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How to Choose Flat Roof Materials

April 14, 2011 By admin

Your roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home. It protects you from the elements, prevents heating from escaping, and provides various other benefits. However, while protecting against the elements this means that it must also face a combination of weather conditions from ice to rain and snow to sun. Where the typically sloped roof offers natural drainage options for rainwater, the flat roof can offer difficulties in this area.

Choosing Flat Roof Materials

There are a number of options available when it comes to choosing flat roof materials. There are basically three main types of flat roof material available which are designed to provide the needs of all homeowners and residents – built up materials, bitumen, and rubber roofing materials.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing materials is an attempt to provide a barrier against the water by essentially plugging the roof with as many different layers as possible. Layers of tar and water resistant materials are laid and the whole concoction is finally covered with gravel. This is an old technique of roof covering and it does require regular maintenance – the gravel, especially, will tend to need weeding and replacing to keep your roof looking its best and offering any kind of protection against the weather.

Bitumen

Bitumen is another long serving, time honoured solution. Bitumen does offer the advantage that it is fairly easy to install although you should always use a professional installation service to ensure that you get the best possible results as doing it yourself may lead to gaps, holes, or shrinkage over time. Some of the more expensive bitumen materials offer greater UV resistance and are better at preserving heat within the home than the traditional material.

Rubber

Rubber is the strongest of the flat roof materials. It is extremely strong and difficult to break. Any damage is easily found and quickly rectified while the materials is resistant to all weather conditions from sun to rain and snow to ice. While the initial cost is quite high, good rubber roofing systems include 20 year guarantees and the minimal maintenance and repairs required mean that it will typically prove to be the most cost effective solution in the long run.

Filed Under: EPDM, Flat Roof Articles, Flat Roofs Tagged With: , , , ,

How To Fix Leaking Roofs

February 22, 2011 By admin

Extensions and other flat roof properties can suffer badly from leaks and other problems. With a flat roof these are commonly caused by a build up of rainwater or snow but they also be caused by an erosion of the roofing membrane because of the sun’s UV rays. Another possibility is that there is large build up of leaves or other debris that has collected, causing water and other elements to collect in some of the more prone areas. Replacing leaking roofs with a rubber roofing system can help to prevent damage inside the property and stop further damage to the building itself.

Sloped Roofs

Sloped roofs have a natural means to combat rainwater. The rain lands on the roof, runs down the slope, and is then transported away by the gutter so that it cannot collect on the roof and cause damage. However, flat roofs and roofs with only a slight slope do not offer these same advantages.

Flat Roofs

When it rains on a flat roof the water may collect in puddles and this alone can cause damage to the structure of the roof. It may also cause the roofing membrane or cover to rot away over time especially if the problem is left without being treated. Finding a roofing membrane that is resistant to this problem, therefore, is important.

Rubber Roofing Membrane

Rubber roofing membrane is weather resistant. It will not erode due to rain, snow, frost, or the sun’s UV rays and it will continue to offer protection throughout the year. It also looks good with a classic slate grey colour so that it does not need covering once it has been installed. If you are suffering from leaking roof problems then you should consider having a rubber roofing system added.

Beating Leaking Roof Problems

Leaking roof problems can cause a lot of financial damage to the roof itself and to the property inside. Items in the house may become damaged and damp may find its way into the walls only serving to make the problem even worse and the repairs even more expensive. Rubber roofing systems do not endure the same leaking roof problems as less effective flat roof systems.

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The Benefits Of EPDM Roofing Systems

February 16, 2011 By admin

When it comes to roofing an extension or other flat roofed building, finding the right membrane material is an important choice. The wrong materials may only last for a very limited time and may incur damage as a result of rain, frost, snow, or heavy rain. Standard roofing materials may also require extra covering which can blow free or roll into guttering causing the gutters to leak down walls causing more problems. If you are suffering from leaking roofs or if you’re having a new flat roof installed then you should consider EPDM roofing.

What Is EPDM?

