Flat roofing

Flat roofing is what it sounds like! A flat roof is level, unlike the majority of roofs that are sloped at an angle. The technical name for the slope of a roof is its pitch, flat roofs have to have a pitch of approximately 10°. The flat roof is an option that has been used for many centuries.

Flat roofing is a popular choice for garages, extensions and modern homes, but can be used for a wide variety of buildings. Flat roofs are typically made using three layers; the insulation, the water proof membrane and the underlay. These three layers keep rain and damp out of a flat roof and protect it from harsh weather conditions.

Materials available for a flat roof

Using the right material for a flat roof is crucial, as the best material will ensure that your flat roof has longevity and reliability. If the material used is not suitable or of poor quality, your flat roof will be vulnerable to the weather. The flat roof membrane needs to be waterproof, strong and flexible.

Roofing Felt –

Roofing felt has been used by flat roofers for centuries. The flat roof membrane is usually made up of asphalt saturated in coal tar pitch. The flat roof sheet is black, but can be manufactured in brown or green. The disadvantage of flat roof felt is that it must be applied at the correct temperature; too hot and it will tear or bubble but too cold and it will not stick flat.

Flat Roof Membrane –

A flat roof membrane is a non-bitumen flat roofing option. It can be made from EPDM rubber, PVC or TPO. The flat membrane has numerous advantages, including being extremely durable and long lasting, as well as being cheaper than felt.

The flat roof membrane has incredible life expectancy; typically between thirty to fifty years; if installed correctly using high quality materials such as diamond coring drill bits.

Coated Fabrics –

Stitched or glued fabrics like polyester and vinyl can be coated with bitumen to make them flat roof membranes. More modern flat roof fabrics such as TPO and EPDM can be uncoated therefore giving much more design freedom when flat roofing a house.

TPO flat roofs are perfect for flat roofs over swimming pools and spas, as they meet the specific flat roof requirements in the building regulations. The flexible nature of these roofs makes them easier to walk on, compared to other flat roofs which tend to feel like walking on an ice rink

EPDM flat roofs are extremely popular; because they allow flat roofs to be built using thinner layers than previous flat roof materials such as rubber and PVC. This makes it possible to use less material during installation which ultimately leads to lower costs.

So which flat roofing material is best for you?

The right flat roofing material for you will depend on a wide range of factors. What type of building is the flat roof on? What is your budget? What is the location of the flat roof?

If you’re simply building a flat roof on your garden shed, it is likely you won’t want to spend a lot of money on it. Felt roofing is likely the best option for a small scale project such as this.

If flat roofing a new build, flat roof membrane is definitely the more popular choice. This flat roofing option will stand the test of time and it durable. The flat roof membrane can be used on flat roofs that are being built for commercial or industrial buildings. Since flat roof membranes are often installed over flat roofs with a steep pitch, these flat roofing professionals will usually use flat roof adhesives to ensure that the flat roof membrane is secure.

Coated flat roof fabrics are most suitable for flat roofs with flat or low-pitched roofs. This type of flat roofing material is easy to install and often costs less than flat roof membranes. This flat roofing should be installed on flat roofs where there isn’t a lot of frequent snow, ice or high winds.

Who to contact about flat roofing

When looking for a company to build your flat roof, Strandek should be at the top of your list of considerations. Strandek have specialised in flat roofing since 1976 and they have been leaders in the industry ever since.

Whatever your project, they are able to provide high-quality flat roofing systems. Whether your project is home or company based, Strandek have the right materials available, ranging from fibreglass to green (sedum) roofing. They will also be able to advise the best option for you.

Before you start building

It is crucial that you do research in to the right material to use for your flat roof before you start the project. If you aren’t getting a professional to build it for you, you might want to consider at least having a conversation with one. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on flat roofing material for it to be pulled off by a strong gust of wind!

Is it possible to replace stair spindles with glass?

