As one of the most popular roofing materials on the market, slate has been used within the roofing industry for hundreds of years! With this said, many homeowners tend not to question the process that is undertaken in order to obtain slate and utilise it to protect a property from the wrath of Mother Nature. Luckily, the team here at Valent Roofing want to educate our readers which is why we have decided to go over everything there is to know about the product process of slate tiles from quarry to roof. Read on to find out more information…

What is slate?

By definition, slate is a metamorphic rock that comes from a shale-type sedimentary rock and it is formed over millions upon millions of years during a process known as bedding. In fact, intense geological forces involved in the creation of mountain ranges were also integral to the formation of slate as this allowed the minerals to become metamorphosed.

How is slate removed from the earth?

Since slate is a naturally forming rock, it must be extracted from deep within the earth from a quarry with the use of specialist machinery. Contrary to belief, slate is not mined as the tiles that are placed on a roof and is generally obtained from a quarry in the form of a slab. It is then cut into smaller blocks that can be easily transported to a nearby factory.

How is slate treated after mining?

After slate blocks are removed from a quarry, they are categorised based on quality and potential and sawn into an appropriate shape. The slate that is destined for roofing is then transported to a shaping craftsman who will hand split the blocks to the desired thickness of a roofing tile before bevelling the edges.  The very end of the production process is completed with a quality and classification inspection before the slate tiles are packaged for delivery.

Here at Valent Roofing, we believe that affordability, longevity and sustainability are the secret to a high-quality roofing material. Luckily, slate is a naturally occurring rock and a high-quality roof made from the tiles can last for over a century with the right attention to detail and maintenance. To find out more information about slate and other eco-friendly roofing materials, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!

Here at Valent Roofing, we see far too many residential and commercial properties that have suffered due to a lack of insulation. After all, many people presume that the roofing material will be able to provide all the additional benefits of insulation when they are actually two separate implementations that must be installed effectively in order to work together in harmony. Read on as we go over three benefits of investing in roof insulation…

Longevity

It is safe to say that a property with effective preservation measures in place will last much longer than one without. After all, insulation ensures that a home is protected against the ever-changing UK weather and that the rain, wind, snow and sunshine doesn’t damage both the interior and exterior. As a result, the implementation of insulation can help prolong the lifespan of a roof and the material it is made from.

Energy Savings

Running a property can be expensive and it is important to find the most suitable energy usage value. With this said, a lack of insulation can make this process harder as heat energy rises and will be able to escape through a poorly insulated roof. As a result, many homeowners may find that they spend more money trying to keep their property warm, particularly during the winter. Luckily, insulation can improve energy usage and even help property owners save money overtime.

Durability

A high-quality insulation installation is not for the faint-hearted, however many property owners choose to see it as an investment for the future. After all, insulation is also a protective feature that can help a roofing material withstand the brutality of Mother Nature. As a result, insulation can improve the durability of a roof and contribute to its protective qualities.

Although we do not specialise in the implementation of roof insulation, the team here at Valent Roofing recognise how important it is. After all, a lack of insulation or poor-quality installation can have lasting damage on a roof and the material that it is made from and this can leave property owners out of pocket. To find out more information about insulation, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!

A roof made from the right materials can last a lifetime with the right maintenance and here at Valent Roofing, we believe that eco-friendly alternatives are the best choice for both commercial and residential property owners alike. After all, there are a wide range of different materials to choose from available on the market. Read on as we go over the top three…

Slate

As a natural material, slate is thought to be the most environmentally friendly roofing material on the market. After all, the tiles are incredibly durable which means that a slate roof can last over 100 years with the right maintenance and attention to detail. In addition to this, slate doesn’t need to be manufactured which means that there are fewer toxic components put into the environment.

Metal

For durability and security, metal is the most effective roofing material. In fact, it is also eco-friendly because it comes with an impressive longevity guarantee of around 50 years depending on the frequency and quality of maintenance it is provided with. In addition to this, recycled metal can also be used in order to craft metal roofing which means that fewer resources are required, and this preserves the environment as a result.