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a rubber material that is often used in the making of flat roof membrane. It is a strong and durable material that is not only resistant to general wear and tear but is resilient to weather conditions as well. It is strong enough that people can walk on it once it is installed on the roof and modern Fleeceback EPDM roofing membrane has been proven to have a 50 year life expectancy.

Flat Roofs And Drainage

Flat roofs do not offer the natural drainage solution that sloped roofs do. Water and other precipitate is able to collect, often in large pools or piles, on the roof and eventually this can leak through other roofing membrane materials. The damage from these leaks can be costly and left unchecked the problem is only likely to get worse rather than better.

Flexible Strength

EPDM is a flexible material so that it can be stretched to fit the area it is covering. As well as being flexible it still retains its strength so will not tear when birds land on it or even if people walk on it. Very little ongoing maintenance is required to ensure that the EPDM retains its strength and with such a long life expectancy this makes it a cost effective solution too.

EPDM Roof Membrane

When looking for a flat roofing solution, EPDM is often the material of choice because of its strength and resilient nature. Resistant to all weather conditions including the sun and snow, it will not discolour or warp with age either.

Filed Under: EPDM, Flat Roof Articles, Flat Roofs Tagged With: , , ,

Why Use Rubber Flat Roofing Systems?

February 3, 2011 By admin

Flat roofing can prove a real problem for homeowners if it does not utilise a good enough quality roofing system that protects against the weather as well as wear and tear. Rubber roofing systems are especially useful because they are extremely tough and durable, resistant to all weather conditions, are good looking, and are eco friendly. Many homeowners rely on rubber membranes and commercial roofing systems can also benefit for the very same reasons.

50 year life Expectancy

Not all rubber membrane is created equal but using the right rubber roofing systems can offer you a 50 year lifetime expectancy with minimal maintenance and no fuss. Whatever the weather your roof will continue to protect you and your home from the elements and you can enjoy the kind of protection that you would normally associate with sloped roofs.

Weather Resistant

The weather throws a lot at roofs. When it comes to flat roofs, a collection of rainwater is one of the most common problems as it is heavy and may warp membranes and the roof itself. Once the roof starts leaking, further water can serve to exacerbate the problem and cause an even greater tear or hole to appear.

Wear And Tear Resistant

Reinforced rubber is also extremely tough and durable. It can resist people walking on it and will not only protect from rain but from the sun’s harmful UV rays and from frost, snow, and falling debris and dirt.

Good Looking

Rubber membrane has a classic roofing look to it and will not show signs of aging. This means that once a flat rood is covered in a rubber roofing system there is no need to add gravel or any other type of covering and it will still look attractive even for windows that overlook the flat roof.

Eco Friendly

Rubber membranes have a very long life and they do not require regular treatment. They also help to insulate against the elements and all of these factors mean that rubber roofing membrane is eco friendly as well as strong and weather resistant. This will save you money in heating while also reducing the size of your carbon footprint.

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The Advantages of Using EPDM Rubber for Your Roof

November 21, 2010 By admin

EPDM rubber is a very versatile and durable material that has a huge range of different purposes and applications. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene M, in which the M refers to a class of rubbers that contain a saturated chain of the polymethylene type. What that means in simple terms is that EPDM rubber has fantastic heat, ozone, and weather resistance. It is also a great electrical insulator.

EPDM sheeting is often used as a liner for back yard water ponds and other man-made water features. The rubber does not leach chemicals, and so would not harm any fish living in these ponds. EPDM roofing material is one of the most common applications of this rubber product, although it can be used in garden hoses, washers, belts, electrical insulation, seals and speaker cone surrounds.

EPDM rubber is also often the main substance used in the weather seals of vehicles, such as door seals, window seals, and hood seals. This is due to the great weatherproof properties of this type of rubber.

One of the advantages of EPDM roofing materials is that they are completely waterproof. A roof built with EPDM roofing materials is also environmentally friendly, because the rubber does not pollute the rainwater that collects on the roof. In fact, with an EPDM roof you can safely direct this water to use it for personal sanitation or hygiene and further reduce your impact on the environment.

