What is the Best Roofing Material for a Flat Roof?Flat roofs may be infamous for leaks and repairs but they remain as the first choice for most people and roofing companies thanks to their flexibility, even more common than pitched roofs. Obviously, the term flat doesn’t necessarily mean that these roofs are flat. They are only called as such due to the slight pitch they have at ½ or ¼ per foot. While this pitch offers adequate slope to facilitate water drainage, this can turn into an issue if there are structural flaws to the material used or if the material itself is poor. This is why it is important to choose the best roofing material for a flat roof to ensure its lifespan and longevity. Good thing there are several available choices out there to help you pick the perfect material that will suit your needs and of course, your budget. Some of the most common types of materials for flat roofing include the following: Single Layer Membrane RoofOne of the most advanced technologies in roofing is the roof membrane. This is popular in the market in the names elastomeric or plastomeric roofing membrane. There are different categories of this single-ply membrane roof such as:
The EPDM is the most in demand and common single-ply membrane material or also known as rubber roof. The material is the best choice of roofing material for both residential and commercial use for roofing construction. The key benefit of a single-membrane roof is the fact that this is cheaper than other roof membranes. EPDM membrane with darker shade has better heat absorption ability, a feature that can drive up your energy bills. Roof professionals install the thin sheet material of 0.03 inches then apply this as a single layer to the roof. Since this material for flat roof uses synthetic rubber and polymer, it gives the roof an excellent flexibility and elasticity. This feature also makes it possible for EPDM to endure changes in temperature and weather and other impacts unlike traditional built-up roofs. There are different ways of attaching these roof membranes. For instance, the roofers can lay this material partially or they can also hold it down with rock ballast, the structure required for supporting the weight of the roof. You can fully adhere the roof to its deck as well. It is also common to use adhesive for fastening the roof seams of EPDM and Neoprene. However, PVC roof seams are heat welded. Built-Up RoofingBuilt-up roofing is also among the traditional options for roofing materials and still remains a popular choice to solve issues with low-pitch roofing. It is an almost century old roofing material that can better handle roof challenges than asphalt shingles. Modified Bitumen Roof MaterialModified bitumen roof material dates as far back as the 19th century. A replacement technology for built-up roofing, this material often uses BUR technology, adding several roof cap sheets and wear layers. The cap sheets include polymer for increasing the strength and life span of the material.
The post What is the Best Roofing Material for a Flat Roof? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/06/01/what-is-the-best-roofing-material-for-a-flat-roof/
0 Comments
What Do Roofers Do When It Rains?UK weather can be very unpredictable and for professional roofers, it is important for them to monitor the daily forecasts before they proceed with the job. Typically, if there are higher chances that it will rain on a specific day, the team will let the homeowners know if they will be postponing the project until further notice. However, what if it rains all a sudden just when the roofers are midway in doing their job? What do roofers do in cases like this? Roofers are expected to be fully and adequately prepared for unplanned downpour that can happen during a job. If it suddenly rains while in the middle of a roofing project, roofers will first check how heavy the rain is and try to determine if it will last for some time. If the downpour lasts for hours, they will use tarps to cover the roof to ensure that the wood as well as other materials don’t get wet. For short and lighter rains, the roofers will probably climb off the roof first and wait until the rain passes before they continue the job. Roofers have ample supply of tarps and some 2x4s available at their disposal that they can use for securing the tarps in place. Roofing Shingle Installation When It is RainingRoofers work in sections if the roof covers a large area. If not, they try to get rid of all the damaged and old shingles in just one day. Before installing the new shingles, they prepare the roof first and fit it with the synthetic underlay. This underlay