Roof Refurbishment And Maintenance Archives - Roofclad
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There are a number of systems available for commercial and industrial flat roofing, including roofing felt. Roofclad Systems offer a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, so let’s discuss everything you need to know about roofing felt.

What is roofing felt?

Roofing felt, also sometimes known as roofing tar paper or synthetic underlayment, is a type of flat roofing system. It is typically installed between the roof deck and the final roofing material. It can act as a barrier against moisture, wind and other weather conditions that can damage the roof deck and cause leaks. It can also help to improve the efficiency of the roof by reducing heat loss through the roof deck.

What is roofing felt made of?

Roofing felt is made of a mixture of natural materials such bitumen, sand and fibrous membrane. It is coated with a waterproof cover, such as asphalt, to provide weathering protection. Some types of roofing felt also contain granules or minerals that improve their fire resistance and UV stability. Of course, the specific composition and quality of the roofing felt material can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use.

What felt systems can you install?

Our operatives are fully trained to install systems from suppliers such as SIGNature, Garland, Icopal, Bauder and many more, all offering substantial warranties.

How long does roof felt last?

flat roofing

A well maintained commercial flat roof can last anywhere from 10-35 years.

As with most things, durability is dependent on several factors and it’s no different for roofing felt. In this case, the lifespan of roofing felt can depend on the type and quality of material used, the climate and weather conditions of its environment and the installation and maintenance practices. Heavy rain can be damaging for roofs, whether it is a large commercial roof or a small shed roof, which makes it all the more important that high quality roofing felt is used. The life span of roof felt can also depend on the quality of the roofing materials used such as the roof shingles and the equipment used to lay the roofing felt.

That said, commercial felt roofing has come a long way since it was first available and is extremely durable. Be sure to speak to your contractor or manufacturer regarding a labour and material backed guarantee, to ensure your flat roof is watertight for up to a period of 35 years.

Why choose roofing felt?

Roofing felt is often a popular choice in refurbishment projects but is also suitable for a wide range of applications.

Here are some reasons why roofing felt may be the right choice for you:

  1. Felt has a very high tensile strength, which allows for any structural or thermal movement on the roof
  2. It’s durable; it is designed to withstand the elements and can last for several years
  3. Roofing felt is relatively easy to install and can be applied onto most surfaces including timber, asphalt and metal
  4. Affordability: roofing felt is an affordable option compared to other roofing materials such as metal or tile

 

Are you interested in a roofing felt system for your business?

At Roofclad Systems, we have over 40 years of experience and a highly skilled workforce who can assist you with your flat roofing system options and installation. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a free quote!

Having a leaking roof is a headache for anyone, especially a commercial business owner. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it can lead to a number of issues. One being more money out of your pocket! In order to save you time and money, we’ve put together a list of the most common reasons why your commercial roof is leaking and what to do about it.

winter

 

Signs of a leaking commercial roof

Before we get into the reasons why your commercial roof is leaking, you need to know the signs of roof leak. The most common signs include

    • Stained walls or ceilings – Discoloured areas on your ceiling or roof. Often a light brown colour.
    • Water dripping – Dripping of water internally from your roof or ceiling.
    • Strong odour or signs of mould – Mould on your ceilings or walls. Mould will thrive in moist environments.

 

Common causes of commercial roof leaks

 

1. Poorly maintained

Commercial roof’s need to be properly maintained in order to extend their lifespan. A poorly maintained roof will inevitably lead to leaks. There are some things that are out of your control. Winter can bring uncontrollable weather conditions, heavy rain, thick snow and harsh winds. All of which can have an impact on your roof. Running the risk of roof leaks.

Solution

It’s incredibly important to have a roof maintenance plan in place. Unsure on where to start? Speak to the company that installed your roof. Any professional commercial flat roofing contractor should give you tips and advice on how to maintain your commercial roofing.

2. Build-up of water

Standing water is a commercial roof’s worst enemy. It’s probably one of the most common reasons why commercial roofs leak. Standing water and its additional weight can lead to sagging in the roof. It can also lead to a growth in plants and moss, as well as the roof deteriorating a lot faster. All inevitably resulting in roof leaks.

