Construction work has begun on the new hotel situated in the heart of York city centre, in Piccadilly within the Castle Gateway district. GMI Construction Group has announced the award of a contract by Avantis Hotels to build a 143-bedroom Hilton York Piccadilly hotel in the heart of York city
More than a thousand piles have been put in by Foundations specialist Aarsleff Ground Engineering for a warehouse development in east London. Segro Park Rainham is part of the East Plus Scheme to regenerate under-developed and brownfield sites with big sheds and warehouses. Phase one saw more than 200,000 sq
If you’ve ever worked in a big warehouse or ample storage, then a forklift is your best buddy. They are small vehicles, specially created for industrial purposes, and they do a great job at that. They have a fork and the front of the car, which can go up and
High Path in Merton has won the Urban Design and Masterplanning award at the Landscape Institute Awards 2019. In its 90th year, the awards recognise projects and individuals that create places that connect people, place and nature, and make a positive contribution to people’s lives. High Path forms part of
The leading trade body representing builders has today called on the construction sector and any future Government, to act now if they are to meet the 2050 zero carbon target. With construction directly influencing 47% of UK carbon emissions and 61% of UK waste1, the sector is a critical part
A school is a world in itself. A self-contained eco-system which, like our wider world, is experiencing over-crowding, with class sizes rising, and a distracted population, and ever-more social media outlets clamouring for attention. For this, teachers face more and more challenges each day, and when it comes to engaging
The benefits of combining off-site construction with external wall insulation (EWI) are explored in a technical document produced by the British Board of Agrément in conjunction with EWI specialist STO. Aimed at specifiers, contractors and end clients, the literature outlines the many benefits of marrying the two solutions, from energy
In a statement issued on 9 December, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its support for Build UK’s Roadmap to Zero Retentions and encouraged industry to implement the new minimum standards when using cash retentions. The CLC’s support marks another significant milestone for the roadmap, which sets out specific
Plans for a massive logistics centre believed to be for online retailer Amazon have been unveiled by its developer. It is thought the online giant could create up to 3,500 jobs with the 1.6m sq ft logistics fulfilment centre next to the A66 in Darlington. The identity of the site’s
There are many reasons for a property owner to decide whether they want to repair their damaged, leaking roof or opt for a full roof replacement. In some instances it is not even up to the property owner, for example when insurance is involved. If you roof is damaged or
Construction work has begun on the new hotel situated in the heart of York city centre, in Piccadilly within the Castle Gateway district. GMI Construction Group has announced the award of a contract by Avantis Hotels to build a 143-bedroom Hilton York Piccadilly hotel in the heart of York city centre. Construction work on the £25M project has commenced with the hotel due for completion in the first quarter of 2021, at which point it is expected that 50 full and part-time jobs will be generated. Avantis Hotels, which already owns and operates the Hampton by Hilton York in nearby Toft Green is developing the Piccadilly site, which most recently housed offices, a carpark and a motorcycle accessory shop. Piccadilly itself is situated in the Castle Gateway district of the city, and, together with neighbouring streets, has been identified by the City Council as an area for major regeneration and redevelopment. In addition to its 143 guest bedrooms, the hotel site will also include eight luxury private residences all enjoying uninterrupted views of Clifford’s Tower, going on sale in late 2020. The scheme is designed to the latest BREEAM standards and will boast cycle parking bays and a number of electric-vehicle charging points. A detailed and complimentary landscape design acknowledges the sensitive nature of its surroundings – something guests can enjoy from the hotel’s terrace that overlooks Clifford’s Tower. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “We are very pleased to be appointed by Avantis to deliver this major new hotel development and to play a role in the regeneration of York’s Piccadilly district. This project is the second major hotel development that GMI have been entrusted to deliver this year following the completion and handover of the stunning new 137-bedroom luxury Dakota Hotel development in Manchester in June. Once completed this new hotel will be the 11th hotel project delivered to date by GMI for high profile customers including The Dakota Group, Premier Inn, Travelodge, IBIS Styles and Millennium & Copthorne in prime city centre locations across the Midlands and North. Also commenting Ravi Majithia, Avantis Hotels’ development director, said: “The Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly is an incredibly exciting prospect and is a significant investment for us. We are confident it will help breathe new life into a part of York that lacks activity yet has envious views overlooking the River Foss, facing one of York’s most popular attractions. Our design team, many of whom are local professionals, have worked closely with the city planners to ensure the hotel’s design is not only sympathetic to its surroundings, but one that brings real benefits to the environment. The Hilton brand is recognised and respected world-wide and our new Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly will complement our existing Hampton by Hilton York at Toft Green. We are excited to bring Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly to the city. We selected a great creative design team and highly capable contractor with a proven track record of delivering major hotel developments across the north of England, including Leeds and Manchester. Avantis has a long-term interest in the growing success of York’s local economy and this investment demonstrates our confidence in its strength. It is a wonderful city and we are privileged to play our part in York City Council’s plans to reinvigorate and revitalise Piccadilly.”