EPDM roofing materials have been proven to last up to 50 years, if properly maintained. They are resistant to all types of weather, and they do not split or crack, as other tar and sand roof surfaces are known to do. The flexibility of the rubber allows the roof surface to bend along with the structure, where more hard and brittle materials simply crack or tear. EPDM roofing rubber is also resistant to ultra violet and ozone, and will not be damaged by prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. It can be used in steep pitched roofs as well as flat roofs, however its waterproof qualities make it particularly appropriate to use on a flat roof.

EPDM rubber has a lengthy proven track record; it has been in use for more than 40 years in diverse conditions. Outfitting your roof with quality materials is an investment, which will pay off in the future because you will not have to spend as much money on roof repairs or on replacing your roof sooner that you would wish to. Flexible and versatile, EPDM rubber is a material with much strength, which you can rely on to keep your family safe and dry.

Filed Under: EPDM, Flat Roof Articles, Flat Roofs Tagged With: , , ,

The Fundamentals of Flat Roofing

November 12, 2010 By admin

A flat roof is a good choice especially for a small area. No head room is lost and the roof can be used as extra space for a living area or a garden on the roof. It is also the most cost effective type of roof. Since flat roofing doesn’t have the benefit of gravity to keep it dry, there are some fundamental things it needs to withstand natural and manmade forces.

To protect from snow and rain the roof should have a slope of 1 in 80 that drains it to one of two edges. Using conventional gutters and eaves is the best. Internal outlets are not as efficient. If internal outlets are required, they should have leaf and gravel guards and be big enough to handle storm conditions. Also, in every situation the waterproofing should extend up the adjacent walls a minimum of 6 inches (150mm). The felt on the top edge should be protected by a cover flashing.

Insulation is the best protection from direct sunlight and frost. During the winter it will cost less to heat the house and during the summer it will keep the house cooler. Other than standing water, direct sunlight is a drawback for a flat roof. It can make the house hot inside during the summer. This can be overcome with insulation. When insulation is applied to new flat roofs, it must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations. There should also be protection from the sun for bitumen felt.

The indigenous natives of the southwestern United States had flat roofs and often poured water on them to keep them cool in the summer season.

Condensation is another issue. Warm roofs need a vapour control layer (VCL) and cold roofs need to have adequate through-ventilation.

Any roof that is exposed to high wind forces needs to be constructed to resist it. Experienced contractors are familiar with safety for roofs that are hit by excessive wind.

Because flat roofs are more susceptible to weather sealants and adhesives are used to connect the sheets of material together. Older flat roofs from 1940 to 1985 used tar or asphalt and gravel over a wood frame. Today, contractors use gel membranes and sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which give better protection from water damage.

Flat roofs are especially useful in commercial buildings. It makes the best use of space and doubles as patio space and emergency exits. Even a swimming pool can be installed on a flat roof.

Flat roofing needs regular maintenance. It should be kept clear of debris and a heavy load of snow. If it is 10 years old, it should be checked by a professional before any leaks or damage appears. The good news is there is material available today that can make even old roofs strong and safe. Rubber roofing is a coating that is fastened to the roofing deck by fasteners or glue. It can be very wide so there is no seam that will become a weak spot later.

Along with being cost effective and space effective it has the potential to be very environmentally friendly. Solar panels can easily be placed on it, and with a tough waterproofing membrane, it’s great for green roof planting.

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Why Use Rubber Flat Roof System?

October 13, 2010 By admin

Having a flat roof is not suitable for all building types but if you do your research you will see that there are practical solutions available which help make flat roofs a viable choice for lots of buildings.  Sometimes a flat roof is the only sensible option so what sort of flat roof should you go for? As with any project you undertake it is a matter of looking up information on the topic to ensure that you know as much as you can about it and make the right choice.

