Giromax: What Is It And How Can It Save You Money?

Roofing 10.08.22
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Giromax is one of the leading names in protective coatings for treating your roof, cladding and guttering, but what makes it so good and how exactly can it save you money?

What Is Giromax?

The Giromax range includes several specialist coatings that help to restore and prevent a variety of issues that arise for buildings. At GI Sykes, we use Giromax because it delivers incredible protection that can be applied whatever the weather – which makes the process so much easier for our customers. 

Giromax Technology Ltd was founded over 20 years ago by those with technical expertise within the sheet metal manufacturing industry. It’s this expertise that enables Giromax to position itself as a specialist in the preservation and protection of industrial buildings.

But what problems can Giromax resolve – and just how does that save you money?

Cut Edge Corrosion

If you’ve not heard of cut edge corrosion, you’re either lucky enough to have avoided the issue so far or you’ve not inspected your building and the issue has gone unnoticed! In simple terms, cut edge corrosion is the disintegration of the edges of the steel sheets used in your roofing or cladding. The edges are the weakest spot in the sheet and are often the first place that damage occurs. 

Left untreated, cut edge corrosion can lead to serious problems with your roof or walls including leaks, damaged joints and even holes that may mean that the whole metal sheet requires replacement rather than repair. 

Giromax has invested heavily in the development of a treatment for metal roofs and cladding that helps to prevent cut edge corrosion from happening, as well as preventing further damage in areas where corrosion has already begun.

The coating encapsulates the metal edge, protecting it against UV rays, weathering and temperature changes. 

Flaking, Lifting Roof Coating

 

In the past, we’ve been asked why should a property owner bother with a roof coating and the answer is simple. Prevention is better than cure. Coating your roof helps keep the metal from becoming compromised by rust and other issues caused by weathering, UV light and standing water.

If you have a metal roof, the edges of the metal sheets are particularly susceptible to corrosion (much like cut edge corrosion above). Over time, the edges can become damaged by rain, frost and direct sunlight. The panels can delaminate, which is where the manufacturer coating lifts and the metal below is exposed. Not only can this make your roof look tatty and unkempt, but it also means that unless you treat the problem, you may also end up having to replace your roof. 

That’s why we highly recommend investing in roof coating for your property. In the three decades that we have been in business, we have never had a customer regret protecting their roof. And all those years of property maintenance have taught us a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t, which is why we have chosen to use Giromax products.

Giromax Roofcoat is an industrial roof coating solution that sets the benchmark for all roof coatings. Formulated using the latest technology, it’s been subject to rigorous research, development and testing which has resulted in a product that can considerably extend the lifespan of your roof. How’s that for a saving?

Rusty, Damaged Gutters

 

Your poor gutters. They don’t usually spring to mind when you think about what needs regular maintenance. As long as they’re not leaking, they’re doing ok, right? Wrong, actually. 

Your gutters play an essential role in the water management of your roof, carrying away rainwater so you don’t end up with pooling water. But their continual exposure to the wet, and the additional problems caused by clogging from plants, dirt and debris means that they’re most likely to suffer the effects of rust and weather damage. 

Damaged gutters can mean that your roof, or even the structure of your building, suffers from water ingress, corrosion and dampness. So what can coating your gutters do?

Giromax created Guttercoat, a specialised gutter coating that prevents corrosion by encapsulating the metal and its joints in a flexible but durable protective layer. When used with Giromax Sealant on damaged joints, your guttering can last up to another 15 years!

Peeling, Damaged Cladding

Your metal cladding is a workhorse. Not only does it make your building look good, but it also protects it from the damaging effects of sunlight, wind, rain and pollution – it even enhances the stability of your property. 

But the daily assault from the weather and environment can take its toll on your cladding, and you may start to see spots of rust, bubbling or peeling coating or cracks in the coating. And these might seem like minor issues, but if they’re not sorted they can escalate into a much larger problem that requires deep pockets to fix…

Cladding coating is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your cladding remains intact, even in the face of the significant weather changes we see in the UK. Giromax Girocote is an anticorrosive high opacity primer that can add 10 years of life to your cladding. 

 

Giromax: Yea or Nay?

So, now you know a little more about Giromax and what it can do for your property you can decide if you think it’s worth the investment. A quick round-up of the above should help get a clear idea of the ways these products can help save you money.

Rusting, damaged edges to your metal panels? Cut edge corrosion treatment will stop the damage from causing a bigger problem, saving you potentially thousands in replacement costs. 