is waterproof and offers rain protection to some extent although it will not protect the roof from a torrential downpour. Roof Repair While RainingRoofers receive service calls for emergency roof repairs during storms. Roofing professionals use a roof sealant that comes in handy even in the rain. But while this roofing sealant can keep the water out, this is not intended for permanent and long-term repairs. Good weather is essential for a long-lasting roof repair job. It is always important to remember that it is never a sound idea to try to repair the roof on your own during heavy rains or storms because of safety concerns. Risks of Roofing in the RainAsk any roofer and they will surely tell you that there are always risks associated with doing exterior home improvement projects during poor weather conditions. For instance, a slippery roof may put the roofers at risk of suffering from injuries or causing minor or major property damages. But, what is more important here is that the roof may fall if it is installed under wet conditions. Wait for Good WeatherIf you want your roofing system to last for a long time, it is always best and recommended that you install it during favourable weather conditions. It means that you should avoid installing your roof during a rainy day or delaying the project for several days in case of unexpected rains. This wait will be worth it for both you and your roofer. The post What Do Roofers Do When It Rains? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/05/30/what-do-roofers-do-when-it-rains/ What are the Disadvantages of a Metal Roof?Info provided by Empire Roofing Bath: If your house has an asphalt roof, it is possible that you are thinking of switching to a metal one. Metal roofing is one of the most popular and common roofing options for UK homes and commercial property. These roofs are durable, environmentally-friendly, and energy-efficient. Sadly, just like anything else in this world, metal roofs are not 100% perfect and flawless. Surely, you wouldn’t want to spend your cash on something that doesn’t suit your needs in the first place. Below are some of the top disadvantages of a metal roof: Higher Initial CostMetal roofs are often two or even three times more expensive compared to other materials. These are even ten times pricier than traditional asphalt shingles. Aside from the initial purchase cost, the cost of installing metal roofing is also relatively higher than that of other roofing materials. It is because of the required training of labour and specialized knowledge and the special equipment and tools required for the installation. But, if you are planning to stay in your house for a long time, you can recover better return on your higher initial expense. Noise ConcernsMetal roofs also tend to create noise during hailstorms or rain. While there are people who love listening to the pattering sound of the rain on their roof, others consider it an annoying and disturbing noise. Hailstorm or heavy rainfall will be noisier, whatever the roofing material might be. However, there is no question that metal is much louder than asphalt or tiles. You can cut down this noise if you add more layers of solid sheathing or insulation during metal roof installation. However, take note that more insulation means higher initial expenses as well. Possible DentsThere are metal roofing materials that are more prone to dents. But, most of the metal roofs today are built to endure heavy snowfall and rain, fall branches of trees, or large chunks of hail. You also cannot walk on certain metal roofs without causing dents and damages on them. However, it doesn’t count as a big deal breaker. There are metal roof manufacturers that offer anti-denting warranty for their products. It is also better if you choose stronger materials such as steel instead of copper or aluminium to prevent dents.
Complicated Repairs and ModificationsMetal roof modification can cause serious headache, specifically if you install it in large panels instead of individual shingles. If one spot has suffered from damage and you like to repair or replace it, it is likely that you need to replace or repair a bigger portion. Also, if you plan to expand or remodel your home’s roof after 10 or 20 years, you might find it tricky to find the same material due to the constantly changing options for metal roofing. Unexpected SituationsIf rare or unforeseen events occur such as an internal house fire, metal roofing might not be your best choice. During serious house fires, fire fighters might need to cut open a metal roof just to put out a fire, a process that can be time-consuming and difficult.
