Tag: roofing

What Are Soffits and Fascias?

The soffit and fascia are fundamental elements of your roof structure. Installed in practical conjunction, these essential components serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, finishing and protecting your roof structure from all the external conditions that threaten to damage it.

In this helpful post, we’ll fill you in on all of the key information you need to know about soffits and fascias so you can expand your knowledge and keep up with the experts.

What Are Soffits?

A soffit is a non-structural board that typically runs from the edge of your home’s exterior walls to the edges of the roof structure. The soffit is designed to cover the underside of the eaves, enhancing both visual appeal and structural protection. Whilst most commonly installed around the main roofline.

Why Does Your Home Need a Soffit?

Aesthetically, soffit boards are ideal for creating a clean and attractive roof finish whilst adding a little extra character to your home. It conceals unsightly rafter beams that would otherwise be visible from the view of the porch or looking up from the ground below.

In terms of functionality, a soffit will protect your rafters from weather exposure and unwelcome pests as well as increasing air circulation to the attic space. Consistent airflow is extremely important in preventing condensation and without it, your roof is susceptible to overheating, mold, and moisture damage. This enhanced level of protection and ventilation makes a soffit a highly important element of your roof structure, especially in cold or damp climates.

What Are Fascias?

A fascia is a roof board that is installed at the end of the roof trusses to create a clean and tidy finish whilst providing protection against external elements. The board itself is plank shaped with a lip at the bottom that supports the soffit.

What Purpose Do Fascias Serve?

The main purposes of fascia boards include bridging the gap between the rafters as well as providing additional support for the bottom row of tiles. Not only does the fascia create a more sleek and visually-pleasing look for your home’s exterior, but it also helps to prevent moisture and wildlife from entering the roof and loft space.

The fascia also provides a steady and stable surface for your property’s guttering to be fixed to. For this reason, it is important that the fascia is kept in a robust, good-quality condition, especially in climates susceptible to very heavy rainfall.

Looking for the best price on Soffits and Fascias?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs, you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on roofing supplies (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Where can I use Kingspan?

It can be very difficult to decide what brand of insulation to choose among all available in the market. Out of all the insulation materials available on the market, Kingspan insulation is among those brands which have been tested and have great results in home insulation. To help you decide where is best to use Kingspan, we have listed the materials which will best suit various locations in your house.

Kingspan Kooltherm

Kingspan Kooltherm has a high tolerance, unmatchable performance, and a range of very durable phenolic insulation materials. Out of all the products available in the market, Kooltherm sheets have been providing the lowest possible ‘thermal transmittance’. Also, it is very resistant to water vapour. It absorbs moisture as low as 2%. It is strong with compressive strength of around 175kpa.

Internal walls

Internal walls need to be insulated very efficiently because there are a number of factors that can lead to heat loss which further leads to problems such as dampness. Kingspan is insulated plasterboard that is used for internal wall insulation. It has plasterboard on its front surface and a glass tissue polyiso on the reverse surface. Thermal conductivity is ranged from 0.020-0.19 W/m.K. they are highly resistible.

External walls

While we keep ourselves busy with internal insulation, it is also very important to keep in mind external wall insulation. Kooltherm k5 board is designed solely for external wall insulation, especially with brick walls and cladding systems that are dry. It has a thermal conductivity range from 0.020-0.023 W/m.K. It has a glass tissue texture. For use as external wall insulation, the K5 offers a very flexible application process and is readily available.

Roof insulation

The roofs of our homes and other buildings tend to lose heat. If not insulated properly, it might also begin condensation build-up as it is exposed to rain and moisture. This will not only harm your building but will also affect your health adversely. Kooltherm k7 boards are used for roof insulation and are used under slates or tiles. With a thermal conductivity range of 0.020-0.023 W/m.K, k7 board has a composite foil texture. A special range of Kingspan TR26 and TR27 are available which have coated glass tissue surfaces on both sides. Both kinds of roofs, plain or vegetated can be perfectly insulated using either H350R or N300R models of Kingspan Styrozone. Board sizes are 1.25 by 0.6m. Since H350R has high compressive strength, it is common in all types of house insulation applications. KingspanTP10 can also be used for insulation of warm or pitched roofs. The TP10 board is a polyiso board similar to the TF70 board with a foil face on both sides.

