Roofing Advice

roof ventilation

Proper Roofing Ventilation Needed

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The human body, as we all know, is an incredible piece of biological engineering. And the body needs to deliver oxygen to the blood, so it can survive. A house, although not a living organism is much the same – it needs to breathe. Without ventilation the air is trapped inside and condenses. If there is any moisture in that air, especially warm air then water is produced.

The roofing area and your loft is a prime area of this condensation effect. Many roofs in the UK have insulation at the floor level, as opposed to in the rafters. This means that cold and damp air is allowed to seep in. This means two things can happen

  1. If damp air comes in then you now have moisture coming into your property. This obviously leads to problems such as mould, decay and disintegration of materials like wood and brick.
  2. With the warm air from your heating rising up through the floor and coming into contact with the cold air in your loft, this immediately condenses into water.

A poorly insulated floor will have gaps and will let the heated air from below into your roof space. Then the fibre glass insulation that 90% of British households have, will absorb the moisture and become damp.

Then of course, if you have a damp insulation product, this will actually conduct the heat through instead of trapping it below. This is a ever decreasing cycle of insulation and condensation. Most roofers will tell you that proper ventilation will stop this effect and keep the roof space dry. This also helps to protect the battens, the sarking (felt) and the rafters.

The worst case of this I have seen was when the insulation on the loft floor was piled in about 3 feet thick. This was great at keeping the heat below, but made an extremely cold loft. The roofing tiles had no tile vents, and the soffit vents had been covered by the insulation. There was literally no air flow at all, the resulting condensation had caused all sorts of damage.

First of all the insulation was incredibly damp on the top, showing 20% of moisture. But the most expensive issue was the rotting timber. Over the years, since the insulation and air tight roof had been installed, the water had absorbed into the woodwork of the rafters.

If you are afraid this is happening in your roof space, a simple check will tell you. If your rafters have white stains and visibly look like they are damp its pretty easy to tell. But buying a simple moisture monitor will give you the whole story even when the visible signs have not developed yet. This monitor can be stuck into any material and will give you the exact moisture level. Anything over 10% moisture is showing signs of too much moisture being absorbed.

So how do you ventilate your roof?

There are several ways that air flow can be encouraged by different types of vents

  1. Tile Vents

These can be installed by a professional roofer quite easily. They simply remove one of your existing tiles and replace it with a tile vent. 2 or 3 on each side of your roof will usually be enough to ventilate an average size property.

  1. Soffit Ventilation

Another good way of drawing out the cold air in your loft is adding vent to the soffits. This is the part of your roofing which overhangs the property wall. Cold air essentially flows downwards so giving that air somewhere to go.

  1. Gable End Air flow

Putting a vent on the top of gable end wall (The wall part of your loft at each end) will allow ventilation through the roof area.

Making sure a roof is well ventilated is a basic industry standard which should be taken into account every time a building is put up or a new roof is installed. However it is amazing how often it is not done correctly.

Here at Roofersbristoluk.co.uk we have over 25 years’ experience of installing roofing on new build projects as well as replacing on older buildings. We supply the domestic and commercial sectors with the correct materials and roofing products ensuring a consistent and well received service. As we have the know-how on properly ventilating a property, our customers find that their materials will stand the test of time and not cause any headaches in the years to come.

If you need any roofing work or advice click onto our home page, read our reviews and contact us for a first class roofing service that no other company in Bristol can match!

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News and Updates from the Roofer Industry

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Roofing News 2018

Here is a little get up to speed with everything current in the roofing business. Its a focus on occasions, shows, reports and general goings on in our awesome business!

 

superman picture

May 21st 2018

Farnham Roofer wins “Local Hero” grant at UK Roofing Ceremony

A Surrey roofing organisation which is run and driven by Lee Moran has been perceived for its exceptional charity work in the network. The honor came at the yearly NRFC 2018 UK Roofing Awards in the “Local Hero” class which is gone for perceiving temporary workers who give their locale something other than rooftop administrations. Its point is to urge the business to enhance its picture and be related with offering back to the neighborhood.

Lee was displayed the honor at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel by a roofing executive of an organisation called SIG Roofing who were supporting the occasion. Mr Moran has been fund-raising for a charity near his home called the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, who have assisted some relatives with treatment for cancer.