The post What are the Disadvantages of a Metal Roof? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/05/15/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-a-metal-roof/ Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?No house will be complete without a roof. The roof acts as the main barrier between you and things that might fall out the sky. A good roof can last for years if it receives proper care and maintenance. Sadly, sooner or later, your roof will suffer from damages and once this happens, you need to decide if you should replace or repair you roof. Roof repair is usually your go-to option for roof maintenance. But, there are cases when a simple repair is no longer enough. Today, you will learn how to identify signs of damage in your roof and help you determine if roof replacement or repair is the better option for you. When is Roof Repair a Good Choice?Roof repair is the better choice for you most of the time. This can further extend the overall life span of your roof without the additional expense of roof replacement. There are several conditions when you will be better off with roof repair. If you need gutter repairs & replacements then visit our page. Consider how old your roof is. If the house was recently built and its roof is still somewhat new, it is possible that you can still fix the damage. You can get in touch with the manufacturer for the necessary repairs if your roof is covered by a 30-year warranty. One more important consideration is the specific content when the damage occurred. It will be easier for you to determine if repair is enough if you know how and when your roof incurred the damages. For instance, if a major storm recently occurred, there is a high chance that the damage on the roof was because of the storm itself. It is possible to repair weather-related roof damages. The exterior damages are often visible in such instances. Finally, you have to consider how serious the damage is. If it is only a tiny mark such as one missing shingle, you can repair it without any issues. If damages are limited to the roof’s surface, you can fix the problem by replacing some of the shingles. If you are a business looking to repair or replace your roof then visit our commercial roofing page. When is Roof Replacement a Good Choice?Replacement will inevitably be necessary at one point in the life of a roof. Repairs tend to be less efficient and effective on older roofs. You can always continue with the repairs but these will only result to more expenses in the long run. If you have an older roof or one that is already near the end of its original 30 or 20-year warranty, your safest bet is roof replacement. If you have no idea how old your roof is, you can assume that it is already beyond the time for repair. If your roof has extensive damage, you have to consider replacing it sooner or later. You can repair most damages up to an extent. However, if these damages already started affecting your roof’s structural integrity, it is about time that you replace it. Lastly, once you notice serious leakage and water damage in your home’s interior, make sure you replace your roof right away. While there are some damages that you can repair, these might take too much effort and time. Your number one priority is and should always be getting a solid roof at the soonest time possible.
The post Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/05/01/should-i-repair-or-replace-my-roof/ Is It OK to Put a Metal Roof Over Wet Shingles?Info Provided By Empire Roofing Bath: If your roof has shingles, there might have been one point when you considered getting rid of them in favour of the benefits that metal roof can offer. But, many homeowners are unaware that it is actually possible to install a metal roof over shingles, making it a good option to consider for your next roof project. Direct installation of metal roofing over the existing shingles can be considered an eco-friendly choice that can give your home an additional protective layer and even a better roof structure. It can also cut down on the cost often associated with new flat roofing installation and metal roofing since it eliminates the need to tear down your existing roof, making it a win-win option for most homeowners. Metal Roofing Installation Over Wet ShinglesFor areas more prone to random snow and thunderstorms you have to make sure that there is an underlayment layer. The underlayment creates a layer of waterproofing that makes it perfectly fine to put a metal roof over wet shingle to eliminate any potential issue. It will also create another protective layer against the different elements at the same time. How Metal Roof Installation over Shingles WorksBefore you even install metal roof over shingles, it is necessary that you get in touch with the local building officials to check if it is allowed in the first place. Most areas allow re-roofing over a layer of shingles but some allow re-roofing over two shingle layers. You would want to sort it out first right away before you start looking for a new roofer or investing your money in a roof that you cannot even install on your house in the first place. Is It Necessary to Add an Underlayment for Metal Roof Over Shingles?You don’t need an underlayment if you want to install metal roof over shingles although it is a big plus. The additional layer will ensure that the older shingles are not exposed to continued stress that can increase the risks of roof damage. Even though a metal roof is more durable than shingles, you wouldn’t want to be sorry in the end. Is It Better to Remove the Shingles Before You Install Your New Metal Roof?Removing the shingles before you install your new metal roof is not really the better choice. The process of removing the shingles can get really messy and make the whole job more expensive. However, aside from issues with cost, when you leave your pre-existing shingles in place, you will also give your roof an added layer of protection.
Metal Roof Installation Over Shingles is Your Best ChoiceMetal roof installation over shingles is so far your best choice as far as metal roofing is concerned. This added layer of support and protection that shingles can offer can create a win-win situation. You can install your metal roof over wet shingles as long as you add a layer of underlayment to prevent any potential problems that may occur after the job.
