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Liquid roofing involves the application of a monolithic, fully bonded, liquid based coating to a roof. The coating cures to form a rubber-like elastomeric waterproof membrane, capable of stretching and returning to its original shape without damage. Such coating systems are usually reinforced with secondary materials such as glass-reinforced plastic to provide additional tensile strength. The coatings can be applied over most traditional roofing materials including, felt, asphalt, bitumen and concrete. The process of liquid roofing provides a cost effective method of making a new or existing roof waterproof. It can deliver up to 25 years performance depending on the coating system employed. It is estimated that liquid roofing is 70% less expensive than overall roof replacement in refurbishment situations Liquid roofing can be undertaken with high performance materials. Many of the products used in the liquid roofing process have been independently tested and their performance verified. In the United Kingdom, the leading testing and approvals house the British Board of Agrément (BBA) has been issuing approvals for liquid roofing systems since 1975
Hot-melt is a lightweight, yet tough and very flexible self healing monolithic membrane with guaranteed 100% bond to a properly prepared concrete substrate. Installed in two 3mm layers sandwiching a reinforcing layer hot melt forms a robust, very flexible monolithic waterproofing layer so that the membrane remains ‘live’ so minor penetrations and cuts will self heal Its unique formulation of modified bitumen, synthetic rubbers and antioxidants, combined with reinforcement, guarantees lifetime performance whether it is used for protected roofs, plaza decks, green roofs, water features or access roadways. This system, when fully protected and subjected to normal service conditions, will remain waterproof to water and water vapour for the design life of the structure, and is backed by a 20 year guarantee.
A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. (The use of “green” refers to the growing trend of environmentalism and does not refer to roofs which are merely coloured green, as with green roof tiles or roof shingles.)
Also known as “living roofs”, green roofs serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife, and helping to lower urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect. There are two types of green roofs: intensive roofs, which are thicker and can support a wider variety of plants but are heavier and require more maintenance, and extensive roofs, which are covered in a light layer of vegetation and are lighter than an intensive green roof.
Green roofs are used to:
Zinc has become increasingly popular as it offers a variety of facade and roofing techniques using a wide range of surface colours. Today’s Zinc is echo friendly being 100% recyclable and is self protecting due to a naturally forming patina requiring minimal to no maintenance. The patina coating which forms over time gives a superior life span in comparison to other roofing materials, zinc can last up to 40 years & has even been known to last over 100 years in a protected environment. Zinc is the future for traditional heritage and contemporary designs as it lends itself to both whether being applied to a refurbishment or a new build project. Zinc should be considered for roofing and facade cladding as it is durable, flexible and in the hands of specialists can be applied to almost any design and shape making it a perfect choice for bespoke projects. Zinc can be laid on pitches from 3 degrees to vertical. It has become popular with architects for its pleasing finish and the ability to blend well with other building materials.
Copper is a material renowned for its excellent durability. No other metal has enhanced buildings all over the world for so long and adapted so well to the architectural styles of different periods. Copper has excellent corrosion resistance & is considered favourably as a pro-environmental material in the building sector. Copper can be 100% recycled, this has allowed the majority of copper ever mined to stay in current circulation. Copper forms its own corrosion resistance. When newly installed copper has a natural bright finish but over the course of a few months this finish will mellow to a deep bronze colour before finally developing a completely unique verdigris patina.
Lead is the most recycled and recovered building material in use today. It will last longer and age more beautifully than any of its synthetically produced substitutes. Lead is more environmentally friendly than alternatives made by the petro-chemical industry – even its reclamation is energy efficient. Newly installed Lead Sheet forms a surface film of protective oxides in the form of a patina that is both strongly adhering and highly insoluble. Any low levels of corrosion by-products leaving the surface of the roof are extremely small and become highly diluted with rainwater. As Lead naturally binds to the soil, the combination of correctly designed roofs with gutters with drainage points plus the virtually undetectable discharge levels means that bio-availability within the eco-system is extremely limited. So while Lead may at first appear marginally more expensive, in terms of longevity and ecology, (a significant factor in the light of possible future eco-taxes on building materials) it still offers best value, and of course, also has a far greater aesthetic value.
Felt roofs consist of two or three layers of sheet felt materials that form a dense, voidless and impermeable barrier. Roofing felt is a composite of an absorbent sheet of organic or synthetic fiber that is impregnated/saturated and coated with a waterproofing agent such as tar or asphaltic bitumen that prevents ingress of moisture. The felt roof system is built up of multiple layers of high performance felts and mastic asphalt over an insulated timber or concrete flat roof deck. When applied the layers of vapour dispersion and control membranes are sealed with graded roofing felts to guarantee a waterproof installation. There are several techniques for applying felt – depending on the materials used, however felt is generally rolled out over the roof and bonded together by way of hot bitumen or adhesives. Materials technology and new products have modernised the range of felts many manufacturers supply, so modern man-made and composite materials felt roofs that use modified bitumen; include rubber modified elastomeric bitumen and polymer modified bitumen are now available.
Mastic asphalt roofing can be applied to form a continuous waterproof covering over flat, sloped or curved surfaces and can be worked around pipes, roof lights and other projections. Mastic asphalt can be laid on most types of rigid sub-structures such as concrete, timber and metal decking. Furthermore, thermal insulation materials can be easily laid as part of a mastic asphalt roofing specification to give any required U-value. Mastic asphalt roofing can be applied to form a continuous waterproof covering over flat, sloped or curved surfaces and can be worked around pipes, roof lights and other projections. Mastic asphalt can be laid on most types of rigid sub-structures such as concrete, timber and metal decking. Furthermore, thermal insulation materials can be easily laid as part of a mastic asphalt roofing specification to give any required U-value.
Single ply technology offers maximum freedom of choice in roof design, performance and appearance. Single ply membranes are strong, flexible sheets composed predominantly of synthetic polymer. When combined with insulation and continuous support they form complete, durable roof systems. Single Ply can cope with the stresses of adhered, loose laid and ballasted finishes. In the coating process, a glass fibre carrier is coated on both sides with liquid Plastisol. The unique lacquer coating eliminates the need for biocides and gives the membrane with an easy to maintain and clean surface. It also extends the life of the membrane by reducing material loss. Available in a range of colours, Single Ply membranes provide the designer with the ability to reproduce the appearance of traditional metal roofing systems such as Lead, Copper, or Aluminium at a fraction of the cost. Single Ply membranes have been certified to have a life expectancy of ‘in excess of 40 years’.
One advantage of a pitched roof is its traditional aesthetic. Many homeowners prefer the pitched roof because it gives off a more homely, traditional feel and makes the building look more like a traditional residential property. Pitched roofs are far more effective when dealing with excessive weather as well, including heavy rain and snowfall. Tiled or slate pitched roofs offer a longer life and are easy to repair and maintain. The UK climate, with rain, snow, frosts and heat waves means a pitched roof is often the most durable choice. Pitched roofs can offer years of life with minimal maintenance and are by far the most common choice for residential properties.
For all your building needs we at Essential Building Services are fully qualified and a well established company offering all aspects of domestic maintenance including: refurbishments, roofing, bathroom/kitchen fitting, flooring, tiling or any other simple jobs. All our work is carried out by experienced tradesmen who have many years of experience within the construction industry. We aim to please our clients and satisfaction is guaranteed