Miscellaneous

How to install fixed-gauge clay tiles Installing fixed-gauge clay tiles does not have to be difficult.  The process of setting out is not so different from fitting variable gauge tiles; even with variable-gauge tiles you still need to determine the number of courses from eaves to ridge to ensure an even gauge. The term ‘fixed-gauge’ is used loosely, as there...

The versatility of clay plain tiles Clay is one of the most versatile building materials in the world and clay plain tiles are the most popular choice for our roofs.  Because of its long lifespan, the environmental impact of a clay roof is less than many other materials. There are numerous examples of clay-tiled pitched roofs that have lasted over...

Interpreting Roofing Standards on Site by John Mercer This article looks at  topics in current roofing standards that are relevant to the roofer on site, such as BS 5534: the British Standard Code of practice for slating and tiling, BS 8000-6: the Code of practice for workmanship on building sites, Building Regulation Approved Document A and HSG publication ‘HSG33 Health...

A guide to creating a green roof system using Grufekit This guide outlines  key steps to installing  a beautiful green roof with our easy to use Grufekits. Installed correctly, a green roof not only looks great but provides many different benefits including water storage, decreasing flood risks and new habitat creation. Small scale green roof construction projects, like a green...

Conservatory roof replacement with lightweight Britmet roofing tiles Most traditional conservatories are built with a glass or polycarbonate roof. Is this the reason why many of us don’t enjoy sitting in there all year round? After having a conservatory built and decorated, we enjoy it in the summer (until it gets too hot!) and then shut the doors on it...

A guide to Edilians clay roof tiles From the traditional clay pantile to imaginative clay slate alternatives, Edilians have a clay roof tile for every purpose. Here’s our guide to their wide range of high-quality, natural tiles and the material’s unique features. In 2018, the French brand leader EDILIANS changed its name from IMERYS Toiture. But ask for Edilian or...

A guide to flat roof options When choosing a flat roof, you need to take a number of considerations into account, including the look you want to achieve, the size of your flat roof, the type of weather it’ll face, and the amount of labour it will require. Whether you’re considering a flat roof installation, repair, overlay or replacement, read...

  A guide to fixing a shed’s felt roof With summer on the way, it might be time to fettle your shed, repair the roof and make that extra garden storage work for you. Whether you intend to use your shed  for tools, garden equipment, or even bikes, the extra storage will no doubt come in handy and has the...

How to choose the right loft hatch and ladder Whether you use your loft space regularly or not, it’s important to have a safe point of entry.  A proper loft hatch, as opposed to a simple board, offers much greater convenience and ease of access to the loft, especially when fitted with a loft ladder. If you want to create...

Flat roof extensions are more popular than ever, making a home feel much more spacious and providing that extra space for a growing family. While the benefits are clear, you’ll need to consider how the flat roof extension will affect lighting in the rest of the house, and how this structure can best incorporate windows to compensate. Finding the perfect...

The benefits of VELUX CABRIO® balconies Do you lack outside space? Have a room in your attic which is dark? Do you find it difficult to add natural light because of the pitch of the roof? The innovative VELUX CABRIO® balcony system provides the solution to help create the loft conversion you’ve been dreaming of. Specifically designed for loft rooms...

A guide to fixing felt roof shingles Shingle installation on a small roof is a straightforward process that even inexperienced DIYers can tackle. Suitable for pitches ranging from 15º to vertical, felt shingles are the perfect covering to provide long lasting weather protection for your garden shed, summer house, or canopy for a new hot tub.   Our felt shingles...