More than a thousand piles have been put in by Foundations specialist Aarsleff Ground Engineering for a warehouse development in east London. Segro Park Rainham is part of the East Plus Scheme to regenerate under-developed and brownfield sites with big sheds and warehouses. Phase one saw more than 200,000 sq ft of unit space constructed. Phase two, to bring an additional 108,000 sq ft, is now starting. A&H Construction has awarded Aarsleff the foundations contract, which includes the structural and slab foundations of all five units encompassed within phase two. Aarsleff starts work on site on the 2nd December 2019. It is using three of its Junttan PMx22 and PM20 piling rigs to install 1,140 precast concrete piles of 250mm and 300mm square. The 300mm square section piles are for the building frame foundations; the 250mm square section piles are for the floor slab foundations. Some of the piles in a small area of the site were specified to be installed using minimal vibration methods due to their proximity to the London Tilbury rail line. Aarsleff was able to offer a continuous flight auger (CFA) solution for these piles, with its new Soilmec SF50 rig. Aarsleff is scheduled to complete its piling works before Christmas with construction to be complete and ready for lease in the third quarter of 2020. Senior technical estimator Dan Coe said: “It is also great to be working with A&H Construction again this year, having installed precast concrete piles in July for them on a new retail development off Newport Road in Cardiff.”
If you’ve ever worked in a big warehouse or ample storage, then a forklift is your best buddy. They are small vehicles, specially created for industrial purposes, and they do a great job at that. They have a fork and the front of the car, which can go up and down, and that’s basically it. They serve a great purpose in picking up pallets, stacking them, and putting them down. It may sound simple, and it is pretty simple. But, these vehicles are extensively used in the industry, and surprisingly, you need a certification in order to use one. And before you do so, it’s essential to know how they work, and how to use them. What are the critical components of a forklift? This vehicle is quite easy to understand, and it doesn’t have a lot of parts too. We’ll mostly focus on the truck frame, the counterweight, the mast, carriage, and power source. All of these parts serve a purpose. For starters, the truck frame is the central part of the cart, so to say. The wheels, mast, and counterweight are attached to it. That’s the base of the forklift. Secondly, the counterweight is an iron weight just below the seat. It’s attached to the truck frame, and its purpose is to balance out the weight that’s being lifted in the front. Click here to read more. The cast is the metal part in the front that serves to move the forks up and down. It’s fixed on a pair of rails so it can efficiently perform the movement. And additionally, the mast is attached, which is the vertical part that pushes the loads and lifts them up. For these two parts, rollers are an essential part that allows them to move. Where are these vehicles mainly used? As a vital part of today’s dock and storage world, forklifts have shaped the industries as well. They can also be used in construction sites, warehouses, recycling operations, and snowplows. At construction sites, they serve as a tool that can transport heavy materials from a truck to the site. Nowadays, most construction companies have their own forklift for added efficiency and speed. On the other hand, warehouses can’t function properly without the help of these fantastic devices. Here there is an extensive range of forklifts ranging from pedestrian ones to driver-operated ones. They vary in size and function. They can be from regular pallet carrying capacity and all the way up to 50 tons that’s used for transporting shipping containers. And finally, some people just buy an extension for the forklift rather than purchasing a snowplow or hiring one. It’s much more comfortable, much cheaper, and way more fun. Here’s some more info: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/11/forklift-truck-driver-saved-by-health-and-safety Do you need a driver’s license or a forklift license to operate one? Every operator who wants to drive and operate one of these vehicles needs to have a license. This is because there are so many types of industrial equipment. They include rough terrain forklifts, narrow-aisle, man lifts, sit-downs, stand-ups, pallet jacks, and order pickers. No matter what is type that you need to drive, you need to have a license. But, contrary to popular belief, you only need a forklift license and not a driver’s one. The good thing about this is that getting a license is easy and affordable. You just need to pass over a load of safety regulations. And they are quite crucial because mistakes happen every day, and not paying attention can cause a lot of problems and damage in a warehouse or a construction site. There are a few classes that you can take. If you are interested, you can just check online and type “Forklift Certification near me”. Those include electric motor rider trucks, narrow aisle trucks, hand or rider trucks, internal combustion engine trucks, and tractors. Once you are done with the training, you are good to go, and you can just print out your license. As well as that, this certification is valid for three years, and you just need to resubmit it to make it valid for another three years. The even better news is that the training necessary for the renewal is free. So you hit two flies with one stone.
