domestic-flat-roofing

Ten Flat Roofing Facts

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 18:09:11 GMT

Ten Flat Roof Facts That You Might Not Know

Your Flat Roof Could be Turned into a Roof Garden

A flat roof can be turned into a roof garden but it has to be designed to take the excess weight. Architects are now redesigning flat roofs alongside sedum roofs to help the environment

A Flat Roof Isn’t Always Flat

While they’re much flatter than standard roofs, and give off the deception of being pan flat, technically, flat roots are not flat. A well-engineered flat roof will be sloped ever so slightly to allow rainwater to run off, preventing it from pooling on the roof. This incline is so subtle that most people would be unable to notice.

EPDM Flat Roof Systems are Monitored

The EPDM flat roof systems that we use are managed and monitored. When we buy a roll of rubber, it provides an audit trail. We have regular site inspections to ensure sure that it is being laid correctly by the system’s manufacturer’s gents. That is why we are licensed to use the system.

Designed to Insulate

A quality flat roof system is designed to retain heat and insulate the property on which it is installed. This is the perfect solution for a conservatory that is too hot in summer and too cold in winter for example or a garage that you want to get more use out of. It’s also great for dormers and home extensions.

Kinder to the Environment

The process used to install our rubber flat roofing system is simple and kinder to the environment. There are no chemicals used or other liquids which might give off unpleasant odours. Of course, the whole roof is also designed to last a long time which means that you will only need to do the process once rather than having multiple flat roof installations. We have already mentioned a roof garden – another environmentally friendly reason to have a fla

Flat Roof Insulation in Bristol

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:46:43 GMT

Effective Flat Roof Insulation for your home

We have yet to experience the coldest temperatures of winter, but that time is just around the corner. As we approach the chilliest months of the year, it’s crucial to make sure our homes are properly insulated. Quality insulation in both your home and roof not only ensures warmth for you and your family but also reduces heating costs and safeguards your property from dampness and the harsh effects of extreme cold. Let’s explore ways to enhance your home’s insulation.

Insulation

We haven’t yet seen the coldest temperatures of winter however, it won’t be long. As we enter the coldest months of the calendar, it is important to ensure that our homes are adequately insulated. Having effective home and roof insulation not only keeps you and your family warm, it also saves money on heating bills and protects your property from damp and the effects of a deep freeze. Let’s take a look at how we, at Thermal Roof, can help improve the insulation of your home.

Effective Roof Insulation

It’s a well-known fact that heat rises. In a house, this means that if inadequately insulated, the heat will escape through the roof. If your roof is not sufficiently insulated, you could be paying way over the odds on your heating bills, plus you will be putting your home at risk of damage that comes from the cold temperatures. If you have a flat roof on your property, whether that be the entire property, an extension or conservatory, that hasn’t been replaced for a long time, now is the time to consider your options.

A new EPDM flat roofing solution will provide all the insulation you need to keep your home warm when you need it to be and also offer a temperate room in the middle of summer. Even if you don’t currently have a flat roof on your conservatory for example, it is worth looking at this as an option. Replacing a traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof with an EPDM flat roof will give you a room that you can use all year round, whatever the weather.

As well as offering the benefit of great insulation, an EPDM rubber flat roof solution will also withstand freezing temperatures. This means that instead of ending up with cracks and tears in more traditional roof solutions, the rubber solution used will hold up to extremes of heat and cold.

Has your roof sprung a leak?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:55:10 GMT

Check Your Roof Regularly

We seem to be having a very mild winter currently which has followed a very dry autumn. The seasons have become somewhat confused and the pattern of what usually happens to our homes has changed somewhat. The leaves fell early which led to gutters becoming clogged, which then led to calls about leaking roofs.

Check your property now!

Checking gutters usually tends to be something that occurs at the end of the autumn, in the winter when the leaves have all fallen. This is when they ascertain if they have any blockages, leaks or damage to the gutters. However, the early autumnal patterns have meant that the issues started much earlier leading to an increase in the amount of people discovering leaks before they have had chance to check their roofs and gutters.

That is why it is more important this year to get out and check your flat roofs for leaks, as well as carrying out an inspection of your guttering. You will only become aware of an issue otherwise when you start to see water running down your walls! Once water gets in through the roof, it can be one of the most expensive things in the home to get fixed.

Check Your Garage Flat Roof

Garage flat roofs seem to be a theme at the moment. Many people are calling up to say that their garage is leaking and that the stuff they are storing inside is getting damaged. This has bucked the usual trend for this time of year – perhaps the mild weather is encouraging people to get out and sort out their garages or perhaps people are using their garages more. When was the last time you checked your garage roof?