Cavity walls

Cavity walls are the area people mostly miss out on during the insulation process which later on brings a lot of trouble. You must not make this mistake and insulate your cavity walls right away. Kingspan k8 board is a special type of Kooltherm designed for cavity wall insulation. Thermal conductivity ranges from 0.020-0.023 W/m.K. Its texture is composite foil. You can also go for the Kingspan k12 board which will provide you with good results. They have a composite foil facing on both surfaces which results in better insulation. The Kooltherm range will always give you a better thermal result when compared with a standard Polyiso board so when deciding which is best it is recommended to know what board will suit your application and pocket the best.

Looking for the best price on Kingspan?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs, you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on roofing supplies (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

A step-by-step guide to our brand new cut-to-size polycarbonate calculator

Polycarbonate roofing sheets have many uses, they are mostly used for conservatories, carports, or greenhouses thanks to their tough, lightweight, and cost-effective qualities. Polycarbonate is a tough thermoplastic 250 times stronger than glass, but much lighter since it’s virtually unbreakable it’s often a safe choice for the home and public spaces. We understand measuring and deciding how much material you need can be stressful, so here at eRoofs, we’ve launched a handy cut-to-size polycarbonate calculator.

How to use our calculator

Once you head to our website, you’ll see the calculator on the first page, simply click to open it or click here to be taken there. Here you’ll be greeted with our cut-to-size calculator, ready to use! By presenting you the option to choose specifically what you need for your project, we aim to reduce waste, which is better for the environment and, importantly, will save you money.

Choosing your colour

We offer a choice of five colours to suit your needs, meaning you don’t have to compromise how your project matches your home! Here are the differences between the main colours:

  • Clear polycarbonate lets the maximum amount of light shine through. It also lets the most heat in and can be a good choice for darker, colder areas.
  • Opal polycarbonate allows diffused softer light through and helps to reduce heat build-up and hot spots. Its tinted appearance provides a good level of privacy while still maintaining a light and bright space.
  • Bronze polycarbonate is good for excessively bright spaces where you may want less light. It helps to reduce heat build-up, keeping rooms cooler.
  • Heatguard opal is named very aptly. This doubly extruded sheet has a grey outer surface and an opal inner.  This product is especially suited to very south-facing conservatories. The grey outer layer reflects and repels heat helping to keep your conservatory cooler than with standard glazing.
  • Bronze Opal polycarbonate is once again a double extruded sheet with a bronze outer and an opal inner surface. Suited to sunny conservatories, the outer layer reflects light and repels heat to a lesser degree than Heatguard.

Choosing your thickness

As polycarbonate sheets get thicker, the more colour options you have to choose from. For example, our Opal sheets offer a wider range of thickness, your thickness requirement is entirely dependent on your project. Here is an easy guide:

  • 10mm /16mm polycarbonate: This is suitable for smaller unheated conservatories or sheds, where you are not looking for any real insulation. For this thickness, we would recommend clear, opal or bronze colours.
  • 25mm polycarbonate: This is a very popular thickness for conservatories. You have the option of the usual colours of clear, opal or bronze but the addition of dual colour sheets in Bronze Opal and HeatGuard.
  • 35mm polycarbonate: This polycarbonate was created specifically for conservatories. The colours available are; standard colours of clear, opal or bronze but the addition of dual colour sheets in Bronze-Opal and HeatGuard.

Calculating your total

Once you’ve selected your desired colour and thickness, simply add your measurements and add them to the basket! We aim to deliver within three days so you can get your project started as soon as possible.

Shop polycarbonate sheets at eRoofs

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs, you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Why is it important to clean your gutters regularly?