Lee got an inconceivable measure of assignments for this honor a large portion of which got through the facebook page he began called “Farnham Rants”. The gathering has almost 20,000 individuals and has raised over £10,000 for the charity up until this point.

Executive Andrew Wakelin said ” This industry is brimming with brilliant organisations serving the development area and contains bunches of remarkable individuals like Lee who truly invest push to change the way society sees the business overall”

 

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April 25th 2018

Conventional Building Skills Trade Show proposed for Birmingham

Following the huge achievement of a building demonstration held in Glasgow, managing Director of Birmingham Roofers Harry Maguire, is endeavoring to imitate a comparative occasion here in Birmingham.

In Glasgow, school kids, individuals from the overall population and other youth associations were welcome to the occasion which had an entire cluster of tradespeople demonstrating the general and essential aptitudes frequently utilized as a part of the building process. Observers could get their hands grimy and experiment with the diverse strategies, painstakingly supported by students in the business.

There was an entire host of abilities being appeared with the point of raising the profile of profession openings inside the development enterprises. The aptitudes exhibited truly put over the different idea of building including bricklaying, joinery, rooftop tile laying, lead work, putting, stone work and significantly more.

Harry Maguire is hoping to empower the adolescent of the city concentrating more on roofing as he has attempted to locate a fair volume of students coming into the business. He is wanting to unite with the nearby gathering, the National Federation for Roofing Contractors and neighborhood universities to put on a live show in the town focus this late spring.

“I’m truly trusting the building show we put on can be all around upheld in our locale where joblessness is as yet overflowing in youngsters who are simply not mindful of the open doors that the roofing and building industry offer. So far I have had a positive reaction from the board and the schools are quick to help as well. Watch this space”

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April 29th 2018

The utilisation of Drones in the Roofing Sector

It has been a thought that automaton aficionados have dependably supported, the deployment of little radio controlled air ships with a camera to finish examinations of rooftops. Invalidating the requirement for scaffolding while furnishing clients with precise statements and assessments.

This new innovation is generally changing the way you can gauge and review rooftop employments, sun oriented establishments, protection statements et cetera. Automatons are currently more secure and substantially more precise than conventional techniques for survey rooftop harm.

Joining the capacity to fly and record video with best in class mapping and estimating innovation this has taken it to the following level. Before long it will end up being an unquestionable requirement for any trustworthy roofing contractual worker to have a surveyor who is prepared and fit for flying these drones to complete typical rooftop examinations.

The NFRC are somewhat worried about wellbeing as there is a nack to flying these controlled “helicopters” and there are worries that there could be a security issue. They are looking to see whether preparing systems and licenses can be established.

Drones are a considerably speedier, more secure and more financially savvy method for social occasion data and transforming it into arranged techniques, information and roofing outlines. This automaton mapping does not simply give you essential estimations, pitches and rooftop zone. It can likewise give point by point cloud based high determination pictures which can be in a split second imparted and shared crosswise over of IT correspondence applications.

Numerous roofing organisations have been trialing the utilisation of drones and right now are encountering faster quoting visits and significantly more exact points of interest of harm to rooftops. This truly demonstrates this industry is on the front line innovation and joining any semblance of the cultivating business in the utilisation of radio controlled automaton video catch tech.

picture of a eco roof

January 2018

Green Roof Market Sees Incredible Growth

With the colossal bring up in mindfulness for the issues related with environmental change any item that helps the earth be seen as an awesome achievement. This was as of late featured when an ongoing study demonstrated that the green rooftop area in the UK is seeing a multi year on year development.

The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy expressed that in London they are supporting green framework through a simplicity on arranging arrangements. This has prompted an expansion in green rooftops that assists and supports high air quality, helping the earth and empowering more life, making the city more appealing.

So there is an immense open door for temporary workers gaining practical experience in this specialty to help advance the item in different urban communities around the UK. The nation truly needs a solid green roof showcase on the off chance that it is to adjust to the need for having sound naturally safe urban communities.

The proceeded with development of this part inside the roofing business truly highlights the assorted variety we have is critical in keeping a developing vocation openings advertise for multi talented experts

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Does a Roofer Have To Have a License in the UK?

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When choosing a roofer for your building project it may be of interest that a contractor can perform building and construction works, including roofing, on your property without an official license.It is perfectly legal for a company to charge for works regardless of their experience or background. This means you have to be particularly vigilant in this country when choosing a roofing contractor.

