Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020,
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’
Permaroof has completed 24,000 orders in 2019 marking its most successful year to date and the highest number of orders in its 19-year history. The significant milestone follows four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000
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
RCM are delighted to announce that three further products have successfully achieved the prestigious BBA accreditation. Through extensive testing RCM have secured BBA approval for its Supertech Weatherboard, Multipurpose sheathing board and Renderflex render carrier board. The BBA – British Board of Agrement was initially set up back in 1966
Have you ever noticed a house whose roof looks curved and drooping instead of straight and wondered what is happening? This is a sagging roof. It can range from a simple problem to a more complicated one where you need a professional. This can be worrying. A little sag does
Permaroof has strengthened its ambitious expansion plans with a new major appointment. Terry O’Hare has been named the roofing specialist’s new regional sales manager for the south of England. He will help cement and further develop the firm’s presence in the region through strong relationships with both merchant stockists and
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of the region’s leading housing associations, converted it into 120 residential flats in the 1980’s. Midland Heart asked roofing contractor Hodgson Sayers to survey both flat and pitched roofs on the multi-storey building and advise whether repair or replacement was needed to meet current building regulations. In turn, Hodgson Sayers invited manufacturer BMI to survey and provide specifications for renewing the flat and pitched roofs because the poor condition of the existing roofs ruled out repair as an option. A BMI flat roofing system comprising areas of BMI Sealoflex liquid waterproofing and BMI Icopal bituminous waterproofing and insulation was specified for the flat roofs, and BMI Redland Cambrian tile on the pitched roofs. The Welsh-made Cambrian tile slate replicates the original slate roofing, and so meets Birmingham City Council’s conservation policy whilst offering a robust modern material that withstands severe weather conditions. “Midland Heart chose BMI because it not only met the design brief, it provided support and on-site supervision throughout the project,” said Rob Kraska, Senior Contracts Manager (planned), Midland Heart. “The BMI SpecMaster service also provides a 15-year guarantee for further reassurance. The use of Redland’s Cambrian tile slate also enabled us to meet conservation guidelines and, because it is made from recycled Welsh slate, our own environmental criteria.” He explained that the housing association had previously used different manufacturers for the flat and the pitched roofing which had caused issues, usually at the point where the two different systems met, and delays while responsibility for repair was established. “BMI Icopal and BMI Redland systems work perfectly together as they complement each other technically with the bonus of looking good. Furthermore, BMI has taken full responsibility for the design of all construction details to ensure the systems are streamlined.” The £1.2m project, which took over a year to complete, involved stripping the existing waterproofing back to the deck, repairing damaged areas and installing an insulated three-layer bituminous system. The work included dealing with the common issues of raising upstands, water checks and altering outlets and other penetrations. There were more unusual challenges too as some of the confined areas meant alternative build-ups and products had to be found. For instance, a new gutter layout had to be designed for the inner court yards to remove standing water and the complexity of the top gutters meant Sealoflex liquid waterproofing was deployed to ensure the installation was waterproof. Sealoflex was also used in conjunction with bitumen to seal the window cleaning rig support structure. “One of the greatest challenges was carrying out this lengthy project with the least disruption possible to the 180 Midland Heart tenants living in the flats,” added Kraska. “The contractors had to maintain safe access for residents at all times and strictly adhere to their own working areas. Scaffolding had to be constructed around the exterior of the apartments so that the construction team could access the different roofs, and also provide an edge protection to the entire building. “It was also essential that large quantities of roofing material were removed safely and transported quickly from the site as there is very little on-site storage and the building lies between two busy roads on the edge of Birmingham’s bustling Jewellery Quarter.” John Sayers, director of Hodgson Sayers, said: “Working together the project was carried out and completed within the required timescale. We have worked with BMI on various projects over the years and we were comfortable with the proposed products and the capability of its site team. Hodgson Sayers has a strong reputation for quality and to maintain that reputation we need to install high quality materials and BMI`s products certainly fit the bill.”
