Roofing & Cladding

Roofing & Cladding GOOD MANAGEMENT IS KEY TO A ROOF’S LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

By Kevin O’Connell at IKO Group

Dependent on the products and materials used, a flat roof’s waterproofing should last between 20 and 40 years. Good maintenance will also contribute to its performance and longevity. But which proactive steps need to be taken when a waterproofing system reaches the end of its serviceable life?

Roofing purpose When deciding on a waterproofing system for a flat roof application, it’s important to consider what it’s meant to do. An appropriately-designed and correctly-installed solution will prevent a prevalence of standing water, which in-turn will protect the structural integrity of the building itself. Water carries immense weight and when left to pond, it could lead to the breakdown of the roof’s coating which will leave the roof susceptible to the UV degradation. As an example of the immense strain it can bring to bear, 1mm of water per m2 equates to 1kg. Therefore, that same level of water across a 5mm x 30m2 surface would be akin to two adults standing on a roof. Long-standing water can also promote vegetation growth in the form of plants and fungi; wildlife that can penetrate a flat roof’s surface and cause untold damage to the building itself. As well as keeping a roof dry, a good waterproofing system should ensure it achieves regulatory levels of thermal performance. In poorly insulated homes, roofs account for 25% of a building’s heat loss. It is crucial, therefore, that the insulation supplied as part of a build-up offers an effective barrier to energy escape whilst being of suitable thickness to prevent the obstruction of door and window thresholds. Its design should also take into account roofs with plant installations, walkways and safety features such as guardrails and hatch systems. Monitor to prevent major repairs Good management can be achieved by gaining an understanding of your roof stock. Is it old or is it new? Are there other plans for the building that could impact the roof? New windows may provide less ventilation than old ones; therefore will an extension be required to facilitate such an installation? Prevention is better than cure, a saying that is particularly pertinent to roofing management. Neglecting to act upon tell-tale signs of a roof’s degradation can transform a seemingly minor maintenance issue into a major repair project that potentially comes at great expense to a property owner in order to keep it weathertight and its occupants safe. This worst-case scenario can be avoided by keeping a periodical look-out for signs of natural wear and tear which indicate a roof’s performance is in danger of being compromised. These visual sirens might include elements such as lap joints becoming loose or in the case of an asphalt roof, the appearance of surface lumps and creases, or even blocked outlets. Getting the balance right In terms of appropriate waterproof specification for flat roofs, property owners must strike a balance between the ‘nice’ to have, with the ‘need’ to have. To ensure this thin line is more easily navigated, it’s important to decide upon a level of spending by drawing up a budget. This should take into account future plans for the roof asset and the building itself. Engage with the experts The aforementioned issues can be overcome by engaging with roofing, waterproofing and insulation experts such as IKO Group. Our industry expertise is available to facilitate an appropriate solution for a wide range of flat and tapered roof applications. In terms of performance and cost, we have the all-round knowledge to direct clients towards the most appropriate waterproofing solution. We understand that although hardly out of sight; roofs are out of mind for most people – it’s just not something they choose to think about. However, this shouldn’t detract from their everyday importance, and at IKO we’ve got the whole of issue of roofing design and performance covered. Early engagement will always result in a more favourable outcome. March webinar The next in a series of monthly webinars hosted by IKO focuses on Roofing Stock Management. It offers further insight into issues highlighted within this blog such as flat roof failure prevention, roofing maintenance, surveys, post-installation aftercare and value engineering. It also looks at British standards guidance in relation to waterproofing health and safety practices including working at height. In summary, IKO’s Roofing Stock Management webinar is a professionally-led presentation that roofing professionals will not want to miss. The free-to-view presentation takes place on March 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th and 30th. To sign-up and for details on IKO’s future webinars, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iko-roofing-stockmanagement-tickets-144396924087

The partnership marks the joining of two recognised industry leaders – NFRC, the UK’s largest roofing trade association and NBS, a company rooted in improving industry and compliance through digital data adoption.