The post Is It OK to Put a Metal Roof Over Wet Shingles? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/04/30/is-it-ok-to-put-a-metal-roof-over-wet-shingles/ How Often Should Your Roof Be Replaced UK?Info provided by Empire Roofing Bath: The roof is one important part of a house that is often ignored and taken for granted. Unless it breaks apart and starts leaking, there is a high chance that you will never even bother to pay attention to what is happening up there. But, experts recommend regular inspection twice a year to identify potential problems before they get serious and a replacement becomes necessary. But how often do you need to replace your UK roof in the first place or do you just need to repair your roof? Obviously, every type of roof will have a different life span as well. Listed below are the average estimates of life spans of roof depending on the specific roofing materials chosen: Asphalt ShinglesThe three-tab asphalt shingles can last 15 to 20 years at the maximum before you need to replace them under typical circumstances. But, the architectural asphalt shingles tend to be more durable to different weather elements because of their design. Such roofs can last as much as 10 years more compared to three-tab asphalt shingles. Cement or clay Tile RoofingCement or clay tile roofs are among the most durable roofing options you can find out there. Tile roofing is not just very resilient since they are also heavy at the same time. It means that tiles are installed over the sturdier roofing reinforcement. This means that your home gets added protection. These are the reasons why tile roofs are considered extremely durable that can last for 50 up to 100 years sometimes. Metal RoofingAnother very resilient choice when it comes to roofing is none other than metal roofing. Common materials for metal roofing, such as aluminium and steel can last for 50 years before you need to replace them. Other metal roofing such as copper and zinc, can also last for 100 years or longer. Slate RoofingBy far, slate is the most hard-wearing type of roof that you can get. Most of the time, slate roofs can last up to 100 years or more. Wood ShakesBeing thicker than shingles, wood shakes are more resistant to different factors such as harsh weather and UV rays. Wood shake roofs can last for 35 to 40 years. However, maintenance will always be a factor here. The level of maintenance that you give your wood shake roof will determine and affect how long it will last. Wood ShinglesWood shingle roofs often last 25 to 30 years. However, this type of roof needs maintenance that can affect its lifespan. If you fail to keep your wood shingle roof free of moss growth and leaves, for instance, your roofing might trap moisture that can lead to decay. However, as long as you maintain them properly, your wood shingles roof can give you 50 years or more. Wood roofing in particular is also prone to fire damages. This is why it is illegal and hazardous to install this in some locations because it can spread flames easily. At the end of the day, it is a must to get annual roof inspections to lengthen the life span of your roof, whatever it is made of, to cut back on the need to replace it more often than necessary.
The post How Often Should Your Roof Be Replaced UK? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/04/15/how-often-should-your-roof-be-replaced-uk/ How Much Does Replacing a Roof Cost in the UK?It is common to get roof replacement in the UK, especially if your roof already requires lots of repairs. Britain’s typical weather means your roof endures serious beating. Chimney pots scattered on the floor and missing roof tiles are typical everyday occurrences. Good thing a professional roofing company can easily address these minor repair needs. Total replacement of your UK home’s roof might not be your best choice money-wise. This is why it is important to research first how much it will cost to replace your roof. Typical Cost of Roof Replacement in the UKThe approximate cost to replace a roof in the UK is £5500. This cost depends on the location of the property and the size of the roof. Many UK homeowners spend £2200 up to £7200 for replacing their roof. Factors That Affect the Cost of Roof Replacement in the UKThe more complicated the roof design is, the higher the costs will be due to the project’s overall complexity. There are several factors that will likely increase how much you can expect to pay for roof replacement. These include the following:
Cost of New Roof in the UKNew roof in the UK has an average cost of £5000 to £6000. There are several things that should be considered including the property’s location and the roof’s size. The choice of coverings for the roof can also affect the overall price of the new roof. If your roof is already in poor condition and you have plans to replace it soon, the first thing that you will want to know is how much it will cost you to get a new roof installed. Re-roofing your home is among the biggest and most significant projects that you need to undertake for your property. Some people might feel anxious or somewhat distressed about this project as this may cause some upheaval and disruptions. It is important to remember that roofers don’t often provide rough estimates of the price of the new roof. All roofs are different due to their shape and size and the specific materials used for building them. This means that if you will ask a roofer how much it will cost you to get a new roof, the simple answer is it depends. Before a roofing contractor gives an accurate quote for the new roof, they first need to consider several factors. The roof structure can vary due to the specific materials used, the height, size, and pitch of the roof, if scaffolding is necessary and the location. This list can go on, it may be that you only need to repair your roof. Requesting a free quote from an expert roofer is always the best solution for you to have an idea how much it will cost you to replace your roof in the UK. These free quotes won’t cost you a penny and you are not obliged to have the roofers carry out the job. The post How Much Does Replacing a Roof Cost in the UK? