Commercial Roofing Contractors

If your commercial roof is leaking it could be due to a number of issues. To save you time and money in finding the cause, we’ve put together some of the most common causes of commercial roof leaks and the best course of action to take for a solid commercial roof repair.

Poorly Designed Flat Roofing Systems

A poorly designed flat roofing system can often prevent rainwater from effectively draining away, resulting in ponding water. Standing water to a flat roof area is often defined as water that has not drained away from the roof area 48hrs after rainfall.

Standing water is often caused by a lack of pitch/falls or when rainwater outlets and guttering are blocked with debris.

While ponding water can be completely harmless to your flat roofing system, standing water on a flat roof can cause:

• Sagging of the roof from additional weight
• Increased leaks
• Build-up of moss and plants
• Faster deterioration of the roofing system

If your roof is experiencing ponding water, there are a variety of methods which can help rectify the problem.

These include:

• Installing additional rainwater outlets
• Adding a tapered insulation scheme to create effective falls at roof level

Damaged Perimeter Flashing

Damage to your perimeter flashing can be caused by a number of things such as:

• an incorrect initial installation
• extreme weather conditions such as high winds and excessive rainfall
• expansion and contraction in different temperatures

The above can cause holes, tears and breaks and weakness in the perimeter flashing of your roof which means moisture and water can seep in and cause leakage into the building and internal roofing systems. It is essential to repair the edging to stop the leak.

By keeping on top of the perimeter flashing you can minimise leakage in the future.

The Age of the Roofing System

Like anything in life, roofs suffer from general wear and tear and if your roof is over a certain age, one of the problems you’re going to see is leakage. It’s simple deterioration that can’t be avoided.

The timescale of the deterioration of your roof depends entirely on the material used, the standard of the initial installation and external, environmental factors.

At a certain point, it may be more economical to invest in a complete commercial roof replacement rather than constantly trying to repair and deal with individual sections problems. Most commercial roofing contractors will advise you that a partial or complete replacement would be better at this point.

Open Roof Penetrations

Open roof penetrations include things like:

• drains
• pipes
• HVAC units
• vents
• gas lines

Because these often puncture the roof membrane, if there is a leak it can do significant damage to the inside of the roof system and the interior of your building.

These are all susceptible to leaks and so it’s important that they are kept watertight to reduce this chance. You can do this via a number of methods such as:

• flashing
• field wraps
• rain collars
• pipe boots
• pitch pans

Whatever the cause of your leak, it’s vital that you get proactive with your commercial roof repairs to minimise any damage.

For further information regarding commercial roof leaks, please ensure you get in contact with one of our experienced commercial roofing contractors today.

When a roofing system fails on a commercial and industrial building, one of the main reasons is down to the roof guttering. This is largely down to the fact that people neglect their guttering, become lax with roof maintenance and due to gutter joint failure.

A lot of existing gutter systems are unable to cope with the demands that are put upon them, for example heavy rainfall, and additional rainwater outlets may be required.

It’s not uncommon for the UK to receive a month’s worth of rainfall in just one day which can be an extremely challenging scenario for guttering system, especially if they are very old or haven’t been properly maintained.

Many commercial building owners focus on their roofing systems only and neglect to check their guttering systems. But leaks and weaknesses can occur within guttering systems which can compromise your entire building.

Leaving your guttering to deteriorate might save you money in the short term, but the damage it could cause to the exterior and interior of your commercial building will end up costing you more in the long run. Water damage to your building and its contents can be extremely costly and can even mean you have to close your company or business for a period of time to deal with the damage.

It’s important to also have your gutters regularly cleaned. Clogged gutters can lead to stagnant water pooling which allows for weeds and grasses to form, as well as increasing your chance of leaks. When you have slow drainage, you can also get accelerated corrosion of the waterline.

Here at NWIR, we can install new gutter lining systems and gutter coating systems to refurbish your commercial rainwater guttering. All of our guttering systems are completely seamless and provide a watertight solution that keeps your building safe and dry in the long term. Contact us for more information on our gutter & drainage systems.

The fundamental function of a commercial gutter system is to allow rainwater to run away from the exterior of a building. Quite often, the condition of a gutter lining system can deteriorate overtime which may result in your premises being affected in many different ways.

These areas of concern commonly include blocked or leaking gutters, poorly installed systems featuring a limited number of rainwater outlets and also inadequate coverage which often leads to overspill even in moderate rainfall.

Not only are these issues an inconvenience to the daily running of your business, but more importantly, water damage through insufficient gutter systems can also cause major problems to the entire structure of your building.

In addition to this, a newly installed gutter lining system carried out by an accredited industrial roofing contractor will ultimately provide more safety to you, your staff and also your customers.

