“Welcome to RoofWise! In this first issue, our technical manager Steve Cleminson reminds you about how to get flat roofing right first time and avoid problems in the future. Training Academy Manager, Sara Bexley explains what’s new at the centre and why you should always apply for a warranty.
Also, meet Matthew de Jong who has joined us as technical support adviser. Our job is to support our valued DATAC members so mail me at [email protected] and let me know what you would like to read about in the next issue of RoofWise or about possibly featuring your latest project.”
1
Roofing Academy Update by Sara Bexley, Roofing Academy Manager
Our IKO Armourplan and Rhenofol PVC training courses have been extended from two days to two and a half days, which was effective as of 1st March. IKO Armourplan and Rhenofol courses now start Monday lunchtimes and finish on Wednesday evenings. These courses have been extended by an extra half day as trainees felt that extra time to cover the course content would be really beneficial. Delegate feedback to date confirms we’ve got it right. An IKO Armourplan course is now classed as a BCP (Basic Competency Course) and acts as a stepping stone towards an NVQ Level 2 in Single Ply Roofing and the five year, Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. Rhepanol courses remain at two days in duration and take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hydrostop AH+ Liquid Waterproofing one day courses run on a Thursday. We can also offer Hydrostop AH+ training at SIG’s Stratford and Broxburn branches and, in certain circumstances, on your own premises.
2
Rule 1: As a minimum recommendation, comply with BS Standards Rule 1:
Remember that flat roofs aren’t flat
British Standard BS 6229:2003 code of practice (which is currently under review) describes flat roofs as those having a pitch not greater than 10 degrees. The standard also goes on to also identify min 1:80 respectively for single ply membranes. A roof which does not comply with these minimums industry accepted standards is likely to attract ponding water, moss, fungal and algae growth, increased maintenance costs and there’s a much greater chance of water entry should there be a defect or damage affecting the roof coverings. Failing to comply with the BS may also negate any third party insurance cover and or manufacturer’s guarantee.
Rule 2:
Maintain those minimum upstand heights
Continuity of waterproof coverings should be maintained for a vertical height of 150mm above the finished roof level at all abutments, door openings and parapets. Achieving this minimum upstand height is very important but so is how the top of this upstand interfaces with flashings, cappings or the other building elements. The installation also needs to be sequenced properly; especially at door thresholds where there is a very small gap to seal between that and the upstand.
Rule 2: Minimum height 150mm 
Rule 3: Roofs need regular maintenance Rule 3:
Roofs need maintenance
Roofs need TLC too. The service life of roofing systems may be significantly extended (or reduced) by periodic maintenance (or lack of). All flat roofs should have regular inspections both internally and externally every spring and autumn as a minimum. Everyone knows that it’s vital to have your car or boiler inspected and or serviced regularly as they are valuable assets. So is the roof. Make sure that the end user knows his responsibility after the roofing is complete. Or you might be recalled to site to find a healthy oak sapling happily establishing its roots in the blocked gutter!
Rule 4:
Night joints
Trapped moisture in new constructions can lead to not only damage but constant call backs to a ‘leaking’ roof where there’s no actual water ingress. Just ensure that adequate night joints are created. Night joints in roofing aren’t what might spring to mind! They should be formed at the end of a day’s installation when all the insulation has been adequately covered to avoid trapping in any rain that’s fallen overnight or the following day.
Rule 4: Adequate night joints prevent leaking roof
Rule 5: Testing a weld Rule 5:
Check your laps as work progresses
The responsibility for checking laps, fixing centres and monitoring adhesive consumption etc. is that of the installer laying the membrane! Some lackadaisical contractors like to leave these essential checks to the end or when the rep undertakes a site visit. Alternatively, the roofer’s inspections are never done or so many faults are found that the manufacturer’s rep simply walks away. Site support is exactly that, not a free checking service for sluggish individuals. The contractor needs to put in place a written QA / QC process which records on a daily basis those roof areas completed and checked. Demonstrating a rigorous approach not only minimises later problems but can enhance your reputation with the main contractor and manufacturer. And roofers needs repeat business too!
3
Matthew de Jong, a mechanical engineering graduate of Loughborough University, is our new Technical Support Adviser. For technical help on your next roofing project contact Matt on 01509 501731, or email here
4
Remember, all warranties must be applied for within four weeks of project completion as we cannot issue them retrospectively. Even if your client doesn’t ask for one at the time, they may in the future, e.g. when a property is being sold, the home or building owner will ask for the paperwork. If you completed the installation a couple of years ago and didn’t request a warranty then, it may not be possible to issue one now. So why not apply on every job and cover yourself and your client for the future?
Daniel Bosworth, Design Manager Jorge Bonet & Matthew de Jong, Technical Support Advisors Sara Bexley, Roofing Academy Manager 01509 501 738 General enquiries: 01509 505 714 Technical help: 01509 501731 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Recent Comments