Flat roofs are becoming more and more common around the UK, ranging from commercial warehouses to modern residential extensions. Although modern construction is easy, a great deal of skill, experience, and attention to detail is required to successfully construct a flat roof. Specialist flat roof installers within the industry combine a unique level of craftsmanship with a wide understanding in modern construction materials and building science.
Why Are Flat Roof Installers Different
Pitched roofs naturally allow water to run off. Flat rooftops, however, use falls and other formed details to distribute water, requiring the highest level of skilled craftsmanship. A flat roof installer needs to understand how minor changes in levels impact the slope of surfaces to avoid water ponding and structural failure.
Advanced building techniques and thermal dynamics derive from straight roofing knowledge. Flat roofs are particularly prone to sustaining damage from high temperatures. Installers that have been in the business for decades have witnessed the industry shift from traditional felt systems to sophisticated single-ply membranes and GRP fibreglass applications. Building regulations have been strictly held but worth it for the insulation and vapor control value.
The Installation Process
There is no way flat roofing can be done properly without doing a thorough assessment of the roof and the insulation. The installer’s assessment of the substrate condition is only the first step. He must also examine the ventilation to make sure the structure can support the roof’s weight. The insulation makes this more complex. It is not uncommon to uncover a number of issues at this stage of work that have to be addressed before work continues.
It’s no surprise that preparation is the key to success. The deck must be completely clean, dry, and structurally sound. Any movement or structural weakness will eventually show on the waterproofing layer, causing problems that will appear to be roofing defects. Such issues can, however, be traced back to improperly executed groundwork. Experienced installers understand that cutting corners and time spent on the groundwork will, in the long run, be the more expensive option.
Common Challenges
Weather problems are incessant. Flat roofing materials have low tolerance of temperature and moisture. Working on GRP is more tedious, since even a light drizzle can bring the entire operation to a standstill. Cold temperatures have a negative impact on the performance of the adhesives. Most lightweight membranes have poor tensile strength, and can be poorly set in windy conditions. ‘Weather savvy’ skilled installers know the best times to work under certain conditions to either give the job their best or move on to a new set of tasks. Restricted access issues often create additional challenges, especially on extensions or buildings surrounded by other buildings. Transporting materials to roofs, working in tight areas, and keeping safe while doing quality work requires skills well beyond the normal scope of roofing.
The Future of the Trade
The flat roofing sector continues to evolve. Interest in green roofs and the integration of solar energy are spurred by environmental concerns. Standards of building performance keep increasing. While new materials offer new challenges and require different skills, they also promise greater durability and easier installation.
What remains unchanged is the necessity for and flat roofs and the waterproofing membrane which is not as easily accessible, still requires the skill and dedication. The detailers who encompass building design and pride themselves on craftsmanship, as well as those who enjoy the profession and seek to further their knowledge are the ones who will never be without work.