Here’s some points you should know about your flat roof
If you are a homeowner with a flat roof, there are a few things that you really should know. Ignore at your peril – you may end up with significant damage that wipes out your savings! So here’s what you should know about your flat roof.
Let’s face it – most of us completely ignore our roof. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Yet your roof is the most important barrier between you, your family and belongings, and the elements that could harm or damage them. Your roof is vital to your family and property’s wellbeing.
If you are at the point where you are having to consider whether to replace your flat roof, we urge you to look at these simple but very important facts. Armed with the right knowledge, you will be able to make an informed decision about what replacement flat roof to choose and who should install it.
Your flat roof will not simply fix itself
It is always tempting to ignore a problem – after all, repairing or replacing a flat roof will cost money. However, the fact is that an issue with your roof will only get worst and more expensive as time goes on.
If you deal with the problem as soon as possible, it may only cost hundreds. Leave it too long and you’re probably looking at thousands. Plus you may be risking the safety of your home and family in the meantime.
25% of roofs have wind or hail damage that cannot be seen from the ground
Think your flat roof is in perfect condition? You may need to think again!
You may only need to make minor repairs. You may need to completely replace your flat roof. However, it is vital that you check your flat roof on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any issues that could compromise the integrity of your property.
If you are unable to get up to see what state your flat roof is in yourself, ask the experts. Ask at least one professional roofing contractor to come out to assess the its condition. If the damage is serious enough to warrant an insurance claim, you will need to get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible.
‘Traditional’ flat roofing systems simply won’t last
A traditional flat roof is usually constructed using timber decking that is fixed to your home’s main roofing joists. Then a layer of mineral felt will be laid over the top, which will often then be covered with stone chippings as protection.
However, felt flat roofs are notoriously difficult to maintain. Over time, they succumb to the elements, blistering, cracking and moving due to temperature changes. Mineral felt can also attract algae and moss, which can further degrade the condition of your flat roof surface.
This means that there are many insurers who actually refuse to insure contents that are covered with a felt roof in excess of seven years old!
Lots of flat roofs don’t have enough insulation
Not enough insulation means higher energy bills. Think about it – you’re turning on the boiler to heat your home and a huge proportion of it is escaping out of the roof.
It’s important to ensure you have plenty of insulation in any loft spaces. However, it is also worth making sure that the roof itself has the right level of insulation to maximise energy efficiency in your home.
Not all roofing companies are created equal
Realistically, customers have the choice of three types of companies.
The first is the national company with the 0800 or 0845 number and various reps dotted around the country. They have a lot of buying power but the person you speak to initially will not be the person coming out to do the job. They will know how to sell but probably won’t have any real knowledge about the product they’re selling. They more than likely sub-contract the actual work to local roofing contractors.
The second is the local company. They can range from five to ten employees, right through to more than one hundred. They are likely to be well-known in their community and have probably worked on the roof of one of your friends, family members, colleagues or a neighbours. They rely on word of mouth to build their reputation.
The third is the ‘jack of all trades’ handyman. This person will come in at the lowest possible price but are unlikely to offer much in the way of quality or reliability. They may not use the correct, up-to-date equipment or materials.
Don’t avoid the issue – deal with the problem straight away!
Based in Basildon, Essex, High-Tech Membrane Roofing is an approved installer of proven, market-leading Single-Ply PVC membranes, which offers the ultimate in flat roofing protection.
Our flat roofing solutions are 100% waterproof, resistant to the very best and worst of the British weather and unaffected by expansion and contraction. In fact, we are so confident in our flat roofing products that High-Tech Membrane Roofing provides a LIFETIME guarantee with each and every one of them.