A lot of the time people assume that a flat roof will have a shorter life expectancy because of the way that they are built. We know that sloped roofs drain off water quickly and easily which helps to keep them in tip top condition. By this assumption the flat roof systems are not as good because they do not drain this water away in the same way and so puddles can form and leaks could start. However this is not true and if you look at the right flat roof system, it’s not a problem at all. For example some of the best rubber roof systems have a life expectancy of over 50 years, proving that just because it is a flat roof doesn’t mean that it won’t give you value for money. These have a much thicker membrane with lining that wont tear, split or crack.

These systems have a number of other benefits such as extreme weather and ozone resistance. This is one of the main worries when it comes to fitting a new roof so is something that you should look out for.

Don’t worry if you are not an expert in this field because the roofing contractor that you hire to help with your project should be able to look at what you want to achieve and recommend something for you. You must ensure that the EPDM rubber roof is fitted correctly by an approved contractor, otherwise the durability and leak free qualities could be at risk. That said there are lots of resources online that can help with roofing options, giving you the pros and cons of the different systems helping you to decide which is best for you. Doing your research is vital but is also something that you probably don’t want to spend too much time on. This is why looking up advice and information online is ideal because it is so quick and easy to find what you are looking for.

Filed Under: EPDM, Flat Roof Articles, Flat Roofs Tagged With: , , , ,

What are Warm and Cold Roofs?

October 10, 2010 By admin

When talking about flat roofing and in particular the repair or maintenance you will undoubtedly be asked “what type of roof is it, warm or cold?” by a roofing contractor. Most residential flat roof owners won’t have a clue, so this article is to help you understand the two types.

The construction of the roof deck and the ceiling has a crucial effect on the how well the waterproofing material works on top. Within the building industry the terms Warm Roof and Cold Roof are used to describe the two different types of flat roofs.

Warm Roof

This type of flat roof construction has the roof insulation above the roof deck or framework.  This tends to keep the deck ‘WARM’ and is usually the best construction for domestic properties, particularly in colder climates. Warm roofs are better insulated and can reduce heating costs as well as having the desirable green element. A typical warm roof is shown below.

Cold Roof

In contrast to this many older residential flat roofs will have the waterproofing laid directly onto the roof deck, with the insulation placed above the ceiling. This is why the deck is then terms ‘COLD’ and therefore a Cold Roof.

What’s the main difference?

The differences really come into play when in colder climates such as found in the winter months of the UK. In colder weather, cold roofs are at risk to condensation build up, which can cause the roof materials to corrode and distort. To combat this it is important that the roof has enough through-ventilation. This has to be provided to each space above the insulation. Often this is hard to achieve depending on the way the property is built such as when the roof abuts the wall of a house.  The warm roofs do need this ventilation and so have a better chance at a longer lifespan depending on how it was built and with what materials.

So while cold roofs are not regularly endorsed for the climatic conditions like in Scotland, according to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations, warm roofs are recommended instead by roofing contractors. On the whole in the UK, the Warm roof is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

Just because you have an existing cold roof it doesn’t mean you need to rush out and get a warm roof. As long as there is adequate insulation and more importantly, ventilation, the roof should be fine. What material is being used for the waterproofing and how it is fitted will have much more of an effect.

So now you know that there are two different types of roofs, warm and cold, what they are and what the differences are. To help you remember when you investigate your own:

Insulation ABOVE the deck = Warm Roof

Insulation BELOW the deck = Cold Roof

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Why use a rubber roof for commercial buildings?

September 27, 2010 By admin

Why use a rubber roof for commercial buildings?

Are you considering a new flat roofing system for a commercial building? Or maybe you are a contractor that replaces roofs for clients? In either case, rubber roof systems are a great alternative to traditional flat roofing systems.

Rubber roofs are exceptionally durable and are friendly to the environment. By installing a new rubber membrane, you can expect a long life expectancy with fewer leaks and other problems over the life of the roof. A new rubber roof system is usually less costly than a fibreglass or GRP roof and comparable in cost to a felt flat roof system.

The Rubberbond Fleeceback EPDM roofing system, for example, has a demonstrated life expectancy of 50 years regardless of the type of flat roof building involved. The materials used for the Fleeceback system are among the toughest available and are noteworthy for their ability to resist exposure to weather and sunlight.

