Author Archives: Jason

Tips For Installing A Rainwater System

Roofing Solutions

Make sure you get it right the first time with these tips on installing a rainwater guttering system.

  • Be sure to Identify the position of the drain, and run a plumb-line and fix gutter outlet. Also make sure to check the fascia is level. This will allow you to plan for the rest of the installation before anything has been fixed.
  • Fix a support bracket at the furthest end and run a string-line to the outlet. From the outlet, fix support brackets at a maximum of one metre centres.
  • Insert gutter to the ‘insert to here’ line on the first fitting. At the other end of the gutter mark the position of the next fitting on the fascia.
  • Ensure the fittings are level by using a string line.
  • Check water tightness by blocking off any outlet and performing a static water test.

Building Constraints on Roof Designs

Construction, Roofing Solutions

When constructing a roof for a build, its important to take into consideration the constraints that the building may have. Building constraints will have an impact on the design of roof that can be used, and as such the roof will need to be of a specific design.

Building design constraints can include: The height of building, spans, repetition of the building design, protruding balconies and cantilevers.

A full assessment should be carried out before hand, and should ideally be facilitated by an independent facilitator to ensure a suitable roof is used.

If the company installing the roof is new to these assessments, its recommended to invite an advisor to provide expert input. At this stage, the roofing options to use in construction may only be reduced to two or three, rather than a single option.

Once the roof design is agreed, planning consent can then be obtained.

 

Top Benefits of Working with Flat Roofing Contractors

Roofing Solutions

If you have a flat roofing project in your home, it is necessary to ensure that they are installed in the right way. At times, you might be tempted to carry out the project by yourself, so that you can save money in the process. However, it is good to note that you might end up saving on the cost, but end up disappointed with the final results. This is why it is vital to hire flat roofing contractors to help you in undertaking the project. There are a lot of benefits you get by hiring the contractors instead of doing the job by yourself. Here are some of the benefits involved in hiring the contractors.

Have the job done fast and efficiently

One of the major benefits you get by working with the professional contractors is that you will have your roofing project completed fast in the most effective way. They have great skills and knowledge on how to undertake the flat roofing project in a professional manner. You can be assured that at the end of the project, you will be happy because your home will definitely look unique from others. In addition, you will have peace of mind because you know that they will not commit mistakes that might end up being costly at the end of the project.  Continue reading →

Flat Roof Window Variations

Flat Roofing, Roofing Solutions

Flat roof windows come in many variations, each suited for a different type of building. Its important to be aware of which roof window is suitable for which building, so you can make an informed and effective choice. This post looks at several different roof windows, and the type of buildings they are suitable for.

Skylights

A studio building works well with low profile skylights which suitable for commercial, domestic and conservation.

These roof windows are best used in long strips along a ceiling. They can also be fitted with automatic shutters allowing the room to be dark, even in daytime for studio use.

 Pyramid Rooflights

Equally suited to contemporary or Victorian architecture, pyramid rooflights are a versatile and energy efficient way to enhance a range of buildings.

They are composed of steel frames with triangle shaped windows. Because of the unique shape of the windows, they give a striking effect to the natural light that comes into the room.

All You Need to Know About Flat Roof Lights

Roofing Solutions

Flat roof lights are usually a very important acquisition in a room. They do increase the light amount into a room and at the same time lead to an overall smart and amazing outlook of a building’s interior as well as its exterior. They however come in different types and determining the best type for your room is usually at times a big challenge.

Most of the roof lights are designed in such a way that there is an outer glass pane, an inner glass panel that is laminated, internal frames and lastly external frames. The outer glass pane can be double glazed or triple glazed. Both are ideal for you and you will only have to decide which attracts you more. The inner panel is usually laminated to strengthen the panel and hence offer more security. Both the internal and external frame offer more strength to the glass roof. There is usually some space between the panels containing a light gas for more energy efficiency. It is usually important to have a stand where the glass roof will be placed on so as to secure the roof.

What are the Advantages of Flat Roof Lights?

