Flat roofs are notorious for the problems they incur; leaking of the roof is a primary issue. Flat roofs in Nottingham not need be problematic; the primary problems are poor workmanship when installing the underlying membrane, poor maintenance or simply, age. A flat roof which is well designed and professionally installed should not be fraught with problems.
* Is a flat roof really flat? No a flat roof in Nottingham is not flat; they have a slope, however slight, which allows for rain water to flow off the surface. They just look flat when compared to traditional peaked roofs. The minimum slope that is recommended is 1 in 40 which allows for roof deflection and still offer a sloped surface for drainage.
* Why are they popular? Flat roofs use less material, therefore they are less costly to construct. The interior volume of the structure is reduced, therefore the heating and cooling costs will be less and they also are ideal surfaces for a green roof garden.
* How long should the membrane last? The waterproof membrane should have a life expectancy similar to a roof using composition shingles, in the area of 20 to 25 years. This is less than the conventional tile roof. The building owner should plan on this life expectancy for a complete replacement.
* What maintenance id needed? A Flat roof in Nottingham is considerably less forgiving than a pitched roof. The biggest problem is when downspouts become blocked from leaves and other debris that can quickly gather on a flat roof. Even the installation of leaf guards helps little. The downspout must be regularity attended too otherwise water will pool at the outlet, which by design, is the lowest point on the roof.
Design and maintenance tips for flat roofs:
Make sure that the roofer or the roofing firm you engage has the skills and experience to properly install a flat roof. Any references that they give should be checked first by a qualified inspector or engineer.
The joint between the flat roof and the parapet wall must be designed correctly. There must be the ability for some movement to compensate for roof deflection. If there is no designed in potential for movement, the membrane at the junction of the roof and parapet will eventually crack. Design in more than a single downspout in the event of blockages. Install leaf guards and inspect these areas frequently.
Design the roof so that internal outlets are avoided. If there is no possibility of avoidance, make sure the pipe is well insulated. Provide easy access to the roof, this is important for safety, it also means that routine inspections will be carried out rather than delayed due to difficult access.
W R Leivers Roofing has a system for flat roofs in Nottingham which has been proven to outlast other flat roof systems. The system is acknowledged as one of the most technically advanced available.