The importance of preventative measures

As commercial roofing contractors, we understand the importance of regular roof maintenance to ensure your industrial roofing system is free from damage or any related faults that can be quickly and effectively resolved once identified.

This principle also applies to your building’s gutter system, to which we often recommend regular commercial gutter cleaning to help prolong the lifespan of your current network of gutters.

Due to constant exposure to the elements, most gutter systems do eventually reach the end of their expected lifespan and will require either a full or partial replacement.

Here at NWIR Ltd we only use the latest, most advanced techniques and materials to refurbish commercial gutter systems:

Liquid Applied Coating systems

Liquid applied gutters usually involve a liquid-applied polymer being introduced to the existing guttering which is either rolled or brushed into the system to help ensure a seamless, leak-proof gutter is created.

Although this type of system may be effective in allowing rainwater to effectively run clear of your building, liquid-applied gutter linings are often more expensive than other methods, as well as being extremely weather dependent.

Independent Seamless Gutter Linings

The main alternative to liquid applied coating systems is that of a seamless plygene gutter lining which is often faster to install and can also be universally fitted for all types of gutter systems.

Supported by its own weight, this made-to-measure, 100% waterproof membrane is fully independent from the existing gutter system. In some cases, this type of gutter lining system can be fully guaranteed for up to 25 years.

As one of the UK’s leading commercial roofing contractors, we are one of the country’s largest installers of HD Sharman plygene gutter lining systems which allows us to provide all our clients with a 25 year material and labour guarantee upon the completion of this type of installation.

Regardless of whether you currently have a traditional gutter system installed or if your building is equipped with syphonic drainage, plygene gutter linings will always be an extremely suitable material to use.

In addition to its versatility and quick installation time, it’s also one of the most cost effective solutions for commercial and industrial roofing systems.

RS Components

When we undertook the refurbishment of the aged and insufficient gutter lining systems at leading electrical and industrial component distributor, RS Components, we immediately knew that a plygene Gutterline system would be the most effective method in providing a long-term solution for the company.

Given the short timescale of 4-6 weeks, we were able to quickly install this particular gutter lining system that eventually resolved the issue of leaking gutters, without causing too much disruption to the client.

To receive further information about gutter lining installation for commercial and industrial properties, or to find out more about our other industrial roofing services, make sure you get in touch with a member of our dedicated team today.

Rooflights are now a common introduction to commercial building plans across the country due to their effective use of daylight and energy efficiency. Many large projects located within warehouses are now installing them so that they can successfully reduce the carbon footprint in an effortless, cost-effective way.

Over time, rooflights can become damaged or faulty. When those issues develop, you should organise a repair as soon as you can.

How can I spot a problem with an industrial roof light?

These defects can occur if they are not properly maintained through the years and materials do tend to weaken over the course of 15+ years. It’s easy to spot a simple issue straight away but it’s always best to organise an inspection to deliberate your next move. Typical problems you might notice with roof lights over time are:

• Water leaks and dripping.
• Discolouration (often brown or beige).
• Cracks and splits are signs of roof light’s material wearing thin.

When you arrange an inspection, you may be advised that the roof lights need simple maintenance or repair to decrease damage risk and extend the longevity. After this process, you will require a roofing consultant company to perform these services safely.

Regular site surveys will help ensure the durability of the industrial roof light is up to standard, and that your business can operate without disruption.

Why should I consider an industrial roof light?

Commercial rooflights aren’t just a great industrial installation because they have a variety of benefits that could improve your business’s operations as a whole. If you don’t have an industrial rooflight installed, it is something that you should consider because:

• The natural light stops large warehouses from appearing dim.
• It can replace fragile materials on your roof to eliminate future issues.
• Light from safe sun exposure could cause health benefits such as a natural boost of Vitamin D in colleagues, which is proven to improve moods naturally.
• Natural light takes away the requirement for heavy lighting, which will ultimately decrease energy costs.
• Rooflights reduce carbon footprint and can help boost the environment.

What are the different types of industrial roof lights?

Dome

Domes are a small type of rooflight that uses a reflective tube to increase light in smaller places. This option is an excellent roof installation alternative if there are parts of your building that receive limiting lighting throughout the day.

Barrel

These rooflights are ideal for a larger space due to their variety in size. Each semi circular shape can be fitted together to create a roof light that can cover your entire roof, which is ideal for any commercial building.

Flat Glass

These rooflights for flat roofs one of the firm favourites to use because of their modern appearance and size. This type of installation helps display sunlight throughout a large building due to the wide variety of sizes. You can choose to have a small, thin section of flat glass or the majority of the roof for your building.

Pyramid

Pyramid glass rooflights are commonly used on buildings to create beautiful, spotlight that will enhance a building’s architectural flare with thin steel beams and double glazing.

