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Things to Know Before a Roof Replacement

A full roof replacement is not a decision that you should jump into blindly. After all, it is a time-consuming commitment and it is important that you recognise the importance of the investment that you are about to undertake. Here at Valent Roofing, we like to work closely with our clients that are considering a replacement in order to ensure that they are completely prepared. In fact, we have put together a brief article on some of the most important things you should know before work begins…

Contractor Research

Before you part with your hard-earned cash it is highly advised that you do some preparation. After all, the roofing industry is filled with cowboy builders and conmen looking to make quick money. Unfortunately, these people will not hesitate to dupe trusting property owners, so you should always carry out research to validate the accountability of a company.

Layering or Stripping Shingles

With a shingles roof, there are two options in terms of a replacement. For example, you can have a new layer placed on top of the existing layer or you can have the existing layer stripped away and the new layer installed in its place. Whilst layering your shingles can be a great way to save money in terms of installation costs, it can only be carried out once. With this said, you should always be given the option during your roofing replacement.

Time Frame

A roof replacement is not a simple task which means that you should be prepared for contractors to be on your property for one to three days. In fact, the estimated time frame for a roof replacement depends on several factors such as the size of the roof, the complexity of the materials and the weather. After all, strong winds make it impossible to safely construct a roof. Before work gets underway, you should speak with your contractor about how long the job is expected to take.

When it comes to the health of your roof, it is important that you take the necessary steps in order to promote longevity. After all, sometimes a full roof replacement is the best option for a heavily neglected roof. If you are considering going down this roofing route, the team here at Valent Roofing are the professionals to call. After all, we have over 70 years combined experience in the field, making us the most qualified industrial roofing experts around. Get in contact with a member of the Valent team today to find out more information!

Specialist Jargon Used in the Roofing Industry

Your roof is the most important aspect of your property, so it is important to keep it in good condition. With this said, it is not uncommon for contractors to get carried away with the jargon they use, unintentionally alienating their clients. That is why the team here at Valent Roofing have put together some of the most common terms that are used within the roofing industry. Read on to find out everything you need to know…

Flashing: As the most common specialist term in roofing, flashing is a type of protection that covers joints and edges in order to prevent leaks. It can be made from a wide range of materials including copper, lead, aluminium, stainless steel and rubber.

Green Roof: Generically, a green roof is a type of flat roof where the extra space is being repurposed and used to grow organic material like plants, crops and flowers. It can be a great way to improve the aesthetics in overly urban areas.

Fascia: In roofing, a single strip of wood known as fascia is used in order to separate the roof from the wall. In fact, this panel is what the gutters are usually attached too. Interestingly, many roofers are choosing to swap out wooden fascia in favour of uPVC fascia due to its superior quality.

Parapet: Used for safety reasons, a parapet is a low wall that is installed along the edges of a roof. It is typically used in flat roofing designs in order to prevent people falling. They are often very low and tend to have a railing installed on top of them too if the roof is open for public use.

Dormer Roof: Since mortgages have become much more difficult to obtain and take longer to pay off than they did in the past, homeowners are now opting to have something called a dormer roof installed rather than relocate when the space in their home becomes too small. These are usually done during a loft conversion where the roof is redesigned in order to provide additional headroom around the window area.

Ensuring that our clients understand the work that we are carrying out as much as they possibly can is one of our aims here at Valent Roofing. After all, there is nothing worse than not understanding what the professionals are saying to one another! To find out more information about roofing terminology, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

The roof is the bread and butter of your property which is why it is important to keep it in good condition. After all, it only takes a tiny hole to allow rainwater to seep through your roof and even a first time property owner knows that moisture damage is the worst possible discovery to make. Here at Valent Roofing, we want to ensure that that our readers have all the facts they need in order to choose a roofing contractor that will deliver results. Read on to find out more…

Ask Questions

When you are looking for a contractor to complete work for you, it is important that you feel comfortable enough to ask questions. After all, you are the employer and will be paying for the services that you receive. For example, it way may wise to ask whether the company uses subcontractors, which are often paid per job which can result in rushed work, and whether or not the price beats roofing competitors in the area.

