September 2018

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How Long Does a Roofing Job take and how long do roofs last?

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As a resident of Bristol, you probably have searched or are currently looking for a good roofing contractor. You want the job to be perfect and within your budget. However, like many other people, chances are that you don’t know how long the job will take to complete. Yes, you would like to see the task finished within a day. However, is this possible? You don’t want to be among the people who had to endure a weeklong job. Do you? Truth is that the time needed to complete the project varies from property to property. There may be unforeseen events that may actually extend the period meaning you have to wait for longer.

What factors influence the time taken to complete a roofing Job?
As earlier mentioned, the time needed to finish a roofing job is quite varied. It may take a shorter or longer time than expected. A competent roofer in Birmingham will be able to give you a fair judgment and duration, which allows you to plan yourself. The following are some of the key issues that determine the job duration:

Size of property;
The size of the home, office block, commercial building or any other property will influence the time duration of the roofing job. The larger the property, the more time that is required. An experienced roofing firm will be conversant with the different sizes and will add more labourers in case of a larger home. More people means shortening the completion time.

Roof/Home, Design:
Roofing contractors will gauge the time needed by ascertaining the type of roof. Flat and basic pitched roofs are among the easiest to install. They have a simple support framework, truss and take lesser materials. Complex roof designs such as mansard and gambrel have more corners, cover larger space, and need a more sophisticated support structure. This means more planning, more effort, and more time.

Truss /framework structural integrity
A framework supports the covering materials (tile, slate, steel sheets, aluminum sheets, EPDM, corrugated iron sheets, plastic, wood slates, and others). Before placing the covering materials or shingles, the contractor first checks to ensure it will support the roof covering. If not, then he/she will need to reinforce or even, overhaul it. However, if it’s in good shape, then the process is straightforward and requires lesser hours.

Type of roofing materials:
Installing corrugated iron sheets is easier than placing tiles. This is because one sheet covers a larger area and only a few pieces will be needed. Additionally, the framework will have fewer beams and trusses, which means lesser labour and time. However, tiles and wood slates are small and require a stronger framework due to their heavier weight. You also need more underlying materials (sheathing, underlayment, battens….) to create the perfect roof.

Roofing Contractors experience:
Research indicates that experienced and competent roofing contractors will take lesser time to install a roof compared to inexperienced and incompetent installers. First, they will be familiar with your kind of roof and will peg the time based on a similar job. Secondly, to maintain their credibility, they will stick to the schedule without fail. If they say its 2 days, they will work extra hard to meet or even exceed your expectations.

Climate and weather:
The kind of weather of climate also influences the roof job duration. Fitting roofing during the wet season will take a longer time because of the slipperiness. In fact, many contractors do not advocate working in the rain since it is a safety risk. Too much rain, snow, wind, or hailstorms will force the contractors to stop working until the weather clears.

How Long Should A Roof Job Take?
Generally, a roof job should take between 1 and 3 days. This is influenced by the above factors. Well-established firms such as Roofers Bristol UK give the customer a clear guideline on what steps will be taken, the time needed for each task, and the number of people involved. A good installer will also be willing to change the schedule to meet the customer’s desires. For instance, if it would take 3 days and the customer wants it done in 2, the roofer will add more people to the project or even work over time.

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How long do roofs last?
You probably have come across a roof that has lasted for more than half a century. At the same time, you know of instances where the homeowner was replacing the roof in less than 7 years. So, how long should a roof last?

Well, there is no definite answer to this question. This is because the different material used as covering or shingles have different physical and chemical properties. For instance, some iron sheets will start corroding or rusting while zinc -coasted corrugated iron sheets are sturdier and carrion-resistant. Metal is more prone to damage in areas near oceans, seas and large water bodies due to the high humidity. A roof found in regions that experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, or hurricanes will suffer more wear & tear in comparison to those in low-lying areas that experience mild winds, low rainfall, and minimal storm or hurricanes.

Other things that determine the duration of the root is the materials used in the design of the roof, the installer’s experience, and maintenance. A trustworthy roofer uses the best techniques and materials without taking shortcuts. Allowing animal excrement, bird dropping, tree leaves, grass clippings, dirt, snow, water to pile jump on the roof exerts undue pressure on the roof. This not only weakens the structure but also creates weak points that may lead to leakages.

Roofs comprising of tiles, copper and slate and other specialty materials are among the longest lasting types. If installed and maintained properly, they should serve you for 50 years and more. Wood shakes corrugated iron sheets, zinc can last for 30 years or more. Roofs made of asphalt shingles, fiber cement generally last for about 25 years.

NB: You should ask for a warranty from the installer and manufacturer during the roof installation. Always go for the longest one as this assures you of maximum satisfaction.

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About Roofers Bristol UK
We are a roofing contractor based in Bristol. The company specialises in new roof installation, replacement, repairs and much more. It offers the services to residential, commercial as well as industrial customers. Since establishment, the company has undertaken many roofing jobs and has over the years built itself a good name.