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020, it’s been two amazing consecutive months for the Derbyshire-based team with the likelihood of a healthy July too. This follows reports of 2019 being its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed: the highest figure in its history. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, attributes the success to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team, and diversification into new services and products. Adrian said: “Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic – such as supply issues, merchants closing, and roofing projects being delayed or put on hold – our team has managed to buck the trend and deliver amazing results that are a true testament to the service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we have with customers nationwide.” After increasing its warehouse capacity in 2019, as well as broadening its offering by acquiring The Skylight Company and becoming the sole distributor of Permafence, the team met the challenges posed by coronavirus rapidly and decisively. Additional stock had already been purchased in preparation for Brexit, ensuring ample supply to meet any level of demand from contractors, many of which still needed to fix damaged and leaking roofs in need of urgent maintenance. New products were also added to Permaroof’s portfolio including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely, while investment in the team was crucial with a strong focus on marketing and a new marketing co-ordinator recruited to push out a formal communications strategy. At the same time, Permaroof adapted its offering to work closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. Adrian continued: “Clear communication to both staff and customers has been vital. Pushing forward with marketing has allowed us to do this while reinforcing our brand and putting out messages of stock availability at a really important time. I have no doubt that this has been crucial to breaking our sales records during the UK lockdown. “I hope that our success proves that there is still opportunity out there for UK SMEs and that the building and construction sector is ready to bounce back and thrive. We’re certainly committed to supporting both the contractors and merchants we work with and hope that the next quarter is as positive for them all.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age old problems.” They offer this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Originally built in 2006, Pier 6 is designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, so the scale of the project was massive – 6300m2 of roof. The main contractor, Mace, appointed Itech Roofworks to remove the existing single ply, replace damaged sections of plywood, build bunding and subsequently weatherproof with the Sealoflex Ultima liquid system. A working airport such as Heathrow needs products that can be installed without affecting its operations, so Sealoflex solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing and FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane were specified. Sealoflex Ultima is virtually odourless when it is applied while FireSmart Pyrobar is self-adhesive and can be installed very quickly once the existing single-ply membrane is stripped out. The BMI technical team were tasked with supplying a roofing system with improved fire performance characteristics. BMI met this challenge and developed a bespoke solution for this specialist application; by incorporating BMI Icopal’s innovative FireSmart technology to the specific bituminous and liquid elements of the system. “Both of these are bespoke solutions devised especially for this project,” explains Simon Ashworth, Synthetics & Liquids Product Manager. Simon had surveyed the roof with Construction Director Hayley Reynolds and found that several sections exhibited signs of long-term water damage and required replacing. Together they devised a working plan that allowed the damaged sections of plywood to be replaced without interrupting the day-to-day activities of the busy terminal. Use of the Pyrobar Carrier layer permitted a swift removal and replacement of the existing single ply, constantly maintaining the waterproofing integrity of Pier 6. Even when weather stopped the roofing teams working on-site, Itech Roofworks would look to pre-laminate replacement sections of plywood to minimise any lost time and future interruptions. Hayley Reynolds, Construction Director, says: “Mike Street and Simon Ashworth from BMI put a lot of work into the tender and their knowledge and support during the project was invaluable.” Hayley’s mission was to oversee the refurbishment ‘airside’ – right next to superjumbo jets landing and taking off – without disrupting the operation of the airport. “Managing logistics, getting materials and staff on and off-site while dealing with security and a working airport was definitely challenging,” says Hayley. “As main contractor, Mace co-ordinated the project to ensure that this was achieved smoothly so the programme ran to schedule.” The scale of the project meant setting up five teams, a total of 50 operatives, on both day and night shifts, every one of whom walked more than 10 km each day. Their task was also complicated by the plant rooms on the roof which meant they had to work around and under all the pipework and ducting, often on their hands and knees. The night shift stripped out the existing mechanically-fixed single-ply and installed FireSmart Pyrobar Carrier Membrane to the existing plywood substrate to create a weatherproof roof. The day shift then applied Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free waterproofing membrane if weather permitted or prefabricated the replacement sections. The restricted working spaces on the project posed significant challenges and required a highly skilled and experienced team of installers, a member of which went on to win Craftsman of the Year at the IMA Awards 2019 in recognition of the skills he demonstrated on this project. “The technical support from BMI that underpins the 20-year guarantee was very good,” comments Hayley. “We’re very familiar with the products yet it’s always important to ensure that you’re following best practice and getting the details correct.” To make sure that workmanship met the highest standards, each team had a quality manager who marked up drawings, wrote daily reports, and inspected all aspects of the installation. Now one of the world’s busiest airport terminals, catering for the world’s largest passenger aircraft, is covered by BMI and will not need anything but routine maintenance for decades. “We’re delighted with the result of this project as it truly demonstrates how we can add value for both the client and the roofing contractor,” says Simon. “We worked together closely and came up with a bespoke solution for a very challenging situation. We not only delivered a customised solution to meet the project needs for the client, but we also supported our approved contractor in developing a way of working effectively on a terminal that’s operating 24 hours a day, every day.” Ideal for situations where a site is operational during roofing works, Sealoflex Ultima solvent-free liquid-applied waterproofing is virtually odour-free so there is no disruption to the use of the building It is also very flexible, so that awkward penetrations to plant and equipment supports are easily waterproofed, and it benefits from wet-on-wet application, allowing faster application as the primary waterproofing elements can be applied in a single operation. The result is a robust and seamless surface finish. Simple to install, Pyrobar Underlay will waterproof exposed areas very quickly, so it lends itself to re-roofing projects where the existing membrane build-up is stripped out. This polyester reinforced SBS-modified bituminous membrane features an upper surface that is finished with Red Syntan acrylic coating. This coating reduces the weight of the material, making it easier to handle on-site whilst also providing the ideal surface to receive the Sealoflex Ultima liquid waterproofing system. For more details of BMI UK & Ireland’s flat and pitched roofing solutions, visit www.bmigroup.com/uk
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence names to its offering, Lily is tasked with further strengthening each individual company in addition to the parent Permaroof UK Ltd brand, heading up all communications activity and implementing formal marketing strategies. Lily said: “Permaroof is a leading name in the flat roofing market; it has a strong reputation for strategic growth at an impressive rate. It was this market position and the company’s move into new markets, such as fencing and artificial grass, that held great appeal as a marketeer. “Permaroof is run as a really tight-knit friendly business, which extends to its relationship with customers. This is not only enjoyable as an employee, but it’s a fantastic basis for the formal marketing strategy that will be rolled out throughout 2020.” Permaroof, which has its head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has grown rapidly since it started trading as a family business in 1999. Over the past five years, the firm has tripled its turnover. In 2019, the business celebrated its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed; the highest figure in its 19-year history. This significant milestone followed four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000 sq ft of racking to its Derbyshire head office in early 2019, allowing the addition of new product lines, as well as increasing its sales force by eight to form a nationwide team of 37. Managing director Adrian Buttress said: “Lily’s appointment reflects the growth that we achieved in 2019 and our ambition to keep down this path with the aid of a clear and recognisable brand. I’m delighted to welcome Lily to support the evolution of our products and services which continues to progress quickly, even during the coronavirus pandemic.” During the outbreak, Permaroof reacted swiftly to adapt its offering to begin working closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. As a result, Permaroof is now supplying its Firestone RubberGard EPDM roofing system to four different modular projects – including Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guilford, Bristol Royal Infirmary and Chesterfield Royal. For further information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk.
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’ to reopen parts of society – highlighting construction and manufacturing as an example of an industry where returning to work would now be explicitly encouraged. With this in mind, Adrian Buttress, managing director at Permaroof, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, shares his top tips on how traders can continue to work effectively and safely with both suppliers and customers. He said: “Many roofing installers have continued to work throughout the pandemic and now, the rest of the industry is being encouraged to return to their jobs. We recommend contractors strictly implement the government’s social distancing requirements and avoid public transport to minimise the risk of spreading the virus and keep the public – as well as themselves – safe.” Be organised when collecting materials “Despite lots of workers now being encouraged to go back into their workplace, this doesn’t mean everything will go back to as it was pre-pandemic straight away. “At the moment, you’re probably not going to be able to go to a trade counter and decide what you need while there. You will need to know exactly what you want beforehand and pre-order the stock so the guidelines in place can be strictly adhered to. It’s also important to stay on top of stock checks so you know exactly what you have already to avoid placing unnecessary orders.” Expect delays “Most businesses are running on skeleton staff who will be working different shifts and will have changed their ways of working to continue trading, meaning processes may be slower. When ordering from the merchant counter, it’s likely your order may take longer to fulfil than normal. To avoid this impacting on your business, forward plan and place orders before stocks become critically low.” Organising quotations “When carrying out quotations, it’s important to communicate with customers clearly. Tell them to stay inside while you get up the ladder and take the measurements. The quotation can then be sent