Here at Valent Roofing we install, repair and maintain industrial roofing across the UK throughout the year and we believe that if your current roof is becoming a little dated, then the start of 2020 is the perfect time to invest in a quality new roofing system.

We are currently at the pinnacle of cutting-edge roofing installation technologies and installation techniques, allowing us to design, fabricate and install bespoke roofing systems to fit any commercial property quicker and easier than ever before. These modern systems reduce the dramatic costs of older installations that utilised dated and uneconomical approaches, helping you save money on the initial stages of production. And also helping you save money in the long run.

Modern industrial roofing is also some of the most economical in terms of insulation and energy saving additions. Where old roofing systems were poor at maintaining constant temperatures that were either comfortable enough for workers during winter and cool enough for certain types of perishable products during the summer months, newer innovations in roofing means that they are as well insulated as they have ever been. Not only are they much more efficient at maintaining interior temperatures, they are able to help companies cut down on their energy uses, helping reduce those energy bills and allowing companies to become greener in the process.

Most companies looking to install a new roof tend to do so in the summer months. This creates a backlog as companies become inundated with applications, meaning you may be waiting longer for your roof installation to get underway.

The start of the year is a quieter time for roofing installation, which makes it the perfect time to get the ball rolling and have your roof installed in time for summer. As it is a quieter time, you may also be able to secure a deal on your installation costs when you look for a new roof.

If you want more information on industrial roofing in Manchester then get in touch with our team here at Valent Roofing now.

One common problem that affects all roofs – both flat and pitched – is that of leakages. Modern industrial flat roofing utilises modern technologies, cutting edge construction methods and state of the art tools to create the most watertight roofing solutions ever, but unfortunately, the voracity of nature is never ending and strong weather conditions will always be able to cause a leak to occur over time, usually at the most inopportune time.

Regular roof checks are an essential part of any building manager’s timetable, ensuring that any leak that may occur is identified quickly and dealt with in the timeliest manner.

The problem is, sometimes leaks can be very difficult to see at a glance, and if a leak is not identified and is left without treatment, they can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, not just to the roof itself but to the interior of the building, machinery and products.

Leaks left to worsen are able to cause extensive damage and have also been known to force company warehouses to close down for a period of time until the leak is dealt with. Something many companies cannot afford to do.

A new way to check for leaks

One system that can be used on any industrial flat roof is an electronic leak detection system. This is a non-invasive means of detecting even the smallest pinhole leaks in a flat roof membrane. With an electronic detector in place, any leak that occurs can be identified within millimetre accuracy immediately. This way repairs can begin almost immediately from the onset of a leak occurring.

Electronic leak detection tests have been shown to be one of the most accurate and timely methods for inspecting roofing. Because it is non-invasive and requires little man power, a complete check can be completed in almost no time at all, considerably speeding up the process of  checking a roof and freeing up building managers to get on with other things, safe in the knowledge that industrial roofing in Manchester is completely water tight.

An industrial roof checklist is essential for every building manager. These maintenance checks are important in ensuring that faults and damage don’t bring a company’s day-to-day operations to a standstill; that minor problems with simple solutions don’t develop into more costly repairs; and that the general aesthetic of the property is kept to a high standard for the sake of visitors.

We understand that a building manager’s responsibilities are extensive and that industrial roof checklists can be complicated and time consuming, so we constantly work on developing examination routines in order to streamline the process as much as possible whilst retaining our high standards of checks so potential problem is overlooked.

These are a few important approaches that we advise to all of our clients to ensure that maintenance checks are carried out swiftly and safely:

Install roof lighting

The winter months in the UK are infamous for a lack of sunlight and cold weather that can cause site managers to hold off from checking the roofing until the weather becomes clearer. Whilst we advise that your yearly checks take place in the summer months for safety purposes, it is important that you give your roof some checks during winter as this is the time of the year that roofs receive the most damage; and if this damage is left for too long it can develop into a much bigger problem.

By having roof lighting installed it makes it much less likely that any damage to the roof is missed due to poor visibility and also speeds up an otherwise lengthy task.