Blistered roof coating? Roofcoat will ensure that your roof suffers no further damage – and it’s guaranteed for 25 years! Replacement zinc roofing costs around £20 per square metre (not including installation costs) – so add that to your savings.

Gruesome gutters? Rather than leave them to rust away, quick treatment can add over a decade to their lifespan, delaying the cost of replacement and saving you another couple of grand. 

And lastly, revive and protect damaged cladding with Girocote, because replacing your cladding is a huge job that will set you back an eye-watering amount. 

Your estimated savings are likely in the high thousands, not to mention the savings you will have on maintenance and energy costs.

So, if you want to know more about the Giromax products we use, get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your needs in detail.

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Cut Edge Corrosion: What Is It & Why Ignoring It Will Cost You Money

Roofing 25.05.22
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Cut edge corrosion is one of the most prolific cladding problems we see at GI Sykes. It’s not always preventable, but with careful maintenance, your cladding can avoid the costly damage it causes.

But what is cut edge corrosion and what can you do to avoid huge cladding repair bills?

Cut Edge Corrosion: The Facts

Cut edge corrosion refers to the decay that happens to the edges of your metal cladding. Metal cladding is used predominantly on industrial buildings thanks to its durability and clean aesthetic, but over time the edges of the metal sheets can become damaged.

The edges of your cladding are a weak spot, more prone to problems than any other area. The corrosion often starts as a small breakdown of the metal but can quickly escalate into a sizable area – putting your building at risk.

How to Spot Cut Edge Corrosion

Before you dash off to check if your cladding is suffering cut edge corrosion, it’s best to see what you’re looking for. Firstly, you need to identify the edges on your cladding – these are usually easy to spot because they have bolts running alongside them. 

Cut edge corrosion usually starts with peeling paint or coating, so if you’re lucky, this is the stage you’ll discover the issue. However, unless you’re investing in regular maintenance, you are unlikely to find the damage until it’s progressed to rust.

The extent of the rust will determine just how big of a problem you have on your hands. Caught early, the repair is straightforward. But left too late, you may find yourself needing to replace your cladding entirely.

What Causes Cut Edge Corrosion?

Problems with your cladding can happen for a variety of reasons. Some can be prevented while others need to be watched for. The main reasons we see cut edge corrosion in our line of work are; 

Poor Manufacturing Quality

Cut edge corrosion can start right from the beginning of your cladding’s lifespan. Poorly made cladding sheets often have exposed metal edges that quickly begin to deteriorate when put in place. The best tip we have when purchasing new cladding is to buy the best quality you can afford and always inspect the edges to ensure that they are coated.

Weathering

Your cladding is there to protect your property from the damaging effects of the weather, so it’s no real surprise that those effects can create problems with your cladding. 

The weather in the UK is highly varied – there are long months of damp, windy days with freezing temperatures followed by months of bright, (sometimes!) hot sunny days. Although cladding is made to withstand weathering, over time harsh UV rays can cause the coating on your cladding to become brittle and crack, with the edges being worst affected. Frost and rain can then make contact with the unprotected metal where it begins to degrade.

Damage

Bumps, scrapes and collisions can cause your cladding to delaminate, creating weak spots where water can get in. When this happens near the edges of your cladding, the damage can be even more significant as the coating is more likely to split or crack.

Environmental

Where your property is located can have a bearing on the severity of your cut edge corrosion problems. Those in coastal areas will find the salt in the air causes corrosion to occur at a much quicker rate.

Similarly, buildings that are in highly populated areas will suffer the effects of pollution more. The chemicals and exhaust fumes in the air mix with oxygen, and in doing so have a corrosive effect on exposed metal.

Ageing

While careful care of your cladding can help to avoid issues such as cut edge corrosion, they are only avoidable for so long. Ageing metal will wear and degrade over the years, so it is to be expected that some cladding panels will need to be replaced once they reach their limit of damage.

Improper Care

If you ignore your cladding, then the likelihood of cut edge corrosion is much higher. Also using the wrong cleaning products or coatings can create bigger problems, losing you both time and money.

What Are The Risks Of Leaving Cut Edge Corrosion Untreated?

Leaving cut edge corrosion untreated is unadvisable. Aside from making your building look tatty and unkempt, the rust will begin to eat away at your cladding which can leave your internal walls vulnerable. 

Water ingress can wreak havoc inside your property, resulting in damp, mould and serious structural decay.

 

Treating Cut Edge Corrosion

Thankfully, treating cut edge corrosion is a simple process. At GI Sykes we use the industry’s leading anti-corrosion systems to protect and preserve your cladding. 

