Built Up Felt Roofing Systems
Flat roofing has received some bad press in the past, leading some to believe that flat roofs are troublesome. This is not the case. As with all products, advancement is continual and previous concerns around longevity are no longer an issue.
Recent changes in Building Regulations and the growing demand for increasing thermal efficiency has resulted in an increased demand for bituminous flat roofing systems (built up felt roofing systems). Bituminous flat roofing systems can provide the highest thermal performance for the minimum thickness built up, and the bitumen bonded application method effectively seals all the potential air leakage points. Bituminous flat roofing systems have been tried and tested for over 100 years now and reinforced bituminous membrane roofing has a proven track record for robust performance and long term durability.
Modern high performance reinforced built up bituminous roofing systems have a number of benefits that allow us to conform to modern thermal, acoustic and fire standards, and provide long term building performance, safer service maintenance, and cost effective construction methods.
Some of the benefits of built up bituminous roofing systems:
- Long term durability – correctly designed and installed, high performance bituminous roofing systems offer a proven long term life expectancy, with options achieving in excess of 30 years
- Robust performance – a built up bituminous roofing system comprised of two – three layers of high performance membranes is made up of tough polyester base fabrics and polymer modified bitumen coatings, which ensure a damage resistant waterproof coating
- Thermally efficient – a flat roof presents the smallest surface area for heat loss, therefore offering excellent thermal efficiency. A high performance bituminous roofing system will also be able to accommodate any further planned upgrades in the Building Regulations Part L to the thermal requirements, simply and with greater efficiency than some other roofing systems
- Airtight construction – high performance bituminous roofing systems contribute significantly to the overall airtight construction of a building. These systems will automatically seal voids and gaps, insulation can easily be incorporated into the system and the bonded system negates the need for mechanical fixings which are often responsible for a significant reduction in the thermal performance and air tightness of other roofing systems. Airtight construction is an important element of the Building Regulations.
- Proven fire performance – many of the high performance reinforced bitumen membranes have been tested to the stringent British and European fire test standards, achieving the highest F.AA system ratings without the need for toxic compounds that can harm the environment. Other roofing systems can struggle to achieve such proven fire performance. High performance bituminous roofing systems achieving the full Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) approval are also available.
- Wind uplift resistance – high performance bituminous roofing systems are fully bonded to the roof area and therefore offer high levels of resistance to wind uplift, without the need for mechanical fixings.
- Warm roof systems – aluminium lined, bonded bituminous vapour barriers in a warm flat roof system offer the best performance for controlling the movement of moisture vapour. This is particularly important in flat roofs over bathrooms and kitchens.
- Balconies and walkways – bituminous roofing systems are ideal for balconies, walkways, roof terrace areas and garden roofs (with root prevention layers)
- Elastomeric membranes –bituminous roofing membranes now have elastomeric properties which mean that they move and flex with the roof structure.
- UV impregnated membranes – modern bituminous roofing membranes are UV impregnated to combat the degrading effects of exposure to the sun.
The modern high performance built up bituminous roofing systems that we use are certified by the British Board of Agreement, ensuring that they confirm to the highest quality and technical standards.
High performance built up felt roofing systems, installed correctly offer a cost effective, long lasting, hard wearing solution on both residential and commercial premises alike.
Contact us today and we would be happy to provide you with a free inspection and no obligation quotation for whatever your roofing requirements might be.