Maintenance contracts

If your roof is prone to minor damages, requiring you to call out a professional each year for repairs, a maintenance contract may be the more valuable option for long-term plans. Rather than constantly paying for repair work to be carried out, a maintenance contract provides peace of mind as a professional will visit your site on regular intervals to carry out a thorough examination of the entire roof system and repair any problems immediately.

We check industrial roofing in Manchester and the surrounding areas. If you think a maintenance contract may be something you are interested in, contact the team today for more information.

Whilst flat roofing is a great option for a lot of industrial properties, it isn’t always perfect for all of them. Things like climates, location and budgets can all have an influence on whether or not a flat roof is the best option for any given property, and even if a property already has a flat roof, it can still be changed.

The alternative to a flat roof is a pitched roof. Pitched roofing is much more common on residential properties, most notably houses, due to the nature of the building and its requirements. Houses have much different heating requirements, as well as very different needs when it comes to adverse weather patterns. Pitched roofs also add some extra benefits; added storage space and reduced maintenance costs to name just a few. Pitched roofing conversions could also be the answer to a number of structural problems that are common with flat roofs.

If your industrial building currently has a flat roof in place but you feel as though a pitched roof could be more beneficial, don’t worry. Here at Valent Roofing we provide the service of transforming roofs from flat to pitched, and it isn’t as complicated as it initially sounds.

How is a roof converted from flat to pitched?

There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to roof conversions. The most common technique is a straightforward process of removing the existing roof and fitting new framing to create a pitched roof space.

With your average household roofing, the weight of the pitched roof is supported by the exterior walls. The reason flat roofing is preferred for most industrial properties is due to the size of the buildings. Large buildings require added supports to accommodate pitched industrial roofing in Manchester, which inevitably drives up the costs of both the labour and the materials required.

Every building in the UK, both residential and commercial, now has to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). These certificates are required so that a building’s energy efficiency rating is clearly stated.

The rating system is graded from A to G – A being a very efficient rating and G being a poor and inefficient one – and are required on any building built, sold or rented, or if the building has a roof and walls and uses energy to condition the interior temperature. For buildings that contain separate units, like blocks of flats, an EPC is required for each individual unit.

Some buildings are excluded from requiring an EPC; these are places of worship; temporary buildings; stand-alone buildings with less than 50-square-metres of floor space; industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements; protected buildings where energy efficiency compliancy would unacceptably alter their character or appearance; rented dwellings occupied by the same tenant since before October 1, 2008, and buildings that are suitable for demolition.

The EPC rating system was brought in to ensure that government environmental targets are being met and carbon footprints are being reduced. A lot of buildings were given an estimated EPC rating when it was first brought in due to a shortage of assessors. With many locations currently rated higher than they should be it is important that building managers and owners put measures in place to ensure that their building is given an accurate EPC rating and that attempts are made to bring that rating as close to A as possible.

Installing quality industrial roofing in Manchester is a key aspect in ensuring a commercial property maintains a high EPC rating as they are responsible for providing efficient insulation, even in large properties.

Make sure your property’s roofing is up to date by contacting the team at Valent roofing today for a full, no-obligation consultation.

Not only do roofing materials need to be able to withstand adverse weather conditions, they also need to be able to withstand the heat of a fire in the event of an emergency. There are a number of roofing materials, all with varying levels of fire resistance, each classified by specific fire ratings so they can be easily identified.

These are a few of the most common roofing materials alongside their classification of fire resistance:

Metal Tiles

Even under extreme heat from flames, metal does not ignite. And with the addition of a fire-resistant barrier it earns a Class A certification. The range of metal roofing materials is diverse; copper, steel and zinc are some options available with varying aesthetic differences available to constructors. Metal alloys are another option. Alloys are a mixture of separate metals to give varying benefits depending on location.

Not only do metal tiles provide great fire resistance, they are also non-corrosive, giving them a longevity guarantee that far exceeds other materials.

Slate

Slate has been used for roofing solutions for centuries. The natural material is inherently resistant to fire and is also awarded a Class A rating. There are different types of slate that are available, some can be used for flooring or walls, but the slate used for roof tiling is slightly different; it is thicker and heavier than other tiles and it is this thickness which helps it earn its Class A rating as thick slate cannot be easily chipped and penetrated by fire.