Our team of cut edge corrosion specialists will identify areas of concern and create an action plan that is designed to manage all stages of corrosion. While the process is very detailed and thorough, we are always mindful of minimising disruption to your business.

Once your cut edge corrosion treatment is complete, you can be assured that your cladding will be robust enough to withstand weathering and pollution for many years to come.

Avoiding Cut Edge Corrosion

 

Regular Inspection

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So if you want to avoid cut edge corrosion and the associated problems that arise from it, then you need to have a regular cladding inspection schedule in place. 

This needs to be more in-depth than eye-balling it from the ground, as early cut edge corrosion signs can be slight and easily missed from a distance. Our scheduled property maintenance service allows for careful and close inspection by experts who know what to look for. 

Cladding Cleaning

Keeping your cladding clean can help to prolong the integrity of the coatings. It also increases the opportunity for spotting issues as they manifest, rather than later done the line when they become more troublesome.

Specialist Coatings

We use coatings that have been specifically formulated to prevent cladding deterioration and techniques to restore or repair areas affected by cut edge corrosion. 

By investing in this service, your building will benefit from a much longer lifespan with cladding that looks clean and well-maintained with well-preserved edges.

Problems With Cut Edge Corrosion?

If your property is suffering with cut edge corrosion or you’d like to take preventative measures, get in touch with the team to discuss how GI Sykes can protect, restore and prolong your building’s metal cladding.

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The Benefits (And Downsides) Of Liquid Roofing Systems

Roofing 13.05.22
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We are often asked about liquid roofing systems – our clients want to know if it’s a good option for protecting and repairing their industrial roofs. As highly experienced contractors we like to share our knowledge to help people understand the processes a little more, so they can make an informed decision about their property maintenance. 

So if you have a roof that needs repair, you have a new roof that you want to protect or you’re just curious about the ways you can reduce your ongoing maintenance costs, this blog is for you.

Read on to find out what liquid roofings are, how they can extend your roof’s lifespan for up to 30 years and if there are any downsides to the process…

What Are Liquid Roofing Systems?

Well, the name gives it away a little – liquid roofing is quite literally a liquid substance that is applied to your roof to prolong its lifespan. Liquid roofing use a selection of materials to create a watertight barrier on your roof – different systems have different strengths and weaknesses. 

So, in order for you to know which is the right choice for you, let’s go into more detail.

The use of protective coatings to preserve a surface dates back to ancient times when bitumen was used to line canoes and boats to keep them watertight. This practice continued through the centuries with substances such as tar or pitch used to seal the wooden decks of ships – so the concept of liquid roofing is far from a new one.

But it’s only when you pair the process with the latest developments in waterproofing technology that you see just how far liquid roofing has come.

Nowadays, the substances used to coat your roof have been carefully formulated to handle whatever the weather throws at it – from the coldest frost to the hottest sun.

There are several types of liquid roofing that we can use, depending on the type of roof you have and the problems you’re experiencing.

Polymer Modified Bitumen

As we’ve discovered, bitumen has been used to waterproof vessels for an incredibly long time – and as the saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Except in this case, it was enhanced. 

For use on your roof, bitumen is modified with polymers to increase its durability and flexibility once dry.

Polyurethane-Based Systems

Polyurethane roofing systems are one of the strongest roof coatings on the market. Its long-lasting durability, coupled with its ability to reflect UV rays makes it a good choice for large roofs that are in direct sunlight.

Polyester-Based Systems

Polyester based roofing systems have the longest life expectancy of all the options, lasting up to 30 years. Some types use fibreglass to reinforce the polyester resin, while others use a polyester fleece (similar to the kind you wear to keep the chill away!) which absorbs the resin to become a uniform and unyielding membrane.

What Are Liquid Roofing Used For?

The primary purpose of liquid roofing is to provide a waterproof coating to your roof. In doing this, your roof is protected against the most damaging weather – rain. 

Any type of liquid roofing system means that any rainwater easily runs off your roof, rather than pooling where it can start to seep through the layers of roofing membrane.In addition to this, at GI Sykes, our liquid roofing systems provide an excellent option for repairing minor cracks, rips and tears.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Liquid Roofing Systems?

There are plenty of benefits to having a liquid roofing system installed. They key benefits are:

Waterproofing Your Roof

An obvious benefit, we know. A liquid roofing system means that you don’t have to worry about standing water on your roof causing problems.

Your Roof Looks Great

Thanks to its application process, liquid roofing looks neat, smooth and seamless. It helps to give your building a tidy and well-cared for finish.