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/04/01/how-much-does-replacing-a-roof-cost-in-the-uk/ How Long Does It Take to Tear Off and Replace a Roof?Do you plan to replace your old roof? Maybe you are worried that the project would take too long and affect your daily activities. If this is the very first time that you will be tearing off and replacing your roof, you might feel like you just don’t have enough time to contact a roofer to schedule the job. Roof replacement is a significant project. However, it might not really take up as much of your time as what you think. Depending on your roof’s specific type and some other factors, a roof can typically be tore off and replaced without any impact to your normal day-to-day schedule. How long will it take to replace your roof, then? Here are several things that can affect how long this project will take: What is the Size of Your Roof?Bigger houses with larger roofing square footage need more time for roof replacement jobs. Many smaller asphalt roofing with single layer can be done and completed in one to two days while bigger roofing structures will need one week or longer to tear off and replace the roof. How is the Weather in Your Area?Weather will always be a factor when it is time to install a new roof. Delays can occur if extreme wind, hail, rain or other harsh weather conditions take place during the days of your scheduled roofing project. When you schedule the roof replacement job, your roofer should consider the specific time of the year and the weather forecast. While it is not possible to completely avoid potential delays because of the weather, your roofer will work to schedule the project when the weather conditions won’t cause potential problems. How Old is the Roof?If the roof is older, the roof replacement will also take longer to finish. Depending on the specific materials as well as how weather or worn your roofing system is, it might take a long time to tear it away. After removing the old decking and shingles, your roofer will inspect for damages on what is left. Repairs to the roof or the structure of your room can add more time before installing the new materials for replacement of the old roof. It might add one to two days to the overall timeline of the project. How Steep is the Roof?Replacing a steeper roof often takes longer than less inclined roofs. Colonials and A-frame houses have rooflines with steep pitch. These are also often taller compared to more modern types of houses. Safety should always be the top priority every time roofers are working on a new roof. A steep roof needs more precautionary steps to ensure that the working team is safe. Steep roofs might also leave roofers with no choice to work a bit slower to remain safe and ensure correct installation of your roof. Proper maintenance can further extend your roof’s life. But, once you notice signs of damages or leaks, contact reliable roofers to inspect your system and recommend the best replacement or repair solution.
The post How Long Does It Take to Tear Off and Replace a Roof? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/03/30/how-long-does-it-take-to-tear-off-and-replace-a-roof/ How Do I Know When My Roof Needs to be Replaced?How often should you replace your roof? This is one of those passing questions that most homeowners don’t really think about until a problem occurs. Roofs don’t have to show any extreme or serious physical distress before it requires repairs. Most of the time, the underlying problems are lurking in those parts that are not visible to the eyes. This is why it is important to watch out for the common telltale signs that you need to replace your roof soon, whether that be your flat roof or pitched roof. Visible IndicatorsThese visible indicators are those problems that your eyes can see and those that you can identify with just a quick glance and close inspection. Damages to exposed building materials and damages are clear signs that you should replace your roof soon. Aged and curled shingles that start to cave in can save you from the guesswork. However, these problems don’t always mean that you should contact a roofer. There are a few things you can consider:
A bald appearance can occur when the shingles have missing shingles. This bald appearance is easy to recognize and looks unsightly. However, what matters more is the problem that there is less protection for the underlying area that makes it more prone to wear and tear.
Mold and most are vegetation you can often find on roofing systems. Homeowners often pay very little attention since it gives their home a unique aesthetic. Unfortunately, mold and moss can put pressure between the roofing materials exposing the underlying materials to Mother Nature and her destructive effects.
Cracking is another telltale sign that your roofing material already reached the last leg of its life. These cracks occur due to exposure to cold and heat or because of debris. The metal roofs are prone to rust in spite of their coating. The damage can speed up based on your location and the climate in your area.
