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How to Install the Metal Wall Trim
Read MoreApart from DIY enthusiasts one of the worst projects for any home owner is how to approach flat roof repairs. Poorly installed roofing, worn felt or damage can cause a whole range of serious problems in the home including structural damage. Felt is the material of choice for many flat roofs but it can deteriorate and has a limited lifespan. Rubber roofing lasts much longer, is easy to install and won’t disintegrate, tear or suffer from changes in temperature or extremes in weather.
Read MoreEPDM rubber roofing membranes are increasing in popularity in the refurbishment and new construction sector due to their durability, ease of installation and practicality from a flat roofing perspective. There are a number of reasons which are driving the popularity of this type of flat roofing system including;
Read MoreRubber Roofing Direct are specialist roofing suppliers and we cannot underestimate the importance of a watertight and weatherproof roofing system
Read MoreEpdm Rubber Roofing - The Year Round Roofing Solution
Most people replace their old flat roofs in the summer as the chance of getting rained on mid-way through the job is less. Unfortunately, it tends to be the winter months that people experience a sudden failure in their flat roofs and end up with water pouring through. This is usually due to water finding its way into small cracks in the existing brittle bitumen surface, freezing and expanding, which finishes them off once and for all.
If this happens, there are only a few domestic flat roofing systems that can be effectively installed year round. There are many reasons for this so let’s take a closer look:
Torch on felt
Torch on felt can be installed all year round but bear in mind these major points:
http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Roofing_felt
GRP (Fibre Glass)
If this system is to be attempted at any time of the year, make sure you employ a serious pro!
EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM Rubber Roofing is one of the most versatile flat roofing systems on the market. It can be installed all year round but bear in mind these points:
Top 10 Tips for Rubber Roofing Installation Businesses
While some of the more straightforward EPDM rubber roofing systems can be installed by a competent DIYer, many installations require the skills of a professional. If you are a company who installs rubber roofing for your clients, this blog will offer some great tips and advice from a rubber roofing specialist who has worked in the industry for over 12 years.
You may be thinking that a simple set of tools is sufficient to install rubber roofs properly and you're not wrong, but installing EPDM is not just about using the right tools. It requires patience, skill and knowledge. Failure to get the basics right and not only will you lose time but you'll also waste valuable materials and resources too.
As a skilled installer who has been in the industry for many years, I am familiar with the tools, techniques and strategies that work.
Save time and labour with a leaf blower. Roof surfaces should be clean and free from debris. A petrol powered leaf blower is much more effective than a manual broom, not to mention the time that it saves. This is particularly useful if you have ground out the lead chase which produces a significant amount of dust. Adequate deck preparation is vital.
Use good quality membrane scissors. Heavy duty tailor’s scissors which are sold for roofing are an essential piece of kit for any rubber roofing installer. They are also great for fast and accurate shaping of flashing tapes.
Using a good quality adhesive roller will help significantly. Don't be tempted to opt for poorer quality rollers as they won’t offer the strength that you need for rubber roofing installations. A ridged fibreglass handle which screws together is the best one to use.
Always select a trimming knife with a quick blade changeover facility which will facilitate the cutting process. Roofing membranes are designed to be strong so the right cutting tools are vital and will make the work much easier.
We always recommend that you carry a full roll of 1200 gauge DPM to each project. With the typical British weather you may face an unexpected rain deluge mid way through the installation and you will need to ensure that the deck space is sufficiently protected. Never attempt to remove a flat roof without having a temporary cover in place even though it is the customer’s responsibility to remove any items of value which are in the room below. Customers won't thank you for water blowing up their state of the art home entertainment system because of inadequate roof coverings! To make matters worse you may have difficulty obtaining payment for the roofing work that has been carried out!
Top Tip #6 Waste ManagementDuring a flat roofing refurbishment there will be a considerable amount of waste. Correct waste management is essential not only for safety purposes but also to increase efficiency. The best waste removal for roofing is either a skip (or two) or you can hire a tipper van. In the majority of cases tipper vans can pull up close to the roof, all of the waste easily thrown in and then removed. Always avoid double handling waste as much as possible as felt tooting is extremely heavy and roof decking boards bulky. Tipper tricks can save you a lot of time and resources, making the waste removal quick and hassle free.
Ensure that you have an adequate supply of materials. If you can build up a business float as this will make things much easier. If you are working on a project it is much quicker to replenish your supplies from your own sticks rather than having to wait for new supplies to arrive. Although the majority of retailers like ourselves offer next day delivery, there is always a chance that there could be delays in the transport system. The last thing you want is to leave a project half finished or have several roofs to finish off because you didn't have enough materials.
Before starting any work ensure that you have provided an accurate quote and you have a signed contract with the customer. Contracts should protect both parties and outline factors such as payment information, timescales and what happens if something goes wrong and the customer needs to make a complaint.
When ordering your supplies check that they provide a membrane warranty. The majority of local merchants who stock rubber roofing supplies will only provide the materials and not provide the warranty.
It may seem obvious but take pride in your work and deliver exceptional quality for your clients. The roofing industry in some areas is a little murky with stories of poor workmanship or unscrupulous firms occasionally featuring in the news. Poor business practice will spread more quickly than good work ever will so you need to demonstrate your ability and build a strong reputation. Great customer care is crucial and it certainly pays to look after your clients.
Keeping your customers happy, delivering high quality work and using the right tools can go a long way to helping your rubber roofing installation business thrive and ensuring its continued success.
The Team at Rubber Roofing Direct
When laying out the field sheets and a pipe or penetration is encountered, roll the folded membrane to the pipe. Be sure to maintain the proper alignment of the sheet with the roof edge, wall, and seams.
See the “Pipe Seal" section of this further information on finishing this detail.
Rubber Roofing is the cost effictive way to Flat Roofing
Read MoreRegardless of whether you are trying to decide which roofing material would be best for a shed that you're planning to purchase or whether it is for a shed that has been standing in the garden for the past 20 years and needs refurbishing, your options are far from limited. No one spends much time thinking about roofs unless leaks develop, or there is visible deterioration or damage to the shed roof surface.
Read MoreIt's often hard to decide when just to repair or to replace your current roofing system completely. If it shows real wear and tear with water constantly pooling or extensive cracks and rips, it's probably best to bite the bullet and look to install a new roof covering.
Fortunately, the best flat roof system that we are going to discuss is extremely long-lasting, so after installation, it will last for many decades to come. Later in this guide, we will discuss how many years this type of flat roof material lasts, and you'll probably be surprised, though pleasantly!
Read MoreRead about how Long Does a Flat Roof Last and how to Improve Flat Roofing Installations.
Read MoreThe best shed roofing is an investment and will not only prevent leaks but will also protect against other environmental factors, such as sun and snow. Read the article and check out how to waterproof a shed roof.
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