Seamless Repair

Our roofing systems mean that any cracks or tears to your roof are sealed with a fully bonded waterproof coating. It’s a simple but very effective repair option.

A Roof That Reflects UV Rays

Liquid roofing can reflect UV rays, helping to reduce the temperature within your building. Some roofing systems do this better than others, so if you think you need a cooler environment in the summer, we’d be happy to advise you on the most suitable options.

A Longer Lasting Roof

Liquid roofing adds a protective layer to your roof which helps to extend its lifespan considerably. Not only are you saving thousands in replacement costs, you’re also reducing the environmental impact of adding more waste to landfill.

Less Maintenance For Your Roof

And since your roof is nicely protected, you will find you have less problems with it. Leaks will be a thing of the past, so your roofing maintenance will be much reduced,

Super Fast Installation

Liquid roofing takes very little time to install – some projects take just one day to complete. It’s also non-disruptive so you can carry on about your day while your roof is taken care of.

What Are The Drawbacks?

The list of drawbacks to investing in a liquid roofing system is a one. There aren’t any. 

However, these are the things we think you should consider if you are planning on using a liquid roofing system on your building.

Poor Application Looks Bad

Imagine the Mona Lisa. Carefully placed brushstrokes, all coming together to create a work of art. Now picture a toddler’s painting. Streaks and blobs all over. While cute, it’s not the finesse you want hanging in a gallery (we do love to see them on the fridge though!).

The application of liquid roofing is something that’s best left to the experts – otherwise you might end up with a streaky, blobby mess.

Hazardous When Wet
Due to its waterproof nature, liquid roofing is incredibly slippery when it is wet. The only people who should be on your roof are trained professionals with the right equipment. 

You Need A Reminder

Liquid roofing is so effective, you may forget to book your regular roofing maintenance check. Even though you may not see any problems, it’s still advisable to have routine inspections.

Want To Talk Liquid Roofing Systems?

If you think that a liquid roofing system might be the solution for your roof, we’d love to talk to you in more detail about the options available to you. All you need to do is request a free quote and one of the team will give you a call to arrange a site visit.

 

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How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Industrial Roofing

Roofing 28.04.22
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Your industrial roofing probably doesn’t get a second thought in the day-to-day running of your business. It’s easy to take for granted – until disaster strikes. Replacing industrial roofing is no mean feat; it means shutting down your business for the duration of installation, a huge expense in replacement costs, and not to mention the other issues that may arise from re-roofing your building.

And while you can’t avoid replacing your industrial roofing, there are some easy to implement steps you can take to extend its lifespan so you get the most from your investment. Here are our top 5 tips to make your industrial roofing last longer…

Keep It Clean

Your industrial roofing is going to get dirty – it is a roof after all! But the type of dirt and extent of the dirt can impact the lifespan of your roof. 

The dampness of the weather in the UK means that industrial roofing is prone to organic matter growing on it. Roof gardens are a thing of beauty but unintentional ones can wreak havoc on your industrial roofing. Algae, moss and fungi thrive in gutters and sheltered areas of your roof, and with them comes a whole host of problems.

Algae

Algae might be minuscule, but that doesn’t mean the damage it can cause is. Algae is usually harmless, but there are some types that can be harmful to animals and humans. Removing algae build-up is important, but the right safety considerations must be taken. 

Moss

Moss is a common feature on roofs throughout the UK, and in small patches, it doesn’t pose much of a threat. But moss grows very quickly, so small patches don’t stay small for long. Some varieties of moss can hold up to 30 times their weight in water and it’s that additional weight that carries the most danger for your industrial roofing. After every rainy day, your roof is being put under enormous strain – plus pieces of moss get washed into your guttering, causing blockages in your pipework. Keeping your roof free from moss should be a priority. 

 

Mould

Mould LOVES damp, dark spaces and your industrial roofing offers lots of ideal places to grow. The trouble is, mould can seep through damaged roofing and into the structure of your roof, causing much bigger problems. Black mould is toxic, and cleaning it requires specialist knowledge and equipment, so if you suspect your industrial roofing has black mould always call for expert help. 

 

Dare To DIY?

You might think that giving your industrial roofing a once over with a pesticide and a bit of hot soapy water will do the trick, but the truth is, roofs are difficult to clean. Quite aside from the fact that you need insurance to work at height, using the wrong chemicals can create more problems in the future. 

It’s best to leave roof cleaning to the professionals – that way you know that your industrial roofing is going to be completely free of organic matter, treated with the appropriate biocides and carried out by highly-trained professionals. 