The Fleeceback rubber roof systems are guaranteed for 20 years against rain and snow damage with some exceptions such as damage caused by falling trees, fire, etc.  This is providing that it is fitted by a professional and approved roofing contractor.

Rubber roof systems are widely used throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, and more than a billion square metres of rubber roof have been installed across the globe. The first roofs date back to the 1960s and they are still functional some 50 years later.

The rubber roof is remarkable in its ability to conform to the shape of the roof in every detail, yet it is at the same time highly resistant to cracking, splitting and tearing. The roof membrane is highly attractive, but tough enough to walk on. Rubber roofs are also safe as no heat or fire is used during the installation process.

Testing has shown that Rubberbond’s EPDM is the only membrane that maintained flexural fatigue resistance in all tests and locations. The Fleeceback EPDM materials have proven highly reliable with a history going back more than 15 years.

Other types of flat roof systems like asphalt, felt and bitumen have significantly shorter life spans particularly when exposed to the UK’s diverse climatic conditions. Often these other types of flat roofs develop cracks and leaks relatively quickly when compared to rubber systems. The repairs needed to fix non-rubber roofs can quickly mount up, so it is often more cost effective to simply install a new flat roof with greater life expectancy.

Many rubber roof suppliers can be found on the internet via major search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. One should take care to make sure that the supplier has a good track record and is using materials that are proven in the field. Reputable suppliers should guarantee their materials in the same way that Rubberbond guarantees its Fleeceback system for 20 years. Another way to check for reliability is to ask people you trust who have experience with rubber roofing system suppliers.

In concluding, when you take into account all the factors including cost, life expectancy and ease of installation, rubber membranes are clearly the most cost effective roofing alternative for your commercial building.

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Fixing Flat Roofs: Why You Need A Professional Roofer

September 22, 2010 By admin

If you have flat roofing on your home or business, there is always the chance that it can become damaged, and the integrity of the roof can become compromised. This can happen in many ways: Trees can fall on roofs, breaking them, or ice can build up in the winter months to the point that the roof is bent or torn. Flat roofing can also just leak after a long life, as time itself will damage it in many little ways that will add up and could create very large problems. Depressions and sunken areas can lead to build up of standing water. The weight will eventually take its toll. If you have any of these problems, the roof should be replaced, rather than try and repair it. You may be tempted to try and make minor repairs on your own, but this is not advisable. First, it can be a safety hazard, something that no business wants. Second, if you do not hire a professional roofer to do the job, the problems can come back quickly and be even worse than they were to start. Replacing the roof while the problems are not catastrophic will keep large-scale disasters from occurring that can ruin a home or set a business back in revenue and production.

Fixing a roof on your own can be dangerous – you should get a professional roofer to get rid of unnecessary risks. You can fall from a roof very easily, if you are not experienced, especially in bad weather such as rain or snow. You can also harm a roof, breaking holes in it or damaging the pipes and wiring that run through the roof; this wiring is also an electrical hazard, and you could be seriously injured if you accidentally put a nail or screw through it. A professional roofer will have all of the proper safety equipment and knowledge to keep any of this from happening.

If you are looking for flat roof solutions that are dependable, durable, and will outlast your last flat roofing system, you should look to RubberBond Roofing Systems. Their product, one of the best flat roof solutions, EPDM Fleeceback, will solve all of your old problems and prevent many more to come. It is a rubber roof membrane, and is proven to last for fifty years, no matter what type of roof it is used on. If you have a small business, a warehouse, or just want a new roof on the family home, EPDM Fleeceback is the way to go. The rubber design means that it withstands and repels water, while being very tough and safe to walk on. It is, at the same time, a flexible material that will not break, as metal roofs can and often will. This cuts back on leaks, as the rubber does not snap away from the walls, like metal, but just flexes slightly to adhere to all surfaces.

If you have a damaged or leaking roof, you should not waste any time trying to fix it. These fixes may last for a little while, but they will come back quickly and with a vengeance. You need a professional roofer with one of the best flat roof solutions.

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