Although slate is a more expensive roofing option, the material itself is perfect for roofing and can last a very long time. Some historic buildings fitted with slate roofs have lasted more than 70 years without the benefit of modern building techniques.  

Clay

A lot of residential homes make use of clay or concrete tiles. They are heavy, durable, fireproof, and affordable and have become one of the safest roofing covers available. Clay not only resists flames but can easily dissipate heat evenly and quickly. Properly installed they also achieve a Class A rating. Although not as durable as slate tiles, clay tiles can easily last upwards of 30 years thanks to modern manufacturing methods.

At Valent Roofing we ensure all our projects of industrial roofing in Manchester uses the very best materials with Class A rating to protect from any fire damage that may occur.   

Roofs are made of stern stuff. Modern materials and developing techniques mean our roofs are able to stand up to some seriously harsh weather conditions, whether it be snow, hail, sleet, rain or high winds and baking heat, a quality roof should be able to brave the storm and keep your interior dry and warm.

That doesn’t mean that your roof isn’t without some requirements. Like the inside of our homes, which we clean diligently to make sure everything is ship shape and shiny, our roofs can also benefit from a little TLC.

Because our roofs tend to be out of sight, our responsibilities tend to be out of mind. But ensuring that your roof is kept clean can help extend its longevity guarantee and avoid damages from occurring that will incur costly repairs or replacements.

What are the benefits of cleaning my roof?

Keeping your roof clean and tidy doesn’t just provide functional benefits. Allowing moss to grow on your roof is a definite eyesore that depletes the aesthetical value of any property. When it is allowed to grow unchecked, it becomes the first thing people see as they approach your property creating an unwanted focal point.

Not only can moss create an eyesore, it can also grow into your roof and cause damage that won’t be easily identifiable due to the coverage provided by the moss itself. Having a regular cleaning schedule for your roof also brings you into close proximity with the roof, allowing you to keep an eye out for any problems that may be developing. This way you can catch anything unusual before it develops into something more costly.

How can I clean my roof?

The main reason that roofs tend to be one of the most overlooked parts of a building is the lack of accessibility. Fortunately, as we mentioned previously, roofs are hardy, requiring little maintenance so won’t need to be cleaned very frequently. Most roof cleaning schedules suggest once a month or even longer between cleaning, but we suggest developing a schedule as regular as possible to develop the habit of consistent cleaning and maintenance checks.

It is best to clean your roof in clear weather – you don’t want your cleaning products to be washed away before they can have any cleaning effect on your roof. Algae and moss are also much easier to clean away when it is dried which also emphasises the importance of exposing your roof to direct sunlight as often as possible.

Luckily, moss and algae, leaves and other debris are easy to clean off any roof. Most can be simply swept away but there are plenty of products available that will give your roof a deeper clean, without damaging the roof itself and leaving it looking better than ever. Always make sure you are clearing debris off completely and it is not getting caught in your guttering systems as this can just cause further problems.

For more information on cleaning industrial roofing in Manchester, contact the team at Valent Roofing today.  

Any type of roofing work, whether domestic or industrial is a serious financial commitment. When money is on the line you want to make sure that the company you hire to do the job is trustworthy, reliable and efficient. We’ve all heard horror stories of inept roofing contractors that end up creating more problems than they solve. Poor quality roofers can even affect your insurance coverage and liability for any worker’s injuries that may occur once the job is complete.

Before any job you need to ask yourself the following questions. By doing so you will have a clear picture of the process as well as a good understanding of the scale and timeframe of the work:

What is the timeframe the work will be completed in?

After an initial examination of the roof the contractor will be able to give you a good estimate of how long the work will take. This gives homeowners and businesses a clear timeframe for them to work around; some businesses may need to change their opening hours or close entirely, whilst homeowners may have to organise temporary accommodation whilst work is taking place.

Are you covered by liability insurance?

If a roofing company doesn’t provide insurance for its workers and they get injured whilst working on your roof, you may be liable for workers compensation. This is why you should always ask to see proof of insurance before committing to any particular company.

Can I see your references?