Inspect Your Roof

Once you have a clean and clear roof, you will need to inspect it for problems. This can be really obvious splits and tears to the roofing membrane or it might be more subtle, less obvious damage. Knowing what to look for is key – a cursory glance from the ground now and again may mean that you miss a significant issue. 

To really spot issues early, you need to be up close and personal with your industrial roofing – which means getting up there. These are the most common industrial roofing problems that we come across; 

Missing Or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the thin, waterproof material that is applied to your industrial roofing to protect joints from water ingress. All roofs have flashing – it’s an essential element that needs to be well cared for. Flashing can become damaged through age and weathering – and if you have lead flashing on your building, there have been cases where this has been stolen (it has a high scrap value). 

Split Or Blistered Roof Surface

Your roof is (obviously) exposed to all weathers, from the hottest midday sun to the coldest midnight frost. These changes can have an effect on your industrial roofing. You’ll see things like; 

  • Blistering (pockets of air between the roof and the membrane) 
  • Alligatoring (small cracks and peeling)
  • Rips and splits 

Pooling Water

Puddles of water on your industrial roof aren’t a red flag unless they don’t drain away after a few hours. Prolonged standing water is a sign that something is wrong with the levels of your roof, and the water can cause some serious damage, if left.

Maintenance 

Following your inspection, you might find yourself in need of roof maintenance. Even if you think your roof looks fine, having a regular maintenance schedule is highly recommended to ensure that there’s no concealed damage or issues that might develop further down the line. 

Roof maintenance is damage control – it allows you to limit the impact of problems so you can avoid more costly repairs or in the worst case, total replacement.

Protective Coatings

Like laminating an important document, adding a protective coating to your roof just helps to keep it good condition for longer. 

Things like minor corrosion can be halted with the application of a specialist coating, meaning that you won’t have to fork out for repairs for a while. At GI Sykes, we use the most advanced coatings on the market so that our clients benefit from the latest developments. 

These coatings will work hand in hand with your roof cleaning as they make it quicker and easier to remove organic matter, bird mess and dirt.

 

Invest In Quality

Our final tip for prolonging your industrial roof is this: don’t scrimp. From products to clean, to the materials used for repair, always go for the best quality. You might feel the pinch in the outlay, but when your roof requires fewer repairs, your cleaning takes less time and your roof looks as good as new years down the line, you’ll see the investment was worth it. 

If your industrial roofing needs a little TLC, we’d be happy to provide a quote for cleaning, maintenance or roof coatings. If you don’t know which service is best suited for your roof, give the team a call and they can help you identify the best course of action.

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Is Commercial Roof Repair Worth It?

Roofing 30.03.22
Commercial Roof Repair 7

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Is commercial roof repair worth the investment? It’s one of the most frequently asked questions to our specialist roofing team. Their answer? A simple yes. 

But you probably want to know a little more… 

Like what does commercial roof repair include? What can it fix? And what can it prevent? 

You’ll likely also want to know if commercial roof repair is better than roof replacement?

So we’ve put together a guide to help you learn all you need to know about commercial roof repair…

What Is Commercial Roof Repair?

Commercial roof repair is the maintenance carried out to either prevent roof damage or take remedial action when damage has occurred. 

At GI Sykes, we specialise in commercial roof repair of all types of roofs. These mainly fall into three categories; flat roof, low-pitched roof or pitched roof. 

Each of these has specific aspects that need to be taken into account when considering a repair. A flat roof requires weatherproofing with membrane or felt, particularly as the most commonly reported issue is with pooling water. 

Both the low-pitched roof and the pitched roof have two sides sloping down from an apex (the top point of the roof). Pitched roofs tend to be more durable, offer more space inside a building and are thought to be more attractive but can be much harder to access for maintenance.

What Damage Can Commercial Roof Repair Fix?

Our commercial roof repair service is comprehensive – there are very few roofing problems that we can’t fix. But what are the most common roofing issues that we come across?