Inspect your roof and look for patches and missing shingles. Areas with missing shingles can create exposure to weather as well as potential entry points for insects and dubious critters. A small leak due to missing shingles can result to more serious damage to the structure because of rot and moisture. Patch jobs are often bothersome since these don’t permanently solve the issue.
Water retention indicates sagging. It is not a good idea to guesstimate the stability of a sagging roof. Immediate action is necessary since sagging may men that the foundation and roofing materials are already falling apart. Additional IndicatorsOther indicators that you need to replace your roof soon are those found through documentation. These can include the records of inspections and renovations of the previous owner. However, these items might not be available so there might be a need for guesswork to determine the following indicators:
Electric bills that show an alarming spike compared to the past years might reveal issues with your roof. Your home will have a hard time maintaining the thermostat’s set temperature if there are existing openings and cracks.
How old is your roof? Roofs can last for years but it doesn’t guarantee that yours is still structurally sound. An access to mortgage records or roof inspection can tell you the age of your system. Watch out for these signs so you can replace your roof before it gets too late!
The post How Do I Know When My Roof Needs to be Replaced? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/03/15/how-do-i-know-when-my-roof-needs-to-be-replaced/ Are Roofers Responsible for Leaks?So, you discovered a leak in your roof. The first thing you would probably do is clean up the mess, tell your family to avoid the affected area, and look for a temporary solution until you can fix the issue. But, sooner or later, your mind starts filling up with questions. Who is responsible for this issue in the first place? Who should handle the fallout or pay the bills for getting the damages fixed? Typically, if you hire a roofer for roof installation, the company often carries a two-year warranty and provides a longer manufacturer warranty. Within this two-year period, the roofer should be your first point of contract. Outside these two years, the roof system’s manufacturer will usually carry the responsibility for the overall performance of the roof. These warranties from manufacturers normally run from 5 to 30 years. This depends on the specific installed as well as the purchased products. But, if you are unsure, your roofer is always a good place to start together with the original warranty of the system. If your roof is still under either warranty, fixing a leak resulting from material or workmanship failure will be covered for you at no cost. The team of roofers and the manufacturer will also mean that the problem will be handled by people you know and work with and a company with all the necessary resources. But, there are certain things that the warranty doesn’t cover. Not all roof leaks are the result of either material failure or issues with workmanship. A common point of misconception and confusion is the leaks that are the result of damages to the roof system. These damages might be due to different reasons. Mother Nature and certain trades are two of the most common causes. It means that if a customer contacts a roofer to investigate the leak in their roof, their team should first visit the area and identify the leak’s source before determining who is responsible for covering the expenses. If no warranty covers the roof, perhaps due to the expiration of the time period covered, as the homeowner, you should still call a roofer to assess the issue or investigate the current condition of the roofing system. A roof inspection and assessment can help you determine the next steps you should take to keep your home in great shape. There are roofers that offer reasonable service even after the warranty life of the roof with proper servicing and care. If the roof is already nearing the final stage of its actual service life, a roof inspection will help you budget for a future replacement. As you prepare for roof repair or replacement, it will always be a wise move to decide in advance the length of your preferred warranty and specify this to your roofer early on. You also need to talk about the warranty process with your hired contractor so that a plan will be in place in case the material breaks down. It is already stressful enough on its own to deal with a damaged or leaky roof and determining who should be held responsible must be the least of your concerns. The post Are Roofers Responsible for Leaks? appeared first on Empire Roofing Bath. Via https://www.empireroofingbath.co.uk/2021/03/01/are-roofers-responsible-for-leaks/ |
ABOUT USWe are a leading Bath roofing contractor, specialising in roof repairs, pitched roofing, commercial roofing, flat roofing, as well as gutters, soffits, fascias installation. As experts, we are dedicated to providing quality materials and workmanship in all areas of residential and commercial roofing. We use top quality products, installed by professional craftspeople to ensure your roof is dependable and durable. We are certified by leading manufacturers and our team is fully trained using the latest tools, materials and methods. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |