Kabi Flat Roofing West London

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London Flat Roofing (Guide)

Everything you need to know about London Flat Roofing is compiled in this blog by expert flat roofers: Kabi Flat Roofing. Like Paul Erdos said “Another roof, another proof”, flat roofs are among the most favoured types of roofs for homes and buildings because of their easy-to-clean and maintain nature.”

Flat roofs are commonly found on commercial buildings, outbuildings, large structures, and sometimes residential properties. There are many types of flat roofs including thermoplastic membrane flat roof (PVC or TPO), build up roofs (BUR), rubber membrane flat roof (EPDM), modified bitumen flat roof, spray-on flat roof, metal flat roof, green flat roof system, concrete flat roof, liquid roofing systems, sheet roofing systems, etc.

Liquid Roofing Systems

Liquid roofing systems have become popular among architects, contractors, and other construction industry professionals. This is a highly effective roofing solution that creates a durable, lightweight, and waterproof barrier between the interior of your building and the exterior conditions.

Sheet Roofing Systems

Metal and plastic are the most common types of roof sheets. Other options include fibre cement, bitumen, and polystyrene, etc. You must conduct thorough research on ‘flat roof specialists near me’, before setting out to buy the most suitable sheets as per your requirements.

London Flat Roofing – How It Works

Londoners must know the workings, advantages, and disadvantages of London flat roofing if they are planning to get flat roofs installed.

Flat Roof Construction 

A typical flat roof is made out of several components which all serve different purposes. Roofing contractors ensure that your roof has a fall of a minimum of 1:80 for a smooth surface like plastic or corrugated metal. For felt and other coarse roofing materials, a fall of 1:60 is required. 

Since the roofs are flat, the fall is necessary as they allow the rainwater to shed. If the ratio is disturbed, it can result in standing water in the form of puddles. These puddles are a common cause of flat roof water leaks when the layering shatters and the pooled water escapes through the roof.

New Flat Roof – Decking

A flat base of a minimum thickness of 18mm is required to lay on the roof encasing. Depending on the building, insulation can be used to construct a ‘warm roof’ build-up. 

Some flat roofing venting methods and systems require an expansion gap between the decking boards. Flat roof construction details like these must be focused on while planning to hire a London flat roofing contractor.

Flat Roof Insulation

Flat roof insulation is used to make a room feel warmer in winters and cooler in summers. Although the most commonly used materials are polystyrene (EPS or XPS), wood fibre, and cellular glass, the best is still considered to be foam and is often found in modern constructions. You can install warm flat roofing insulation by placing the material on top of the roof, and cold flat roofing insulation by placing the insulation materials between the joists. 

Cold flat roofing has a lower cost and is considered ideal for outbuildings, where warm flat roof insulation is not a necessity. Choosing the material for your thermal flat roofing insulation depends on many factors, such as the arrangement of layers, the roof’s slope, the type of roof, etc., none of which can be ignored. 

NOTE: the process of insulation differs for ventilated and non-ventilated roofs.

Importance

If you want to improve on your property’s Energy Performance Certificate, reduce condensation, and achieve a reduction in energy usage as well as your energy bills, warm flat roof insulation will work wonders for you.

London Flat Roofing Guides

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Construction

The construction of flat roofing is simple and easy. The contractors are unlikely to run into major difficulties, which mean smaller bills.

Maintenance

The cleaning and maintenance of flat roofs are also easy because of easy access to the roofs. Removal of algae, mould, stains, and other harmful agents is not a tough job if the roof is flat. 

Efficient 

Flat roofs are energy efficient, depending on the materials used and the location of the building. Homeowners have experienced up to a whopping savings of 30 to 40 % with a flat roof. This is also one of the few ‘go green’ options made possible by Atactic Polypropylene (APP).

Flat Roof Repairs

When it comes to flat roofing, the repairs are said to be as easy as their installations. The repairing and recoating costs of flat roofing systems are also cheaper than other roofing options. Hence, it is possible to get flat roof repairs without breaking your bank. 