We hear terrible stories all the time from our customers about the bad experiences they have had from cowboy roofers. We often have to rescue roofs that have had an inadequate job, and the homeowner has had to get it looked at again because the roof is not watertight.

However, some homeowners are looking to get a highly skilled job, done at a rock bottom price. This means they will employ the contractor that gives them the cheapest quote.

And who are those contractors?

Well they are the companies that are not members of the NFRC, they are not VAT registered and they probably employ unskilled workers on cash in hand rates. This is how they are doing the job cheaper than a reputable company.

But people will always be seduced by a lowball price.

I’m afraid in the construction industry, you definitely get what you pay for. If you want a high quality, professional service from experienced roofing contractors who use high quality materials, then please expect to pay a fair price. If a company in this industry is not VAT registered, then you have to question why?

There are either doing a very low volume of work annually, or they are a brand new company.

Either option, do you want to trust these people with your roof?

What Does a roofer recognised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors give you?

The NFRC is a nationally recognised roofing trade organisation who actively ensures that all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government endorsed standards. The Federation also offers training services, technical advice, and represents member interests to the wider construction industry and Government.

Because of this a homeowner can be confident that a roofing contractor is financially sound, has a proven track record and is insured should anything go wrong.

Our advice is to choose roofers with experience, integrity and a industry recognised trademark like the NFRC.

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Keeping Your Roof in Well Maintained

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Your roof is what separates the ruthless UK weather from destroying your property and making you live in uncomfortable conditions!

The roof is the upper most perimeter of the property and it will keep your home structurally sound for many years to come if you just keep a close eye on the maintenance and not let your roof disappear into a shoddy mess. If you leave your roof without proper care for many years then it will end up costing a huge amount as it will likely need a full replacement.

This article gives you some pointers on how to maintain your roof.

Click here for our Homepage and roofing Services in Bristol.

  1. Notice Problems Early on

Obviously leaks and water coming in is a good indicator that something is wrong. But it is all too common for homeowners to be apathetic in getting the situation sorted, this leads to proper water damage which is hard to resolve. Early signs before the leak are holes and missing tiles that may have blown off the roof. All we say is, call in a roofer quickly before noticable damage is done.

The other inspection that is needed is your areas with roof sealant. If there is any wear and tear or crack appearing then complete removal of the old sealant, followed by carefull application of new is required. We recommend getting a pro roofer to help with thesee issues particularly if the work is at height.

2. Inspect for Rust.

Metal roofs are rare in the UK but if you have one then regular checking for rust is required. If there is any rust then it will need to be primed before repainting.

3. regular cleaning and Maintenance

We don’t mean that you have to get up and clean your roof every week, that is just not realistic. But if you get it cleaned just once or twice a year you will dramatically extend the life span of your roof and stop many problems that can arise ion the future. Again, use a proper roofer who knows what they are doing!

4. Other maintenance tips

Sweep off any debris or leaves you can see

Keep all the guttering free of moss algae and weeds growing

Keep nearby trees and branches trimmed to prevent fallen wood from damaging your roof

 

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Picking the Right Roofing Company – 6 Handy Tips in Bristol

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What distinguishes a good roofing company from a “not-so-good” firm? Have you ever asked yourself this question? If you haven’t, then you stand a higher chance of getting substandard services. Imagine your roof starting to leak a few months or even days after installation or repairs? Or the neighbors and guests making fun of your odd-shaped design or funny-colored tiles? There is also the possibility of getting a lower quote from a willing buyer just because he/she doesn’t like the roof. Well, you can avoid such embarrassment and inconveniences by choosing the right roofing company. But what should you look at?

 

1. Well-Trained and Experienced

Would you allow an incompetent car mechanic to handle your car? Or would you let a person who lacks any training to teach your children? Of Course NOT! So why would you allow an inexperienced and incompetent person offer your roofing services? Yes, he may be offering you very affordable prices, or maybe he is your nephew, cousin, or an old friend. But the risks that come with working with an inexperienced company greatly outweigh the benefits. Saggy roofs, poor symmetry, low-quality tiles, poor insulation, leaking roofs, paint flaking from the soffit or fascia, or a chimney that is leaning sideways are some of the probable errors. Oh, did I mention that you will be required to redo the entire job, your property value will go down, and the local authorities may confront you if they feel the structure lacks integrity?