With winter and rainy weather quickly approaching, it’s important to remember gutter maintenance in your preparations. Replacing your home’s guttering, fascias and soffits is a great way to transform the way it looks from the outside, as well as protecting it from weather and wear.

Why It’s Important to Clean Gutters Regularly

It’s in your best interests to keep gutters clean and free from debris. This prevents damage to your home and costly repairs. However, it can be easy to let gutter cleaning slip down the list of chores that need doing. Before you know it your gutters have clocked up several years without so much as a cursory glance. However, gutters need cleaning regularly.

Debris can easily build up in gutters
Image credit

Why Do Gutters Need a Regular Clean?

In the UK, we are unfortunately infamous for our rain. Combine this with prolonged autumn with our beautiful native trees dropping their leaves and being met with a blustery wind, everyone’s gutters are prone to blockages, regardless of where they are.

The problem is that gutter blockages spell danger that regular gutter cleaning prevents. They can cause structural damage both internally and externally, and result in expensive repairs.

Whilst a one-off clean is great, unless you have a professional doing the job it’s likely that it will be incomplete at best. Additionally, you’re likely to forget about it until a problem strikes.

Why Use Professional Gutter Cleaners?

Very few homeowners possess either the right tools or the right skills for a gutter cleaning task. Thinking that it is a simple case of climbing a ladder and emptying the debris into a black sack is where the first problems lie.

Even if you have a ladder that extends to gutter height, this is a dangerous position for an amateur. Additionally, it becomes all too easy to put undue weight on the gutter in the process potentially causing more damage. Further damage can be caused by using the wrong implement to help, for example, a metal scraper in a plastic pipe, accidentally lodging the blockage further into the pipe, or even disturbing a wasps nest.

It’s important to have the correct equipment.
Image credit

What to Look for in a Professional Gutter Cleaner

Expert gutter cleaners will also do minor repairs in the process, but importantly, with regular checks, they will be able to identify worsening problems before they become bigger issues, for example, cracks. They will also be able to offer advice on issues such as the fitting of gutter guards if you have particular problems.

Finally, if you require any replacement gutters, fascias, or drains, we stock anything you may need here at eRoofs!

Do you need replacement guttering?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs, you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Why you should add a roof to your pergola

Pergolas are a fantastic addition to any garden, especially in summer when you can enjoy the outdoors with friends. However, pergolas and outdoor areas are often overlooked during winter – it doesn’t have to be this way! Take a look at our blog to learn about all the different kinds of roofing sheets we offer here at eRoofs for your pergola.

Polycarbonate sheets

These sheets are highly durable, low-cost and lightweight alternatives to glass ideal for many uses. Often they can be found atop greenhouses, sheds and pergolas thanks to their durability, up to 10-year lifespan and high impact resistance up to 200 times greater than glass. They also come in a variety of colours, including clear and opal, so you can have the privacy you desire whilst still letting light in and being protected from the elements.

Credit: Flexmed on Pinterest

Coroline bitumen sheets

Available in a range of colours (black, red, green, brown & Grey), these sheets are extremely versatile to suit any pergola shape. They are lightweight and are used in a variety of projects from industrial to agricultural thanks to how easy they are to cut and handle. They boast an array of fantastic features, they are: economical, resilient and environmentally friendly.

Credit: Onduline

Galvanised roofing sheets

This roofing is a popular option for carports, lean-to pergola and industrial buildings thanks to their extreme durability. They are light and easy to fit, giving a traditional look to any structure. These sheets would be perfect for a pergola beside a contemporary house or a garden with traditional outbuildings and will make your pergola look unique.

Want to get the best deal on roofing supplies?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Look no further for western red cedar shingle inspiration!

It’s no secret that we love Western Red Cedar Shingles – they’re not only environmentally conscious but extremely durable, lasting up to 20 years! These fantastic shingles also age beautifully, they will adopt a pleasant silvery grey shade over time. But don’t be fooled… They aren’t just for roofing, they can be used for many different projects.