Shingles

Although shingles like asphalt are a man-made roofing material, they have been used for a very long time due to their affordability, durability and ease of installation. With this said, they are petroleum based which means that they can damage the environment when they are not disposed of in the right way. As a result, homeowners looking for a cost-effective roof should opt for recycled shingles which are still suitable for use but have been removed from an existing roof for one reason or another.

When it comes to the material that a roof is made from, it is important to take the manufacturing process into consideration. After all, man-made materials like shingles require a lot of energy in order to be crafted from scratch and many property owners dispose of them incorrectly when they decide to invest in a new roof. Luckily, there are a variety of eco-friendly alternatives on the market. To find out more information, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!       

Here at Valent Roofing, we have noticed that solar panels are increasing in popularity with residential and commercial property owners alike. After all, they utilise renewable energy from the sun in order to heat and run a property at a fraction of the cost than traditional electricity. Read on as we briefly explain the process that is involved in a high-quality solar panel installation…

How are solar panels fixed into place?

Contrary to belief, a solar panel is not attached directly to the material on a roof but rather the supports below it. In fact, tiles are typically removed in order to allow the mounting brackets and rails that hold the solar panels to be fitted into place and then are replaced in order to ensure that the integrity of the roof is not impacted.

Should solar panels be installed by a professional?

Although the process of solar panel installation may sound simple, it is a job that is best left to the professionals. After all, the panels must be mounted on top of a bracket and this bracket must be installed with the integrity of the roof in mind in order to ensure that the roofing material isn’t impacted in the process. In addition to this, climbing onto a roof without the proper training and experience can be dangerous.

How are solar panels maintained?

Solar panels get their energy from the sun in the form of photons which are converted into electricity and can be used within a property. With this said, it is important that property owners regularly clean the panels as dust can affect their ability to harness the photon energy. In addition to this, solar panels should be regularly inspected by a licensed professional in order to ensure that the roof is still able to support their weight and that the electrical components are in tip top condition.

Although solar panels may look unsightly to some, they can help homeowners save hundreds of pounds in energy bills each year. With this said, it is vital that they are installed correctly by a qualified professional. After all, a botched job can damage a roofs material and lead to an expensive roofing replacement. To find out more information about solar panels, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!

From cladding to fire-resistant materials, there are many different ways to promote fire safety in the design of a building. In fact, both industrial and residential properties can benefit from the implementation of these features. Here at Valent Roofing, we believe that fire safety is incredibly important which is why we encourage every property owner to invest in cladding and fireproof materials at every opportunity. Read on as we go over the importance of fire-resistant roofs…

Can a fireproof roof prevent a fire from spreading?

Although it is impossible to stop a fire from spreading, a fireproof roof can help contain the flames and make them easier for the fire brigade to extinguish. After all, it can take hours to put out a fire that has managed to engulf an entire residential or commercial property which means that property owners can reduce the damage that is inflicted on their building and save lives by investing in fire-resistant roofing materials.

Which roofing materials are fireproof?

Since metal roofing is the lightest option on the market, it is thought to be the most fire-resistant for both domestic and commercial properties. After all, a roof made from heavy materials like tiles will become compromised much faster in the event of a fire and collapse when the structure becomes too unstable whereas metal roofing can withstand the flames for a longer period of time. In fact, many firefighters are instructed not to enter properties made from poor fire rated roofing materials as they can lead to fatal injuries should the roof collapse.

How expensive is fireproof roofing?

As the most popular commercial roofing material on the market, the cost of metal roofing can differ considerably depending on a variety of different factors. After all, the property owner must take the labour and materials into considerations as well as the type of metal that they want to invest in because copper is considered a luxury material whereas stainless steel is much more affordable.