over email – offering a completely contactless service.” Offering a contactless service “Once you’ve got the materials and secured the job, work to pre-arrange any electricity extensions to be put outside the building so you don’t have to go inside the home. Also, it’s worth thinking about toilet facilities and how you’re going to access these safely while staying away from the customer. “Sadly, tea and coffee should be off the cards too and make sure you’re sanitising as you go along. Not only is all of the above good practice in terms of health and safety, it’s all good for the customer to see that you care about their wellbeing. “When it comes to roofs, things can go wrong and urgent maintenance and repairs sometimes need to be carried out without further delay to avoid problems down the line. However, it’s vital that these take place safely to avoid the further spread of the virus.” For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
Permaroof has completed 24,000 orders in 2019 marking its most successful year to date and the highest number of orders in its 19-year history. The significant milestone follows four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000 sq ft of racking to its Derbyshire head office in early 2019, allowing the addition of new product lines, as well as increasing its sales force by eight to form a nationwide team of 37. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, said: “This has been a stellar year for Permaroof in terms of the growth of our team, services and products. The resulting sales figures are testament to the quality of our staff and the service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we’ve built with merchants and contractors nationwide. “I’m incredibly proud not just of the number of sales but the types of projects we’re now working on. As we’ve recently launched into the commercial sector, we sold our largest roof to date at 12,000 m2. I’m similarly delighted that we trained more than 500 professionals through our in-house courses; working to improve standards of installation and the reputation of the flat roofing market throughout the UK.” The business also acquired The Skylight Company and became the sole distributor of Permafence in 2019, reflecting its strategy of offering high-quality, permanent solutions to age old building and DIY problems. Adrian continued: “Next year will see continued investment and growth; something that’s vital to continue the excellent support of the merchants and the contractors who work with us. We are looking to double our sales force to build even stronger ties across our customer network, launch a range of new, innovative products, and celebrate our 20th anniversary in style.”
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
RCM are delighted to announce that three further products have successfully achieved the prestigious BBA accreditation. Through extensive testing RCM have secured BBA approval for its Supertech Weatherboard, Multipurpose sheathing board and Renderflex render carrier board. The BBA – British Board of Agrement was initially set up back in 1966 by the government of the day. Today the BBA is an independent body, which provides extensive and independent testing of products designed for the construction industry. BBA accreditation supports today’s government by being an independent voice within the construction sector. Only products which meet the highest specifications will receive BBA approval as ‘fit for purpose’, bringing great reassurance and ultimately maintaining quality in the construction industry. RCM offers a wide portfolio of building boards and facades, with its popular A1 non-combustible Y-Wall fibre cement building board having already achieved BBA accreditation a few years ago. Recently, RCM applied for BBA accreditation for three additional products and after having undergone rigorous testing, an approval was achieved for all three. RCM are highly delighted with this prestigious outcome, confirming the outstanding quality of their sheathing boards, render carrier board and weatherboard façade. The latest BBA certifications pertain to three of RCM’s popular products: Firstly, Multipurpose, RCM’s A1 non-combustible, cellulose fibre cement building board. With its excellent strength, weathering and mechanical properties it is the perfect choice for multiple applications, especially for buildings over 18m. Secondly, Renderflex, RCM’s A2-s1,d0 fire rated cellulose fibre cement render carrier board, offering excellent strength, weathering and stability properties when used in conjunction with polymer renders. And finally, Supertech Weatherboard, a simple to install, fully ventilated cladding system, which has an appearance similar to that of traditional timber cladding but the durability and strength of cellulose fibre cement. The importance of an independent certificate demonstrates commitment to quality and is further proof of RCM responsibly operating in line with industry best practice and management systems. “We are very proud of achieving the acclaimed and trusted BBA certification for our products. This accreditation will further bring great reassurance to our customers and highlight the high-performance and reliability of RCM’s products. It also enables us to give confidence to architects, contractors and designers to specify and install the RCM range of materials, whether the product is being used on its own or forms part of an overall solution, both in internal and external applications. We believe that the BBA certification will open up new opportunities for RCM and help us to break into new sectors and markets. We look forward to ongoing business growth and the opportunities which will present themselves.” (Ian Quinton – Managing Director, RCM) About RCM: Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry. Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope for all building applications. RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, our extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects. CPD Seminars For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering: What a specifier needs to consider Board materials and benefits Board applications Work on site For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz.