Walk-on

This type of commercial rooflight is becoming extremely popular amongst businesses that want to introduce the ability to walk safely on the roof. With incredibly durable, thick permanently shut glass, it can add light to darker areas of a building, while providing aesthetically pleasing, modern alternative.

What is the next step if I want to install a commercial roof light or organise maintenance?

If you wish to explore the option of a rooflight for your business, we can offer site surveys and install the industrial and commercial roofing that is right for the building structure, while providing regular maintenance and rooflight replacement. To contact us regarding a rooflight, visit here and get in touch.

Regardless of the type of commercial building or property, a common stumbling block shared by most property owners is what type of roof design is most suitable for your building, budget and demands. In the UK, there are two main types of roofing options; flat and pitched roofs. So, before you make your final decision it’s extremely beneficial to know differences, advantages and limitations between these two roof designs.

Flat Roof Design

Firstly, it’s important to understand that a flat roof isn’t 100% level. In order for rain water to successfully drain away, they must be constructed with a slight pitch of a few degrees. For small commercial properties or if you’re planning on building a extension or even an outbuilding like a garage, then a flat roof deign may be more suited to your property.

Once designed, this type of roof is often easier to erect than a pitched roof design as the horizontal structure is securely fastened to the ceiling joints underneath. A single ply membrane or a layer of weatherproof roofing felt is then applied over the top.

Tip: It’s important to understand that the type of roof covering can have a huge impact on the overall lifespan of your flat, so it’s important to understand the different types of single ply roofing, felt materials and adhesive.

In relation to cost and efficiency, a flat roof design is certainly more cost effective as the manual labour process and price of the materials used are often much less when compared to the construction of a pitched roof. However, it’s also worth being reminded that a commercial flat roof usually has a shorter lifespan and requires a greater amount of maintenance.

Pitched Roof Design

Formed from at least two slopes that rise up in the centre to create a peak, a commercial pitched roof design is renowned for its longevity, flexibility and natural characteristics. Although, pitched roofs are a common feature on most domestic properties, they’re still an extremely popular option for industrial and commercial roof management.

As a result of their construction, a pitched roof design does provide additional living and storage space, which can certainly benefit smaller commercial properties. Through the addition of a bespoke roof design, industrial roofing contractors can provide you with a tailor made and cost effective solution that also encapsulates storage and living space.

Due to their waterproofing qualities, durability and the additional insulation that they can provide to the rooms below, a pitched roof design often has a greater lifespan when compared to its flat roof counterpart.

The final advantage of choosing this type of roof is that they’re likely to be more welcoming to the local environment as the natural looking sloped roof is certain to blend in with surrounding buildings and architecture. On the other hand, their design and construction does incur extra expense due to the often complex design negotiations, labour intensity and the range of materials used.

Knowing the differences, limitations and advantages between the two most popular commercial roofing types is certainly going to be advantageous during the designing and construction phases of your own roof.

Single ply roofing has become an increasingly popular flat roof covering over the last few years. Essentially, a single ply membrane roof is comprised of flexible sheets of synthetic polymer that can be divided into two main groups, thermoplastics and synthetic rubber. Due to the fact that thermoplastics can be re-heated and re-molded, they have become the number one option for many industrial roofing contractors undertaking flat roof installations.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is recognised as a thermoplastic membrane and has been used as a single ply membrane roofing material across Europe since the sixties. From the largest of factory rooftops to much smaller garage roofs and bay windows, it can be easily used in a variety of situations and environments.

The Benefits of Single Ply Roofing

Regardless of the type of roofing material that you’re considering to use, there are many universal benefits in choosing a single ply membrane roof. These include:

• Resistant to UV & Natural Elements

A fundamental requirement for any roofing material is the assurance that it’s resistant to damaging ultraviolet light. Not only are most single ply membrane materials 100% UV resistant, but they’re also not affected by the build up of potentially harmful micro-organisms.

• Durable

When applied with a hot air weld, the single ply roof membrane also provides your building with some much needed protection against changing weather conditions and even the most extreme temperatures.

• Fire Retardant

Due to their composition, single ply membrane roofs are  also fire resistant and even self-extinguishing. For any business, organisation or workplace that is concerned about the fire safety of their employees, visitors or customers then single ply roofing is certain to provide you with both confidence and security.

• Resistant to Chemicals

For areas that are likely to be exposed to potential harmful chemicals, it’s certainly reassuring to know your roofing material is protecting yourself and your building against acid rain and other forms of acidic outflow.

• Eco-Friendly

In comparison to the more traditional industrial roofing materials, single ply membranes are considerably more environmentally friendly in their production, longevity and ability to be recycled. Thermoplastic Polyethylene (TPE) is claimed to be the most eco-friendly variation that’s currently available.