They allow more light to flow into a room as compared to that from wall windows. They usually lead to introduction of more ventilation and hence better air circulation in a building. It leads to less electricity consumption as natural light flows to the house, hence less electricity consumption and consequently less electricity bills. The lights design make the house to look very fashionable and adorable. Continue reading →

Flat Roofing Solutions and Information

Construction, Flat Roofing

Flat Roofing 

Typically, flat roofs are constructed from asphalt or three-ply modified bitumen, which is also known as felt flat roofing. A thin layer of gravel is also used to protect the roof from UV sunlight damage.

While the extended lifespan of EPDM is a definite improvement on felt flat roofing, some regard it to be an unsightly alternative that may not be in keeping with the style and traditions of the adjoining property or neighbourhood.

Flat roofing is generally considered a cost effective solution for a roof. Production involves considerably less materials than other roofs, as well as reduced labour.

Full replacement a flat roof can usually completed in a single day.

A disadvantage is that with a lifespan for a felt flat roof of only 20 years, the prospect of having to maintain and eventually replace this type of roof is apparent.

Paying for a Flat Roof With Commercial Finance

Construction, Flat Roofing

Getting hold of the required funds to pay for a flat roof can sometimes be more challenging than actually installing it. However, there are many commercial ways to acquire the money for a flat roof in the business world.

Commercial finance encompasses a range of loans and payment plans that are used for business purposes. When concerning a property, the commercial finance that is most commonly used is a commercial mortgage.

A commercial mortgage is commonly used to purchase commercial premises. But it can also be used to develop or extend new buildings. This includes acquiring a flat roof. Most commercial mortgages have a term of 15 years or more, depending on the finance it offers.

The roof itself is the asset used to secure the loan, much in the same as a domestic mortgage, and the lender retains a legal claim over the roof until repayment of the loan is complete.

Property Insurance Cover and its Variations

Construction

Property insurance is a straight forward concept, however it can vary in how it is applied. This post looks at three types of insurance coverage and how they are different.

There are the three types of insurance coverage. Replacement, actual cash value and Extended replacement cost.

Replacement cost coverage will cover the costs of repairing or replacing a property, regardless of depreciation or appreciation. It also insures that the same quality of repair or replacement is issued. The premiums for this type of cover are based on replacement cost values, not actual cash values.

Actual cash value insurance provides cover for replacement and repair costs, minus any depreciation.

Extended replacement cost insurance will pay over the coverage limit if the costs for construction have increased. This generally will not exceed 25% of the limit. When you obtain an insurance policy, the coverage limit established is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in case of loss of property.

Guttering Solutions for Roofs

Construction

The guttering is an essential part of not just the roof, but the whole building. Without adequate guttering, a building is susceptible to damage over time that will slowly accumulate to an eventual structural issue.

With autumn arriving, now is the time to make sure your gutters are up to the task of draining water, and are protected against the leaves that fall.

There are many gutter designs available if you are installing or improving a gutter system. Square, ogee, deep flow or industrial gutters are some of the designs available. In order to know which is best suited for your building, check with the supplier who will recommend a system.

As its autumn, leaf guards are an essential part of a gutter system. Gutters that become clogged with leaves become useless, collect water and often fall off as a result of the overflow. A leaf guard is a filter that fits onto the top of the gutter, preventing leaves from entering it, whilst still allowing water in.

Making Sure You Have The Right Roof For The Right Building

Construction

Making sure you build the right roof for a certain building is crucial. Certain roofs are best suited for certain buildings, and some roofs are even required for certain building specifications.

Roofs are mainly classified depending on the type of material they are made from. Metal roofs, clay and concrete, and slate are some common examples.

Each material has different properties. It’s these properties that will determine if it should be used for a certain building. For example clay or concrete roofs are typically suited for warmer climates and require a structurally reinforced building due to their weight. They are effective at keeping buildings cool inside even in hot climates. Because of this, these roofs are ideal for manufacturing complexes and other buildings that require the temperature be a steady average.

Another example is slate. Often limited to civic buildings, churches and luxury houses, due to the fact that slate is an expensive material.