Flat Roof Problems

  1. Flaking, torn roof coating. This problem, sometimes called ‘alligatoring’ because of its reptile skin appearance, is pretty unavoidable. The asphalt or bitumen that’s used to waterproof your flat roof is affected by sun exposure, standing water and debris. Left to degrade, this can result in cracks and tears in your flat roof coating which lets water into the roof itself – meaning a bigger repair bill in the long run. 
  2. Ponding water. A flat roof isn’t actually totally flat. It has a ‘fall’ on it, which helps water to run off. However, over time, your flat roof can develop dips where water pools – this is known as ponding. If water collects on your flat roof and remains there for a while (this happens most frequently during the autumn and winter months), it can start to stress the membrane, causing it to fail. 
  3. Blistering. If your roof manages to avoid the pitfalls of the UK weather in winter, it might not be so lucky in summer. A black roof in hot, direct sun can end up with blisters – little pockets of air – as trapped air and moisture expand. This causes the membrane to stretch, which not only means you have areas of weakened membrane, you also have spots where water can collect – and after summer comes the rain!
  4. Movement. Buildings can have subtle movement in them, especially new buildings. While the effects of settling are generally fairly minor, they can make your flat roof membrane buckle. 
  5. Weathering. Ok, so your weatherproof coating IS weatherproof, but that doesn’t mean that over the years the temperature changes won’t have an effect. The continual expansion and contracting of the roof can start to cause minor failures.

 

Low-Pitched Roof Problems

  1. Runoff problems. A lower slope means that water runoff can be an issue. The lower the pitch, the more likely it is that you’ll see issues caused by pooling water. 
  2. Snow settles. Snow, although infrequent in the UK, is a huge problem for low-pitched roofs. It doesn’t clear well, and the added weight can cause failures in the roof covering.
  3. Exposure. Low-pitched roofs are commonly found on warehouses, industrial units and large superstores. These roofs are huge, and in storms and high winds are at most risk of wind damage.

 

Pitched Roof Problems

  1. Water damage. While pitched roofs have better water management, they can still suffer from water problems. Areas that get clogged with leaves or debris can allow pools to form. 
  2. Loose tiles or slate. Whatever you have on your roof, it can come loose, and when it does, there’s a high risk of water making its way into the inside of your building. Loose tiles also provide access to your roof for birds to nest. 
  3. Clogged guttering. Thanks to the high pitch of your roof, water runoff is well managed – however, this can put more strain on your gutters. These are likely to catch all manner of debris, blocking them up. You’ll need a good gutter maintenance schedule to keep on top of it (we have an excellent gutter cleaning service – you can see more here)
  4. Moss and algae build up. Roofs are ripe for organic matter to thrive – moss, algae and fungi all grow well in the conditions found up there. But this means bad things for your roof – the added weight in wet weather puts your roof under strain, not to mention the fact that it can look very unappealing.

 

How Can Commercial Roof Repair Help?

Commercial roof repair should be part of your building maintenance plans. Whatever type of roof your property has, it’s likely to need remedial work at some stage, and catching it early can mean the difference between repair and replacement. 

Our commercial roof repair service means that every aspect of your roof is inspected by our highly-trained contractors. These experts know what to look for when assessing your roof, so you know that once your commercial roof repair is complete, your roof will be in excellent condition.

Our team of reliable, qualified and skilled contractors can carry out every aspect of commercial roof repair, including;

  • Recoating
  • Refelting
  • Patching
  • Replacing Tiles
  • Roof cleaning 

 

Commercial Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement

If your roof is very old, then it will start to require more frequent repairs. At this stage, you’ll need to weigh up the cost of continued remedial works vs the cost of a new roof. As a rule of thumb, if the cost of repair is 50% of the cost of replacement, it might be time to bite the bullet. 

Our team are honest and dedicated to providing you with the most effective service, so you can trust them to make a truthful assessment of your roof. 

Want To Talk Commercial Roof Repair?

So whether you’re looking for planned commercial roof repair or you have an emergency issue, we’d be happy to help. The first step is to get in touch to arrange for a site visit, here we can assess the scale of the commercial roof repair needed and provide you with an accurate quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

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5 Benefits Of Roof Coating

Roofing 13.01.22
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Roof coating is one of the most effective ways to reduce your business’s environmental impact and increase your building’s efficiency. In recent years, businesses have been increasingly investing in the preservation of their commercial spaces, which, for many, has helped to lessen the impact of recent economic stress.

If you’ve been considering roof coating for your commercial property, then read on to see why it is such an incredibly beneficial route to go.

 

What Is Roof Coating?

Before we get to what makes roof coating so good, we’re going to briefly outline what it is. Roof coating is quite literally, coating your roof with a substance to provide enhanced protection from weathering and ageing. At GI Sykes, we use the industry’s most respected and trusted brands such as Giromax, Tor Coatings and Cromapol because we know that these products, along with our expertise, will give you the most long-lasting protection.

So, why opt for roof coating?

It Saves You Money

Top of the list is the one that can have the greatest direct impact on your business. Roof coating saves your business money in a variety of ways. It acts as insulation for your building, so your space stays warmer for longer. In winter, you’ll be able to drop the thermostat a couple of degrees without making your staff and customers feel the chill. With the coming energy cost price hike, this could be very welcome news!