Yes! It is possible to replace your old and tired stair spindles with glass panels. There are a few ways to install glass panels where your stair spindles once were; using glass clamps, brackets or inserting into grooved base and handrails. Whichever method is best suited to you, it is a relatively simple process.

How does the installation process work?

Brushed glass is one of the most common types used for glass panels, as this can be fitted with with handrails and glass clamps. This method requires supports at every glass panel joint, support posts that are recessed into the glass or which screw into place with specific glass spindle brackets. Using glass brackets or clamps to install glass panels in to your stairs is a flexible solution as the panels can be removed if you wish to change the look of your stairs again further down the line.

Or you could insert glass panes into grooved base and handrails, with no additional support required by using specialised glass inserts. The surface may be polished, etched or brushed; there are many options. Fitting the glass into a grooved base and handrail is a permanent fixing, therefore once it has been installed it cannot be removed without causing damage to the glass.

What actually are stair panels?

Before you make the jump to change your staircase to glass, you need to understand what panels are. Stair panels are the vertical infill between between the base rail and hand rail of a staircase, replacing old-fashioned spindles.

Unlike traditional spindles or wooden stair panel, glass panels are designed to be the focal point of your home. They bring style and beauty into what is normally an overlooked part of any room, as they allow light to flood through your home. Glass panels provide a modern look which may either update your home, or fit seamlessly in to your already modern home.

What materials are used in glass stair panels?

Stair glass panels are made from clear, toughened glass that is commonly 8-10mm thick. The width of the glass is dependant on the size of brackets or grooved base and handrail it is being fitted in to.

The glass can be polished on both sides and can have a grey low-emissivity coating applied to one side of the glass, typically the side that faces inside of the staircase.

The fittings for the glass panels also vary in material. The brackets and clamps used to fit glass panels in to your staircase can be found in a range of metal finishes, such as bronze, gold or silver.

Benefits of having glass panels in your staircase

Light

Traditional staircases are often very dark and dingy, replacing these with glass panels creates a much lighter feel. Light is able to flood through your staircase and hallway when glass panels are installed. Not only will this are of your home become lighter, it will appear larger too. Old-fashioned spindles obstruct the view from your staircase, so when these are replaced with glass panels the space is opened up.

Style

Glass panels in your staircase can add a real sense of style. They create a sleek and minimal look, which can be combined with a wooden base and handrail to contract the clinical look that glass sometimes creates. The glass doesn’t have to take the form of windows, glass panels can be cut into any shape or size that you wish. By choosing a made to measure service, you can create different styles to suit your home.

Safety

One of the most important benefits of glass panels in your stairs is the added sense of safety. A glass balustrade can prevent accidents from happening on your staircase, spindles do not offer the same protection. If you have children or elderly members of your family glass panels are a great option to ensure that they don’t accidentally fall down the stairs.

Cost

The cost of glass panels is far less than the traditional wooden spindles. This means you can get glass panels fitted without breaking the bank! Glass panels will last for decades and need little maintenance throughout their life, making them a cost effective method.

Finding the right glass staircase

Whilst glass panels can be bought off the peg, getting a company to design them specifically for your home will make sure it fits perfectly in your existing staircase. A glass staircase should be tailored to your home and the glass panels should complement the style of your home. So the best way to find the right glass staircase for you is by contacting the experts.

The biggest step to finding the right glass staircase for your home, is finding the right company to create and install it for you. Jarrods Staircases create bespoke designs perfectly suited to your home and at the best price. The majority of their projects are completed in 24 hours, meaning you will have your beautiful glass staircase in no time.

A glass extension is a great way to enjoy your garden, no matter the weather! They can be considered an enclosed part of your garden, unlike a conservatory which is often used as a second living room.

Glass extensions can be seen as a more permanent version of a conservatory, but how do they differ from a conservatory? Glass extensions are not as common as glass conservatories and aren’t always included in building regulations. Glass Extensions are typically built onto the back or sides of your house. They usually have some kind of roofing on them, that allows light into the room below. Glass Extensions usually cost less than glass conservatories because they don’t require planning permission and they’re generally smaller than glass conservatories. Glass extensions are fantastic additions to any home!