Here at Valent Roofing, we abide by a strict safety policy which is why all of our roofs are installed by skilled and experienced team members. After all, an unsafe roof can put lives in danger and clients out of pocket. In fact, a fireproof roof may never need to be utilised but the sheer implementation of metal sheets or asphalt tiles can be incredibly effective in the event of a fire. To find out more information, get in contact with the best industrial roofing experts on the market and ask a member of the Valent Roofing team about our cladding services today!

Although the roof is one of the most important features of a home, it is also one of the most expensive. After all, a replacement project can cost thousands of pounds unless a homeowner does their homework beforehand in order to source the best price without sacrificing on quality. Luckily, the Valent Roofing team are the experts to trust! Read on as we go over three top tips that will help homeowners replace their roof on a budget…

Shop Around

Due to the importance of the roof, it is vital that property owners remember that the cheapest price may not always be the best price. By researching a company and ensuring that they have the skills to carry out a job to a high-quality standard, a client can ensure that the discount they are receiving isn’t too good to be true. In addition to this, it also allows people to recognise when they are being overcharged as a roofing replacement quote should always be formulated with a budget in mind.

Materials

A roof can be crafted from a variety of different materials and some are often cheaper than others. As a result, a property owner often decides to settle for a more cost-effective material in order to reduce the price of their replacement. Luckily, every material is implemented with quality in mind which means that even the cheapest are still able to provide the quality and longevity that a property owner expects.

Discounts

Depending on the type of damage that has led to a roofing replacement, sometimes it is possible for home or property insurance to cover the cost of a replacement. In addition to this, many roofing companies will advertise off-season discounts that clients can take advantage off in order to save a few hundred pounds here and there.

Here at Valent Roofing, we specialise in all things industrial roofing related including cladding, damage repair and replacement projects. After all, we know how important a healthy roof is for any industrial business as neglecting one’s maintenance responsibilities can lead to an unexpected and costly roofing replacement. To find out more information about investing in a brand-new roof without breaking the bank, get in contact with a member of the Valent Roofing team today!

From metal to slate, it is safe to say that there are a variety of different types of roofing materials available on the market that offer property owners varying degrees of durability, quality and affordability. Here at Valent Roofing, our team are equipped with the skills and experience to deliver an outstanding installation and maintenance service. Read on as we go over three benefits of investing in a composite roof…

How durable is a composite roof?

A roof replacement is an expense that people should contend with once during their time as a property owner. As a result, it is important that high-quality and long-lasting materials are chosen that can withstand the test of time. Composite roofing is a type of synthetic roofing material that is known for its strength and durability because it is designed for longevity. In fact, a high-quality composite roof can last between 25 and 50 years!

Is composite roofing expensive?

Natural materials like slate and clay tiles have been utilised as roofing for centuries, however they tend to be much more expensive than synthetic alternatives. After all, slate must be mined from a quarry, transported from the site and then installed by an experienced roofer. Composite roofing materials are designed with lightweight qualities and are even crafted from recycled materials which makes them an affordable yet aesthetically pleasing alternative.

Are composite materials weather resistant?

Since the roof is the most susceptible part of a property, it is safe to say that weather resistance is an important quality that homeowners should look for when selecting their roofing material. Composite roofs can withstand strong winds of over 100mph without damage where a traditional slate roof would be missing tiles and require prompt repair work following such conditions. In addition to this, composite roofing is also resistant to impact and weather phenomena like hail, heavy rainfall and snow are easily brushed aside without any lasting damage.

Here at Valent Roofing, we aim to provide all of our clients with the best service that our team of roofers can provide. After all, a roof is a property’s first line of defence in the face of Mother Nature’s wrath which means that it needs to be strong and durable yet affordable and aesthetically pleasing. To find out more information, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing and speak to a member of the team today!

We already know that outdoor workers must protect themselves from the harmful damage that the sun’s UV rays can cause; from skin cancer and eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration, to premature ageing and immunity suppression.

Very few jobs require workers to be subjected to direct sunlight more than a roofer. Which makes the profession the most at risk from the negative aspects of prolonged UV exposure; when you’re building roofs, rarely is there a roof above your head.