Changing seasonal patterns

It’s no surprise that we are seeing an increase in leaks. In addition to blocked gutters causing issue, we can look to the weather patterns of the autumn and the amount of hot, dry weather that we experienced. Of course, once older flat roofs are exposed to heat for a sustained period, they are prone to cracking. Enter a spell of rain and you soon start to see leaky flat roofs.

Rain, rain, rain

One thing that does become apparent when we get so much rain is the condition of our gutters. It’s not always easy to see the state of them without getting out a ladder and

taking a proper look but when it rains, we soon see evidence of leaks and overflowing pipes. You only have to take a look at the puddles forming, or the water running off the gutters or down the walls. This is not a good sign however and can mean one of two things

1. You have a blockage and the water is overflowing

2. There is a crack in your guttering which is allowing the water to escape

If you suspect your gutters might be leaking then it’s time to get them inspected. They either need unblocking or replacing and, if you don’t see to a blockage, it won’t be long before you are dealing with water damage to the walls and the roof of your property.

Inspect your flat roof and gutters

With such mild temperatures and so much rainfall, it’s definitely worth getting out there and checking your flat roofs and gutters now. Prevention is better than cure so checking out any potential issues now will save you money in the long run and a lot of stress.

If you would like your flat roof inspected, simply give us a call on 01934 824005.

Fixing or Replacing Your North Somerset Garage Roof

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:50:48 GMT

If you have a North Somerset garage with a flat roof then there is a good chance it may have been constructed using felt or bitumen.

While this is a popular choice for many, there is a much better alternative that is far more durable and of superior quality. If you want the best for your North Somerset garage roof, whether that be repairs, maintenance or replacement then read on:

EPDM roofing membrane

As opposed to the previous options we mentioned, the EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing membrane is specifically used in flat roofs because of its durability and longevity. Made from engineered polymers, its flexibility means that it won’t crack, tear or split and in fact will expand and contract with the change in weather conditions. The material is so durable that it actually has a lifespan of over 50 years. This means that once you’ve had it done, you are highly unlikely to ever need it replacing again.

Installation of EPDM garage roofs

In many instances, the new EPDM membrane can be installed over the existing felt roof ensuring minimum disruption and an easy installation process. There are less visible joints which means a much smoother finish.

Benefits of EPDM for your North Somerset garage roof

While there may be no visible damage to your garage roof or perhaps it hasn’t been long since you had it repaired, there are a number of advantages of taking pro-active measures and having an EPDM garage roof installed. If you keep your vintage car, beloved motorcycle or valuable tools in there, you won’t want to take a chance that you may have a leak which could cause damage to the contents of your garage. EPDM is the perfect choice for a number of reasons:

· Hardwearing and durable – lasts for upwards of 50 years with a 25-year guarantee

· A smooth finish with less joints than felt roofs and a better aesthetic

· Moss resistance so no unsightly green/yellow growth making it maintenance free

· Reduces heat in summer and cold in winter

· Quick to lay and can be laid over existing felt

· Breathable material reducing condensation

Call for your free garage roof survey

If you want to find out more about our EPDM roofing solution for your garage roof then do not hesitate to call us today. We would be delighted to offer our advice and expertise and to answer any questions that you might have.

Conservatory Roof Converted to new EPDM insulated flat Roof

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:09:44 GMT

Conservatory Conversion featuring an EPDM insulated flat roof transformation.

The homeowner had complained their aging polycarbonate conservatory roof was very noisy especially when it rained, meaning they couldn’t use the room often. Due to the age of the roof, the customer was also experiencing other problems. It was very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer.

Our installers removed the old polycarbonate sheets, allowing joists to be installed.

A warm roof construction was then completed with the installation of a new roof deck, polycarbonate insulated recovery boards were laid over and then the EPDM fleece backed rubber membrane laid over the whole roof area.

A roof dome was installed to maintain a degree of natural light into the room creating a light and pleasant living space.

The customer is already benefitting from the conversion:

· Fully adhered EPDM roofing system

· Long Life expectancy

· No maintenance or discolouring

· Quick to install, causing minimum disruption

· Cost effective, long tern protection from the weather

· Regulate the room temperature, keepo9ing it cool in the summer and warm in the winter

Cladding to Improve the Appearance of Your Home

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:06:03 GMT

Cladding to Improve the Appearance of Your Home

If the exterior of your home is looking a bit tired and in need of a facelift, there are options that will add colour and style to your facade, giving your property instant kerb appeal. In this instance, we are referring to PVC-UE cladding which is an extremely popular choice for adding instant kerb appeal to your house. Not only does it greatly improve the aesthetic of a property, it has many other benefits too. But why is external cladding such a great choice?

