The Pros and the Cons of EPDM Rubber For Roofing Projects

Tina Andrews

As is the case with anything else, when it comes to EPDM rubber roofing there are both advantages of the material and disadvantages. By knowing exactly what the pros and cons are you’ll be much closer to making a decision, a well informed decision as to whether EPDM is the right material for your upcoming flat roofing project. Credits to Warwickshire & Worcestershire Roofing Services Ltd with some of the content below taken from their company website. A roofing company servicing the West Midlands and seem to specialise in EPDM rubber installations.

The Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofs

EPDM is made from recycled materials which makes the material extremely environmentally friendly

It’s an energy saver, by reflecting heat it keeps properties cool in the summer ( think cost saving on fans, air conditioning etc) And with its insulation properties EPDM also helps cut heating costs in the summer, a win win for the energy savvy homeowner.

EPDM is completely waterproof

The typical lifespan of EPM is between 30 and 50 years, EPDM holds its own against rain, wind and even fire, the material itself is fire retardant.

Repairs are simple, easy and inexpensive, to the point that most homeowners can repair minor damage themselves without calling in a roofer

EPDM is available in a wife variety of colours & textures giving homeowners a variety of options when it comes to design, whether they want something in keeping with a period property or a more modern look.

The material is lightweight, significantly moreso than materials like slate or tile, the benefit is a quicker and ultimately cheaper installation.

The Disadvantages of EPDM Rubber Roofing

So, as with anything, if theres an advantage theres generally a disadvantage, and that holds true for EPDM rubber too……

You’ll need an experienced and professional roofer who has good experience installing this material which can prove difficult and expensive. Consider Which Trusted Traders or a Check a Trade Approved Contractor where you can verify credibility via online reviews left by previous customers. Rubber is a relatively new material to the UK market when it comes to roofing and many roofing companies have little to no experience with the material and many of the ones who do charge a premium for said experience.

HVAC units, chimneys and piping can all pose a threat to the integrity of an EPDM rubber roof, these are the areas which may be prone to leaks in the future unless you find the right roofer for the installation.

Whilst rubber is a tough material it is easily damaged by? falline branches, foot traffic and general wear and tear so whilst repairs are cheap and easy a regular roof inspection is usually advisable.

The youtube video below is a great one too watch if you need some help with a rubber roof repair

 

How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost

Tina Andrews

converting garages in the UKWhat’s great about garage conversions are that the walls and foundation presently exist, so you won’t need to shell out any more money in them. Obviously, the walls will probably need to suffer modifications and upgrades, to make them suitable for a room in which you will live, like being insulating enough and with additional windows. Also, since the garage already appears on the blueprint of your property, you won’t have to make any adjustments to it and waste money on specialists. All you need to do is to contact a local builder who knows how to manage the building works, and by the time this process ends, you’ll be able to enjoy a completely new room.

What Will You Use Your Converted Garage For?

Before beginning to convert your garage into anything else, you need first to consider what you are going to use the newly accumulated space for. Could it be a gym? A new room for your children? A brand new office? Or just an area where you can hang out with your friends? According to your plans, the space inside the garage can be prepared to meet your needs. The floor will need some reconditioning, to make it ready for hardwood flooring, tiles, or whatever you would like to use there. Windows will be another significant modification that will be done in your garage since the majority of garages do not have any windows. And even if they have, you will probably want to improve them. The garage door, made to allow a car in, will be totally removed, and a new wall will emerge in its place. Also, if you don’t have an internal door to make the connection between this space and the rest of your home, one will need to be set in place. After these changes are made, the garage will start looking for a new room, just waiting to be setup according to your requirements.

how much does A GARAGE CONVERSION COSTGarage conversion cost

To continue with the conversion of a garage, you will have to get a new ceiling, aligning it to house electric wires and lighting. Switches and electrical sockets must be placed on the walls. Also, a heating radiator, or maybe more than one if the space is larger, should be installed, to make the room suitable for the winter period. And to ensure that no heat is going to be lost, an appropriate insulation of the walls and windows is crucial, improvements that will be done in the incipient phases of the garage conversion. It is a fact that it’s not an effortless process, and will demand time and money, but it will be a great addition to your property if you don’t use the garage to house your car. The majority of people just throw in there the things they don’t need, wasting the potential of the space. If you opt to have a garage conversion, it will be an excellent opportunity to clear away the things you don’t need or use, either by tossing them, if they are too damaged or by donating them to individuals that really are in need. Mostly, all you need is good imagination, because anything can be done. With the aid of a skilled and knowledgeable team, your old garage will not look like a garage anymore by the time the whole conversion process is finished. The average garage conversion cost is between ￡6,000.00 to 15,000.00 subject to size and layout – See more at:

www.buildingcontractorswirral.co.uk/services

 

Do I need Permission for a Loft Conversion?

Tina Andrews

planning permissionAny loft conversion will at the very least have to meet building regulations and be inspected by the Building Control Surveyor from your local council. Before starting work on a loft conversion you need to have a basic understanding of building regulations, planning permission and permitted development. In this blog we have prepared some straightforward guides that will help you understand the regulations and give you a perception of what may be needed for the conversion.

It is essential that your loft conversion satisfies all of the regulations and permissions that apply. Without them you’ll find yourself being ordered to remove any alterations and you might have challenges if you decide to sell your house at a later date.

Building regulations

If your loft conversion is intended for use as new accommodation, for instance a bedroom, study or office then you will need to make a Building Regulations application. Building regulations are used to ensure that any building or alteration work complies with the set standards for the design and construction of buildings, mainly to ensure the health and safety for those living in or around the building. Also, they are increasingly used to make certain that the building is power efficient and that access to the building has been considered.

Permitted Development

Under permitted development you can make improvements (such as small extensions or loft conversions) to your home without receiving planning permission. The rules were updated effective from the 1st October 2008 to reduce red tape and encourage home owners to develop their homes. The good thing is that lots of loft conversions can be built under permitted development rights.

Planning permission

If you are making changes to the external appearance of your property, then you may also need to obtain planning permission. In the UK you’ll need planning permission (sometimes called planning consent) if you would like build on land, or if you want to modify the use of land or buildings. The necessity for planning permission was introduced in 1947 under the Town and Country Planning act. Interestingly, all buildings and land uses that existed prior to 1947 were granted planning permission, and it was only after that date that planning permission was needed. The current version of the act is the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 if you choose to have a look you will have to put some time aside because it is a very lengthy and complex document! The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is responsible for granting planning permission. The LPA is normally your local Borough or District Council who will usually have a website with all of the relevant information and forms.

 

The video below from Loft Life is very informative: