May 17, 2012

APM Roofing Ltd

Need Roofing Specialists in Coventry? Call 02476 444 089

APM Roofing Ltd is an independent, well established roofing contractor in Coventry with a proven record and reputation for delivering quality flat roofing solutions, servicing domestic and commercial flat roofing in Coventry and Warwickshire for over 25 years.

APM Roofing Ltd specialise in a range of roofing work in Coventry, and provide sympathetic roof renovations in the Coventry area, to blend in with local surroundings, including:

  • Conservation work
  • Period buildings
  • Working with reclaimed materials

For further information, contact us today for a consultation

Lossie Tilers

 

With 20 years experience in the roofing and building trade behind him, Director of the company Robert Widdrington established Lossie Tilers in 2007 with a view to offering the level of service and quality of work we would expect ourselves.

As professional roofing contractors in Moray, We offer our flat roofing and ceramic tiling services throughout Morayshire and the North East area.

In 2007 Lossie Tilers also seized the opportunity to launch a flat roofing system called RubberBond EPDM. Our team have recently taken part in the RubberBond Roofing System Training Programme and  in May our family company became approved RubberBond contractors, focussing entirely on the EPDM roofing system.

We are one of the first companies to utilize this system in the North East of Scotland and one of the only to specialize in it. Our team is made up of family employed trained fitters. As you would expect we have a full 20 year insurance backed guarantee, liability insurance and a strict health and safety policy. We are proud to be experts and trained professionals in flat roofing in Moray and will guarantee quality service.

PRL Roofing & Leadwork

// PRL Roofing & Leadwork

***Price Match Guarantee: We will price match any like for like quotations based on products and services we offer. ***

Our company prides itself in providing the most professional and experienced service possible using only the very best tradesman and craftsmanship. As specialists in flat roofing in Watford and flat roofing in Hertfordshire Our experienced team works across a multitude of disciplines from domestic to commercial and heritage, including:  Leadwork, Decorative Leadwork, Flat Roof Rubber Bonding, HP 3 Layered Felt, Roofing, Tiling & Slating.

We have completed projects to the highest specifications. In addition we are members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. As an approved member of the federation all of our work is covered by a 10-year written guarantee, fully supported with a comprehensive 10-year insurance cover as standard, giving you peace of mind on all new roof installations. We apply a strict code of practice in relation to Health & Safety; all our operatives have CSCS accreditation with full public and employer liability. All of our services are available across the whole of Greater London and the South, please feel free to contact us to find out more about how we can help you.

// Guarantee

At PR&L we only work with the highest quality of products, qualified craftsman and are members of certified associations such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and Trustmark. PR&L provides peace of mind and guaranteed solutions at every level.

// Domestic Work

•             We offer a Standard 10 year written guarantee on all roof work.

In addition:

•             20 years Rubber Bond EPDM

•             20 years Leadwork

•             To give you even more peace of mind if that wasn’t enough, these can be insurance backed upon request

 

 

How to Choose Flat Roof Materials

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.

How To Fix Leaking Roofs

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.

Why Use Rubber Flat Roofing Systems?

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.

The Advantages of Using EPDM Rubber for Your Roof

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.

The Fundamentals of Flat Roofing

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.

Flat Roof Construction

Flat roofs are basically built with beams traversing the opening between 2 walls which are then covered with sheet timber or another type of material. If you make use of timber, a further waterproof covering is necessary. Flat roof construction therefore involves a different approach than for example an A-frame structure.

The combined weight of the beams and coverings and the extent of the span form the basis of your calculations when it comes to the number and size of beams you will need. In areas with heavy snowfalls, special requirements have to be met, since the additional weight of the snow necessitate further reinforcing of the structure.

A flat roof normally has a slope of between zero and ten percent. This is not a difficult type of roof to construct – it’s basically a case of making sure the roof rafters are installed at the correct slope. Once the rafters have been placed, you can proceed to put the ceiling material in place and after that the roofing materials themselves.

Before you start building, you will of course need a building plan that has been drawn up by a qualified person and has been approved by your local council. If you want to building something simple, like a shed, a blueprint purchased off the Internet might work fine. For a house that is not the best way to go. If you are going to spend a million dollars on a house it doesn’t make much sense to try and save money on the buildings plans and thereby risk the whole project.

Your next step is to get together all the tools and materials you will need. Your local building warehouse will be able to assist you with this. Most of them have computer programs that will calculate the materials needed to build the structure if you give them all the necessary information.

The position of the building is very important. You don’t want to build anything where there is a problem with water runoff. A tree that is too close to a wall can cause problems in future and also result in a room that gets no sun in winter. A flat roof structure can get very hot in summer though, so it’s not necessarily a bad idea to built it in the shade of a large tree. Good quality insulation material between the ceiling and the roof itself is always a good idea for such a structure.

If you are building a structure that’s more than 20 square meters in size, it will need to have a permanent foundation. Remove the soil and replace with gravel. This is the best way to ensure proper drainage in future. Use solid concrete blocks or bricks for the foundation, not hollow concrete blocks. Hollow blocks will in all likelihood not be able to carry the weight of the walls and roof.

Although flat roof construction is not a very complicated form of building, you might still find it a huge challenge if you have no experience of building. In this case it’s better to employ a professional builder to oversee the construction process.

We found this great article over at http://www.flatroofconstruction.org



Why Use Rubber Flat Roof System?

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.