Glass Extensions

• They extend your living space – Glass extensions are perfect for extending your living space. If you have a garden that’s just sitting there, then why not enjoy it all year round? Glass extensions can also be used as another entertaining space or maybe even an extra room for the kids!
• They’re low maintenance – Glass extensions don’t require much in regards to maintenance compared to other types of building work. This is because they’re made using toughened glass and usually supported with steel frames, so you won’t need to worry about leaks or rot!
• Cheaper than conservatories – Glass Extensions aren’t as expensive as glass conservatories and don’t require planning permission before installation, meaning they’re cheaper and easier to install.
• More modern design – Glass extensions are a more modern take on conservatories. Glass extensions have sloped roofs and different designs, whereas glass conservatories have a curved roof or terracotta style roofing.
• Easier to install – Glass extensions are easier to install than glass conservatories too! Glass extension installation requires the same amount of planning permission as a single storey building would need, so it’s quick and easy to get one installed!

Conservatories

• Restricted views – Framed windows and wall components in conservatories can restrict views. Glass extensions don’t have this issue as they’re made from toughened glass! Glass extension roofing panels are also sloped, so you can enjoy a great view from them.
• Design limitations – Conservatories are usually restricted to predetermined shapes and sizes. Glass extensions on the other hand, can be built to any shape or size you want! Glass extensions are more customisable and offer a better solution if you’re struggling with space at home. Glass extensions can even be installed onto slopes – perfect if your garden is on a hillside!
• Appearance of conservatories – Glass conservatories have traditional looking designs which feature curved roofs, whereas glass extensions have sloped roofing panels that resemble modern house styles. Glass extensions don’t fall into any design category as they can be designed however you want them to look.
• Harder to insulate- Glass Conservatories require a different type of insulation that’s not included in building regulations, meaning it is harder to fit compared with Glass Extensions.

What to consider before buying a glass extension

Planning regulations –

Glass extensions are not included in building regulations, so you must check with your local planning office before installing one. Glass conservatories are included in the building regulations. Glass extensions don’t require as much consideration as glass conservatories do because they’re smaller and have sloped roofs.

Privacy –

Glass extensions are not as private as Glass Conservatories. Glass conservatories have more glazing surfaces that allow light into the room below, but still provide you with privacy. Glass extensions only have one wall of glass which isn’t suitable if you’re looking for added privacy.

Maintenance –

Glass extensions are low maintenance compared to Glass conservatories. Glass extensions only require a quick clean every now and then, whereas Glass Conservatories need more regular cleaning due to their glazing surfaces. Of course, just like for the windows in your house, you’re likely to want to get a professional around to clean you glass extensions every now and then!

Glass conservatories need more care as they’re often made from wood and double glazed. Glass extensions are made from toughened glass panels that don’t require much in the way of regular maintenance.

Who should build it –

When considering if a glass extension is right for you, you need to talk to the experts. GlasSpace provide high quality product and fitters, as they are the only glass extension company that employee its fitters. This means if you choose to buy your glass extension through them, it will be built with attention to detailed and fitted to perfection.

If you have any questions about your options for a glass extension, GlasSpace are able to answer all of your questions prior to the start of the project. They will ensure the project runs smoothly for you.

So why are glass extensions the best option?

Glass extensions and Glass Conservatories both offer additional living space, but Glass Extensions offer a cheaper solution with customisable designs and installations. Glass conservatories can provide you with an extra room for your family to enjoy, but they cost more and their design is limited. Glass extensions represent a modern take on Glass Conservatories – they have sloped roofing panels which are easily installed onto slopes or small pieces of land. Glass Extensions are also lower maintenance than Glass Conservatories due to them being made from toughened glass panels!