At the production site of the Belgian Icecream Group (B.I.G.), better known for the IJsboerke brand, a thorough renovation of several flat roofs was recently carried out. For these works, Group Suerickx and Deschacht combined their expertise in a partnership that is now continuing to grow across various renovation projects.
Expertise in industrial roof renovations
Within the Suerickx Group, the roof renovation department is responsible for cleaning, renovating, and protecting industrial roofs. In doing so, the most suitable cleaning and renovation method is always chosen, with an emphasis on sustainable and circular solutions wherever possible. The VCA-certified roofers at Suerickx combine technical know-how with a strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and preventive maintenance.
Although Suerickx has been a customer of Deschacht for quite some time, until recently the collaboration was mainly project-based and on a limited scale. That changed when Joran Haak, project manager at Suerickx, recently came into contact with Carl Jansen, roofing specialist at Deschacht. Thanks to Carl's technical advice and recommended roof structure, Suerickx was able to successfully start the roof renovation project at B.I.G. This first project went into execution in May 2026.
Meanwhile, there are already four projects in the portfolio in which Deschacht and Suerickx are closely collaborating. Both Joran Haak and site manager Yben Deconinck look back positively on this recent collaboration. Especially the combination of high-quality materials, technical support, and Deschacht's flexibility is greatly appreciated. Last-minute order changes, often unavoidable due to the reality on the construction site, were followed up quickly and efficiently. The administrative support from the internal sales department, including by Nicky from Deschacht, was also experienced as particularly responsive and solution-oriented.
Roof 14: robust construction with a focus on detailing
For roof 14, a classic and high-quality bituminous roof structure was chosen. After the complete demolition of the existing roofing, the substrate was carefully prepared with a fast-drying primer.
The roof extension consists of:
- Supra fast-drying primer (12 x 25 L)
- Superuno P3, APAO polyester reinforced underlay (1,500 m²)
- Supergum+, APP top layer with black granules (1,652 m²)
- Superair SA, self-adhesive ventilating underlayer (150 m²), specifically applied at the upstands
During execution, special attention was paid to the detailing. The upstands were leveled with 40 mm PIR insulation, while the existing coping stones were preserved. In addition, the roof domes were replaced and a strong focus was placed on fire prevention during the works.
An additional challenge was posed by the non-relocatable cooling towers on the roof. The connections and technical details were worked out here with extreme precision to guarantee perfect waterproofing.
Roof 12: future-proof roof construction with class 4 vapor barrier
Also on roof 12, the existing roofing was completely removed. In view of a possible future change of function of the building, a class 4 vapor barrier was deliberately chosen.
The structure includes:
- Supertrix Alu, self-adhesive vapor barrier with aluminum finish (1,080 m²)
- Superair SA, self-adhesive ventilating underlay on aluminum-faced PIR insulation (1,050 m²)
- Supergum+, APP cap sheet with black granules (1,050 m²)
The installation was carried out with mechanical fastening to the existing steel deck, ensuring a stable and durable anchorage of the system.
Added value through collaboration and technical support
In addition to supplying the roofing products, Deschacht also provided support in technical development and detailed solutions. For example, a custom-designed bituminous system was installed beneath the temporarily lifted cooling towers, completely tailored to the specific situation on the roof.
Thanks to the integrated collaboration between Suerickx and Deschacht — from technical advice and material selection to site supervision and administrative support — a high-quality and future-proof roof renovation was successfully completed, fully tailored to the needs of the site.
At the Belgian Icecream Group (B.I.G.), producer of brands such as IJsboerke, Glacio, and Best Price, sustainability is an important pillar within the company's operations. From its production site in Tielen, the company continuously invests in initiatives that reduce its ecological footprint, such as roof renovations for better insulation of the production halls, the transition to green electricity, the insulation of pipelines, and the further rollout of an electric vehicle fleet. These efforts align with B.I.G.'s strategic choice for quality, innovation, and sustainability, with respect for people, the environment, and animal welfare. At the same time, the company remains strongly rooted locally, both as an employer and in its choice of suppliers and partners. And while the upgraded roofs were being realized, production continued as usual thanks to the dedication of the employees, ensuring that ice cream lovers can once again enjoy classics such as Friskos, Cornet d'Amours, and Perlettas this summer.