Cladding in a Choice of Colours

If you want to add a bit of colour to the exterior of your home then you are in luck because our PVC-UE cladding comes in a choice of colours which include White, Pale Gold, Sand, Misty Grey, Storm Grey, Colonial Blue and more. You can choose something that is in keeping with the neighbourhood or add a bit of pop to your property to make it stand out a little. The choice is yours.

Wood Textured Effect

While the cladding we use isn’t actually wood, it does have a wood textured effect giving it that natural look and meaning that it doesn’t look “plastic”. It looks classy and elegant and gives kerb appeal to your property, making it look more inviting. This can even give your property an additional boost in value if you are looking to sell in the near future.

Cladding Has Many Benefits

While you are probably considering exterior cladding for your home to enhance the aesthetic, you will be pleased to learn that it offers many other benefits to both inside and outside the home, not to mention your time and effort.

Low Maintenance

PVC-UE cladding systems are low maintenance. This means there is no need to repaint or replace - just wipe down like you do with your windows. The cladding will not peel, wear or look tired over time as long as you keep it clean. It will weather well and stand the test of time and, of course, the Great British weather

Insulation

The insulation properties of external cladding are significant, acting as an additional layer of protection for your home, helping to reduce your heating bills as it keeps the heat in. While it may carry an initial outlay, it will save you money in the long term

Designing a Sustainable Conservatory with an Eco-Friendly Flat Roof

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:59:46 GMT

Eco - Friendly Flat Roofing

As homeowners continually look for methods to lessen their environmental impact, the creation of a sustainable conservatory has gained significant attention. Integrating an eco-friendly flat roof into your conservatory design not only elevates its visual charm but also fosters energy efficiency and sustainability.

1. The Advantages of a Flat Roof

Flat roofs present a variety of benefits that make them an ideal option for conservatories. For starters, they deliver a modern and stylish appearance, blending effortlessly with contemporary architectural designs. Moreover, flat roofs optimize usable space; they can support roof gardens, solar panels, or green roofs, contributing to the eco-friendliness of your conservatory.

2. Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials

When designing a sustainable conservatory, selecting eco-friendly materials for your flat roof is crucial. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber is an excellent choice due to its durability and low environmental impact. EPDM flat roofs have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Furthermore, this material is recyclable, contributing to a circular economy.

Another eco-friendly option is living roofs, which involve planting vegetation on the roof’s surface. This not only provides insulation but also promotes biodiversity and helps manage rainwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. A flat roof designed as a living roof can create a natural habitat for birds and insects, enhancing the ecological value of your conservatory.

3. Enhancing Energy Efficiency

A well-designed flat roof can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your conservatory. Proper insulation is vital to prevent heat loss in winter and keep the space cool in summer. Using eco-friendly insulation materials, such as recycled cellulose or sheep’s wool, can enhance the thermal performance of your flat roof.

Incorporating roof lights or skylights into your flat roof design allows for natural light to flood into the conservatory. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting during the day, further cutting down energy consumption. Furthermore, strategically placed roof overhangs can provide shade, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and minimise the need for air conditioning.

4. Implementing Rainwater Harvesting

Sustainable conservatories benefit greatly from effective water management systems. A flat roof can be designed to collect rainwater, which can then be stored and reused for irrigation or other purposes. By installing a rainwater harvesting system, homeowners can reduce their reliance on mains water and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

This system works by directing rainwater into storage tanks through downspouts. It’s important to ensure that the flat roof is constructed with a slight pitch to facilitate drainage, preventing water pooling and potential leaks.

5. Creating a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

A well-designed conservatory with a flat roof can create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large glass panels or bi-fold doors can open up the conservatory to the garden, enhancing natural ventilation and providing an inviting atmosphere. This design encourages the use of natural resources, allowing homeowners to enjoy their surroundings while minimising energy consumption.

6. Maintenance Considerations

To ensure your sustainable conservatory remains eco-friendly, regular maintenance is essential. Flat roofs should be inspected periodically for debris accumulation and drainage issues. Keeping the roof clean helps maintain its effectiveness and longevity. Additionally, monitoring the health of any vegetation on a living roof will ensure it thrives and continues to provide environmental benefits.

Designing a sustainable conservatory with an eco-friendly flat roof offers numerous benefits, from aesthetic appeal to energy efficiency. By selecting the right materials, incorporating natural elements, and implementing effective water management systems, homeowners can create a space that is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. A flat roof serves as a versatile foundation for these innovations, making it an ideal choice for modern conservatory designs. At Domestic Flat Roofing, we are committed to helping you create a sustainable living space that enhances your home and protects the planet. Contact us for more information.