Our Roofing System
At CRRS, conservatories are what we do. With 25+ years experience, there is not much that we have not seen or encountered. Although the odd surprise does still pop up every now and then!
Over the years, we have installed many different systems and profiles. From pre-fabricated, lightweight, aluminium frames to just replacing the roofing sheets with insulated polycarbonate ones.
However, through trial and error, we have always landed back at the traditional, tried and tested method of "good-old-carpentry" coupled with modern building materials and quality workmanship. We believe that this method of solid roof construction offers the biggest "bang for your buck" and enables us to provide our customers with a premium quality product, for a fair and affordable price.
The Frame
The first stage is to remove the existing roof in its entirety, exposing the top of the frames (all waste is disposed of at our local recycling centre using our registered trade waste license).
Next, a new timber "ring beam" is cut and fitted, providing us with a firm and level base to work from. The ring beam also ties the frames together and helps to spread the load throughout the entire conservatory perimeter.
The next stage is to build the new timber frame. CRRS use 6"x2" C24 timber for ridges and hips, and 5"x2" C24 for commons and jacks. Over the years, we have found that these dimensions offer the best strength to weight ratio and satisfy most local building authorities. Collars/braces are installed (as per picture), to stabilise and negate any lateral movement or "spreading".
Please note that unlike house building, where common rafters are uniformly spaced out (usually 400mm centres), we space them out to sit directly on the steel reinforced uprights (mullions) which ensures that the load is transferred directly down through to the sub-base. If roof windows are to be installed, then this will alter.
Next, the outside is cladded with 12mm ply to stabilise and tie the entire structure together.
Exterior
Once the frame is complete and has been "passed off" by building control, we turn our attention to the outside.
The first stage is to install your new lead flashing. Unfortunately, due to the larger depth of your new roof, the old lead flashing will often be too-low and so will need replacing. As this is the messiest part of any project, we like to get this out of the way first.
Once the lead flashing installation is complete, we cloak the entire exterior in a waterproof, breathable roofing membrane then dress the lead, before fixing your new, lightweight composite tiles. Tile samples will be displayed and discussed during the initial survey to help you to choose colours and styles etc.
Lastly, fascia boards and guttering are fitted to leave your new roof looking great, but more importantly, watertight.
Interior
Now we turn our attention to the interior.
The first job on the list is to reposition or install a light fitting. Then we move on to insulation. CRRS install 100mm PIR insulation between each rafter. Any gaps or voids are filled with expanding foam before taping all joints, leaving us with a continuous insulation slab and a 20mm-25mm void above to enable air to flow across the entire roof space thus avoiding condensation build up and airflow issues.
A thin, reflective membrane is then tacked to the underside of the frame ready for the final finish.
CRRS prefer to install a hollow soffit, cladded finish to our roofs for many reasons but we do realise that there is nothing quite like a freshly plastered finish. Interior ceiling finish, both pros and cons, can be discussed and decided upon at the initial survey phase.
Once plastered or cladded, your conservatory will receive a complete, professional, deep clean to both interior and exterior leaving it as good, if not better than the day it was installed.
At this point, we also change any sealed units, hinges or handles as required. We will also adjust any doors that may have dropped and lubricate as required.
Finally, we fit your light, seal you up and leave you to enjoy your new CRRS roof.
Get in Touch!
Ready to discuss your conservatory roofing needs? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.