Request References

A licenced and professional roofing business will not hesitant to provide potential customers with references from previous clients. After all, references are an excellent way to gain an insight into the quality of work that the contractors are able to produce from an unbiased source. In fact, we tend to look at reviews before we purchase items from a store so a reference is the roofing contactor equivalent.

Qualifications

Not all roofers have been trained in the industry which means that they may not be equipped to deal with some of the delicate issues. After all, the roof is an important part of a property that must be well taken care of and this includes choosing who carries out work on it carefully. If you are worried, you should ask a contractor for proof of legitimacy in the form of qualifications as this will prove that they have both the skills and experience necessary to work on your roof.

It is important to do your research before hiring a roof contractor. After all, there are many uncertified roofers who want to take advantage of the naive and trusting nature of property owners and because the roofing industry is unregulated, it makes it easy for those looking for a contractor to fall victim to cowboy builders. To find out more information, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valant Roofing today!

Famous Roofs Across the Globe

We have been placing roofs on the top of buildings since the beginning of time. After all, scouring for shelter from the elements is all part of human survival and some of the most intricate designs in the history of roofing were crafted hundreds of years ago, cementing their place as the most famous roofs across the globe. Read on to find out more about the roofs that managed to make our top three…

The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Adorned with unique curved panels, the Sydney Opera House has got to be one the most famous designs in the history of architecture. After all, it took 14 years to build and cost over 100 million Australian dollars. Interestingly, the panels are formed from concrete and covered with tiles from Sweden, which give it the distinct glossy appearance it is known for.

St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

Tourists are often shocked to discover the statistics behind St Stephens Cathedral in Austria. After all, it is made up of at least 230,000 multicoloured tiles and uses 600 metric tons of steel in order to support it. The famous spectacle was completed a very long time ago in 1160 and is a must-see symbol of the city for any visitor in Vienna.

Domed Blue Roofs, Santorini, Greece

Providing both aesthetic and practical value, the domed blue roofs that can be found in Greece are a wonder to behold. In fact, they have reflective abilities which serve to keep people inside cool in the hot climate. Plus, the dome shop is also effective at allowing rainwater to roll off and be caught so that it can be repurposed during the Grecian summer.

Whilst our industrial roofing here at Valent Roofing may not be as detailed as some of the most famous roofs across the globe, we put our heart and soul into every roof we design. After all, we understand how important they are and recognise that it is our responsibility to deliver a finished product to be proud of. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the Valent Roofing team today!

The Benefits of Shingles Roofing

If you are thinking about investing in your property, it is important that the roof is taken into consideration. After all, the majority of property owners tend to focus on the aesthetic features rather than the practical features, which means that the kitchen ends up getting revamped whilst the roof slowly falls apart above. Residential properties tend to benefit from long-life materials like shingles and, in this article, we are going to go over a few benefits of shingles roofing…

Affordable

A roof made from shingles is incredibly popular due to its affordability factor. After all, it offers much more value for your money in comparison to other roofing materials on the market and is also one of the cheapest materials to choose from. This means that taking care of your roof doesn’t have to require a loan from the bank or a declaration of bankruptcy!

Durable

A well-installed shingles roof can last for at least 30 years, which means that it is ideal for property owners looking to make an investment in their roofing. This lifespan is the result of the light weight of the shingles, their resistance to fire and their ability to withstand the brutality of weather conditions like strong wind- which is often to blame for the deterioration of residential roofing.

Sustainable

Shingles are an eco-friendly material which can actually be recycled and repurposed when they reach the end of their lifespan. Ultimately, this makes them a very sustainable choice for roofing as the environment is able to benefit from this type of residential roofing rather than be damaged by it.

There are so many different types of roofing materials available on the market that the team here at Valent Roofing recognise the importance of educating our clients. After all, shingles may be the perfect choice for one property, but another could benefit further from slate instead.

To find out more information about the benefits of different roofing materials, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today!