 

2. Insured and Licensed

Do you know that there are quite a number of roofing firms that lack the recommended licenses or insurance? They may be licensed to only repair residential property but will still insist on offering commercial roofing services or even installing chimneys. There are those who will lack proper insurance or are covered by an incompetent insurer. Now imagine such a provider working on your property and damaging your belongings? Chances are you won’t be compensated and will waste lots of time and money pursuing the issue. Before engaging a contractor, you need to ensure the company is properly licensed and insured. Always ask for certificates and verify they are genuine.

 

Roofing Company in Bristol     01172 900264

3. Registered and Accredited

The roofing sector in the UK has been experiencing growth. And to keep up with the rising demand, many companies have been setup. However, statistics indicate that not all are registered with the local authorities and the relevant authorities. In fact, many operate as “Knock-on-the -Door” firms that are more focused on selling a service than offering quality service. Investigate such a firm deeper and you may be shocked that they aren’t that experienced, are not registered, and most likely aren’t accredited. Always go for a company that is not only registered with the local authorities and known organisations such as National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) but is also accredited by reputable groups and trade associations.

 

4. Choose a Local Company

The common notion is that an international firm that has a presence in many countries has diverse skills and knowledge. While this may be true, the firm may not be the most suitable. The contractor may not understand the local needs and trends and follow-up in case of a problem may be a challenge. Picture yourself, a resident of Bristol, dealing with a roofer who is based in another part of England, or in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Experts advise people to engage with a local contractor as it’s much easier to deal with. For instance, Roofers Bristol, a local and family owned roofing company, would be a good choice for Bristol residents.

 

5. Range of Services

Gone is the era when roofers offered basic services. Nowadays, they have become more sophisticated and offer a wide array of services. A good firm will install new roofs, repair/refurbish existing ones, and help you choose the right products. You should also work with a roofer that stocks and is able to fit and repair different kinds of tiles, soffit, fascias, and gutters. The firm should also be able to rebuild and refurnish chimneys and can handle any kind of roof (flat, cross gable, mansard, alpine, trussed rafter…). As a OneStop shop, the provider saves you the hassle of moving all over or dealing with many service providers.

 

6. Referrals and Reviews

Before buying a good or service, you most likely spend some time confirming its suitability, reliability, and durability. One of the avenues you use is by talking to friends, family, and other people who have used the product before. Chances are you also go through reviews to learn about other people’s experience. You should also use the same approach when looking for a roofing company. Ask for the company to provide you with references of people who have worked with them, follow referrals from friends and relatives, and also don’t forget to read reviews to have an idea of the experience you will have when working with the contractor.

 

Final Word

With the above pointers, choosing a reputable and reliable roofing contractor should no longer be a struggle. You will also spend minimal time and effort, but will get high-quality services that not only give you maximum satisfaction but peace-of-mind as well. 

 

picture of roofers bristol UK logo and roofing contractor company in bristol

 

If you reside in Bristol or its environs, one company that you should consider is Roofers Bristol. It is a local and family-owned company that has been operating in the region for more than 20 years. It’s got a reputation for providing quality products, a wide range of services, exceptional customer service, well-trained, experienced and friendly employees, and offers guarantee and insurance of all their services.

 

The firm is based in Bristol and operates from Monday to Sunday from 8.30am to 6.00 pm. It is reachable via https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk/, 01172 900264 or bristolroofersuk@gmail.com . Other than getting a chance to interact with the company, did you know you that they give a free roofing quote?

Roofers Bristol UK
Suite 536
179 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2AG
01172 900264

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What Are Gutters, Fascias and Soffits?

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These are common terms in the Roofing Industry But what Actually Are they?

Fascias Bristol

1. What Are Fascias?

If you closely examine your roof, you will see long horizontal boards or planks that are on the edge of the roofline. They will be attached to the rafters on the front, back and also the sides of the building. Fascias are mainly made from wood although plastic is also becoming common. Cypress is one of the common materials used to make fascias in the UK.

Importance of Fascias

– Boost functionality: Fascias help to protect the rafters from moisture, dirt, dust, heat and other elements. They also offer additional support to tiles that are on and near the edge of the roof.