Solution

There are a number of reasons why a commercial flat roof may suffer from standing water. Including:

  • A poorly designed roof – This isn’t due to a fault of your own. A poorly designed roof can lead to an array of issues, including leaks. This is why it’s incredibly important that you hire experienced roofing contractors.
  • Lack of drainage – Again, this isn’t really a fault of your own. This could be down to the roofing company not installing sufficient drainage points or an unusual and continuous amount of rainfall. It may be worth installing additional drainage outlets to rectify this.
  • Blocked drainage – This is more than likely due to poor roof maintenance. It’s common to have a build-up of debris on flat roofs. Which may lead to blocked drainage and increased levels of standing water. Both of these are likely to increase the chances of leaks. It is definitely worthwhile investing in a professional maintenance package to prevent this.

You may need to install additional rainwater outlets in order to counteract this.

3. Ageing roof

Unfortunately, commercial flat roofs don’t last forever. The average lifespan of a flat roof is anything between 15 and 20 years. The lifespan of your roof will depend on the materials used, the quality of installation, how well it is maintained and a number of environmental factors.

From an economical standpoint, it may make more sense to completely refurbish the roof, rather than constantly trying to patch it up. Check out our guide ‘Repair Or Replace: How To Spot The Signs’ to learn more about whether or not you need to carry out a roof repair to refurbish your commercial roof to better prevent a roof leak.

4. Damaged roof flashings

Roof flashings are the pieces of metal used around conjoining areas of the roof. They are commonly found in areas such as roof edges and skylights. Flashing, similar to the other materials on your roof, is susceptible to wear and tear and ageing, which can lead to leaks.

Poorly installed flashing can also lead to leaks on your commercial roof. Always make sure you’re dealing with an experienced roofing company!

Solution

It’s important to repair damaged flashing. Regular maintenance of your roof and its flashing can minimise leakage down the road.

5. Vulnerable areas

There are a number of vulnerable areas on a commercial roof, that if not properly sealed and maintained, are susceptible to leakage. These include:

  • HVAC units
  • Vents
  • Piping
  • Roof lights
  • Gas lines

All of these puncture the membrane of the roofing system and if not correctly installed and sealed can lead to significant damage to your roofing system and your building interior.

Solution

Make sure you work with a reputable roofing contractor. All of these areas are susceptible to leaks. It’s incredibly important that they are installed properly and kept watertight. This can be done by flashing, rain collars and pitch pans.

6. Damaged membrane

Roof membranes are a waterproof layer applied to roof’s to prevent leakage. Especially single-ply roofing systems. Roof membranes can become damaged due to high levels of foot traffic, weather conditions or mechanical damage.

Solution

Try to minimise unnecessary foot traffic on your roof, invest in a regular maintenance plan and address the issue as soon as possible. Sometimes it can be a quick patch up of the area, or if not addressed properly, can lead to the complete replacement of the membrane. Which can be costly!

7. Poor design and installation

A poorly designed roof can often lead to rainwater not draining effectively. Leading to standing water and leaks. This is normally down to a lack of pitch or a minimal number of drainage outlets installed.

Solution

Hire a roofing company that knows what they’re doing. Always do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

No matter what the reason is for your commercial roof leak, you need to be proactive with your roof maintenance and repairs. Do your research and ask questions. Poorly designed commercial roofing will lead to a number of issues and will hit you hard financially in the long run.

Metal fabrication is a multi-faceted process that involves transforming raw metal into finished products or structures through a range of processes including cutting, bending and assembling. This allows metal fabrication processes to be specific with unique structures being formed that is perfectly suited to its purpose.

Metal fabrication services are widely used in the Automotive, earth moving, construction and materials handling industries, as well as others. It is a process that can save your business both time and money. This is because the amount of unnecessary waste is greatly reduced through the process.

Here is our ultimate guide on metal fabrication; covering the basics of common metal fabrication processes, the materials, processes and techniques.

What Does Metal Fabrication Do?