How the Weather Can Damage a Roof

Since a roof is on the very top of a property, it is vulnerable and exposed to the ever-changing weather conditions, especially in the UK. In fact, the different weather conditions can affect your roof in a different way, so it is important to ensure that you keep on track with your maintenance requirements. Read on to find out how the most common weather conditions can damage your roof…

Rain

In the UK, we get a lot of rain, so it is important to prepare your roof. After all, water damage is the worst repercussion to come from heavy rainfall and maintenance neglect. If your tiles or shingles have cracks in them, the moisture from rain can lead to the growth of mould and that is the last thing that you want to be dealing with. Always keep up to date with roofing maintenance in order to prevent moisture damage to your roof.

Wind

Strong winds can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. After all, they have the strength to tear away shingles and slate with ease and this can leave the property vulnerable to water damage and animal infestations. In fact, the materials that are blown away can also put other people in danger too! As a result, it is important to check your roof after a windy storm for any missing shingles.

Snow

Although it looks harmless, snow can be a silent cause of roofing damage. Not only is it heavy for a roof to bear when it is thick, when it melts it can seep into the small cracks in your roof and slowly but surely cause a lot of preventable damage. It is important to have your roof inspected in the run up to winter in order to ensure that you aren’t vulnerable.

Sun

Many people tend to underestimate the damage that the sun can inflict on a roof. After all, sunshine is a good thing! With this said, the days when the temperature starts to break records can be bad for your roof because the heat can cause your roof tiles to expand but it gets cooler in the evening, they then contract back to their original shape. As a result, this constant movement loosens the material and opens gaps where water can seep into your home.

Depending on the material that you use, a roof can last anywhere between 20 and 100 years. After all, they are one of the most cost-effective investments a property owner can make. With this said, the wrath of mother nature is beyond our control which means that it is important to regularly inspect your industrial roofing to ensure that there isn’t a developing problem, especially after bad weather. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the Valent Roofing team today!

Reasons to Replace Your Roof

A roof replacement is not a decision to make lightly. After all, they are a costly, yet important, investment that should only be carried out by a licenced professional. In fact, there are many different reasons why property owners may choose to replace their roof. Here at Valent Roofing, we have dealt with a wide range of different customers and, in this article, we are going to go over the most common reasons why people may invest in a roof replacement…

Selling Up

If you are selling your property, then the buyers may request a discount on the price if they find that there are too many problems that will require fixing. After all, it is no secret that a roof replacement can be expensive. With this said, making the investment yourself can allow you to maintain a higher asking price and could even see you gain some profit.

Energy Efficiency

A poor-quality roof is the biggest cause of heat loss. After all, they are insulated in order to retain heat, especially during the winter months. With this said, general wear and tear can cause a roof to become ineffective at preserving energy, which can lead to expensive electricity or gas bills. As a result, it can be more pragmatic to invest in a roof replacement, as well as high quality insulation.

Damage

Like any man-made construction, a neglected roof is subject to wear and tear. With this said, damage can also occur as a result of bad weather and a roof replacement could be the only cost-effective way to rectify the problem. After all, heavy winds have the strength to rip away slate much easier than people think!

Whether your shingles are looking worse for wear or your industrial roofing isn’t conserving as much energy as it should be, a roof replacement can be a very beneficial investment. After all, most roofs come with a 30-50 year guarantee depending on the materials that you use and the regularity of your maintenance which makes it more than cost effective. To find out more information about replacing a roof, get in contact with the experts at Valent Roofing today!

The Lowdown on Roofing Battens

Roofing is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. In fact, many accidents and injuries take place when cowboy builders and DIY hopefuls try to carry out roofing work without the experience or knowledge that is required.

Here at Valent Roofing, we believe that every property owner should always consult the help of a professional when it comes to roofing related queries. After all, guesswork almost always leads to mistakes! Read on to find out everything you need to know about roofing battens…

Definition

Also known as roofing lath, batten are horizontal slats of timber that provide a fixing point for a roofing material to be applied to. They are incredibly important in creating rigidity and supporting a roofing material which is why they should be installed by an experienced roofer who knows what they are doing.