– Aesthetic Appeal: They help to improve the elegance of a roof. Imagine your roof with the rafters exposed all round? Not a nice site!

– Waterproofing: By acting as a barrier, fascias prevent water and moisture from penetrating inside the roof and soaking the rafters, underlayment, sheathing, battens, or tiles.

Fascias Maintenance

To get the best from your fascias, you need to properly maintain them. This entails drilling holes first instead of hammering nails directly as this minimises splits or cracks. Also important is coating them with quality paint or varnish.

Soffits Bristol

2. What Are Soffits?

While still looking upwards below your roof, you will notice a space between the wall and the fascias (board on the end of the rafters). Covering the space so as to bridge the gap is a paneling that runs all round the building. It hides the rafters, battens, underlayment, and sheathing from being seen from below. NB: The soffits can only be seen while standing underneath or from a close distance. They will be hidden by the fascias when viewed from a horizontal angle.

Importance of Soffits

– Improve ventilation: It helps to regulate the air flow by allowing in and letting out air. It’s important to use quality materials that won’t restrict the flow or affect thermal insulation.

– Enhance Beauty: A building without a soffit leaves the rafters, battens, tiles, underlayment exposed from beneath and this makes the house not so appealing. Soffits help to hide the mentioned parts and also improve beauty.

– Protect the roof: These accessories help protect the roof and associated parts from water, dust, animals that may penetrate through the openings.

Soffits maintenance

Although hidden, soffits are still exposed to damaging elements including dust, moisture, birds, animals, human and more. It’s advisable to regularly inspect them and also protect them using quality paints or varnishes. A wet spot or flaky paint may symbolise a leaking roof.

3. What are Gutters?

Attached to the fascias is a channel that collects water flowing from the roof and redirecting it into a closed vertical square or circular tube known as the downspout. The horizontal channels are what are known as the gutters and without them, rainwater would be dripping all-around the house. Gutters come in half-round or K-style (flat-bottom ) styles and are made from various materials including aluminum, galvanised steel, zinc, copper, vinyl, and plastic. They can be the normal types that are joined at several sections or seamless.

Importance of Gutters

– Collect rainwater and redirect to the downspouts. This minimises damage to the fascias and soffits.

– Gutters together with downspouts protect the surface and walls from stains or damage that may be caused by rain water.

– A building with quality gutters is not only more appealing than that without, but also more valuable.

Gutters Maintenance

Gutters need to be regularly cleaning to remove dust, leaves, stones, and other debris. They should also be inspected for corrosion or rust which may lead to water passing through or the system coming apart due to weak points. Copper, aluminum, vinyl are less susceptible to rust compared to normal steel.

Like other parts of the roofing, gutters, soffits, and fascias will fail or deteriorate over time. They will start leaking due to cracks, widening gaps, may rot because of excess moisture, warp or lose their aesthetic appeal due to normal wear & tear and extended exposure to the elements. You may also be installing a new roof to your existing home or a completely new building. To get the best service and be guaranteed of reliability, good functionality, and longevity, you need to engage a good roofing company.

 

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           01172 900264.

As Bristol Roofers, we specialise in new installation, refurbishment/repair of different parts of the roof including fascias, gutters, and soffits. We are a team of roofing contractors who are trained, experienced and certified in this trade, and for more than 20 years, we have provided our services to residents of Bristol and its environs. Our firm is licensed, registered, insured and accredited, and as a family-owned business, you can be certain that you will receive quality service. If you are in Bristol or nearby, simply come to our offices that remain open from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday. You can also drop us an email at bristolroofersuk@gmail.com or call us on 01172 900264.

 

For more information about fascias, gutters, soffits and other roofing services, kindly visit our website at https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk/. Also, don’t forget to fill the form below to get a free quote.

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The Different Types of Roofing

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Without a roof, there would be no shelter. I mean, how would you protect yourself from the elements (sun, rain, wind, snow, hailstorm…), animals or people? Simply put, it would be un-inhabitable. Nonetheless, did you know that many people can’t clearly define the different types of roofing? Actually, many have never really thought about the roof and how different it is from others. Without further ado, how about we look at the types of roofs?