Metal fabrication production process involves the following:

1. Cutting

The first step in the fabrication process involves removing any excess material from the metal using a saw, plasma cutter or laser cutter

2. Bending

Shaping the metal into a specific angle or shape using a press brake or other bending tools

3. Welding

Fusing two or more pieces of metal together using heat, pressure or a combination of both

4. Machining

A process that creates the desired shape by removing unwanted material

5. Assembly

the final step is joining the various parts of a product or structure together to create the final product

Metal fabrication techniques

There are a number of techniques used to achieve the above metal fabrication processes. Here are a few:

Sheet metal fabrication 

The manipulation and forming of thin flat sheets of metal that can be shaped to form pretty much any kind of part or component.

CNC machining 

CNC machining uses computer software to control machines that remove the excess material from the metal when creating precise shapes and sizes.

Metal punching

Metal punching is what it sounds like: punching holes or louvres out of sheet metals using a turret punch machine.

Fabrication vs. Welding

There can often be some confusion between metal fabrication and welding. To clarify, fabrication encompasses a wide range of processes involved in transforming raw materials and other materials into finished products. Fabrication is a broader term and welding is one of the processes that sit under that term (as mentioned above).

In some cases, welding may be the primary process used in fabrication of metal structures, whereas in others, it may only be used to join two pieces together with other processes like bending and cutting metal into different shapes to be used to create the parts.

What are the benefits of custom metal fabrication?

metal fabrications

Metal fabrication allows for full customisation when manufacturing. Not only this, but metal is a versatile and sustainable material choice, making it an environmentally friendly option for your project.

With bespoke metal fabrication, you can ensure that you are getting exactly what you want by having customisable parts. You are also only paying for the material needed, eliminating any waste and extra cost.

Bespoke Fabrication services

Our in-house fabrication department offers bespoke fabrication services. For more information or to discuss your project requirements, please contact our fabrication department on 0191 410 7535, or send us an email to fabrication@roofcladsystems.co.uk

Being a business owner there is a lot to think about and take into consideration every day. Maintaining any investment in your business is also crucial! Your commercial roof is probably one of your biggest investments as it is the protection over your whole business. You don’t want to be without your roof nor do you want to have to spend extra money repairing any mistakes that were made initially. We will discuss some common mistakes commercial business owners make with their roof…

Choosing the wrong contractor!

This is primarily one of the biggest issues. If you get it wrong from the get-go then there may be no going back! Here are some top tips to make sure you find the best contractor for you and your business needs:

Check out their portfolio

If they don’t have one, or if they don’t have anything to show you historically then that is a major red flag! Don’t hire someone to do a job if you cannot view their previous work or if they don’t have any testimonials to hand!

Cash only payments

If this is their only payment method then you should not proceed! There are many many risks surrounding this method of payment.

Poor communication

If they take a while to respond or even commit to working with you then is it worth proceeding with that contractor?

Opting for the less expensive option

While we all want to save money, there are certain aspects of your business you won’t want to skimp on. A new commercial roof is a big job and a lot of high-quality materials are required which does come at a cost. As well as this, when getting a new roof or refurbishing your old one it is important to remember that one size does not fit all.

Not maintaining the new roof

Over the years Roofclad Systems has recognised the importance of our clients initiating a regular maintenance program with respect to their cladded roofs. This maintenance procedure is equally as important with newly installed roofs as it is with aged roof systems. As all roofs need to be ensuring that they are protecting your building as securely as possible.

 

 

We are full swing into Spring now – although the weather may not have got the memo with the radical combination of mixed weather’s that we have had lately. We have seen literally everything from sun to heavy rain, hailstone and even snow – not what we would usually expect during April that’s for sure! Making sure that you maintain your roof throughout the year is always essential in order to protect your commercial building therefore do not abandon it throughout Spring – chances are we have had some demanding weather conditions throughout winter that require top-up’s to be applied or a general check-up to ensure that your roof is working as it should, so here are some of our tips on simple ways that you can maintain your roof this Spring…

 

Tips for maintaining your roof

 

Regular Inspections

It is important to double check that the harsh winter weather has not made any critical or substantial damage to your roof as the nights get longer. Ideally, you should request the services of the same roofer that installed your roof to come out and check it between seasons as they will know what to look for and spot any differences or potential problems straight away.