Have you ever noticed a house whose roof looks curved and drooping instead of straight and wondered what is happening? This is a sagging roof. It can range from a simple problem to a more complicated one where you need a professional. This can be worrying. A little sag does not mean there is an imminent danger of its collapse. It is however a sign telling you to take some necessary actions. How Do You Know You Have a Sagging Roof? You will need to inspect it to know. You can check out a few ways to find out here. You can inspect it both from outside and inside. To inspect from inside the house, you need to get into the attic. Be sure you have a source of light bright enough to see every part. The roof should have a shape of a triangle combining the rafters and the beam that holds them. If you notice an unevenness when it is not designed that way, then you have a sagging roof. To inspect from outside, check from the side of the house and not from the end. See where the ridge of the roof is and measure with a straight plank or maybe a ruler. If it varies in contour from the straightedge, you most likely have a problem. If it is sagging, it can be repaired and reinforced. So, the earlier you detect it and take steps to correct it before it deteriorates into a bigger one, the better for you. Causes of Sagging Several individual factors may be responsible for sagging. It could also be a collection of these different individual factors. This website https://homereference.net/sagging-roof/ aims to explain these factors in detail. They include: Water Although Roofs are designed for optimal drainage, if the gutter system is flawed or a damaged shingle or any other thing impedes the flow of water from it, rainwater and snow can gather on it. Over time, due to poor ventilation in the attic, trapped moisture creates an environment for mold and mildew to grow which weakens it and causes it to deteriorate and sag. If this is the case, the first step will be to address the problem that eventually led to the sagging. Too Much Weight A roof is designed to handle a specific weight. Excess weight from ice and snow can cause it to sag. If you suspect this, call a professional to clear the ice. Also, structural problems and design issues like insufficient sheaths, undersized or inadequate number of rafters may not provide the needed support for the weight it is carrying. Excess layers of shingles and materials might also lead to too much weight. Inadequate Rafters and Joints Improperly constructed rafters or joints can lead to this. The weight of the roof pushes down on the ridge line then it is distributed to the rafters, joints and walls. A poorly constructed one will over time become structurally inadequate. Age An average roof lasts between 15 to about 30 years when properly maintained and based on the climate and weather of where you live. They start to deteriorate when they reach the end of their lifespan. Other Causes These may include poor quality of materials and faulty installation. This is a good reason to get good contractors to handle the installation process. Also, a sinking foundation can cause a house to sag and ultimately affect the roof. What to do Find out if your roof is sagging by carrying out a personal assessment of it. Contact a professional to assess it if it’s beyond you. Check your home insurance coverage to see if a roof repair or replacement is covered. If it is covered, get all the documents needed to file a claim for a repair or replacement. File a claim with the insurance company. Have a professional fix it as it as soon as possible. Conclusion If you notice or suspect any issue, it is wise to take steps to fix it immediately. This is so as not to make it worse and by implication, more expensive to fix. If left unrepaired, it could eventually cave in and can cause more damage to your house. It could also cause injury or death to someone. Don’t forget that there could be one or more combined reasons why it is sagging. Let the professional assess and check all possible scenarios so you are sure that the root cause is discovered and fixed.
Permaroof has strengthened its ambitious expansion plans with a new major appointment. Terry O’Hare has been named the roofing specialist’s new regional sales manager for the south of England. He will help cement and further develop the firm’s presence in the region through strong relationships with both merchant stockists and installers. “Terry’s appointment is a statement of our ambition. He knows the sales industry inside out and for him to join us speaks volumes about our success and plans for the future. I’m delighted to welcome Terry to our experienced team as we continue to grow and expand our presence, staff numbers and product offering,” commented on the appointment managing director Adrian Buttress. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in sales to the role, with around 16 years being within the roofline and fenestration industry. “This is an exciting time to be joining Permaroof. The company has big plans for the future and I’m looking forward to being part of those ambitions,” said Terry O’Hare. “I pride myself on delivering a high standard of service and offering an individual and tailored customer approach. Sales is a fascinating industry as it’s people-focused, meaning that no two days are the same. The growth opportunities in the south of England are unbelievable and I’m exciting to start raising Permaroof’s profile in this area and showcasing what the firm has to offer to a new customer base,” Terry added. Permaroof is also looking to fill an additional four sales roles for the south east, as well as internal sales positions, by the end of October.