Flat Roofing

As the name suggests, this roofing is fairly flat and has a very small inclination. In most cases, you won’t be able to see the surface unless you are at a level higher than the roof. The roof can be the bituminous type that consists of pouring bitumen on the concrete surface, using bitumen felt, or fitting tiles on a truss. It’s among the popular types and is loved for its simplicity, easy installation, and is also quite affordable. This is attributed to the minimal materials required and also doesn’t need a large truss to support it. However, it’s more susceptible to leaks since water flows at a much slower rate. It can be made more waterproof by incorporating cold-pour resins or bituminous felt.

Pitched Roof

Also known as a sloped roof, the pitched roof is undoubtedly the most common. It has been around for many centuries and is symbolised by its sloping nature. The roof falls under either high or low-pitch roof. The earlier type has a pitch/inclination angle of more than 20 degrees. As a matter of fact, there are types that have a 70-degree sloping angle. Low-pitch roof may look flat from a distance and the angle of pitch is usually between 10 and 20 degrees. The higher the pitch the easier it is for water, snow, ice, dust and other debris to slide off. However, it also requires more material than low-pitch roofing.

Gable Roof

The gable roof is a kind of pitched roof and comes with two sides connected via the ridge. It slopes inwards on the long sides and consists of two flats. The sidewall will feature a gable whose top section is a triangular shape. From the side angle, the only visible part of the roof will be the fascias. It’s a popular choice for homes, offices, factories, institutions and other areas because of its simplicity and structural integrity. However, some people claim it looks a bit plain due to the gables or sidewalls.

Roofing Service in Bristol 01772 900264

Gambrel Roof

Unlike the normal sloping or pitched roof that comes with two sides/surfaces, the gambrel roof comes with four sides/surfaces. Each side has two parts, the first one next to the ridge slopes gentle while the next section has a higher pitch. It features vertical gable ends and part of the roof will almost flush with the façade. Due to its design, there is a lot of space that is created inside the roofing structure or truss. People love this design because of its classic appeal and extra space. Nonetheless, it’s a complicated kind of roof and requires lots of skill and materials.

Mansard Roof

Also referred to as the French roof, the mansard roof is very similar to the gambrel roof. It features four surfaces, two on each side, with the section next to the ridge sloping gently and the section next to the fascias sloping more sharply. However, it will include Windows and possibly an attic or loft within the truss. It gained popularity in the 1600s during the French Renaissance and can be seen in homes, apartment buildings, small businesses, hotels, restaurants and many other situations in the UK, Europe, and other regions.

Hip Roof

The hip roof first starts like a gable roof. However, it doesn’t have a gable or the side wall. Instead, the roof also extends to this side. The flank or sidewall are replaced by a roof section giving it four flats instead of the usual two found in the gable roofing. Nonetheless, it will still feature a ridge. While it may bring up a different appeal, constructing a hip roof is more challenging than the gable roof.

Green Roof

Green roofs will help lower the heat through the roof and this helps massively to lower air conditioning costs. In return, this will reduce cost in energy and provide more effective shade than internal insulation. The green roof will be able to protect the buildings from direct solar heat, minimize health loss, and reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

There you go – some of the roofing types you will find in the market. Each type will feature its unique specifications, features, advantages and disadvantages. What may be your preferred option may not be somebody else’s cup of tea. The cost, structural integrity, value addition, and reliability also vary from roof to roof. This is why it’s crucial to engage a reputable, experienced, and established roofer. You can learn more about the different types of roofing by visiting https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk. 

 

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Roofer Bristol is one of the leading roofing companies in Bristol and beyond. We offer a wide array of services and will help you find your desired roof whether modern or classic type. Since our establishment more than 20 years ago, our goal has and still is to deliver top notch products and exceptional customer service. We work with leading companies and depend on qualified, competent, dedicated, and certified contractors. Our company is also recognised and accredited by well-known associations. We are open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm. You can also give us a call on 01772 900264 or on email via bristolroofersuk@gmail.com. Talk to us, and make your dreams come true.