Wall covering

Cedar shingles make for fantastic cladding. They are insulating, durable and weatherproof and with such a long warranty they are a wise investment – as a bonus, they come already treated against rot and decay, so there is no need for maintenance, just attach and go! They add a uniquely rustic look to any home and are often used in coastal areas because of their resistance to moisture compared to other wood cladding, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used in other climates.

Credit: @withbearhandsuk on Instagram

Outdoor playhouse

Store-bought playhouses can often fall apart and diminish over time, but this fantastic red cedar shingle playhouse is a dream come true! This highly durable playhouse will last through any conditions so it’s perfect for children. They also look a lot better than shop-bought playhouses, which are often made of plastic which looks tired after years of play, these shingles last over 20 years so playtime doesn’t have to end!

Credit: @callyprojects on Instagram

Roofing

We think cedar shingle roofing looks great on every home, you don’t have to compromise an aesthetically pleasing look for waterproof protection. The wood is naturally insect and rot-resistant so it requires little to no maintenance, which is ideal for a roof because a lot of upkeep may mean leaking and it can be difficult to maintain roofing without hiring a professional. As long as you have roofing underneath these shingles your roof will be secure and they won’t need to be replaced for many years.

Credit: @withbearhandsuk on Instagram

Shed or garden building

Traditional shed buildings aren’t always made to last and they rarely match the aesthetic of modern homes, but cedar shingles are a unique way to make your outbuildings look modern and appealing. Either use them as cladding on top of an existing building or create a new structure with cedar shingles as the main element.

Credit: @withbearhandsuk on Instagram

Cedar shingles are easy to install at home in a DIY project for easy results that you can be proud of. When installing the shingles we recommend our cedar shingle silicone bronze nails for maximum life.  As a guide, approximately 1kg of nails is required to fix 6 bundles of shingles.

Want to get the best deal on western red cedar shingles?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Why choose corotherm polycarbonate sheets?

Polycarbonate sheets are a highly durable, low-cost and lightweight alternative to glass ideal for many uses such as: greenhouses, cold frames, shed windows and more. They offer high impact resistance up to 200 times greater than glass and can last up to 10 years if cared for properly, they’re also fantastic for DIY projects because they don’t crack or shatter when worked on with tools.

Sheets used in a greenhouse.
Credit: Ron J Roy on Pinterest

Conservatories and sheds

Corotherm polycarbonate sheets are often the popular pick for conservatories and sheds because of their durability. Compared to glass, these sheets are hard-wearing and able to withstand many conditions so whatever is thrown at them they will stay in place without shattering. These sheets are also easier and quicker to clean than glass, they only require soapy warm water compared to specialist glass materials.

Carport roof.
Credit: Kati on Pinterest

Pergola roof

Often people don’t think to put roofing on their pergola, but adding corotherm polycarbonate sheets means you can enjoy outdoor areas in all seasons. They also offer protection from all elements, since they come with UV protection they are perfect come rain or shine! Even if you don’t want to sit outside whilst it rains, the sheets will still protect your furniture so you don’t have to worry about wrapping everything up during winter.

Outdoor areas can be made cosy in winter.
Credit: Nikkola Jones on Pinterest

Want to get the best deal on corotherm polycarbonate sheets?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Keep dry in style this winter

Porches have long been loved by property owners worldwide but they have only recently become a popular feature in the UK. We think they are wonderful and after learning about them in this blog, you will too.

Porches can look modern.
Credit: Rightmove on Pinterest

Door porches do a fantastic job of providing protection from all elements, improving curb appeal and even adding value to a home without needing planning permission as long as it doesn’t exceed three square metres. Open porches can be formed with brick or wood with any choice of roofing – from polycarbonate roofing sheets, glass, tiles or onduline. The roof can be tilted or flat, whatever you feel matches your home.

