Permo roofing underlay provides perfect homes for National Trust bats

Following the National Trust’s acquisition of the Tyntesfield estate in 2002, a survey and monitoring project was carried of the six species of bat that roost or breed there. Among them, greater horseshoe bats traditionally gather in spring in the stable block before moving on to summer roosts elsewhere. The stables formed part of a £16.5 million renovation, so the roofing underlay had to form part of an environment conducive to the bats. A number of products were tested for suitability and Klober’s Permo Air was found to offer the best combination of texture, colour and air permeability. Specialist restoration and conservation contractors Ellis and Co. istalled the underlay which was chosen because its UV stabilised polypropylene fleece and dark surface were found to be perfect in trials” Buildings Surveyor Kate Gunthorpe added, “When restoring buildings of this age and significance we have to have a thorough understanding of the building and make decisions really carefully”. Permo underlay was also used in National Trust renovation work at Calke Abbey.