When it comes to roofing and glazing work, it is commonplace to see the widest gap between a supplier’s assertions and the regulatory realities. Conservatory roof replacements that involve the Building Regulations are marketed as simple upgrades. Flat roof membranes are quoted with 20-year warranties from contractors who might not even be around in 5 years. Window energy ratings are shown, with no commentary on what the scale measures. The articles in this section attempt to address that. The focus throughout is on certification, standards, and contractor credentials – what each mark means, what Building Regulations apply and what to ask before any contractor touches your roof or window frames. The applicable standards and schemes for roofing and glazing The standards and schemes that apply to roofing and glazing work are the ones that offer quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, to the consumer. The raw data and the summary are as follows: Standard/Scheme What it Covers Certification/Verified by BS EN 13956 European Standard for Flexible Waterproofing Sheets, which includes GRP, EPDM and TPO membranes. Covers testing for each: tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and thermal cycling. Independent test bodies. Ask for the test report number, not just the product name. BFRC energy rating (A++ to E) British Fenestration Rating Council – window energy ratings which consider solar gain, U-value, and air leakage. Part L of the Building Regulations requires a minimum of Band C for replacement windows. BFRC register at bfrc.org.
Please check the product and its ratings before purchasing. FENSA and Certass provide competent person schemes for the installation of windows and doors. Registered installers are able to self-certify adherence to the Building Regulations without needing an accredited inspector. FENSA can be accessed at fensa.org.uk. Certass can be accessed at certass.co.uk. Part L (Building Regulations) relates to the energy efficiency of new and replacement roofing and glazing. Replacement windows must be at least Band C. New extending roofs must have a U-value of 0.15 W/m²K or better. This will be assessed by Local Building Control or an Approved Inspector. Part A (Building Regulations) relates to the Structural loading requirements. This comes into play when replacing a lightweight glazed conservatory roof with a heavier solid roof. This will require a structural engineer’s assessment and building control sign off. Membership of the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) requires proof of employer’s liability and public liability insurance, along with client references and proof of technical competence. You can use the NFRC contractor search at nfrc.co.uk. The Competent Roofer scheme is a government- authorized scheme that allows registered roofing contractors to self-certify their work as compliant with the Building Regulations. This is managed through the NFRC. All these standards apply to various elements of the same work.
The replacement of a conservatory roof includes considerations of Part L regarding thermal performance, Part A regarding structural loading, and possible FENSA or building control sign-off on the installation — none of which cover the other parts. The distinction contractors make is rarely clear The way roofing and glazing work gets sold in the UK is repetitive: there is a pattern where contractors conflate the rules governing permitted development with the separate regulations on Building Code Compliance, or where reference to the latter is made as an afterthought after the work order is signed. They are separate systems. A development can be classified as permitted development — which means it does not require planning permission — and still be subject to Building Code Compliance. A common case is when a conservatory’s glass roof is replaced with a solid tiled roof. From a planning perspective it might be simple. However, there are complex Building Code Compliance issues, which the homeowner, not the contractor, is liable for when the non-compliance is uncovered at the time of sale. Articles in this section Flat roof membranes compared — GRP, EPDM and TPO against BS EN 13956
In most cases, converting a polycarbonate or glass conservatory roof to a solid tiled roof means the conservatory loses its exemption from Building Regulations. This article discusses when the regulations kick in, what Part L requires of the new roof’s thermal performance, the structural loading issue most buyers overlook, and what to ask a contractor to confirm in writing before work begins. How to check a roofing contractor’s credentials — NFRC membership, insurance, and warranty requirements
NFRC membership includes reviewed insurance, client references, and proven skills. This article explains what the membership requires from a contractor, how to check the membership, and what a manufacturer-backed flat roof warranty requires, along with the most important question to ask before any other. What the BFRC Window Energy Rating A++ to E scale means
The rating is a combination of solar gain, U value, and air leakage, which is consolidated into a single band. Building Regulations, Part L, sets Band C as the minimum for windows that are replacement.
If you are replacing more than 50% of the existing roof surface for a flat roof replacement, you need to do a Part L Assessment. If a Conservatory roof gets converted to a solid structure, this also triggers Part A and Part L. For rooflights, in conservation areas, they always require planning permission, regardless of the size. None of these are obscure and they are the typical regulatory framework for this type of work. The above articles adequately address each to ensure a contractor does not try to work outside the specification before the work begins, rather than after it is complete. All articles on this site are independent editorial. We do not receive any money for product placement or mentions of suppliers.