As with any type of construction company you should always ask for recent references for jobs similar to yours so you can gain an unbiased opinion on their finished work. A contractor that is unwilling or unable to provide at least three recent references could be a red flag as you can’t gain any insight into their previous experience.

What is the estimated cost?

Of course, one of the most important questions on everybody’s lips is – how much does it cost? Once the contractor has studied your roof they can offer you an estimate. The estimate may differ slightly from the final cost depending on a number of factors, including unforeseen problems that couldn’t be identified on first viewing. Once the contractor has produced a written estimate, never pay the full balance upfront – the deposit itself should never be more that 25% of the estimate.

Where do I sign?

Never settle for a verbal contract. Always have a written agreement between you and your contractor that you have fully read and understood all elements to, before signing.

For industrial roofing in Manchester, contact the team at Valent roofing today.

With the UK in the midst of one of its stormiest summers on record, more and more people have been asking if their flat roofing solutions are secure enough to stand up to such severe weather conditions.

The UK is currently seeing large amounts of rainfall all across the country. This wet and windy summer is straight off the back of last year’s summer that saw unprecedented heatwaves, where the UK saw some of its most minimal rainfall and some parts of Britain going two months without any rainfall at all. The summer of 2018 was so dry that forest fires ravaged up and down the UK and droughts caused havoc for farmers.

The current heavy rainfall has seen a number of towns flooded, with residents having to evacuate their homes; most notably, the residents of Whaley bridge who had to evacuate their homes as emergency work was required to repair the Toddbrook Reservoir dam in Derbyshire as up to 300 million gallons of water threatened to burst through and destroy the town.

It is no coincidence that the storms in the UK all have names, this is part of an initiative by the Met Office called ‘name our storms’ which aims to raise the general public’s awareness of impending severe weather. With such diverse and damaging weather patterns becoming increasingly popular across the UK, it is important that our flat roofing solutions are able to withstand the punishment brought on by mother nature.

Can flat roofs withstand gale force winds?

Flat roofs are able to avoid a large amount of the punishment from gale force winds which slanted roofs have to bear.

We don’t just ensure all our roofs are constructed to the best standard, but that they are also regularly maintained so no new damage can threaten the integrity of the building.

If a roof is not kept in good condition, it opens itself up to further damage from adverse weather conditions. Some damage can be difficult to spot; if your flat roof’s membrane has suffered any damage then water may be able to penetrate it and soak into the building below. And with such heavy rainfall currently continuing to fall, this can quickly escalate into a much more expensive problem to fix.

All our roofs are made from high-quality and durable materials so that you will be safe in the knowledge that even through the harshest storms that nature can throw at us here in the UK, you will remain safe and dry underneath your industrial roofing in Manchester.  

Valent Roofing gained CHAS accreditation on 6^th May 2010. When you are looking for a roofing contractor you should always make sure that they have one, but what actually is a CHAS accreditation and what does it mean?

CHAS, or the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, is one of a number of health and safety assessment schemes available – primarily to the construction industry – to review the standards of health and safety the business is operating by. Any construction company that can claim CHAS standard can equip the logo onto their vehicles, company website, stationary etc.

The certificate is a clear indication of quality to potential clients but is also beneficial to the companies themselves when reaching out to clients. The CHAS even offer those accredited with unique working opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Is CHAS necessary?

Here at Valent Roofing we provide a lot of roofing applications for public buildings such as schools, council buildings and other public sector bodies. In order to acquire a contract to provide roofing solutions to any pf these sectors, we require a CHAS accreditation to show that our work is guaranteed to be of a high standard.

The main role of the CHAS accreditation is to immediately demonstrate to our clients that we are competent in our health and safety approaches. In the past, when people took on a roofing contractor, they would have to go through extensive research to assess contractors, which could only be done on an individual basis.

The CHAS helps reduce the time it takes by producing a fully detailed health and safety process. Seeing the CHAS logo is proof that the company you are dealing with has passed an assessment, providing evidence of their quality work structure in the meantime.

Every application goes through an assessor who reviews each company and gives feedback, ultimately having the final decision as to whether a company has passed or not. On average, only 20% of contractors pass on the first attempt.

For CHAS accredited industrial roofing in Manchester, contact the team at Valent today.