< Go Back The Essentials of a Good Flat Roof Posted: Jul 2, 2018When it comes to flat roofing, there are a few things you should include to get the most out of the roof type. Having a roof that is waterproof is important, but it is not the only feature to consider. This style of roof is undergoing a resurgence within building and architecture. Understanding the key essentials can help you to determine if the roof is for you and your home.
At Westmorland Flat Roofing Ltd we design and fit flat roofs to properties across the Cumbria area.
What is a Flat Roof? Having an insight into what a flat roof is and the benefits of these helps to determine if it is the roof for you. This roof type is made from several materials and can be found on different ages of buildings. They are usually laid with a fall (gradual slope) to ensure that excess water can easily drain away.
Flat roofs have been used for hundreds of years to provide a cover to buildings, keeping out the elements. Different coverings can be applied including lead, zinc, single membrane, liquid applied, bitumen, asphalt, ballasted, or green.
The Importance of Membrane Having an effective membrane is key to any flat roof. Roofs are always meant to be watertight, preventing water from entering the property below. With the correct membrane this will be ensured, and the water will be redirected into a gutter system. Membranes that are often used include liquid waterproofing, GRP (fibreglass) roofing, RBM (reinforced bituminous membranes), single ply, paints, solutions, and EDPM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer).
At Westmorland Flat Roofing Ltd we use single ply as it has been a popular choice for over 40 years. With a proven track record and often an architect�s material of choice, this is a great form of membrane. The materials we use are made from plasticised PVC which is breathable and are flexible to manage thermal and structural movement.
Water Clearance Roofs that leak cost time and money, causing damage and stress along the way. When a flat roof is installed on a building it needs to be set at the appropriate fall to make sure that water is cleared successfully. Falls may be formed from the slope of the joists or alternatively a cut to the falls insulation may be required.
If a roof collects standing water, then there are several negatives that can occur. These include:
Increased risk of leaks Sagging Growth of moss and other plants Faster deterioration of roofing materials Collection of excess dirt
Excess water from heavy rainfall or periods of snow can cause severe damage to flat roofs if they have not been installed properly.
Meeting Building Regulations Ensuring that your roofing is up to building regulations is crucial. If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it is important that you make sure that any work carried out is completed according to building regulations . Whilst some repairs do not require permission, if internal insulation needs to be repaired then you may need to gain this.
In addition, any roofing replaced as of October 1st 2010 must be brought up to Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) regulations. This requires that any roof decking is replaced to incorporate extra insulation for the retention of energy and fuel. If less than 25% of the roof is being repaired, then you will be exempt.
Any work conducted by us will always assess what is needed with regards to the �U� value, ensuring that you comply with the local Building Control Body (BCB).
Contact Us When completing any roofing work, our team abide by health and safety regulations outlined by the Health and Safety Executive .
If you require more information about our flat roofing services, please feel free to contact us today via our online contact form .