Glass roofing on a porch.
Credit: Wallis Hoyle on Pinterest

Creating an effective porch

Here at eRoofs, we have porch structures ready to be attached to your home and a wide range of roofing sheets so you can create your ideal look. Remember that your porch will also require an effective drainage system to prevent flooding or damage to the roof, making it safe for use. Ensure your porch is attached properly and securely and it will improve energy efficiency to reduce heat loss from your home. Not only that but, porches with security lights and outdoor areas can help to deter thieves because they will make the area more visible.

Open porches give homes a rustic element.
Credit: The porch specialist on Pinterest

Want to get the best deal on porches and canopies?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Is a CarPort the answer to protecting your car?

The winter months can be harsh on cars. Rain, snow and ice not only make driving difficult but accessing your parked car can be hard too! In this blog, we are going to discuss how a CarPort can look after your car and make those cold mornings easier.

Carports can look modern and stylish.
Credit: Austin Monthly

Garages are often a popular pick when protecting your car, but they can get filled with things you don’t want to put in your house, meaning your car can no longer get in! Luckily CarPorts are here to save the day – not only can they make your home look modern but they protect just as well as garages. A common misconception of CarPorts is that they don’t last or can look cheap, but the truth is they can be styled however you like – the wood can be stained to match your house and the roofing can be different to fit your houses’ roofing!

Polycarbonate Roofing

Clear carport roof.
Credit: Pinterest

Polycarbonate roofing is a popular option due to its durability, this clear roofing lets light in during summer months so the area isn’t completely dark, whilst still being effective thanks to UV protection. Not only that but the clear roofing matches with any building and makes the carport connection look streamlined. Our CarPort kits come with roof sheets, flashing’s, treated timbers and all the screws to fasten it together. And, as previously mentioned, the wood can be stained or painted in any colour to match your home. Our Polycarbonate CarPort kits start at only £617.83 including VAT!

Bitumen Roofing

Bitumen roofing is very hard-wearing, waterproof and comes in four colour choices: red, brown, green or black to match your home’s roof. These roof sheets complement the timber they come with, no matter what colour you stain it. This roofing is also available in our Bitumen CarPort kits starting at only £600.99 including VAT!

Want to get the best deal on CarPort Kits?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Should you install a skylight in your home?

Roof windows are an effective way to bring light to rooms and increase the value of your home. However, they are a huge investment and it can be a huge decision to make. Every skylight is different, depending on the room you fit one in, the size of the home and your budget.

Newly installed skylight

Credit: Brett Jordan

Would a skylight work for you?

Many people are cautious about installing a skylight because they can potentially leak, but when installed properly they will pose no issue. If you ever notice water around a skylight it is more likely condensation, which is normal for all windows. If your home is lacking natural light, skylights are an effective way to add that element – especially in rooms where having a window on the wall wouldn’t be feasible.

However, in rooms where there is a concentration of heat or humid air in a home in winter, there will be increased heat loss and more condensation which can cause water dripping, in turn, this could result in wall damage – so it is important to consider this before deciding where to place your skylight.

Skylights add natural light
Credit: JT

Benefits of skylights

  • Gives more natural light – It goes without saying that skylights are amazing at making rooms feel bigger by adding natural light, spaces can feel completely transformed.
  • Better ventilation – In summer, rooms can feel warm and stuffy but having a skylight can increase ventilation in the home.
  • Adds value to the home – Whist skylights aren’t cheap to install, they are more appealing to potential buyers and make your home look more modern.
  • Saves money on electricity bills – Skylights give more natural light for longer, meaning you don’t have to turn the lights on as soon as you usually do!

Disadvantages of skylights

  • Leaks – If skylights aren’t properly installed they can leak and cause things like wall damage and mould in the home, which can be very dangerous.
  • Heat loss – Whilst skylights reduce electricity bill charges, they can also cause heat loss if they are placed in rooms where heat gathers in winter.
  • Diffuclty cleaning – Skylights are often on roofs which makes them very dangerous to clean and difficult even for professional window cleaners.

Overall, we believe the benefits of skylights far outweigh the negatives. Skylights add both value and beauty to homes and can make the oldest homes look more modern.

Want to get the best deal on skylights?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing