Do I Need to Replace My Entire Commercial Roof?

Do I Need To Replace My Entire Commercial Roof? Commercial roofs are designed to withstand plenty of weather elements lasting 20-30 years.  But, this is dependent on the roofing materials plus how well the roof is maintained.  Still, some factors can accelerate the wear and tear, leading to leaks and the roof materials coming loose. […]

7 Tips To Winter-Proof Your Roof In Ireland

7 Tips To Winter Proof Your Roof In Ireland With the elements wreaking havoc on the earth, from scorching summers to freezing winters, and winters especially becoming colder, our roofs are under a lot more pressure than ever before.  With winter at our doorstep, it would be a good idea to make sure that your […]

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Roof In Dublin?

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Roof? When it comes to repairing your roof, various factors will influence the cost of the repair. In some cases, it can be rather costly and take a while to fix your roof. Another frustrating factor is that your roofer won’t be able to give you a […]

Roof Collapse

How To Avoid A Roof Collapse On Your Property

How To Avoid A Roof Collapse

Roof Collapse

If you own a property, one of the most serious structural problems you may ever have to deal with is the collapse of the roof. Although not a common event if it does happen it can have extremely serious consequences, both for the building and people in it. Roof collapse can often seem to happen suddenly, out of nowhere, but it can often be the result of a problem that has been building up. Common causes include the build-up of snow, the weight of pooling rainwater which for whatever reason is not being removed as it should. Roof collapse can also be the result of poor repair work on previous leaks.

 

A roof is designed so that it can bear the weight of its own structural materials (timber, framework, sheathing and roofing materials). It also must be able to accept a certain amount of additional weight. This is to allow for the weight of tools and people who may need to work on the roof. The roof design would also anticipate a certain amount of additional pressure from the weight of snow or water.

 

Flat roofed buildings, in particular, are likely to suffer from water pooling if they have blocked guttering or inadequate drainage systems. Also, the weight of the pooled rainwater can damage the supporting structure which in turn makes the roof even more prone to water pooling. And although a certain amount of water and snow are manageable at low levels, the weight can become too much and cause the entire roof to collapse.

 

Although there is sometimes not much we can do to prevent weather-related problems, some roof collapses are entirely avoidable. A common cause of problems is poorly thought out repair work. For example, sometimes a DIY roof repairer will take what they think is an easy option and add additional new materials, such as slates and shingles over the existing ones instead of replacing the old with the new. As a result, the roof can end up carrying considerably more weight than it was designed to support. This is especially dangerous in an older property if such “repairs” have been repeated periodically throughout the lifetime of the building.

 

But fortunately, this is a scenario that can easily be avoided by ensuring that any repairs are carried out properly by qualified roofers who would remove the old shingles and replace them with new ones. Sometimes this option could be too expensive for the home-owner. If so, an alternative would be to reinforce the existing roof structure to make sure that it could bear the weight of the additional shingles. This might be a suitable option if you were taking on an older property where the problem already existed due to the previous owner’s handy work.

 

And don’t forget that a collapsed roof can cause not only external problems. If the roof collapses it can cause serious damage to the ceiling and also the interior fabric of the building – not to mention people in the building at the time. It is certainly something you want to avoid if at all possible.

 

If you have any doubts about roof, give the leading roofing contractors in Dublin a call today

 

 

Active Roofing New Roof Installation Donaghmede Dublin

New Roof Donaghmede

Active Roofing recently completed this stunning new build project in Donaghmede Co. Dublin.

With over 4 decades of experience in Roofing, it is no wonder that Active are the number 2 choice for families and business all around Dublin.

Check out our website for more information on our new build projects.

Flat Roofers Dublin

How To Find Great Roofers In Dublin

Great Roofers Dublin – How To Find Them

What to look for

Getting work done on your roof can be expensive and can affect the structure and value of your property. So it is essential that you find someone who you know will do a great job . A good way to start is to ask around for recommendations. For example, if any of your neighbours have the same type of roof and have had work done recently then they might be able to advise. Make use of the internet to not only find someone but also to check out reviews on their website. You can also check professional trade organisation such as the National Guild of Master Craftsmen to find someone or check the credentials and professionalism of a recommended roofer. It goes without saying that the company or trader should have all the necessary insurance to carry out the work. And you are perfectly entitled to ask to see it.

 

Of course, who you choose will also depend on whether or not it is a standard type of job or something more complicated. Flat roofs, architectural features, and conservation restrictions might require some specialist skills.

 

Getting a quote

It is always best to ask for at least three quotes. The roofers should be happy to come out and look. You can’t see your roof so it’s not enough for you to just describe the problem. They need to do an inspection to see what needs to be done. However, they might not see the full extent of the damage until they start working so be aware that the suggested cost will probably be an estimate rather than a quote.

 

Be wary of any that are offering discounts, or insist on being paid in cash. If there is a big difference between the highest and lowest quotes check online reviews and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification of exactly what is included. Always get this information in writing.

