Flat roofs: build-up, drainage and main advantages

On a section drawing of a flat roof, trace the path a raindrop would take from the high point to an outlet or the roof edge. This shows where the roof needs a fall and where a junction must maintain the continuity of the waterproofing. The insulation limits heat loss, while the supporting deck carries the loads. The order of the layers depends in part on whether the design uses a conventional or an inverted roof. This guide explains how to read both arrangements, which details to look for at parapets and service penetrations, and what determines whether water drains away.

By |2026-11-14T22:27:45+01:002026-09-26|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Flat roofs: build-up, drainage and main advantages

Replacing a roof covering: how to plan the work safely

The key is an early decision on the scope of inspection and repairs, not the replacement date itself. Before removing the covering, assess the condition of the structure, accessible roof truss sections, flashings and supports, and check for damp, wood damage and visible deformation. Establish whether old sheets contain asbestos, and prepare a plan for roof access, fall protection and material transport. Lighter new sheeting does not remove the problem of weakened support, so determine the repair scope before ordering material. Final design decisions remain with the designer.

By |2026-11-14T18:54:12+01:002026-09-23|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Replacing a roof covering: how to plan the work safely

Corrugated roof eaves. Sheet overhang and water drainage

The eaves collect water from the entire roof slope and pass it to the gutter. At the same time, they often form the start of the ventilation path beneath the covering. Fibre-cement sheets must end here in the correct position relative to the support, fixing and drainage. Asbestos-free fibre cement cannot simply project as far as happens to suit the old gutter. An excessively large unsupported section is vulnerable to damage. A well-designed eaves combines edge protection with drainage and ventilation. In the drawing, the fixing distance from the edge and the length of the unsupported section may appear separately. These are not automatically the same dimensions. The width of the batten or purlin also affects them.

By |2026-11-15T17:20:41+01:002026-09-19|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Corrugated roof eaves. Sheet overhang and water drainage

Bringing daylight into a loft with windows and other options

First establish where light is genuinely lacking in the room, and only then choose the type of opening. Roof windows, gable windows and dormers differ in their structural and thermal requirements, so the selection should be preceded by a drawing of the furniture and of how the attic will be used day to day. Check the orientation, shading by trees and neighbouring buildings, and the glazed area rather than just the overall window dimension. Also consider protection against overheating, and bear in mind that one large opening will not always work better than several smaller ones nearer the places of activity.

By |2026-11-14T22:29:25+01:002026-09-09|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Bringing daylight into a loft with windows and other options

Replacing an old roof covering: when to consider a solar roof

A necessary roof renovation is a good moment to compare a standard covering with a system integrated with photovoltaics. Part of the expenditure on a new roof surface has to be incurred anyway. BIPV allows the protection of the house to be combined with energy generation, and active and passive steel panels form a coherent whole. The decision should be made before ordering materials. First, however, it must be established whether the problem concerns the covering itself or also the layers and structure. Leaks, damaged flashings or a worn coating do not always mean the same scope of work. Sometimes repairing a specific spot is enough. In other cases, a large part of the covering has to be removed and the layers beneath it rebuilt.

By |2026-11-15T17:19:25+01:002026-09-03|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Replacing an old roof covering: when to consider a solar roof

What is chimney flashing and how does it shed water?

Chimney flashing is designed to intercept water running down the roof slope and guide it safely around the chimney before discharging it onto the covering. Before installation, establish not only the chimney dimensions and roof pitch but also the condition of its finish and the roof area above the obstruction – these determine the shape of the detail. Check that water has a clear path along the sides and that no section forms a pocket trapping debris. Sealant alone at the top edge will not replace correct geometry.

By |2026-11-14T22:27:04+01:002026-08-30|Technology and applications|Comments Off on What is chimney flashing and how does it shed water?

When is a lightweight roof covering worth considering?

A lightweight sheet metal roof covering can make renovation easier and reduce the weight of the outer roof layer. However, it does not mean that the assessment of the structure can be dispensed with. All layers, snow, wind and additional equipment must be taken into account. Low weight also brings benefits in transport, but long sheets still require careful handling. The choice should be based on the entire roof system, not just the kilograms of a single material. The weight depends on the steel thickness, profile and coating. For an example of tile-effect metal roofing cut to size, the data sheet gives approximately 4.7 kg/m². This is the value for a specific product, not for every roof sheet. A high structural sheet or thicker trapezoidal steel sheet may have a different weight.

By |2026-11-14T15:41:50+01:002026-08-25|Technology and applications|Comments Off on When is a lightweight roof covering worth considering?

Specifying snow guards for a sheet metal roof

The choice of snow guards depends above all on where snow is to be held back, not on the appearance of the lower roof edge alone. Check the roof pitch and slope length, the covering type and the places where lying snow could slide onto a path, terrace or driveway. The load-bearing capacity of the substrate and the way forces are transferred through the brackets also matter. A barrier at the gutter alone will not replace a considered layout, and retained snow still loads the roof.

By |2026-11-15T02:35:12+01:002026-07-30|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Specifying snow guards for a sheet metal roof

How to compare wall and roof panel prices in 2026?

A panel price is only comparable when accompanied by a variant description and quote date. Roof and wall may require different panels, even with the same core. Add to this different lengths and waste quantities. It is therefore worth basing a 2026 comparison on your own dimensions and current offers, rather than applying a single rate to the whole build. A roof panel has a geometry designed for working on the slope and draining water. A wall panel may have different edges and a different fixing method. Even a shared nominal thickness does not confirm identical thermal parameters. Describe each part of the envelope separately.

By |2026-11-14T12:00:11+01:002026-07-21|Technology and applications|Comments Off on How to compare wall and roof panel prices in 2026?

Types of roof covering and how to compare them

First compare roof coverings by function and conditions of use, not by product name alone. Check the roof pitch, the type of structure, the internal temperature and the budget for the whole system, because these factors narrow the choice more than appearance does. In a layered roof, the load-bearing substrate, insulation and waterproofing are selected separately. In product data sheets, look for the required slope and the rules for making connections; profile height does not describe the full load capacity, which also depends on steel thickness, geometry, support and fixing. Such a division organises the offer before discussing a specific solution.

By |2026-11-14T18:54:55+01:002026-06-30|Technology and applications|Comments Off on Types of roof covering and how to compare them
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