High Path in Merton has won the Urban Design and Masterplanning award at the Landscape Institute Awards 2019. In its 90th year, the awards recognise projects and individuals that create places that connect people, place and nature, and make a positive contribution to people’s lives. High Path forms part of Clarion Housing Group’s wider Merton regeneration project, which is one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes. While the site is well located on the edge of the Wandle River ecological corridor near Wimbledon and benefits from great links to central London, the former layout left it as a tangle of competing uses and illegible streetscapes. As such, the estate was dislocated from its surrounding neighbourhood and its socio-economic profile was found to have higher levels of deprivation compared to the wider London Borough of Merton, and these were predicted to exacerbate over time without social or physical intervention. In 2012, Clarion Housing Group appointed PRP’s architecture and landscape architect teams to develop a masterplan for the phased regeneration of the estate, which focused on the needs of the existing community and anticipated the requirements of future generations. PRP’s collaborative design celebrates the area’s character and rich history by reconnecting existing Victorian streets to the north of Merton High Street with the estate’s southern edge at High Path. A number of character areas are included, which together with distinct neighbourhoods will help High Path become a unique and memorable place. At the heart is a new park that responds to the existing urban infrastructure and creates desire lines from north to south and east to west, along inner streets. Landscaped areas with lush planting, sensory gardens, simple paths, and play areas create a multifunctional green haven for all ages, all year around. This is bookended by hard landscaping to the south and north providing contrast, whilst drawing people in from Merton High Street. Another key part of the Landscape team’s design is to create a destination on the edge of Wandle River ecological corridor. This will be encouraged by cycle paths and planting referencing the work of William Morris, leader of the arts and crafts movement and who once ran a textile mill at Merton Abbey on the banks of the river. Angeli Ganoo-Fletcher, Landscape Director at PRP, said: “PRP has a passion to deliver true places and this is a key driver in our design approach. It also mirrors the philosophy of our client Clarion Housing Group, who has adopted Jan Gehl’s principles: First life, then spaces, and then buildings, as the other way around never works. With this in mind, we developed our vision for High Path in collaboration with the local community to ensure it becomes a sustainable and high-quality neighbourhood. The design promotes inclusion and diversity and is fully integrated with its surroundings to last for successive generations.” Paul Quinn, Director of Merton Regeneration at Clarion said: “We are extremely pleased that High Path has been recognised for this important award. “Clarion is passionate about developing vibrant, mixed and well-designed communities and working with PRP, we have designed a scheme that will enhance and celebrate the area’s identity, character and historical heritage, while delivering high quality housing to the area.” Once complete, Clarion’s Merton regeneration project will include 2,800 new homes across three neighbourhoods. The project will rehouse all existing tenants and resident homeowners while providing an additional 1,800 properties for sale and rent, helping boost Merton’s supply of high-quality new housing.