Types of Single ply membrane

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Due to its durability, longevity and ability to withstand a build up of chemicals and acidic outflow, PVC has become one of the most widely used flat roofing materials in the UK and across Europe for almost half a century. It’s also extremely easy to manufacture, install and repair.

• Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)

Much like PVC, Thermoplastic Olefin is another commonly used material for a wide variety of flat roofing solutions. Also known as Flexible Polyolefin (FPO), TPO isn’t as flexible as PVC and is also likely to incur extra installation costs due to the use of solvents. Due to the strong weatherproofing properties, TPO is often used when undertaking a green roof construction and has a life expectancy of around 20 years.

• Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

EPDM is a versatile and flexible single ply material that can be mechanically secured, ballasted as well as fully adhered. Normally, the EPDM membrane is 100% cured when it arrives on site so there is not need to delay the installation process. It also has excellent weathering qualities as it is 100% resistant to UV radiation, Ozone thermal shock and changing weather conditions. The life expectancy of EPDM is between 20 – 30 years, however reports in the USA now suggest up to 40 years.

The cost of a single ply roof membrane

Depending on the specific manufacturer, the cost of a single ply membrane roof can vary considerably between the type of material that you’ve settled for. Generally, it’s suggested that an EPDM roofing membrane is usually the most cost effective closely followed by PVC and TPO.

Nevertheless, we would always recommend contacting professional industrial roofing contractors for more detailed information about the material, the installation process and any costs that may incur.

Why choose a single ply roofing membrane?

But how do you know a single ply membrane system is right for you? Well, there are many reasons to choose this type of commercial roof.

Highly durable

Not only is a single ply membrane roofing system highly durable and resistant to tears and punctures, it’s also a type of roof that will not suffer any major problems under the presence of chemical materials. So durable is a single ply membrane roof that when applied with a hot air weld, it provides the roofing system added protection against various weather conditions and extreme temperatures, including acid rain. And that’s not all, singly ply membranes are also resistant to damaging ultraviolet light.

The composition of a single ply membrane system also means that not only is it extremely fire retardant, but self-extinguishing too!

Cost-effective

There are many reasons that a single ply membrane system is a cost-effective commercial roofing solution. First of all, the fact that installation is usually relatively quick and simple means that initially, it’s a cost-effective method. Then, when you factor in the durable and flexible nature of the membrane, it means that repairs and maintenance shouldn’t be substantial over the course of the roof’s lifespan. And lastly, should the roof need to be repaired for whatever reason, repairs and modifications are relatively simple and straightforward so again, costs can be kept down.

Other benefits of a single-ply membrane include:

• Wide variety of grades available to choose from (grades are the type of protection desire from the product)
• Various colours to choose from
• Lightweight product
• Excellent reflective properties
• Easy to install
• Eco-friendly

Will my current roofing system be suitable for Single Ply?

The suitability of any single-ply roofing material is determined by several factors, including the detailing or flashing needed, suitable attachment methods, insurance and energy requirements, site location and whether you are re-covering a roof or starting anew. You also have building heights, wind exposure, roof traffic and aesthetics to take into account.

There’s no need to panic! From the very start of your project, our honesty, integrity and experience as industrial roofing contractors will ensure that the installation of your single ply roofing system is completed in a highly professional manner.

Indeed we have provided a range of single-ply systems to many happy clients across the length and breadth of the UK. All of our roof installation projects are guaranteed by insurance for both materials and workmanship, and we’ll ensure that whatever your requirements, you get the right roof for your commercial property.

If you’d like to learn more about single ply roofing, please don’t hesitate to call the friendly team at NWIR who will be more than happy to assist with any questions you may have: 0800 046 1500

NWIR has achieved the prestigious Gold Award in this year’s Safety in Roofing Awards’ Scheme run by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).

The scheme aims to promote health and safety amongst member companies and recognises those that have taken positive steps to reduce accidents and implement a safety culture throughout their business.

NWIR was awarded the Gold Award after the NFRC carried out a full assessment of its health and safety policy.

The NFRC recognised that NWIR had comprehensive health and safety procedures in place, complied with all relevant statutory requirements and Codes of Practice, carried out ongoing training and achieved a consistently low accident rate.

NWIR believes that the safety of its employees and personnel on site is a fundamental right, which is why it places great importance on protecting everyone from foreseeable personal injury

MD Richard Lennon said:

‘’I would like to congratulate everyone within our business as they have all worked hard as a team to earn this award.” Safety is at the forefront of all our roofing projects whatever the size or scale and we continue to recruit a large in house workforce which we feel helps us achieve these goals’’