Yes. Liquid roofing is increasingly specified for logistics, education, and healthcare facilities due to its speed, durability, and ability to meet compliance and sustainability targets.
Visit Tricel Liquid Roofing Solutions or contact our technical team for product advice, case studies, and CPD opportunities.
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