In summer, a roof coating can also help to deflect UV rays which can keep your space cooler. If you find that your building gets stuffy and hot, a huge heat-attracting roof is certainly going to add to the discomfort. By adding a roof coating, you can help to bring the ambient temperature down.

Longer Life Span

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a protective roof coating will extend the lifespan of your roof. Not only will that reduce your annual maintenance budget, but it will also mean that you can stave off expensive roof replacement by some stretch.

The cost of adding a roof coating is insignificant when compared to that of replacing your roof, but it is something that needs to be done before age-related damage and weathering sets in. If you have a relatively new roof you may think that it’s all good for a few years – but the best time to take preventative action is at the start. There’s never a ‘too early’ for roof coating, but there can be a ‘too late’!

In the UK, our weather is diverse – winters are often frosty, we have year-round rain, as well as periods of dry, hot sun in the summer and early autumn. Your roof will bear the brunt of these extremes, often suffering minor damage and problems as a result. Roof coating will give you peace of mind that your roof will be resilient to corrosion, rust, bubbling, sagging and other common issues.

Innovation in the roof coating industry has led to some of the most durable and effective roof coating products on the market. The brands we use have a proven track record in adding many years of life to a roof, some for up to 20 years. They provide multiple levels of roof protection and greater resistance to the variation in climate.

 

Be More Green

Reducing your environmental impact is a key focus for many people. There’s a responsibility on businesses to set an example and do all they can to become more sustainable – in fact, it’s thought that 81% of people prefer to buy from or use businesses that are more sustainable and green.

Roof coating helps you achieve this. By adding insulation, you’re increasing your building’s energy efficiency. The same goes for the summer too – a cooler building means you don’t need to crank up the air conditioning or blast many fans around the space. 

Not to mention the very act of elongating the lifespan of your roof means that over the course of its existence you need fewer repairs and therefore fewer materials. And since your roof is lasting longer, you won’t require replacement as often, meaning less waste ends up in landfill.

A Good Impression

In business, you probably know that there’s nothing so powerful as a good impression. If your property is in disrepair, then the impression your clients and employees are given can be a negative one. No one wants to be known as ‘that shabby building on the corner’. 

By having a roof coating, you will be left with a pristine and seamless look to your roof. Coating also comes in different colours so if you want a smart black roof or a modern grey one, talk to us about how we can help.

 

Safety

One hazard with some roofs is the risk of degradation over time. Poorly maintained roofs and old roofs carry a risk of pieces becoming loose or unstable, which can end up falling to the ground where passers-by are endangered. By adding roof coating, you secure your roof and prevent future debris.

Roof Coating: The Wise Choice?

You may call us biased, but we think roof coating is the wisest choice for commercial property owners. We have roof coating at GI Sykes HQ because we know the value of prevention over cure. Our roof, and the roofs that we coat, will last longer, be more energy-efficient and look smarter for many years to come.

It’s a fast and easy process. Unlike having your roof removed and replaced, our team can prolong your current roof without any hassle. And if you’re worried about having to close while we apply your new roof coating, don’t be. Our expert contractors can work around your opening hours to minimise disruption to your business, and if the work can be carried out while you’re open, our team of professional roof coating specialists will ensure that it’s seamless and stress free for you and your business. 

Still on the fence? If you’re not sure if roof coating really is the right investment for you, give the team a call. We can talk in detail about your roof and how we can help.

 

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Flat Roof Repair: 5 Warning Signs You Mustn’t Ignore

Roofing 06.12.21
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Is your flat roof in need of repair? Flat roofing is a cost-effective option, that’s why so many buildings choose flat roofs. You might have heard that flat roofs don’t last very long, but that’s not strictly true. With the right care and attention, you can extend the life of your roof to give you a watertight and long-lasting solution. 

Issues with a flat roof can be due to weather, the age of the roof, and general wear and tear. When it comes to flat roof repair, the most important thing is to spot the early signs of damage before anything more serious and costly happens. 

Already noticed one of these warning signs? 

The next crucial step is deciding whether a complete replacement or a flat roof repair is the better option for you. A specialist contractor can give you the best suggestions either way. 

Most of the time a repair will be more cost-effective than a full replacement (as you might have guessed) and ultimately extends the life of your existing roof. That’s why it’s a good idea to watch out for little things like a small leak. They can snowball into bigger problems if you put off little repairs too long!