By working together, NBS and the NFRC will bring vast amounts of information and resources to its members and customers, providing support during the specification stage of various building projects.

As a leading voice in roofing developments, NFRC is looking to establish closer links with specifiers by providing them with access to quality technical information and raising awareness of its membership network, ensuring consistent quality specifications across the construction chain.

James Talman, Chief Executive of NFRC commented saying: “Specifiers have a critical role in creating a safer and more sustainable construction industry, and that is why we are delighted to establish

developer-update.co.uk

Today, NBS, the leading construction data platform, has announced its partnership with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (NFRC) to promote standards and guidance within roofing specification to the broader construction industry.

a partnership with NBS. Through this collaboration, specifiers can be assured that NFRC’s wealth of technical knowledge and expertise on roofing features within NBS’ platforms, will be available to them. In return, NFRC Members can gain exposure through the NBS Source platform and access specialist NBS Webinars. Together we can help specifiers ensure that they are using the highest quality roofing products and contractors.” NBS has a long track record in providing information and tools to the construction industry, and in recent years has transformed into a leading software provider. Both companies also plan to work together on digital events such as webinars and discussion panels to enrich the debate on industry topics and better support customers.

Bob Richardson, Head of Technical and Training at NFRC commented saying: “We are pleased to be able to provide NBS with periodic review services and technical knowledge to ensure consistent information is provided throughout the specification process right through to installation. We also welcome the opportunity to be part of future NBS events and webinars.” NBS conducted 58 different webinars during 2020 on various topics, which were a huge success and attracted over 25,000 registrations.

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “NBS is delighted to collaborate with the NFRC and highlight the benefits and importance of specification in the building timeline. It was a natural fit to partner with the NFRC, an organisation that shares a common goal with us to promote standards and guidance in this skilled profession to those in the wider construction industry. By using NBS products and services, specifiers can help guard against risk, increase efficiency and proactively drive better standards for the benefit of the wider construction community.”

Pole position

Alongside the development, Teats Hill flats, built in the late 1930s, were renovated by Mi-space Construction. The flats offer unrivalled sea views and are situated in a prized location near the National Marine Aquarium.

Despite this, the building had been neglected for many years and consequently had fallen into disrepair.

The flats were also not compliant with current building regulations, as it is a legal requirement for any wall over 600mm high to have a handrail of at least 1100mm high, to protect people from falling. The demarcation wall surrounding the flats was over this height and therefore needed securing with adequate fencing.

Fit for purpose

Jackson Fencing’s Sentry ® Residential railings were specified for the project. These were installed on top of the wall by Chiffi Group Ltd, Constructionline Gold Member fence contractors. The tubular construction and welded stopped pale-through-rail design meant these railings provided a strong but lightweight safety fencing solution.

The building’s original features needed to be carefully considered and preserved during the renovation. This made these metal railings the ideal solution, designed specifically to offer a more fitting, modern alternative to traditional wrought iron railings, while providing the same elegant appearance.

The railings are hot-dipped galvanised inside and out, to ensure long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion. Finally, a black polyester powder coating was added to provide a durable and attractive solution that would match the renewed aesthetic of the building.

Crucially, the pale spacing of the railings conforms to building regulations, which state that a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass between pales, to prevent a trap hazard, which is particularly essential in areas where children are present.

Peter Jackson, Jacksons Fencing Managing Director, comments:

“As the UK and its urban centres continue to grow, making residents feel safe and secure in their local area is essential. It’s encouraging to see this community was supported by government at the local level, as councils work to improve the lives of their communities.”

“We were pleased to be a part of this regeneration project, providing a robust fencing option that was also in keeping with the desired aesthetic. As with all our steel products, the Sentry residential railings are manufactured carefully to ensure long-lasting protection so they withstand the test of time. Moreover, we know from experience that these manufacturing techniques will also help to significantly reduce the long-term costs for repairs and replacements, leaving maintenance budgets for the local area available for other necessities.”

To find out more about the fencing options from Jacksons Fencing please click here