Regamet expert advises...
Some building materials or structural elements of a house should be replaced after a certain period of time. Roofing also falls into this category. The need to replace the roofing can be due to both technical and aesthetic reasons. Bartlomiej Ukowski, commercial director of Regamet, a Polish manufacturer of sheet metal roofing, answers about what to pay attention to when replacing old roofing.
Tough choices
Replacing the roof on a residential building after about 35-50 years is often necessary due to the very structure of the house or the wear and tear of a particular building material. However, there can be many more reasons for such a change. Most often, owners begin to pay attention to the necessity of renovation only when the roof simply begins to leak or when its appearance no longer suits them. That's when they usually start looking for information on possible solutions.
It is worth noting that just a few decades ago, completely different technologies and construction solutions were used when building houses. In the past, roof trusses, walls or even foundations were not erected as precisely and solidly as they are today. Therefore, a very important consideration when choosing a covering for an older structure is weight," explains Bartlomiej Ukowski.
1 m² of cement or ceramic tile weighs on average about 40-50 kg. When covering an example area of 250 m², we put about 10 tons of such material on the roof. This is quite a challenge for older building structures. For this reason, more and more investors are opting for lighter solutions. These include sheet metal, which weighs up to 1 ton per 250 m² of roof area. Sheet metal roofing is therefore several times lighter than classic cement or ceramic tiles.
Without a truss, you can't move
When choosing a particular covering, you need to pay attention to the condition of the roof truss. As the years go by, it may not be straight (it may wave or skew). Leveling done with boards, using a line or laser will help to effectively straighten the truss, but such a structure should not be loaded with too heavy roofing materials.
The roof structure should be well evaluated for point loads. Many old-type trusses bend over time, and heavy roofing can even cause masonry to crack, which is a considerable threat to the entire building, the Regamet expert warns. - Depending on what kind of roofing the house was designed for, its structure is adapted to support a roof of a certain weight, which is always worth bearing in mind, Bartlomiej Ukowski adds.
Installation dilemmas
Another issue to consider when choosing a roofing material is how to install the elements on the truss. Before starting work, it is always necessary to consider in advance how much time should be allocated for the roof repair. Just pulling some materials off the roof and installing heavy elements like tiles consumes valuable hours. Therefore, if an investor cares about replacing the roof quickly, he should consider using coverings, such as the lightweight and handy double-module tile.
When replacing the covering, many people make changes to the structure of the roof itself, such as adding dormers or adding roof windows. The possibilities for making such changes with some materials are limited, and often impossible. Sheet metal roofing can be easily adapted and installed, and does not require a complete transformation of the structure.
Trends in architecture
Equally important, especially for those who live in a particular house, is the aesthetics of the roofing and how it fits with the character of the building itself.
It used to be that clay tile was synonymous with "high-end" roofing. It gave the classic character of an aristocratic manor house. Nowadays, buildings with roofs without eaves are becoming more and more fashionable. Architects often choose to use materials such as metal and glass in their modernist designs, which are far better matched, for example, by roof panels or sheet tiles. They are available in many shapes, colors and sizes, and can be covered with various coatings. All this makes it one of the most versatile materials," emphasizes Bartlomiej Ukowski of Regamet.
It is also worth paying attention to possible adaptation plans for the attic under renovation. If one wants to use it for utility purposes, it will be necessary to use a vapor-permeable membrane and insulate the attic. Without proper soundproofing and insulation of the rooms, it may be difficult to use them.
Safety above all
When replacing a roof, don't forget to ensure the safety of both installers and residents. Some roofs of older buildings were installed using asbestos roofing that is dangerous to health. During roof repair, asbestos panels crack, and harmful particles can enter the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to hire a suitable, authorized company with trained specialists to work with such materials.
Removal, preservation and disposal of asbestos is conditioned by law. Municipalities usually have their own internal recommendations on who can deal with toxic materials and how. They are often collected free of charge by designated authorities.
Once you have disposed of the old, health-hazardous elements, it is a good idea to carefully check the condition of the roof trusses, as they may be rotten, scarred or warped. Destroyed parts of the structure should be replaced with professional help," explains Bartlomiej Ukowski.
Replacing the roofing with a new one is an important decision for any building owner. It is worth considering all the advantages and disadvantages of different materials to make the best choice, and then enjoy an aesthetically pleasing and durable roof for as long as possible.
For more information, visit the P.P.U.H. Regamet Sp.j. company page on the A&B portal.
