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Roofing & Cladding
www.metalline.co.uk
roofing & cladding Welsh Slate heads up Sarah Beeny’s new home
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Roofing slates by Welsh Slate star in presenter’s new TV programme.
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oofing slates by Welsh Slate were the material of choice for TV property expert Sarah Beeny’s own home-inthe-making which is the star of the Channel 4 series “Sarah Beeny’s new life in the country”.
The “Homes on 4” series follows Sarah and her family (husband and four sons aged 11 to 17 years) as they swap London life for a new start on a 220acre, semi-derelict former dairy farm in Somerset, where they are building a modern and sustainable stately home of their dreams.
Episode 8 of the first series shows the family visiting the Welsh Slate quarry where the Penrhyn Heather Blue slates are produced that are then shown being laid on the 15m x 16m mainly mansard roof of the three-storey, sevenbedroomed mock stately home.
Sarah even has a go at splitting the premium slates herself, remarking that it was “seriously impressive” that every one of the slates used on the house was split by hand.
Welsh Slate commercial director Michael Hallé explained on the programme how the quarry once employed 3,000 people and still produces three million slates per year.
Also, that maximising yield is very important and not only do they make roofing slates but also walling, paving, decorative aggregates and landscape products. Roofing contractor Geoff Spinks of G&L Roofing agreed with Sarah that the slates were “a joy to fit” due to their flatness. He described the Penrhyn Heather Blues as “really, really nice slates” that were “lovely to lay”. They also feature as vertical cladding on some elements of the steeply pitched mansard roof.
The scaffolding came down some seven months after work started on site, with Sarah exclaiming the newly revealed limestone-clad house, now waterproof in readiness for the winter, was a “thing of beauty”.
Welsh Slate is also expected to feature in the second (commissioned) and third (to be confirmed) series of the show. In the second, scants (large slabs) of slate will be used as landscaping around the pond, and in the third, on a patio in the walled garden to the main house which was designed by husband Graham (Swift).
Michael Hallé said: “Not only do we feel privileged that Sarah recognised that our slate is ‘the best slate you could possibly have’ but also that she was genuinely enthused at how the slates are produced.”
The focus on sustainability has included the use of ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for the building’s shell, recycled plastic windows, water from a bore hole, and a modern wastewater plant which returns cleansed wastewater to the land.
EPDM
roofing membranes have been developed with an optimal balance of key ingredients that work together to ensure extended durability and provide a long-lasting solution. Contractors who choose to install the complete system can expect more than 50 years of quality, even withstanding extreme elements.
A consistently popular roofing system, EPDM boasts an impressive track record in prevailing against adverse weather conditions in harsh environments, such as Wisconsin. At Albo Manufacturing, Firestone’s installation of EPDM singleply roofing remains intact without any reported issues despite tornadoes, snow and extreme sun in the 40 years since it was fitted. •40•
Longevity Guaranteed With EPDM Installation
When considering flat roofing solutions, choosing EPDM rubber roofing over market alternatives ensures you’re investing in guaranteed longevity. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaRoof, one of the largest importers and distributors of Firestone RubberCover EPDM, discusses what makes rubber roofing so long-lasting and resilient.
Why is EPDM so long-lasting?
EPDM became a natural choice for roofing solutions following the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Passage of Clean Air Amendment Act, which came into law in the 1970s and negatively impacted asphalt. Alternative flat roofing options to EPDM are prone to degradation due to the loss of mechanical properties caused by exposure to UV. Temperature fluctuations, even those that are normal for the changing UK seasons, cause stress in materials with low degrees of flexibility and elasticity. This results in cracks and tearing – particularly at any joints or details.
When applied correctly, to adequately prepared roof decks, EPDM rubber roofs far outperform other types of roofing. EPDM is resistant to UV radiation, as well as ozone and temperature fluctuations, and has excellent waterproofing, which would otherwise age the product significantly. EPDM membranes have elasticity of over 300% to accommodate building movement and extremes in temperature. At temperatures as low as – 45oC, flexibility and elasticity are retained.
One of the many benefits of RubberCover roofs is that they can be adapted throughout their long life span to incorporate such additions as rooflights and vent pipes, meaning homeowners have a roofing solution that works for their evolving house plans.
As EPDM membranes are manufactured in very large sizes for up to 15.25m x 30.5m, many small flat roofs can be installed with a single sheet of membrane. This further reduces, or often completely removes, the need for seams, in turn extending the product’s waterproofing efficiency over time. While the system is designed with longevity at the forefront, to ensure it is truly futureproofed, it must be installed by a fully trained contractor. The application is as important as the product.
Although EPDM is a simple system to install, even the most qualified roofing professional should continually invest in their training and development by attending courses, such as ones on single ply roofing solutions.
Training programmes are designed to take individuals through the entire process of implementing EPDM systems with quality, longevity and effectiveness guaranteed.
The best way to ensure the longevity of a roof’s performance – and avoid problems and failures down the line – is to use a full water-proofing system of compatible products, which consists of a membrane, adhesive, tape and primer from the same brand. It also helps to aid traceability, which is increasingly important on commercial projects, and helps to keep a high standard of roofing in the UK.