Underlay

Although battens are important, an underlay should be installed first in order to provide a waterproof barrier between the property and the roofing material. In addition to this, they also add an extra layer of insulation that can improve energy efficiency. After the underlay layer has been applied, roofing battens can be installed on top using a nail that is at least 65mm in length.

Spacing

Since battens play such an important role in the overall appearance and weather protection of a roof, it is important to ensure that they are correctly sized and spaced before they are installed. The spacing, however relies on the span of the rafter and the material that is going to be mounted on top of them so there isn’t a one-glove-fits-all rule to follow. With this said, the guidelines suggest that they should be at least 1.2 metres long.

Roofing battens play an important role in the structure of a roof which is why they have to be installed using the correct materials and methods. After all, missing them out completely will deem a roof unsafe! As the experts in everything industrial roofing, the Valent Roofing team can help you with any questions you may have regarding battens. Get in contact today to find out more information!

The Benefits of a Flat Roof

In the roofing industry, flat roofing tends to have a bad reputation. After all, it is an untraditional design that can go either way depending on the building you are dealing with. In fact, warehouses and factories are often topped with a flat roof due to the sheer enormity of them, however, statistics show that more residential properties are beginning to invest in them too. Here are a few benefits that a flat roof can provide…

Energy Efficiency

The design of a flat roof means that there is less empty space for energy to be lost through. After all, a pitched roof, such as those found in traditional residential homes, comes with an attic and this space is where most heat is lost. Luckily, a flat roof turns a property into a rectangular shape which makes it much easier to heat and cool.

Versatile

A flat roof that is well reinforced can be utilised in a range of different ways. For example, the space can be turned into a garden, pool or even a place to store solar panels in order to generate environmentally friendly energy. In addition to this, there are dozens of different materials to choose from when it comes to flat roofing, only adding to the versatility of the roofing type.

Maintenance

Flat roofing may be vulnerable to damage such as pooling, however, they are incredibly easy to maintain. After all, they can be accessed very simply without the need for ladders, which means that property owners are less likely to put off maintenance and servicing requirements, therefore ensuring that any repairs are taken care of swiftly.

Although flat roofing is often overlooked in comparison to a traditional pitched roof, the experts suggest that they show great promise when it comes to longevity. In fact, a well-maintained flat roof can last for half a century, which makes them an incredibly cost effective investment! To find out more information, get in contact with the industrial roofing experts at Valent Roofing today.

How Roofing Maintenance Saves Money

The benefits of maintenance in every industry cannot be overstated. After all, routine servicing is a fool proof way to ensure that any problems are found and dealt with in a timely manner. Here at Valent Roofing we believe that maintenance is not only important, it can help you save money too. Read on to find out how…

Ventilation

Taking care of your roof involves more than the basics if you want to keep in it good condition for many years. In fact, many property owners tend to forget about ventilation because they think that it won’t extend the lifespan of their roof. In actual fact, heat and moisture will build up in your roof if you don’t invest in high quality ventilation and this can actually cause the materials to degrade much quicker, thus requiring costly repairs on a regular basis, whereas focusing on ventilation during maintenance will ensure that your roof stays in good condition.

Repairs

Maintenance is not only necessary to handle problematic areas of your roof, it is also there to ensure that any subtle repairs are carried out too. After all, a small problem can become a big problem if it is left to develop without being assessed by a professional. In addition to this, smaller problems are often more cost effective to fix which means that repairing them sooner rather than later can save you money in the long-term.

Longevity

A roof is a long term investment which means that it is in your best interest to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Many roofs require replacing before they have reached their guarantee due to a lack of maintenance and negligence which is why it is important to ensure that you provide your roof with the best care. After all, the last thing you want to be told is that you have to fork out for a full roof replacement.

As the experts in industrial roofing, the team here at Valent Roofing urge every property owner to invest in routine roofing maintenance. After all, a neglected roof is not only going to deteriorate, any issues you cannot continue to ignore will be very expensive to fix. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the Valent Roofing team today!