The company is registered and licensed to operate in the region as well as offer the services. A team of competent contractors who use the latest techniques and highest quality materials run the firm and aim to deliver the best results for your peace-of-mind. By visiting roofersbristoluk.co.uk you will get more insights on the services. You can also ask for a free quote or call them to know how long a job will take and the lifespan of the roof.

roofing jargon buster

An Industry Jargon Buster: The Words, Tools, Materials, and Parts We Use

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Like many people out there, roofing terminologies probably confuse you. In fact, you may have found yourself scratching your head in order to understand what your roofing expert is saying. You thought about the valley near your homestead yet the roofer meant a part of the roof. Bitumen and asphalt, tiles and shingles also seem to confuse you. Well, after going through this Jargon Buster, not only will you be more conversant with the many terminologies used in the roofing industry but will be able to strike a good conversation with your roofing contractor without getting lost.

Nailer

Also known as, the nail gun, this tool is used to drive nails into frames, truss, shingles, plywood, underlayment, bituminous felt, and other materials. It is powered by compressed air that comes from an air compressor machine. It is much easier to use compared to the traditional hammer and you can use it continuously without getting tired quickly. There are different types to suit varied requirements.

Loft Extensions

This is an extension from the main house and is constructed to maximize the existing space. Conventionally, a homeowner would need to build a new structure to add space. However, this can at times be a challenge if funds and space are limited. In many regions, you will also be required to get special permits. A simpler and more convenient option is to construct a loft extension. This can be done inside the roof or attic.

Fascias
These horizontal planks are found on the end of the roof. They normally run on the edges and attach to the rafter. The pieces are made from wood, plastic, PVC, composite wood, and other materials. They improve the structural integrity of the roof, protect the rafters and the truss from dust, moisture, heat, and improve the aesthetic appeal of the property. Another reason for installing fascias is to stop moisture, dust, creatures, and moisture from damaging the sheathing, underlayment, rafters, tiles, and batten.

Soffits
This is the section between the fascia and the wall. You will see it if you are standing beneath the roof. Their primary use is to improve the beauty of the structure. They conceal the rafters, underlayment, batten, and sheathing. Other than beauty, soffits boost air circulation to prevent a damp interior, protect the covering material/ shingles from underneath and add value to the entire roof.

Dormer roof
This is a type of loft extension that will be found within the roof of a pitched, Maynard or gambrel roof. It entails adding a structure and incorporating windows to create an extra room or rooms. It works best in homes with a large roof. The popularity of dormer roof in the UK has risen due to mortgages becoming more expensive. It is also cheaper and takes a relatively short time.

Flashing
If you closely observe the section where the tiles meet the wall, you will see a small metallic strip or piece. It connects the two pieces together while at the same time stopping the penetration of water, moisture, dust, dirt and other things. The sealing piece is made of corrosion and rust-resistant materials such as zinc and lead.

Green Roof
This terminology has become very common in this day and edge of environmental friendliness. The definition of this term is a little diverse. Some people view it as including organic plants on the roof to create a natural green environment. Others deem it as using an environmentally friendly roof that is free of pollutants, artificial compounds, or contaminants.

Hot air seam welding
This term means using a hot air gun to join together pieces of roofing covering such as thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), alloys of PVC, and other forms of plastic. The tool also works on rubber membranes and will offer an airtight seal to prevent water or rainfall penetration. This technique is suitable for single ply membranes and is deemed safer than other options since it does not produce an open flame.

Ridge
This is the highest point of pitched or sloped the roof and joins two different sections. Beneath the ridge, you will find the head of the rafters (common rafters) or spars. To prevent water, dust, moisture, animals and other things from penetrating the roof, special ridge tiles, shingles, iron sheets, or other materials cover this section.

Single Ply Roofing (SPR)
This is a type of roofing technique where the covering material comprises a single sheet membrane. The covering material consists of flexible sheets, which fall under either thermoplastic membranes or Rubber Polymer Thermoset membranes (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). There are very flexible and lightweight for easy installation.

Valley
Like the natural valley, this section will be much lower than the rest of the roof. It is found where two different roof sections come together. A valley features a channel for directing the flow of water and other things to the designated zone. NB: Not all roof types will have a valley.

Roof Covering
This material stops the entry of rain, water, dirt, creatures, and other things. It is supported by the truss or framework and comes in different materials. Shingles (US), tiles, corrugated iron sheets, bituminous felt, wood slates, EDPM are the common options.

Pitch
This is the slope of the roof and is defined in angle or degree. The higher the pitch the more acute the angle and the faster the water will flow. However, it will utilise more material in comparison to a low pitch roof. Flat roofs aren’t completely flat and have a slight incline for easy movement of water, snow, dirt, leaves and other things.

Other popular terms include Eaves, Flaunching, Parapet, Hips, Verge, Gable, and Abutment.

Final Thoughts

After going through this article, you should be more familiar with the different terms. We have listed the popular terms that you will certainly hear about every day. While having a good understanding of the roof sections, tools, and materials is a plus, you should always work with a competent contractor.

Roofers Bristol UK is one name that comes to mind in regards to quality and reliable service. Established some time back, the company has grown from a humble beginning to become one of the most established companies in the city. For more information about the industry jargon and roofing services, you can stopover at the company’s website at https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk They also have a team of friendly customer service representatives waiting for your call or to give you a free quote.