Here’s what you need to watch out for… 

1: Water Pooling And Flat Roof Repair

This is one of the biggest problems we come across. Pooling water might not seem like a serious matter if you’re not seeing it seep through the roof, but it can cause big issues if left unresolved. Water pooling causes stress and pressure points, which leads to cracks over time. 

Why does it happen? 

Unfortunately, your flat roof may not be, well, perfectly flat!

If your building has shifted or settled over time then small – or even large – divots can occur in the surface of the roof. These dips naturally gather small amounts of water when it rains. 

Flat roofs are designed to withstand some water gathering, but persistent water pools will cause wear over time if they don’t drain properly. If the pools happen consistently and in the same spot, then your building is more at risk of damage.

Keep an eye out for water pooling that frequently occurs in the same spots or gets worse over time. If you spot something concerning, get your roof checked out by a professional roofing contractor.

2: Flashing

Flashing is a thin sheet of material meant to prevent water from seeping through your roof. It can be tempting to ignore flashing problems because it’s not always easy to see the full extent of them. 

But this is a big mistake.

If left unresolved, these problems can worsen and lead to more serious damage.

Flashing can pull away from the edges of the roof as time passes. This is because flat roofs with asphalt will inevitably expand and contract with heat and moisture changes in the surrounding environment. 

If moisture gets trapped between the layers of the roof, leaks can appear in your ceiling – something no building owner wants to deal with on a Monday morning!

You might think things like small leaks and flashing that’s coming away from the edges can wait a little while. Unfortunately, if you don’t invest in flat roof repair at the earliest sign of flashing issues, you might be forced to replace your flat roof entirely.

 

3: Top Coat Damage

Topcoat is a solution covering the roof to give a nicer cosmetic finish as well as an important watertight seal. The most obvious sign of top coat damage you can look out for, or listen out for, is a fluttering noise. 

When outside or even sometimes inside your building, listen for a constant fluttering sound. This will be most noticeable during high winds. If you can hear this clearly, it’s likely that your top coating is damaged. 

Visually, you can understand the problem best as the top layer of material coming away from the rest of the roof and literally fluttering in the wind. When it does this, you can imagine the gradual damage this causes as your roof is exposed to the elements.

Don’t let your flat roof fail entirely because of something as simple as top coat damage. If you’ve seen some signs of top coat wear, then get a flat roof repair contractor to assess the situation.

4: Organic Growth 

Organic growth is exactly what you think it is. Sometimes things like moss, algae and lichen can grow on or even start to cover your flat roof. This isn’t a huge problem in itself, but it is a clear sign that your roof needs some help. 

These types of organic growth on your flat roof signifies that there is water either pooling or being retained by the roofing materials. If you leave this plant life to its devices, it can lead to some pretty severe damage. 

If you’ve noticed anything growing on your roof then get a flat roof contractor to inspect it, as something simple like flat roof cleaning could be the easiest solution.

 

5: Leaks And Moisture

The most obvious sign that your flat roof is in need of repair – cracks and leaks! Like any other roof, flat roofs can be vulnerable to unwanted moisture. With leaks or moisture being absorbed from long term pooling, cracks can appear and eventually worsen.

The biggest problems that come with excess moisture are mould and structural damage, and nobody wants their roof diagnosed with either – they can mean big expenses.

Having your flat roof inspected regularly for signs of leaks and moisture will prevent any mould problems from popping up in the first place. 

If you don’t manage to catch the issues when they first appear, make sure you ask the advice of a trusted flat roof specialist or you could find yourself shelling out for a whole flat roof replacement instead.

The Benefits of Repairing Your Flat Roof

The last thing you want is to fork out for a flat roof replacement when you didn’t need to. That’s why ongoing maintenance and flat roof repair is your most cost-effective and convenient solution. 

Other benefits of repairing your flat roof include: 

  • Longer-lasting roof – You can extend the life of your roof by preventing bigger issues. 
  • Protect your property – Preventing damage to your building and interior. 
  • Greater peace of mind – Knowing that your roof is watertight when the wet winter months come.  
  • Less Hassle – Flat roof repair is usually quick to do and can be done without closing down your building. 
  • Avoid business interruption – Avoid the inconvenience of shutting down your building due to water damage or a full roof replacement. 

If it’s industrial and commercial flat roof repair you’re looking for, GI Sykes is the roofing contractor you can trust. With 55 years in business, GI Sykes is a family run contractor offering reliable service and clear quotes. Don’t leave your cracked, leaking, or compromised flat roof unchecked. Contact us for a free quote here. 

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