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Follow NHBC advice and switch to dry systems for pitched roofs
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Hambleside Danelaw, the UK market leader for GRP mortarless flashing products, is urging builders to follow a new NHBC recommendation that they should seriously consider opting for dry systems on pitched roofs to reduce their risk of incurring remedial works due to mortar failure.
The NHBC has just reported that 60% of claims handled in 2010 related to pitch roofs and half of these claims were due to mortar issues. The Council’s latest Technical Extra guidelines ask, “When was the last time you considered the latest dry systems available?”
Availability is easily found within one of the most comprehensive ‘dry roof’ ranges offered by a British manufacturer. The range includes Dry Fix valley troughs, ridge and hip systems, soakers, verges and bonding gutters. Some of these Danelaw products are listed in the WRAP procurement guide because they contain up to 50% recyclable content.
Scotland leads the way
The NHBC says that almost all of its insured sites in Scotland are now being built with dry systems for ridges, verges and hips. Claims figures appear to support this move to dry systems, with Scotland experiencing a smaller proportion of pitched roof claims per property covered.
Since the start of 2011, Project Managers for three local authorities in Scotland and the Glasgow Housing Association have specified Hambleside Danelaw’s Dry Fix Bonding Gutters and HD TV15 Tile Vents.
Dry verges reduce claims
Verges are also reported by the NHBC to be a common feature of pitched roof claims and can require complicated and expensive scaffold access to facilitate repairs. Hambleside Danelaw supplies GRP Dry Verges in an attractive slate grey colour for batten and sark boards or face fixing which are suitable for all natural and man-made slates.
Chris Avery, Hambleside Danelaw’s managing director, comments: “Repairs directly undertaken by builders add to the £11m bill which the NHBC faces for pitch roof claims, so it really makes sense for specifiers and contractors to look at the Dry Fix option. And if you choose Hambleside Danelaw, you are buying products designed and made in Britain.”
