Does non-combustible wool mean a non-combustible and fire-resistant wall?

Mineral wool is associated with fire protection, but a sandwich panel also contains steel sheets, coatings and bonding layers. The reaction-to-fire class of the whole product need not be the class of the core alone. The fire resistance of the wall is determined separately. These distinctions help to select the cladding correctly and to avoid unjustified promises. The core, the complete panel and the wall installed on a structure are three different levels of assessment. Information about the wool does not replace the declaration for the panel with metal facings. Similarly, a result for the panel does not automatically describe every method of its installation.

By |2026-11-14T10:38:03+01:002026-06-17|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Does non-combustible wool mean a non-combustible and fire-resistant wall?

Choosing a roofer and agreeing the scope of work

Choose a roofer based on projects similar in material and complexity, not price alone. Check whether the team knows the installation instructions for the selected system and can point to the document they use. Before work starts, agree materials, details, dates and the handover method, as well as how additional work will be settled. With metal roof tiles and trapezoidal sheets, flashings, fixings and ventilation are particularly important. Look at details in photos and, with the owner's consent, a finished roof – a distant overall view does not show the quality of edges and finishes.

By |2026-11-15T03:57:41+01:002026-06-10|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Choosing a roofer and agreeing the scope of work

What goes beneath a roof covering and how to choose the underlay

A layer of underlay is laid beneath the roof covering to take over water that gets under the tiles or metal sheet, as well as condensation. When choosing the underlay, check whether it works with the selected covering, the pitch and the whole roof build-up, not just whether it has good parameters. Continuity of the system at the eaves, chimney and penetrations is also important. The underlay should not be confused with a vapour barrier or insulation. The method of support depends on the product, so verify the intended use of the membrane or rigid underlay and the requirements for vapour flow and ventilation.

By |2026-11-14T23:58:16+01:002026-06-08|Knowledge base|Comments Off on What goes beneath a roof covering and how to choose the underlay

How to choose a contractor for an integrated photovoltaic roof?

The installer should understand both the roof and the electrical installation, or ensure well-organised cooperation between the two trades. The number of ordinary panels installed alone does not confirm experience with an active covering. It is worth checking completed projects, documentation, the quoting method and after-sales service. A good choice is not about finding the longest list of promises, but about assessing specific answers relating to your own building. Ask for examples of roofs completed in the system under consideration or in a solution of comparable construction. Not only drone photos matter, but also details at windows, chimneys and edges. If possible, it is worth seeing a finished building from a normal perspective.

By |2026-11-15T19:00:16+01:002026-06-06|Knowledge base|Comments Off on How to choose a contractor for an integrated photovoltaic roof?

Does trapezoidal steel roofing suit a traditional house?

Trapezoidal metal sheeting can work well on a traditional house when it respects the building's proportions and its setting. The roof's appearance is shaped by profile height, colour, gloss level and how the eaves are finished – T18 and T35 produce a different surface rhythm. Looks alone are not enough: pitch, substrate load-bearing capacity and local requirements must also be checked. Traditional housing varies, so the covering ought to suit the scale and character of the particular building, and for some houses tile-effect sheeting remains the more natural choice.

By |2026-11-14T20:11:58+01:002026-05-29|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Does trapezoidal steel roofing suit a traditional house?

When does the low T7 profile make finishing a building easier?

The T7 sheet produces an almost flat surface with a subtle rhythm of profiles. It can be considered for façades, screening or garage door cladding if this matches the intended use of the selected product. Support, connections and appearance in side light require the most attention. The low profile does not conceal curvature in the substructure. The profile is approximately 7 mm high. The wide, flat sections of the sheet give the cladding a calm appearance. This is a different scale from deep industrial sheet. On a small building or at an entrance, this pattern may harmonise better with smooth render, glass and simple flashings.

By |2026-11-14T10:37:12+01:002026-05-25|Knowledge base|Comments Off on When does the low T7 profile make finishing a building easier?

Designing roof valleys for drainage and appearance on complex roofs

A multi-pitched roof has many visible lines. Some are formed by ridges and hips, and some by roof valleys collecting water. The latter require particular attention. Their geometry should follow from the layout of the roof slopes and the method of drainage. The appearance can be tidied through the correct selection of flashings and careful finishing of the covering. However, the drainage path should not be narrowed merely to make the visible strip of sheet metal smaller. A single building may have roof valleys of different lengths and different angles. One collects water at a dormer, another connects large roof slopes. Their similar appearance on plan does not mean identical conditions. It is worth assessing each section in relation to the area from which water flows.

By |2026-11-15T03:59:24+01:002026-05-23|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Designing roof valleys for drainage and appearance on complex roofs

Mansard roofs: how the change in pitch affects the loft and the detailing

A mansard roof has slopes divided into an upper part and a steeper lower part, giving the attic more convenient space at the walls. It is worth checking whether the geometry of both parts permits the chosen covering, especially on the gentler upper slope. The break detail, ventilation and fixings on the steep sections require the most attention. The designer should draw the break line and define how forces are transferred. The actual gain depends on the break height, construction thickness and insulation, so compare the finished cross-section rather than just the floor plan.

By |2026-11-14T23:57:28+01:002026-05-22|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Mansard roofs: how the change in pitch affects the loft and the detailing

Insulating a loft to avoid cold roof slopes and damp

To avoid cold slopes and moisture, attic insulation must form continuous insulation, a tight inner layer and allow the roof to dry. Choosing a thicker board alone does not eliminate gaps at the wall plate, windows and rafters. First define the boundary of the heated part of the house: with an unused, cold attic, insulating the ceiling below may make sense, while when rooms are created, insulation must cover the slopes and other partitions. Check that the material type and thickness match the design, the layer is continuous, boards fit and joints are sound.

By |2026-11-14T20:15:03+01:002026-05-19|Knowledge base|Comments Off on Insulating a loft to avoid cold roof slopes and damp

What to inspect on a steel building roof after the season

A steel hall roof inspection should not start only after goods have been flooded. A clogged gutter, a loosened flashing or a trace at a new service penetration can signal the need for action earlier. It is worth observing the roof after periods of increased weather loading and in line with the maintenance plan. The visual inspection must be distinguished from the legally required technical inspections. Before work begins, roof drawings, envelope data and the manufacturer's recommendations should be gathered. Information on previous repairs and leak locations is useful. A steel hall may have different solutions in successive sections, especially after an extension. It must not be assumed that the entire roof requires identical treatment.

By |2026-11-15T03:58:42+01:002026-05-16|Knowledge base|Comments Off on What to inspect on a steel building roof after the season
Back to top