Roofers Bristol UK
Suite 536
179 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2AG
01172 900264

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The History of Roofing in The UK

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We can’t deny that modern roofing is both functional and elegant. You also have a wide range to choose from. Maybe you prefer clay tiles over concrete tiles or love slate due to their authentic appeal. Whichever your choice, one thing we can acknowledge and appreciate is that the roofing industry in the United Kingdom is very vibrant. However, the growth and innovation in this sector didn’t just happen overnight. It took many centuries for the industry to be what it is today. In fact, the earliest forms of roofing were pretty basic and natural. They weren’t as sturdy, durable, stylish or as reliable as modern types, but they influenced the modern types. The transition can briefly be summarised as follows;

Thatch 

This was the earliest form of roofing found in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It consisted of natural materials that were readily and easily available from the environment. The most common were grass, reeds, leaves which were joined or twined together to form a shelter. According to studies, the first thatched roof in the region appeared in 735 AD and remained in existence for the next 300 or so years. It was a popular choice for its simplicity, readily available materials, and affordability. Unfortunately, it was very combustible and easily caught fire. This was evident in the great Fire of London that took place in 1666 and led to this roofing being discouraged.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles appeared much later than thatch. It’s believed that it appeared on the scene around 1035 AD and continued to co-exist with thatch. The rise of shingles was mainly driven by the interaction between the region and its neighbors which led to the locals adopting the roofing. It was viewed as a better option than thatch because it could last for a very long time, was more waterproof and also more elegant. Nonetheless, it required more labour and time to install the roofing and could also catch fire.

 

Slate 

Slate was popular in North West England and Wales where it was readily available. The natural slate could easily split into thin pieces and was less-labour-intensive to produce compared to alternatives like wood shingles. It was also loved for its strength, durability, waterproof nature and aesthetic appeal. But due to its weight, it required sturdier and stronger support. It also was very heavy and since the transport system hadn’t developed, it only thrived in the regions mentioned above. Compared to wood shingles, it was harder to produce uniform pieces from slate. It was only after the industrial revolution that the use of slate spread to other parts of the UK since it was now easier to transport it.

Clay

Historical data shows that the Romans were the first to introduce clay tiles in Britain. This first took place in 100 BC where the natives were shown how to get the clay soil from rivers, mould it, shape it and bake it in a kiln. This produced well-shaped, compact and durable tiles. Clay tiles, like slate, were only available in the region they were produced and couldn’t be transported due to their heavy and bulky nature. In fact, following the disappearance of the Romans, this sector was greatly affected. However, it made a resurgence in the 12-13th century and coexisted alongside slate tiles. In the 12th Century, clay tiles received a boost after King John decreed that clay tiles should replace thatch and reed as the preferred roofing material in London. This made clay tile the main roofing material. Clay gotten from Thames was used for rebuilding, following the Great Fire of London in 1666 that destroyed much of the city.

Clay was susceptible to warping, frost damage, and leakage compared to slate. The two materials coexisted for a very long time but slate became a preferred choice following the industrialisation of the rail industry. The inability for the UK to match up to the quality from their neighbours saw an increase in importation of foreign-made clay tiles. In fact, by 1950s, the clay pantile industry in the region had disappeared because of being unable to keep up with the foreign standards.

Concrete

Concrete was first introduced in the region in the 1920s. It was stronger, easier to produce from anywhere, and provided uniform results. Nevertheless, it wasn’t immediately accepted. Pundits believe that it was because of its heavy nature, uninteresting design and lack of elegance. It’s only after the Second World War that it made a comeback and this was attributed to the thriving rehousing programme. Also, the automation of the manufacturing process greatly aided the acceptance and popularity of concrete tiles. By 1960’s, the industry had really grown and could compete with the foreign markets who had pretty much killed the clay and slate industry. However, cheaper concrete tiles from foreign countries were and are still its biggest threat.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that roofing in the UK has come a long way. You now have the privilege of using top notch roofing that is reliable, long-lasting, energy efficient, elegant and readily available. But, with so many types, brands, designs and unique demands, it can be a hard task finding the best product.

Roofers Bristol UK   01172 900264

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Roofers Bristol UK is your partner when it comes to roofing in Bristol and finding the best tiles. We not only help you select the right product but also help you install, repair as well as maintain it. Our team of professional contractors is always at hand to listen to you and offer you the best solution whether residential, commercial or industrial. Why don’t you drop by our offices in Bristol from 8.00am to 6.00pm from Monday to Saturday for a chat?

You can also send an email at bristolroofersuk@gmail.com or call us through 01172 900264 for a free roofing quote.

Alternatively, you can visit our website at https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk to learn more about the history of roofing, roofing services, tiles and related services.