The leading trade body representing builders has today called on the construction sector and any future Government, to act now if they are to meet the 2050 zero carbon target. With construction directly influencing 47% of UK carbon emissions and 61% of UK waste1, the sector is a critical part of the radical change needed. The National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) Major Contractors Group (MCG) launches its ‘Transforming Construction for a Low Carbon Future’ report at midday today, warning that the construction industry must be transformed within a generation, otherwise it will have failed the country and the Government will fail in its zero carbon ambitions. Speaking at the launch, NFB’s Chairman, Nick Sangwin, said, “This Report is not a document to sit on shelves gathering dust, it is designed to galvanise the sector into action, to see the opportunities and to lead the way towards zero carbon by 2050. It is critical that those within the construction sector are stepping forward and implementing a real step-change in the way they do business.” Mark Wakeford, Chair of the NFB’s Major Contractors Group, commented: “The year 2050 might seem a long time away but it’s really not much time to radically change our industry. We must start now and the Government, in whatever guise they return, must lead the way and make this a firm priority post election. Anyone still operating the same way as they are today in 20 years’ time will be lucky to still be in business. There are no excuses: Government, contractors, the supply chain, manufacturers, designers and the trades must all embrace the challenge now, as highlighted in our recommendations. “To make this happen, domestic housing requires a Government spend of £15 billion a year, industrial and commercial property and infrastructure requires up to £10 billion a year, flood defences £1 billion a year, and the power sector £20 billion a year. But it’s about more than just money: the transformation required in the construction industry is multi-faceted and it is critical that Industry and Government take a joined-up approach to bring together developments in skills, procurement, design, products and materials, transport and more. “The report we are launching today is a call-to-arms, we’re telling the Government and the industry alike to wake up to the reality of zero carbon and act now.” While the Report warns against the risks of not acting now, it also spells out the huge opportunities that exist across the sector, including domestic, industrial, flood defence, the power sector and transport. It looks at funding streams, the transformation of skills, procurement and design, and innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions and waste. The report has contributions from a wide range of organisations with an interest in the sector, including: the CBI, the CITB, Constructing Excellence, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Laing O’Rourke and Nottingham City Council. Find the interactive report at https://www.builders.org.uk/nfb-groups/nfb-major-contractors-group/mcg-carbon-report-november-2019/
A school is a world in itself. A self-contained eco-system which, like our wider world, is experiencing over-crowding, with class sizes rising, and a distracted population, and ever-more social media outlets clamouring for attention. For this, teachers face more and more challenges each day, and when it comes to engaging and holding students’ attention, they need all the help they can get. This is where the school’s physical environment comes into play. Here, Ian Clarke, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions’ commercial technical manager, outlines a few ways the ceiling itself can aid and promote learning, as well as some of the critical considerations for designing spaces in which learning can thrive. Sound principles Research clearly shows acoustics have a profound impact on learning. In their study of two schools in London, for example, Evans and Maxwell1 concluded that poor acoustics can result in many students struggling to understand one in four words spoken. And, as classroom sizes grow and teachers strain to be overheard, acoustic performance in a ceiling is always the first thing architects turn to for aiding learning. However, it’s not as simple as it may seem. Minimising classroom din is not just about specifying ceilings with the highest levels of sound absorption because while diminishing class noise, it would – by extension – mute teachers’ voices, leading to vocal strain and fatigue for tutors, and classes being unable to hear lessons. A balance is needed between sound absorption and attenuation, between removing and reflecting sound to enable students to hear and teachers to be heard. Light learning Research has also shown a conclusive link between the provision of natural light and academic success – with one study2 showing that students working in classrooms with higher levels of daylight achieve 7% to 18% higher test scores. Another – Clever Classrooms3 – suggests that classroom design has a c25% impact, positive or negative, on students’ academic progress. Flooding interiors with natural light is a way not just to improve student performance but also to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Combining highly-white, highly-reflective mineral ceiling tiles with larger