A Complete Guide To Flat Roofs In Dublin

All you need to know about Flat Roofs

Sometimes a flat roof can offer an excellent solution for your property. But before you decide you might want to know more about it. This blog will take you through the basics of what it is, common materials used and where flat roofing is most often installed.

Why choose a flat roof?

To start off, it should be pointed out that a flat roof is not entirely flat. If it was, there would be no drainage so water would pool on the roof. To avoid this happening a gradient or “fall” is built into the design. This is usually anywhere between 1:40 to 1:80 and ensures that water will run off into the gutter and downpipes.

Flat roofs are most often seen on storage spaces like garages as well as extensions and porches. On some buildings, they might be required to comply with local planning regulations. They are also a popular choice for modern minimalist style buildings, both residential and commercial. Other factors to consider are cost and maintenance.

Cost: Installing a flat roof will be much faster and a lot simpler than installing a traditional roof. Not only are the materials a lot cheaper, but labour costs will also be substantially reduced. The speed at which a flat roof can be installed also makes it less disruptive for the property owners

Easy to maintain: Although a flat roof will benefit from regular care and maintenance, it is much easier to access safely. This is helpful for carrying out regular inspections. Ease of access also makes repairs a lot simpler to carry out compared to a standard sloping roof.

 Materials

There is a wide variety of materials available and the final decision will depend on a lot of factors ranging from your budget to the type of building. The most important thing is that it is durable enough to withstand the wind and rain and should not require too much maintenance.

Torch on bitumen Felt

This is an economical choice which is also very durable. It is made by binding layers of bitumen sheeting together using heat from a gas torch, which gives it its name. The felt needs to be heated when being applied to the roof so appropriate safety precautions must be taken when installing.

PVC Single-ply Membrane

Another economical option which is used both for commercial and residential properties. It does, however, require special skills so should only be installed by a suitably qualified professional.

EPDM Rubberised Roofing

This option offers protection from rain and UV light. It can be laid loosely rather than stuck down making it reusable. It is easy to install and can last up to 50 years or more.

GRP Fibreglass Roofing

Ideal for roofs that are an irregular shape or size as it is painted on, not laid in sheets like the others. It is lightweight yet still strong.

To help you make up your mind speak to your local roofing company who will be able to advise the best solution for your own requirements.

Thermal Shock – A Major Cause Of Roof Damage in Dublin

Thermal Shock Damage To Roofs – How To Prevent And Fix The Affects

One of the biggest problems that can lead to serious damage and shorten the life of your flat roof is thermal shock. The terminology sounds a bit dramatic, but it is in fact, a simple problem caused by the weather and the changing seasons. So, what exactly is thermal shock?

Thermal shock is a problem that arises when different parts of the roof expand and contract at different rates in response to changes in the temperature. This happens because roofs are generally constructed using a wide variety of materials such as wood, steel, concrete or asphalt. Each of these materials responds differently to heat or cold. As a result, some will expand or contract more than others. This can put an uneven amount of stress on certain parts of the roof and in some cases can lead to cracks. These may be small at first, but if left untreated can lead to larger cracks and leaks and water penetration.

What can you do?

While there is nothing you can do to avoid the problem of thermal shock, you can take steps to minimise the damage. The key is good maintenance.

Sometimes, a maintenance plan will be put in place when a new roof is installed. If you don’t already have a plan you can simply arrange for a local roofing company to carry out regular checks. This means that any cracks or stress damage resulting from thermal shock will be spotted sooner rather than later. Doing the repairs at the earliest stage will be a lot less expensive in the long run than allowing the problem to continue.

Good maintenance can extend the life of your roof for decades which will save you both time and money in the long run by avoiding leaks and emergency call outs. Also, by scheduling regular maintenance, you can plan the most appropriate time to carry out the repairs. Certain products used in the repair and maintenance of roofs are sensitive to temperature. For example, some sealant does not work so well below certain temperatures. So, you would want to avoid having this kind of work done during a big freeze.

Arranging a Maintenance Plan

Your starting point will be to find a reliable fully qualified and insured contractor to visit your property. There are many to choose from. You will want to look for a company that has extensive experience of working on similar properties and is happy to take time to discuss your individual needs and requirements. At Active Roofing, we have years of experience in both residential and commercial properties as roofers in Dublin. We can offer expert advice on what you need to keep your roof in top condition. Once we have discussed your requirements, we can put a maintenance plan in place to ensure that the important work does not get overlooked and is completed by our skilled tradesmen to the highest standard.

So, to keep your roof in excellent condition for many years to come, get in touch and one of our expert team will be happy to discuss your requirements.