 

Focus on common problems

Issues that can are more likely to arise to roofs can be the field – where degradation can occur, or the flashings as they can be a popular area for leaks. Focusing on these issues when you are about to get your roof checked over can make all the difference to the condition and upkeep.

 

Have only qualified roofers to assist

We cannot stress this enough, that you should ONLY have a qualified roofer to go up on your roof for repairs, production and/or maintenance. This is to ensure that your roof is being looked over by someone who is educated within their field and a professional at roofing.

 

roofclad vans

Contact us

Our team here at Roofclad are all professionals and know exactly what they are looking for, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call today to get your commercial roof checked over and/or if you think you need maintenance work carried out. It’s always a keen reminder that it is better to be safe than sorry and we make sure that we give you peace of mind with the condition of your roof when done by Roofclad!

As the dark nights and cold, wet weather of winter continues it is crucial to consider your roof maintenance! During the harsher, colder and wetting months of the year it is more important than ever to stay warm and dry and that means ensuring your roof is in the best condition possible. Here at Roofclad Systems, we know too well from our expertise and experience within the industrial roofing and cladding industry how important it is maintain your roof during this change in conditions. Maintaining your commercial or industrial roofing system for winter is essential as this time of year can be fraught with problems due to the more extreme weather conditions. It is therefore vital that your facility is ready to tackle heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures or even snow. This is a busy time of year for businesses and roofers alike so it is highly recommended that you have your roof maintenance plan in place to avoid any problems escalating into larger, more costly issues. This is why it is so important to engage in roof maintenance over winter…

Potential roof risks during winter

The winter season typically brings chilling temperatures, torrential rain, high winds, snow, ice and so on. All can cause risk of damage to your commercial or industrial roofing systems including…

  • Condensation
  • Ice dams
  • Icicles
  • Cut edge erosion
  • Risk of injuries

 

All these issues can occur if the roof is not properly maintained. As you can see winter weather can cause a whole host of problems for your roofing system, this is why Roofclad advise that you follow a roof maintenance plan!

Implementing a roof maintenance plan this winter

Here at Roofclad we construct quality roofs that are built with these weather conditions in mind. However, all roofs require maintenance in bad weather and we ensure you and your commercial or industrial roof are fully prepared for such. Take advantage of our services, knowledge and expertise and let us give you peace of mind this winter. We guarantee to prevent leaks and other roofing issues that could harm your company by leading you to need a full roof replacement, causing damage to your building, loss of valuable stock and supplies or even equipment damage. Costs will soon spiral and you may not be able to claim on your insurance either, if adequate roof maintenance hasn’t been carried out.

A roof protects you, your workers and the building contents. If the roof is not maintained, it will not perform to its maximum lifespan. By implementing a roof maintenance plan, it can substantially increase the lifespan of the roofing fabric and therefore increase the protection it gives you and your building. A roof maintenance plan can involve anything from roof cladding repairs to gutter maintenance and general roof repairs such as liquid coating, felt repair, fixing replacement and roof sheet replacement.

How can Roofclad help you?

If you are looking to ensure your roof is adequately maintained this winter then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we look forward to discussing your requirements with you and ensuring that you get the best advice we can offer you.

As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, we welcome in the weather of winter once again. Onwards comes the harsher, colder and wetting months of the year, a season in which it is more important than ever to stay warm and dry. Here at Roofclad Systems, we know too well from our expertise and experience within the industrial roofing and cladding industry how important it is to prepare for these change in conditions. Preparing your commercial or industrial roofing system for winter is essential – so think ahead and ensure you stay warm and dry during the next couple months. This time of year can be fraught with problems due to the more extreme weather conditions so it vital that your facility is ready to tackle heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures or even snow. This is a busy time of year for businesses and roofers alike so it is highly recommended that you have your roof system inspected in the run up to winter to avoid any problems escalating into larger, more costly issues.