 

Getting Started

Once you have chosen who will do the work you need to get clarification of all the extra but important issues. This includes guarantees, timescales, and contingency arrangements if work is delayed due to weather conditions. Also, make sure you know who is responsible for any mess left behind.

 

You should also establish how payment will be made. If it is just a few tiles being replaced you will probably pay on completion but for larger jobs payments may be made in instalments as the job progresses.  As always it’s best to put everything in writing. You can draw up a simple contract which both parties can sign to confirm the agreed terms and conditions. Hopefully, this will avoid any misunderstanding or worse – legal action further down the line.

 

Planning permission is your responsibility as the property owner. You can ask your roofer for advice but it is up to you to make sure that the work conforms to building regulations. This is especially important if the structure is being altered rather than just repaired.

 

Roof maintenance can be a major headache for homeowners but following the advice above will help to ensure that you receive the best possible results.

If you need Emergency Roofing Work Done, Call the roofers with the most good reviews to get the job done effectively and quickly.

If you need Roofing services, contact Active Roofing today for more information.

How to Stop a Roof Leak during a Storm

Roof leaks can occur no matter the season but the biggest problem is when they happen during a rainstorm and it can be a real emergency. Rainy weather is what keeps the work of roofers going but is also their most busy working time.

In other words, roofers cannot always respond quickly to emergencies. This, together with the fact that they will charge you extra when you need immediate assistance, leaves you with no other option but to search for a temporary solution to minimize the damages and the eventual repair bill.

What to do inside the House

Since finding the leak from outside is in most cases either too dangerous or impossible, you should find it on the inside before anything else. In most cases, the leak looks like a puddle on the ceiling. It will remain like this and grow larger until it finds an escape route.

Some of the most common roof leak locations are either wall corners or ceiling joints. In other cases, there will be more than one dripping spots which, however, will in most cases come from one single source. Whatever the case may be, it shouldn’t frustrate you. Instead, you should be practical and find a temporary solution.

If you happen to see the puddle but no leak, in most cases, that means that the ceiling is holding water. This is possibly the best-case scenario in these situations. This gives you the opportunity to poke a small hole in that location and give water a draining spot. This will minimize the spread of the puddle and give water a single place to drain.

Buckets and cooking pots are the most common objects that people use to collect the water. If, however, you have access to personal garbage pails with wheels, it is a better option as it will move easily even full.

You can also take a few minutes to remove all objects that can be damaged out of the room. In addition, you can spread pieces of cloth, bags, or anything that can cover your floor and protect it from any damage.

Once you have successfully removed all objects and done your damage control, you should try to find the main source of the leak and drain the water until professional help comes.

How to Find the Source

It is crucial that you find the source of the roof leak as otherwise the water can spread significantly and cause really expensive damage to your home.

Roof leaks are not always caused by problems in the roof. It could be from the plumbing, the heating, it could be condensation, and so much else. Your first task is to find out if the roof is the problem from the inside.

The easiest way to do that is to remove any damaged ceiling tiles or drywall. In most cases, that helps locate the leak and give the opportunity to dry it later.

The Attic is The Best Place to Start

Not every home has an attic. However, if you have one, then this is always the best place to start. Depending on whether your roofing materials are placed over a layer of fiberglass or plywood, you might need glasses and gloves. Safety always comes first. In each case, bring a flashlight and another bucket.

If you happen to locate the leak above the fiberglass/plywood, make sure you do not place the bucket directly above it. If it fills up, it may fall through which will be a disaster in many ways. You should find a long piece of material to place across the joists which will keep the bucket safe.

Any wet insulation should be removed and dried. The main source of the leak may be located at a different place than the actual draining spot, therefore, always inspect the entire attic before you decide that you have found the problem.

If it hasn’t stopped raining, it will be easier to locate the problem from the active leak. Look for signs of mold, water damage, or stains. It will, in most cases, be close to the source of the leak.

Inspect your Roof from Outside

You should take all the necessary safety precautions before you attempt to access the roof. Always wait for the rain to stop and give your roof some time to dry. If you don’t have any rubber-soled shoes, it would not be wise to attempt any climbing on the roof. Try to secure your ladder with ropes, for example, or any other smart tool as wind is unpredictable.

Get your hands on a piece of tarp. It is the best temporary solution for roof leaks until you wait for a roofer to come. The tarp piece should be able to cover the entire damaged area. In fact, the best option is to cut it a bit larger than necessary to ensure that it will not leak again. Also, the tarp should be extended over the ridgeline or it will basically leak again.

The tarp should, of course, be secured with some weight on each side. You can use boards or tiles, or anything suitable you find at home. You can also nail the tarp to these boards or materials but you should be careful not to create any new holes in the roof by yourself.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

The most common reason for the occurrence of roof leaks is the lack of preventative maintenance. If the water flow on your roof gets interrupted, there is a chance that it will leak. Most commonly, this happens to pitched roofs.

