All roof coverings and underlays need to be replaced at some point during a building’s useful life. When that time comes, how can the next generation of roof membranes help existing buildings to meet current performance requirements and be resilient for the future? Pamela Howat, Senior Technical Advisor at A. Proctor Group looks at some of the challenges of retrofitting roofs. Perhaps the biggest challenge presented by existing buildings is that no two projects are ever the same. The construction method and the quality of the construction, combined with site specific factors that affect exposu ..read more

At Manthorpe Building Products, we are committed to designing and manufacturing innovative solutions that promote sustainability and environmental conservation. One of our flagship products, the Swift Nesting Brick, provides essential nesting sites for the declining swift population, offering a unique solution for integrating bird-friendly housing into new residential developments. Recently, we had the opportunity to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in their mission to conserve threatened species like the swift. Alex Farquhar, a dedicated RSPB membership fundraiser ..read more

Why is roof ventilation required? Thorough roof ventilation in buildings is required for a number of reasons, each with possible effects and consequences. Like most parts of a house or commercial property, the roof needs to ‘breathe’ via the use of airflow through the roof space, while preventing the ingress of driving rain, insects and other debris. Following the applicable roof ventilation standards and regulations prevents the build-up of condensation in the roof space, which if left unchecked, can have devastating effects such as rotting timbers, weakened metal fixings, felt damage and mou ..read more

All-in-one RealRidge is the bestselling dry ridge system from Mayan roofing systems. The beautiful, eye-catching ridge system is part of the RealRidge range, the only ridges made of natural slate for a premium appearance.  The modern RealRidge range of products has been in development for many years. The patented built-in connector system means they are extremely quick and easy to install, and the high-end fixings and durable quality means RealRidge is the modern solution that contractors and customers have been extremely excited about. The success of the natural slate RealRidge shows tha ..read more

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA 12 natural slate has been specified for the roof of a new family home, built in the garden of a historic Grade II listed Arts and Crafts property in North London. The use of CUPA PIZARRAS products helped to satisfy stringent planning restrictions, which require new buildings to utilise traditional materials and ensure modern designs are in keeping with the surrounding architecture. The design team, from Levitate architecture and design studio, needed a way to respectfully reference the traditional architecture of the area without compromising the contemporary finish of the ..read more

The publication of the NHBC Hazardous ground gas – an essential guide for housebuilders has shed light on the critical importance of effective ventilation systems in residential buildings with an emphasis on the significance of subfloor ventilation systems and the use of air bricks and underfloor vents as being the most reliable methods for removing ground gases. Understanding the Need for Ventilation: Damp, condensation, and ground gases, such as radon and methane, can pose serious health and safety risks if they accumulate within residential buildings. Proper ventilation is crucial to mitiga ..read more

The latest government initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in buildings can have a direct and significant impact on the risk of condensation. For example, tighter building envelopes with enhanced insulation and airtightness are effective in reducing heat loss and energy consumption, but they can also trap moisture inside buildings. Also, the adoption of high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, whilst contributing to energy savings, may alter the temperature and humidity dynamics within buildings, especially if the system is poorly balanced or incorre ..read more

In these tough economic times money is tighter than ever and getting a roof right first time has never been more important.  If a contractor must go back to rectify problems, most, if not all the profit made on a job may be lost; in some cases, it may result in the contractor not being paid at all.  So, getting it right first time is crucial. Design The successful installation of a good roof starts with design.  A roof should be designed with the type of roof covering in mind, for example slates, plain tiles, interlocking tiles, etc.  But, beware of the risks that product s ..read more

Products: Mayan ArmouredSlate Low Pitch Roofing System Mayan RealVerge Mayan All-in-One RealRidge SSQ Riverstone Ultra slates Project: Wrap around, lean-to extension. Coastal region, Weymouth, Dorset. Existing roof: Built 10 years ago, in order to overcome an issue with a side entrance door, the construction of this roof was modified which subsequently resulted in the roof being pitched at 10 degrees rather than the 15 degrees specified. A low pitch interlocking slate system was installed in the open rafter application with a breather membrane. The roof began leaking through the celling bel ..read more

See how these heritage buildings’ roof renovations brought new life to these old gems of British architecture. Britain’s architects, contractors and developers are on a mission to create the built environment of the future – but that doesn’t mean leaving our past behind. Alongside the push to build new residential, commercial and public buildings that are beautiful and functional, we need to care for and restore those historic buildings that make the UK’s architectural landscape so unique. Anyone with experience in repairing historic buildings knows that it’s a delicate matter, balancing the n ..read more