Problems caused by winter weather…

The winter season typically brings chilling temperatures, torrential rain, high winds, snow, ice and so on. All can cause risk of damage to your commercial or industrial roofing systems including…

  • Condensation
  • Ice dams
  • Icicles
  • Cut edge erosion

All these issues can occur if the roof is not properly maintained. As you can see winter weather can cause a whole host of problems for your roofing system, this is why Roofclad advise that you follow these vital steps when preparing your commercial or industrial roof for winter…

#1 Schedule a roof inspection

First things first it’s vital to check for any potential early warning signs that there is a problem with your roof through a roof inspection. Before the harsh winter weather hits it is highly advisable for your to get a professional to take a look at your roof. Here at Roofclad, we can understand how hard it is to know how your roof is performing, therefore, as experienced contractors in the field we are on hand to assist you with our site visits. Regular inspections should be conducted before and after winter to ensure your roof remains in the very best condition at all times.

#2 Clean up

If you have a contractor come to inspect your roof then they will most likely advise cleaning up and clearing the roof surface to make sure the gutters are clean and clear of debris. Branches, leaves, rubbish and so forth that may have found itself onto your roof should be removed. Anything covering your roof is a hazard to your system and could have the potential to puncture your roof membrane, leaving it vulnerable to leaking and even flooding. Additionally, your gutters must be clear of debris to ensure heavy rainfall and water from melted snow has somewhere to go. Here at Roofclad we also provide a gutter maintenance service in which we inspect your gutters to ensure you maintain a fully functioning guttering system. We ensure all your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water from backing up and sitting on your roof.

#3 Evaluate your surrounding area

Not only is it vital to have a roof inspection to look directly at the health of your roof structure it is also extremely important examine the areas around your facility for hazards. High winds and extreme weather can cause trees or other debris to fall in winter and impact your roof. When you have your roof inspected our specialist can advise you what to do if they believe that such a hazard is presenting itself.

But, why choose Roofclad to prepare your roofing solutions for winter?

Here at Roofclad wie construct quality roofs that are built with these weather conditions in mind. However, all roofs require maintenance in bad weather and we we ensure you and your commercial or industrial roof are fully prepared for such. Take advantage of our services, knowledge and expertise and let us give you peace of mind this winter. We guarantee to prevent leaks and other roofing issues that could harm your company by leading you to need a full roof replacement, causing damage to your building, loss of valuable stock and supplies or even equipment damage. Costs will soon spiral and you may not be able to claim on your insurance either, if adequate roof maintenance hasn’t been carried out.

If you are looking to prepare your roof for winter then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we look forward to discussing your requirements with you and ensuring that you get the best advice we can offer you.

Here at Roofclad Systems, we have recently expanded our business across the North. Extending our service to Yorkshire. We are well known for our industrial roof cladding in Newcastle, and so we thought we would extend our service into other areas.

Our business now has over 50 full-time staff and is set to increase with the business extending to Leeds. The service will be the same, primarily being roof cladding in Leeds. Yet with all the other services we offer like our industrial rooflight works, roof refurbishment and cladding maintenance.

This move will help us get a firm base for contacts across the North of England, helping increase our brands’ visibility and awareness. Alex Tilley, our managing director has stated that Roofclad has had many quotes/enquiries around Yorkshire and beyond. Therefore, it makes sense that we have an office further south from our current office in Birtley.

One of the main contracts which Roofclad have won in Yorkshire is a £250,000 roofing contract for Rosti at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, our new base will help us with the workflow of contracts like these for the future.

 

Roofclad Systems office in Leeds

We service our customers in Yorkshire from our Roofclad Systems office in Leeds, as it is great access to the motorway. As it is south of Leeds, it is in an excellent location to the M62/M1. Making it more accessible to everyone around.

With the new office in Leeds, we are committed to creating new jobs around the local area. Hoping to appoint more employees in the future as we are continuously growing and expanding.

For more information on Roofclad Systems and our new addresses etc., get in touch with us. We are more than happy to help and offer you a quote for our services.

 

Articles In the press

 

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