Added Useable Space

Flat roofs provide more reusable space because of their flat design. You can utilise the free space for a rooftop garden, solar panels, or whatever setting according to your liking. 

Durability

With roofing systems, durability is of utter importance, as you cannot go around making repairs or installations all the time. A flat roof is the most durable of all roofing types; it is water-resistant so you can stop worrying about any water damages. A flat concrete roof is the best as it offers a high level of protection against harsh climates. Flat roofs also present a lesser risk of fallouts.

Disadvantages

Limited Choice

The material options for a flat roofing system are limited. You have to choose from TPO, EPDM, rubber, Bitumen, and a few more. These materials are inexpensive but don’t have a long life as compared to other stronger roofing options. 

Build-up and Accumulation

Accumulated water and frozen snow are not the only problems that can occur on a flat roof. Leaves, dirt, debris, twig, and other similar threats can cause gutter clogging. You can avoid a clogged drain by regularly inspecting and proper cleaning and timely maintenance.

Drainage Issues

The biggest disadvantage of a flat roofing system is poor drainage or its lack thereof. This makes regular checkups even more important. If you neglect your roof’s cleanliness, you are causing clogging by means of snow and water. You want to clean out the drains as needed and be sure to use a waterproof seal regularly to prevent leaks. 

Note: there are no slopes for the water or snow to slide down.

London Flat Roofing Guide
A Full Range of Roofing Services

Roofers re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows, and replace lead sheeting and cladding [1]. While you are looking to hire London flat roofing contractors, make sure that they offer a full range of roofing services. The company must:

  • Provide roof surveys and roof estimates;
  • Be flat roof specialists, with enough experience in flat roof windows, and flat roof skylights, etc.
  • Have the option of fibreglass roofing in London. 
Leading UK Flat Roofing Contractor

Kabi Flat Roofing are the leading London flat roofing contractors in the UK, whether you need services in the west or east London. We provide multiple services like pitched roof, ply roofing, flat roofing, and all types of roofing repairs.

Bespoke Flat Roof Design in London

If you want to have unique London flat roofing that stands out from the neighbourhood, contact us now. Our experts are forever ready to oblige.

Specialist Roofing and Waterproofing Services

For any type of expert roofing services including waterproofing services, roofing repairs, or new flat roof installations, your first choice must be Kabi Flat Roofing, the best London flat roofing professionals.

People Also Ask
  1. What is the best type of roof for a flat roof?

The best type of roof for a flat roof is PVC. It offers several benefits despite being expensive as compared to the other roofing materials available in the market. It is considered one of the best London flat roofing materials because it is easy to maintain and has a long lifespan. PVC is also an ideal roofing material because of its reflective white colour which ultimately lowers the energy bills of the building or home.

  1. How much does it cost to Refelt a flat roof in the UK?

Flat roof replacement cost in the UK falls between the average of £700-£1,300, depending on which materials are being used, whether your roof needs scaffolding or not, the size of the roof, etc. Different London flat roofing applications have varying costs, for instance, felt roofing can cost in the range of £40 and £60 per m2.

  1. How long does a flat asphalt roof last?

A flat asphalt roof can last from 10 to 30 years, depending on several factors. Asphalt coverings use a layer of felt combined with molten asphalt and topped with a coating of gravel. Even though this is a cheap flat roofing option, they last about 10 years or so. Moreover, asphalt roofing tends to last up to 30 years in warm climatic regions. 

  1. How much of the roof is flat?

A roof is considered flat if more than 25% of it slopes less than 10 degrees. The slope is usually 1-10 degrees but can go up to 12.5 degrees. This is one of the reasons why contractors ask you how much of your roof is flat when applying for a flat roof insurance policy.  
Get in touch with Kabi Flat Roofing for any queries about London flat roofing.

References

  1. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/roofer

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