windows or floor-to-ceiling glazing is an easy solution but again, it’s key to maintain balance. Too much natural light can cause eye strain or create glare for students and staff alike, so reflectance must be balanced with diffusion. Stimulating design Every architect wants to create stimulating spaces for learning but there’s a wealth of complications in designing ceilings for learning environments. For example, in classrooms accommodating children with special educational needs, the ceiling specification requires particular consideration to avoid designs that could exacerbate their conditions. Best practice, in line with UK Government standards like BB93, also includes minimising reverberation, keeping ceilings low (below 2.4m) and using Class A absorbent finishes. A balance needs to be maintained between aesthetics and practicality. While exposed soffits may help reduce schools’ heating footprint, these carry their own problems for acoustics and aesthetics – a challenge that can be solved through the disguise of unsightly features using suspended ceilings and canopies. Context is everything Beyond sound, light and aesthetics, ceilings within the learning environment need to be safe and durable, compliant with legislation and meet the unique challenges of each environment. Other vital considerations are ease of installation and maintenance. Omni-directional tiles can eliminate many installation errors for an easier fitting process and reduced need for correction. There are also myriad issues to consider in ceiling placement, from pressure drops (and ‘fluttering’ when doors open) to dust collection and access to the plenum space above the ceiling. A world in itself So, we’ve addressed a few of the key concerns for how the ceiling can actively aid learning but the educational institution encompasses libraries and canteens, auditoria and offices, kitchens, cloakrooms, toilets and corridors too. Architects should take a comprehensive approach to ‘zoning’ throughout a school or college, with each zone part of a wider, self-contained ecosystem. A world in itself – that can make a world of difference to future generations. To learn more about how Armstrong Ceiling Solutions can help you create better spaces for learning, visit https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/applications/school-ceiling-tiles.html 1.Chronic Noise Exposure and Reading Deficits: The Mediating Effects of Language Acquisition. Gary W. Evans & Lorraine Maxwell, Environment and Behaviour – Volume 29, Number 5, Sep 01, 1997. 2.Daylighting Impacts on Human Performance in School. Lisa S Heschong, University of California, Santa Cruz. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society 31 (2) Sept 2013. 3.Clever Classrooms. Professor Peter Barrett Dr Yufan Zhang, Dr Fay Davies, Dr Lucinda Barrett. (University of Salford). Feb 2015.
The benefits of combining off-site construction with external wall insulation (EWI) are explored in a technical document produced by the British Board of Agrément in conjunction with EWI specialist STO. Aimed at specifiers, contractors and end clients, the literature outlines the many benefits of marrying the two solutions, from energy efficiency to time savings and increased build quality to improved on-site health and safety. “EWIs and off-site construction are perfect partners when system selection, design and testing are key considerations,” said BBA Test Services product manager George Bailey, who co-authored the document with David Tyndall, STO Director – Off-Site Construction Solutions (Western Europe). “EWIs can be applied to a wide range of off-site modular and panellised structures including timber, SIPS, reinforced concrete and various steel-based options that are proving increasingly popular for large multi-storey buildings. “Durability, thermal performance and long-term aesthetics rely on the performance of the system as a whole…performance is achieved through multiple components working together,” added Mr Bailey. “Therefore when considering design changes or multiple external finishes, careful attention must be paid to the implications these alternations may have on performance.” The literature also discusses technical elements to take into account, for example the spacing of structural elements within each modular unit to accommodate mechanical fixings and planning the EWI early in order to determine the entire system’s performance through structural and environmental testing. Manufacturers offer numerous types of EWI, including EPS, XPS, mineral wool, PIR, PUR and phenolic foam. This variety of material type and usage means there is no standard method of testing and assessing systems; careful consideration is therefore required to select from test requirements including fire and thermal performance, watertightness, resistance to wind loading and structural testing. “EWI products should be supported by robust testing carried out buy a UKAS-accredited testing facility such as the BBA,” said Mr Bailey. “The work of the BBA in establishing certification and testing parameters for EWIs has led to European-wide regulation with EOTA and provided guidance to the UK government.” To view the document, visit: https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/uploads/cmsfiles/Industry_voices_STO_web.pdf