A blockage in your gutters is the most common reasons for roof leaks. You should try to do regular maintenance by cleaning off any debris or leaves.

In the case of a roof leak, you should take all previously mentioned steps in order to minimize the damage and possibly locating the source of the leak. Then, you should contact Active Roofing at 01 8996305 for further information and a free quote.

BEST ROOFING REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IN 2019

When you notice that your roof is completely worn out, you think about installing a new one. But sometimes you can’t have an idea of ​​the best roof option to consider. The good news is that there is a multitude of expert you can consult. Active Roofing Dublin can help by giving you technical advice on the best roofing solutions for your needs.

For homeowners planning to complete a roof replacement project this year, here’s a list of options to choose from:

Clay tiles

In the Ireland, older couples, as well as people who like to keep the tradition, always choose to use traditional roofs, such as terracotta. This roof is almost similar to concrete slabs, although they have a better aesthetic appeal and encourage air circulation and reflection of sunlight. As a general rule, clay tiles last up to 50 years, but cost as much as £ 400 per square meter, including installation costs.

Metal roofs

You’ve probably found metal roofs; They are standard, though a little more expensive compared to asphalt. One type of standard metal roof is a copper roof, and its vertical panels give it a beautiful surface. Despite the costs associated with buying and installing the roof; The seam panels are mounted on the platform and measure approximately 12 to 24 inches, the roof is durable. This type reflects the sun’s rays and ensures the interior of the building remains cool and reduces noise if it is insulated in rainy weather.

Typical metal roofs include Galvanized steel, zinc, copper, aluminum, Stainless steel and Galvanized steel.

Stone-Coated Metal

Stone-Coated Metal is one of the roof options to consider if you need a durable roof. This ceiling design is always premium and has a warranty of up to 50 years. In addition, it is resistant to fire, wind, and hail because of the granite coating it contains. The architectural design of this roof gives it great aesthetics as it takes on the appearance of terracotta or wood tiles. The installation process is a little complicated, as it is mounted on slats that guarantee air ducts between the roof and the deck.

Solar Shingles

This roof is one of the most practical in areas of great solar experience. Solar Shingles are thin with solar panels throughout the day. The roof requires significant investment in the cost of installation and the value of the roof itself. The roof is not considered a natural option because of its aesthetics, as it does not give it a natural look.

Standing Seam

Standing seam is the roofing type you should consider in 2019 and this type is economically friendly, durable, easy to install, and provides you an appealing finish appearance due to the two seems that are placed vertically. This roofing is often galvanized with steel and other copper materials which make it durable. It is usually installed over seam panels that are vertically aligned over plywood and are typically 12 to 24 inches.

 

Single-Ply Roof

If you own or are planning to construct a commercial building, the most economical roofing you can consider installing is the single-ply roofing. The two types of single–ply roofing are:

  1. Thermoset
  2. Thermoplastic

Thermoset membranes include synthetic rubber polymers like EPDM and CSPE, and they are economical for large roofs because the number of seams used is reduced.

Thermoplastics, on the other hand, are often used for polyester or fiberglass reinforcement due to its strength. It involves hot-air welding to construct cohesive laps and when it cools assumes its original form with a lasting bond.

Architectural Shingles

Most architectural Shingles is seen as a roofing option for your homes because of their texture, quality, and standards. The typical benefits you can get from this roof are; High wind resistance up to 120 m per hour, Average brightness of 12 years, 30-year warranty on architectural tiles and Energy efficiency.

The overall cost of purchase and installation depends on the type of product preferred: standard or premium, and your location. A disadvantage of this roof is that it cannot be recycled once it is damaged and contribute to pollution.

 

Build-Up

One of the most elegant yet economical roofing options that most developers use in the Ireland and globally are Build-Up roofing. This type is often placed in low-sloped roofs and is installed by putting several bitumen layers on the surface, and then a coating layer is set as the finishing part. In some cases, you can use ply-sheets to reinforce fiberglass although this depends on the mode of application you use.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are one of the types of old roofs used and probably still used in the UK. This type is usually not the prettiest, though modern options for enhancing aesthetics, such as painting or painting tiles in the desired color, have been adopted. This roof option is durable because it resists corrosion, fire, wind, and hail. The installation process is also simple and less expensive.

Stone-Coated Steel

A newer option on the market is a Stone-Coated Steel that gives it a classic finish. The roof is suitable for different types of weather because of the combination of options it has Wind resistance up to 120 km / h, Rapid freezing capacity and Resistance to moisture

This coverage option is not limited to your natural abilities; Installation processes also promote airflow. It offers a lifetime warranty and maintenance usually involves blowing up the accumulated dirt.

Choosing the right roof for your home is a difficult task. However, when you hire a professional roofing technician, the process is less stressful.  If you live in Ireland, you can call and ask for the help of many roofers. For example, you can turn to ActiveRoofing.ie for all your roofing problems, from roof repairs, gutters, chimneys, plumbing and roof lines as well as commercial roofing.