When workers are on site they are buffeted by UVA and UVB rays from all angles. The sun’s radiation doesn’t travel in one direction, it also reflects off the ground, glass and metal surfaces meaning when you’re working on a roof the sun’s rays can hit you from every angle.

These negative effects are easy to protect against, though. Here are a few ways in which our roof installation teams keep safe from UV rays.

How to protect from the sun

• Any exposed skin must be protected using a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 25 and should be reapplied throughout the day with the face being showed extra attention. If it isn’t too hot, then it is advisable to cover as much skin as possible with a shirt or jacket with tightly woven fabrics.
• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm should be used even when it is overcast as clouds actually provide little protection to UV rays and even in colder months, prolonged exposure to the sun can still cause damage.
• Regular rest breaks should be taken where roofers should retire to a shaded place well out of the sun.
• Safety glasses with UV protection are always advised; they should have a UV rating of at least 400 and should be certified in line with EN 166 and EN 172 to ensure personal eye protection and sun glare filters for industrial use.

 When we undertake industrial roofing in Manchester our team of experienced experts know to ensure they are protected from the sun’s rays each and every time they work.

Remote controlled drones are very quickly integrating into all parts of life – from construction to policing, surveillance to delivery systems, drones are quickly opening up possibilities for a number of industries, allowing them to circumvent problems and approach challenges in new and exciting ways.

One industry that is also benefitting from the implementation of drones is ours. The industrial roofing industry has long relied on cranes and other expensive and space consuming systems in order to construct and place our industrial roofing solutions.

Drones are in their infancy at the moment. And the market is currently dominated by smaller, lighter drones but there are larger, more industry focused drones that are perfect for the roofing industry on many levels. This is because a lot of current methods for installing, inspecting and maintaining roofs are cumbersome and time consuming, requiring industry experts to inspect the property by hand by climbing on to the roof personally and taking note of the problems.

Smart investing

Drones allow industry companies to reduce costs by performing roof assessment quickly and accurately with real time data and extensive details through a single operator. By rapidly reducing personnel requirements as well as better managing the time it takes to perform otherwise lengthy tasks benefits both the industry itself and the clients.

Safety

By eliminating the need for workers to constantly be required to climb structures in order to inspect them drones are able to increase worker safety. Drones can report a full assessment of conditions without a worker ever having to leave the ground. Because drones are able to increase the speed in which preventative assessment can be undertaken, the work can be performed more often, greatly reducing the chance of noticing the beginning of a major incident.

For more industry news on Industrial roofing in Manchester, contact the team at Valent Roofing today.

After the events at Grenfell tower, June 2017, the word ‘cladding’ has been mentioned heavily in the media. The role that unsafe cladding played in the rapid spread of the fire has unfortunately led many to believe that all cladding is unsafe. We want to shine a light on some of the myths around cladding.

Few people know exactly what cladding is or what it is used for. But we want to make sure that people don’t worry about cladding, as it is actually a useful building application used on walls and roofs for both residential and commercial buildings.

Cladding is actually the application of separate materials over the top of each other. Construction cladding, the likes of which we install on walls and rooftops, is used to provide thermal insulation, weather resistance and to help improve the aesthetic of a building. Cladding can also reduce noise pollution by reducing noise leaving and entering a building.

What is cladding made from?

Cladding can be made up of a number of different materials – from wood, metal, brick and vinyl, to composite materials that can include aluminium, wood, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene, even wheat/straw and fibres.

As materials are layered on top of the other, a slight space is left between the cladding and the wall to allow rainwater to flow down and prevent it from entering the building or building up on the exterior walls.

Here at Valent Roofing we provide reliable cladding solutions as well as industrial roofing in Manchester. Our team will visit your site and advise you on the best cladding application for you and for your property.

For more information, contact the team today and we’ll be happy to run through our entire cladding packages that we have on offer. Industrial cladding should always be installed by a trusted team of professionals. Not only does this provide you with the peace of mind that your cladding is safe, it will also be built to last.