In a statement issued on 9 December, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its support for Build UK’s Roadmap to Zero Retentions and encouraged industry to implement the new minimum standards when using cash retentions. The CLC’s support marks another significant milestone for the roadmap, which sets out specific actions in a phased approach for the construction industry to achieve zero retentions. Recent milestones delivered as part of the roadmap include publication of the retention policies of major public sector clients in November to provide increased transparency. This followed publication of the Minimum Standards on Retentions in July which aim to reduce the existing challenges with cash retentions. The CLC has urged construction firms and clients to adopt the minimum standards, which incorporate and build on the CLC’s commitment to abolish cash retentions. FIS chief executive said: “It is encouraging to see a unified approach, but I want to see a foot on the gas here. We’ve had enough of backstops and a backstop of 2025 is too far away, let’s rally and get this done by 2023. Retentions are an archaic way to manage quality and no longer fit for purpose. They undermine a positive culture and on balance I believe they contribute to the problem that they were designed to solve. Sadly I think we all know that and truth be told, all they are is a hangover of credit issues within the sector. So let’s get shot by 2023 at the latest, but also recognise that this is not the only place where the supply chain needs to improve in terms of payment. We still do the variations dance at the end of virtually every contract and use delay tactics to avoid paying til the last possible moment (sometimes sadly a moment too late for some companies), these are the shackles that hold this great sector back and contribute to stress and tension in the supply chain” Andy Mitchell, Co-Chair of the CLC, said: “The CLC believes that adopting the minimum standards will enable the industry to make progress towards the objective of achieving zero cash retentions by 2025. It will demonstrate commitment to the supply chain, whilst allowing the industry and its clients to adapt and improve standards of quality. Therefore, the CLC urges firms within the industry and construction clients, in both the public and private sectors, to support the roadmap and adopt the minimum standards, as a pragmatic means of improving prompt and fair payment practices and helping to create a stronger and more sustainable industry.” Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive of Build UK, said: “It is encouraging to receive the endorsement of the CLC for the work that we are doing to move towards zero retentions as part of our roadmap. Achieving zero retentions is a vital part of becoming a more collaborative and efficient sector, and our roadmap sets out practicable steps for the industry to implement as we move towards this goal.”
Plans for a massive logistics centre believed to be for online retailer Amazon have been unveiled by its developer. It is thought the online giant could create up to 3,500 jobs with the 1.6m sq ft logistics fulfilment centre next to the A66 in Darlington. The identity of the site’s operator has not been officially confirmed but national logistics developer db symmetry has secured a £120m letting at Symmetry Park and said the tenant is a ‘world-leading retailer’. Now db symmetry, in partnership with landowners Durham Cathedral, has unveiled how the development will look when finished, bringing a major economic asset to the Tees Valley. Construction for Symmetry Park is gaining momentum with the steelwork already completed for the first phase of the £100m logistics and distribution hub. ISG Construction is main contractor for the building. Symmetry Park, Darlington is a 90-acre site located on the A66, seven miles from Junction 57 of the A1 motorway and 20 miles from Tees Port. Since acquiring the site last November, db symmetry has secured planning consent for over 1.6m sq ft of B1, B2 and B8 uses and intends to gain outline consent for a further 500,000 sq ft on the remaining 37 acres. db symmetry recently hosted an event in Newcastle to officially launch the scheme to North East agents representing the potential occupier market with a strong marketing drive to showcase the key attributes of the site in terms of specification and location. With the potential to create around 3,500 new jobs and contribute £180m to the regional economy, the developer said Symmetry Park Darlington is a significant new asset for regional and national investment. Andrew Dickman, director at db symmetry said: “We are pleased to formally bring Symmetry Park Darlington to market as an exceptionally strong proposition to those seeking a base in the North East. Having already pre-let a significant proportion of the site to a high calibre operator, we are in a strong position with funding in place and full site infrastructure construction underway. “We can offer bespoke design and build options from 50,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft and potential for roadside amenities in the form of a hotel, a petrol filling station, drive through, restaurants and offices.” Colliers International is jointly advising db symmetry with Gent Visick and Carter Jonas. Durham Cathedral was represented by Carter Jonas. The project team includes Lichfields, GVA, Harris Partnership, JPG and Desco.
