Fibre cement Profile 6 from Marley Eternit has helped to create a striking and sustainable roof with a view in Gorthleck, Inverness.

Profile 6 in Black was specified for the roof covering by Neil Sutherland Architects because of the beneficial properties of fibre cement.

In particular, it is fibre cement’s vapour permeability that makes it highly suitable for roofing and cladding applications. Whilst completely watertight, Profile 6 will enable any moisture from inside the Gorthleck building that penetrates the Vapour Control Layer under the insulation to diffuse to the outside, limiting the amount of condensation within the roof structure.

Condensation creates an issue with some air-tight and fully interlocking roof systems, such as steel sheets, that prevent the diffusion of this water vapour. In time, if this condensation is not addressed it can cause rotting of timber or corrosion of metal components. Marley Eternit’s Profile 6 has no metallic content, and has a high level of corrosion resistance with a 50 year life expectancy in most circumstances.


The ability of fibre cement profiled sheeting to be cut and trimmed on site enabled it to be easily installed around several rooflights on the Gorthleck property, giving the occupiers stunning views over Loch Mhor. The architects specified an in-roof kit for the solar panels that are mounted on the roof, which now provide all electricity and hot water requirements for the occupiers.

Marley Eternit colour matched fibre cement cranked crown ridge pieces were used to give the roof a more rounded profile, helping it blend in with the rolling hills in this part of Inverness-shire. A profiled valley was used to link the two T-intersection roofs.

The roof is designed with an additional layer of secondary rafters, creating the extended eaves overhang, which in turn forms a sheltered veranda outside the building, as well as creating the ventilated roof cavity. The completed roof achieves a U value of 0.17 W/m2K.

“We have been extremely impressed the support and guidance offered by Marley Eternit on this quite complex roof design,” said Neil Sutherland of Neil Sutherland Architects.

“We specified Profile 6 from Marley Eternit because it is capable of achieving an A+ rating in the Green Guide to Specification, whilst being aesthetically pleasing and easy to fit.”

UK manufactured fibre cement profiled sheeting can achieve an A+ rating in the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for UK produced profiled air cured fibre cement sheeting (outer skin) - (Element Ref: 1012550002). Marley Eternit is currently the only UK manufacturer of fibre cement profiled sheeting.

Marley Contract Services fitted the profiled sheeting as well as providing a complete project management service, including all health and safety requirements.

(GK)