Many homeowners in the UK tend to get many inflammatory contractor quotes before deciding on one and checking vendor reviews on google. A badly installed roof is often expensive to fix and cause major inconveniences as it is difficult to trace the vendor down the line. In fact, most contractors and vendor reviews online provide little useful information to buyers to check reviews and don’t provide useful information about the contractors and reviews. If it takes at least poorly constructed reviews, then worthwhile to check. A check on the review and contractor’s referral is worthwhile and takes a minute. What it Means to Be a Member of the NFRC The NFRC is the major National Federation of Roofing Contractors and tends to provide the most UK contractors. Membership is regulated,... Read More »
Flat roofs are a great choice for many homes due to their modern aesthetic and affordability. As technology has advanced, so have the materials used in flat roofing systems. Many of today’s high-performance flat roofing products feature waterproof membranes that help protect your home from water damage caused by rain or snow, as well as UV rays. They are also much less expensive than traditional sloped roofs, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality. The visual appeal of flat roofs is often what draws people into considering this type of roof system in the first place. The low profile creates a sleek look that complements any modern architecture, while the uniform lines make it easy to match with other exterior features such as... Read More »
When thinking of flat roofing, it’s important to ensure the materials you choose match both your aesthetic vision and provide functionality. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right flat roofing material: Durability: Different flat roofing materials have different levels of durability. Materials like PVC or TPO can be more durable while others, such as EPDM rubber may need to be replaced sooner due to their susceptibility to UV radiation. Knowing how long each type of material will last is essential in making the right choice for your needs. Cost: Different materials also have varying costs associated with them. Sometimes cost can be a deciding factor in what type of material you choose. It is important to research the cost of each material... Read More »
A conservatory roof replacement will undoubtedly make your house more desirable to buyers, especially if your existing roof is not energy efficient, structurally sound, or easy on the eye. A survey of recent homebuyers has been compiled by a UK insurance company, and it showed that a conservatory roof replacement increases the resale value of homes. Most first-time buyers would look favourably on a house with a conservatory as opposed to a regular house (with no extension or conservatory). Those who have already had experience in selling homes know that having an extra room will increase the value of your property as well as its overall appearance. Replacing your old, worn-out conservatory roof with newer, better quality materials is one exciting project you can work on today to achieve those... Read More »
Conservatories prove to be an excellent way to get the most out of sunshine in your yard, but glass roofs tend to present several problems that most people do not anticipate. Perhaps the most obvious one is difficulty in accessing the roof when it comes to cleaning the glass. However, the biggest downside is the increased heating bill. With the need to save energy, perhaps it is time to consider a tiled conservatory roof. If you are still on the fence, here are some benefits that will hopefully make you consider the upgrade. The Benefits of Having a Tiled Conservatory Roof The first advantage is pretty obvious. Your tiled conservatory roof in Milton Keynes will provide better insulation and allow for better-controlled temperature throughout. This will result in savings on... Read More »
Have you installed a conservatory roof before? Perhaps you have one on your home that has added to its overall appeal. These are designed to have a transparent top, or they could have skylights, allowing the sunlight to come in. As with most conservatories, they will have a stylized roof, leading down to windows all around the perimeter. These are typically set off to the side of a home, providing the people inside with the beautiful view of your property. Here are five reasons that you should consider getting a new conservatory roof if you have had your conservatory for years. Five Reasons To Get A New Roof On Your Conservatory The first reason that you should consider upgrading to a tiled conservatory roof is if it is slowly leaking.... Read More »
Throughout the past decade, a growing number of house owners are choosing to exchange their dated conservatory roofs. If you feel like you need to be bidding farewell to your old glazing and replace them with modern roof tiles, you may be able to increase the value of your home. It’s important to note that this is also an attempt to make a ‘warm roof’, which supposedly provides superior thermal efficiency and unrivalled longevity. In this blog post, we’ll be answering some of the main questions about tiled conservatory roofs. From the advantages they provide to the most popular tiles, these are the questions you’ll want to have answered before you plan a conservatory roof replacement. In This Blog We’ll Reveal: The pros and cons of a warm roof conservatory... Read More »
If you’re looking for a reliable roofing solution, you won’t find a better option than GRP flat roofs. These roofs offer a number of advantages over other types of roof. If you take a closer look at the benefits it offers, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. It’s Weather Resistant One of the biggest threats to your roof is poor weather. While there’s no way to completely weatherproof your roof, a GRP flat roof can help to keep your roof and home in excellent shape even during a storm. This is a roofing material that’s highly resistant to weathering, especially when the right kind of topcoat is applied. This roofing material is both seamless and waterproof, which means it’s ideal for stormy weather. You shouldn’t... Read More »
A terrace is a great addition to your home as it provides you with an outdoor space with easy access to the house. Most terraces do not come with a roof or cover, but this is something you should consider adding. If you are unsure about this, there are many reasons why a cover is a good idea and worth the additional investment. Sun Protection You are most likely to use your terrace in the summer months when the weather is good and you want to enjoy it before winter. The only problem is the sun can become overwhelming as you sit there. While it is possible to purchase a large umbrella, a terrace cover will work better. Terrance covers come in a range of designs and many will have... Read More »
Okay so flat roofs aren’t the most exciting investments for homeowners, but they are extremely important, especially when protecting the entire building envelope. Knowing the pros and cons of each system, like the value of flat roof repair, the building material needed, potential ponding water and roof leaks will give you a better understand on the investment at large. Flat roofs construction consists of a high coat and under layer, and that’s especially the case when you look at flat roofing Leamington Spa. Flat roofs are among the most durable roofs of all the categories for commercial buildings and houses. They’re most regularly used on outbuildings and huge structures. If you propose to own a flat roof on a residence or building, or do already, it’s essential to grasp the... Read More »
If you’ve owned a conservatory in the past, or perhaps still do, you will probably know of the common problems associated with conservatories. One of the biggest disadvantages is that they can be incredibly cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. That said, in recent years, thanks to new technology, conservatories are being redesigned somewhat, and it’s not uncommon to now choose a tiled conservatory roof. Okay, so you don’t have supreme sky view. But because the entire roof structure is not made of glass, it can be insulated, making a huge difference.
Having your own roof to fix can be a bit of a pain, but it can also be very dangerous, especially when you do not plan on hiring a professional. If you know where the issue or leak is, then it’s important to know that without any experience, carrying out the work all on your own is such a huge challenge and that is why you need to look at some precautionary measures that must be followed to ensure safety during the process. Here are some tips on how to work on your own roof safely.