There are many reasons for a property owner to decide whether they want to repair their damaged, leaking roof or opt for a full roof replacement. In some instances it is not even up to the property owner, for example when insurance is involved. If you roof is damaged or leaking, you may be considering repairing the damaged area or investing money in a complete roofing system replacement. This article will cover some of the top things to consider when making this decision. Architectural Asphalt Roofing Shingles vs. Old Three-Tab Shingle Roofs The two main types of asphalt shingle roofs are, 1) old 3-tab shingles and, 2) architectural asphalt shingles. Many roofers prefer to only install architectural asphalt shingles. Hanover PA roofing contractor JWE owner Jeff W. Erb says that he never recommends 3-tab shingles, and only feels comfortable installing architectural asphalt shingle roofing. “I have been working on roofs for over 20 years and I’ve seen thousands of failed roofing systems. In my experience, the old 3-tab roofs are inferior to the newer architectural asphalt shingles in terms of durability and leak protection. Architectural asphalt shingles are more desirable not only because of their aesthetic appearance and the high-definition look they provide, but because of the lifetime warranty provided by roofing product manufacturers. It’ll be the last roof you ever need for your home”. Lifetime Warranty for Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roofs Erb is referring to the ‘out-of-the-wrapper’ warranty provided by shingle manufacturers like GAF, IKO and CertainTeed on their roofing products. Furthermore, roofing installers like JWE who are factory-certified by these manufacturers are able to register their customers new roofs for extended, full-coverage, “lifetime” warranties that exceed 30, 40 and even 50 years (depending on the manufacturer). These extended warranties are only available for architectural asphalt shingle roofing system installations, so if you have a 3-tab roof that is due for a replacement it is well worth the money to invest in an architectural asphalt shingle roof. When it comes to quick roof repairs, most roofers do not guarantee that their work will stop the leak for an extended period of time. In order to warranty their work, roofers want to know that their installation is done properly, and this just isn’t possible without removing the existing roof. Roofers therefore prefer to address the roofing system in its entirety, which we will discuss in the following section. Roofing System Anatomy: Components are Difficult to Repair, but a Roof Replacement Addresses the Entire System A building’s roof is more than just a layer of shingles or sheet metal. A roof is a system of barriers that work together to protect from water, leaks, wind, storms, hail, energy loss, and more – the shingles are simply the outermost visible layer of the roofing system. If that outer layer of shingles has failed to the point of water leaking into the home, it is likely that there is damage to inner barriers like underlayment, roof deck plywood, flashing (like chimney- and step-flashing), vent-pipe boot leaks, and more. It is rarely the case that the source of the leak can be easily identified in a way that makes a simple repair possible without having to remove large sections of the roof. In most cases a full roof replacement is the most effective way to thoroughly repair the leak. During a full roof replacement all the components of the roofing system are replaced, and the roofer is therefore confident that their installation will last for decades to come. NOTE: Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular, and if your asphalt shingle roof is due for a replacement you may want to be one of the many homeowners who are considering updating to metal roofing like standing seam, metal shingles or corrugated steel. They are far more durable, last much longer, and are unlikely to leak or suffer storm damage. Some types are not much more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs. Learn more about metal roofing services costs, benefits, etc. Dealing with Insurance Claims for Roof Damage Caused by Storms and other Covered Perils Roofs are the most common part of a house that are paid for by insurance companies. Most roofing contractors have the majority of their work paid for by homeowners insurance, and they are all painfully aware of the fact that these insurers have a profit motive to pay out as little as possible. This usually results in approval for bare-minimum repairs rather than full replacements. Ultimately this causes more hassle for the homeowner, who will inevitably have to shell out money for future repairs or a full roof replacement sooner than they would have otherwise had to. It is possible for savvy homeowners to get the most out of their insurance provider for their roof damage repair claim if they hire the right roofing contractor, many of whom are partnered with public insurance adjusters who are experts at getting claims approved. They are usually hired on a contingency contract that holds the homeowner accountable for no more than their deductible. Hiring a professional loss adjuster like this is a win-win for owners dealing with home damage because the contractor’s goal is to get the full extent of work approved and paid for. CONCLUSION: Most Professional Roofers Recommend a Full Roof Replacement The fact that most roofers usually recommend replacing a leaking or damaged roof is not a dishonest ploy to upsell property owners. As we explained above, it is hard for a professional roofing contractor to guarantee a small repair because it’s almost always impossible to determine the source and cause of the leak. Furthermore, roofing manufacturers do not warranty their products unless the installation of three or more roofing system components accompanies their shingles, so anything short of a replacement is missing the opportunity for a lifetime warranty. The good news is that a roof replacement is often the last roof a homeowner will need to get. The lifetime warranty on architectural asphalt shingle roofs is transferable to the next