Rubber roofs can be applied using cold, water-based adhesives. This results in a safe, faster application method, and a lightweight and flexible result. Adhered roof systems also have a high wind uplift performance rating, which makes them a good choice to further enhance the resilience of a structure.
A future proofed solution
The natural characteristics of EPDM, and how it is supplied and applied, are the key reasons for its outstanding longevity. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that installations are still as effective today, no matter the tornadoes, snow, or sun they have been exposed to.
For further information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk. For more information on Firestone Building Products, please visit www.firestonebpe.co.uk/en.
Envirotile is a revolutionary roof tile system with a unique fixing system which is fully compliant with BS 5534 and it can be installed to a minimum of 12.5° pitch.
It is significantly lighter than other tiles making Envirotile extremely suitable for use on modular and timber frame constructions. The lightweight tile aids the build by minimalising differential movement in such structures.
Plus, due to the unique fitting system developed by roofers, installation is simple and easy, saving time compared to traditional tiles, and offers a complete dry fix system with no mess cutting.
The sustainable choice Finishes
Envirotile is available in two finish effect options - our original tile with a textured finish and our latest addition of the slate-effect finish — both are aesthetically pleasing in all aspects.
The textured finish tile is available in Terracotta, Brown, Slate Grey and Anthracite Black, and the slate-effect tile in Terracotta, Brown, Slate Grey and Anthracite Grey.
Plus ridge, hip and end caps all available to ensure the roof is completed to the same green credentials.
Envirotile is manufactured from 75% recycled product and is fully recyclable at end of life.
It is backed by GreenSpec which is the foremost ‘Green Building’ resource in the UK. Independent of companies and trade bodies and launched in 2003 with government funding, GreenSpec promotes sustainable building products, materials and construction techniques.
MADE & RECYCLED IN THE UK
The main material comes from recycled car bumpers
Designed to perform
Envirotile has undertaken rigorous testing with many professional bodies so that we can ensure that it is more than fit-for-purpose and will withstand all the British weather will throw at it. So much so that we guarantee it for 40 years.
They are also fully guaranteed to perform against severe UK wind loads in any designated zonal area within the UK and we offer a free replacement service for dislodged roof tiles caused by gale force winds up to 65mph (subject to our Terms & Conditions).
• Cost saving, sustainable roof tile • BBA certified • Conforms to BS 5534:2014 • Greenspec Endorsed • 80% lighter than concrete tiles for easier handling and safety • Only 12 tiles per sq. m • Choice of standard and slate effect across 5 colours to match most roof types • No harmful dust created during the cutting process • Proven and tested at a low degree pitch of 12.5° against wind driven rain
• Weather tested to 147mph wind loads • Improved grip surface • Virtually unbreakable • Anti-fungal properties • Low maintenance
• UK manufactured
• Ridge products available
At less than 8 kilos per m², Envirotile is the lightest synthetic roof tile making it the ultimate choice within lightweight roofing, yet is virtually unbreakable.
Get the WOW factor with Colourful Paving Design
T
he main pathways were installed with a Natural Aggregate blend called Pearl Jam with features of colourful butterflies made from recycled glass, that reflects both the appearance of the tropical butterflies and the effect it creates when laid on a pathway. Incorporating a blend of recycled glass with pigments of colour, the unique finish produces a striking, bold effect for visitors to be impressed by. There is one large silhouette of a butterfly in a bespoke “Blue Blend” which was designed to mark social distancing. The two smaller butterflies were laid in a beautiful blend of “vivid Green” and “Bright Red” to mark the directions people should walk in around the zoo. Commenting on the resin bound Spectrum coloured butterflies, SureSet Head of Sales, Dave Shell said: “Our Spectrum range has always been a very popular choice, having endless photos of fantastic designs and comments from customers on completion. Our experience with manufacturing coloured recycled glass, as well as installing bespoke colour blends
Get the WOW factor with Colourful Paving Design
throughout the world are proven. We are pleased to be able to perform custom paving requests!” As with all SureSet resin bound paving products, the Spectrum blends are completely permeable, allowing water to drain through the surface and so reducing surface run off and the risk of puddles forming - a key performance benefit! meaning there is no need for planning permission to be sought – in 2008, legislation was introduced which requires permission to be obtained in England for any new or re-paving project that is non-permeable.
Benefits of resin bound paving by SureSet…
• No loose stone, makes a smooth foot friendly surface for busy pathways.
• Free of puddles, making it safe underfoot and easy to maintain.
• A range of colours and finishes offering an unbeatable design flexibility.
• UV stable resin, ensuring sunlight will not damage or yellow the surface.
If you are looking for a paving feature consider SureSet Resin Systems; they are Guaranteed for 21 years, look stunning, are highly durable, UV stable with no loose stone. The permeability of the resin bound and creativity of the UV stable Spectrum butterflies made it the perfect choice for this popular attraction.
For more information, or samples of any product in the SureSet range, call +44 (0)1985 841 180 or visit www.sureset.co.uk.
