Roofing: Everything You Need
Posted on 26 July, 2021
Your roof is probably something that you don’t really think about, right? It keeps you dry, it also helps you stay warm, and as long as it’s doing its job, you’re likely to not give it a second thought. What many don’t realise is, your roof is much more than a series of joists and tiles, there’s also the roofline to consider. The roofline is comprised of fascias, guttering, roof sheets and more, all of which work in tandem to ensure your home is kept structurally sound, safe and dry. Below, you’ll find a selection of roofline products, including information on each specific item, their benefits and why they’re an important part of your roof.
Fascia Boards
Fascia boards, also known simply as fascias, are boards which are mounted in the areas where the roof meets the walls of your house, forming a pivotal part of the roofline. So, what is a fascia board?
The facia is a long, straight beam that is fixed firmly into the last of the roof trusses. It provides support for the bottom row of roof tiles and also protects the area in which the walls and roof meet that can be affected the most by bad weather conditions.
Guttering and Downpipe
Rain gutters, or just gutters for short, form an integral part of any roofing system. Available in both UPVC and cast iron effect guttering material choices, gutters form a narrow channel in which rainwater is collected and channelled away from the roof.
Without gutters, both the roof and walls of your home would be susceptible to water damage, while you’d also experience water pouring down from the roof and waterlogging your path or garden. Instead, the building’s foundations are well-protected and water is safely diverted away into drains or for reuse.
Dry Roofing System
A dry roofing system, also known as a dry ridge system, is a clever roofing construction solution that allows you to safely and securely fix tiles in place without the use of screws, mechanical fixings, mortar and other messy materials.
Using specially designed tiles and verges, these components lock in place to create a roof that is hard-wearing and durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. This ease of installation and reduced number of fixings makes dry ridge roofing an incredibly popular alternative to traditional roof tiling.
Roof Sheets
Roof sheets are incredibly cost-effective and have long been used as a dependable means of roofing solution. Corrugated roof sheets are among the most popular kinds of this product, given that they naturally allow for water to be collected and disposed of easily and efficiently.
You’ll see roofing sheets used in all kinds of constructions, from conservatories and outhouses to sheds and greenhouses. They favoured for their lightweight composition yet strong and durable materials, in fact, they’re far more durable and long-lasting than their glass panel counterparts.
Glazing Bars
If you’re using polycarbonate roof sheeting, glazing bars are the ideal way to safely and securely join the sheets together. Glazing bars fit a wide range of polycarbonate sheets and you’ll find them available in a selection of different material finishes to suit the aesthetics of your roof.
Without glazing bars, your roof sheeting would be prone to slipping apart and becoming damaged, not to mention it would expose the interior of your structure to the elements. You’ll find them widely used on home extensions such as conservatories, as well as exterior constructions such as sheds and outhouses.
Lead Substitute
When roofing, the use of lead substitute is a popular, affordable alternative to its namesake. This versatile material has a number of uses, namely to bond roof tiles on both pitched and flat roofs, while it can also be used to bond brickwork as well.
Lead substitutes have many benefits, and when compared to lead roofing, lead alternatives are quick and easy to install, flexible, lightweight, waterproof and durable with it. What’s more, with anti-corrosive properties, these versatile alternatives to lead roofing are incredibly hardy and long-lasting, meaning they’re able to stand the test of time and protect your roof and brickwork for years to come.
Roofing Membrane
Roofing membrane presents itself as an efficient and affordable means of protecting your roof. This breathable material is an easy way to prevent common roofline problems, such as water penetration and loss of heat in the home.
With breathable roofing membrane, you’re able to easily and affordably increase heat retention; not only will this make your house warmer and less reliant on heating, but you’ll also save money on utility bills too. The breathable membrane also allows moisture from the inside of the roof to escape while simultaneously channelling exterior water into the guttering. Not only does the roofing membrane prevent water penetration, but it also decreases condensation and the risk of damp.
Shingles
Roof shingles, also known as asphalt or bitumen, are a commonly used type of roof covering, they’re comprised of flat, rectangular tiles that overlap and direct water away from the roof. Their popularity is largely down to factors such as affordability and ease of installation, as well as the large selection of colour options available.
As well as being practical and aesthetically pleasing, roofing shingles are designed to be durable and incredibly flexible. Not only do they look great and increase your home’s curb appeal, but they’ll also increase the lifespan of your roofline too.
Damp Proofing
Damp is a common problem in many properties, given our climate and the need to heat our homes against the cold, many homeowners will often see damp start to creep into their house. A damp proof course is a simple and affordable means of preventing damp occurring in properties.
Though damp proofing is always a good idea in any home in order to prevent the build-up of excess moisture, if you’ve addressed damp as a potential problem, installing a damp proof membrane is a surefire way to halt any further damage and stop rotting and mould.