Truscott Roofing

21/10/2024

Are your gutters in need of some TLC?
- Free surveys
- Free quotations
- 0% deposit
- 100% satisfaction
Call today on 01326 459 003

10/10/2024

Is your roof winter ready?!
Based in Falmouth, we provide free surveys and quotations.
01326 459 003

30/07/2024

The Crucial Distinction Between Air Flow and Breathability in Roofs: A Key Consideration for Building Longevity

In the construction industry, especially within the roofing sector, there is often confusion between the concepts of air flow and breathability, or vapour permeability. This misunderstanding can lead to significant issues in building performance and durability. It is crucial to clarify that while both air flow and breathability play vital roles in the overall health of a building, they serve different functions and should not be conflated. This distinction is particularly relevant in areas like Cornwall, where the climate demands robust building practices to handle moisture and air quality.

Air Flow: The Backbone of Effective Ventilation
Air flow refers to the movement of air through and around building structures. In roofing, proper air flow is essential for ventilating the roof space, preventing the accumulation of heat and moisture, and protecting against condensation. Good ventilation reduces the risk of structural damage, such as timber rot and mould growth, which can compromise the integrity of the building.

Importance of Air Flow:

Ventilation: Essential for removing excess heat and moisture from the roof space.

Moisture Prevention: Helps to mitigate the risk of condensation, which can lead to mould growth and structural damage.
Longevity: Proper ventilation extends the lifespan of roofing materials by preventing moisture-related deterioration.

Breathability, or vapour permeability, refers to the ability of a material to allow water vapour to pass through it. While this property is vital for preventing condensation within the building envelope, it is often mistaken for air flow. Breathable membranes are designed to let moisture escape while keeping out liquid water, but they do not facilitate the same level of air movement as ventilation systems.

Role of Breathability:

Moisture Management: Allows water vapour to escape, reducing the potential for condensation within walls and roof spaces.
Health and Comfort: Supports a healthier indoor environment by maintaining appropriate moisture levels.

The Common Misconception: Breathable Membranes vs. Air Flow
A prevalent misconception in the construction industry is that breathable membranes are a substitute for proper ventilation or air flow. This is not the case. While breathable membranes play a crucial role in vapour management, they do not replace the need for adequate air flow to ventilate the roof space. This confusion can lead to insufficient ventilation, resulting in moisture build-up and associated problems.

Standards and Guidelines: BS 5250:2021 and NHBC 7.12.15
To ensure that both air flow and breathability are properly addressed, builders must adhere to established standards:

BS 5250:2021 provides comprehensive guidelines on moisture management in buildings, emphasizing the importance of ventilation and appropriate material selection.
NHBC 7.12.15 focuses on the specifics of pitched roof construction, including the use of vapour-permeable membranes and the necessity for adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.

06/03/2024

Condensation season is at its prime from October through to March and can heavily impact the wellbeing of your loft space.
High humidity can support mould and rot outbreaks as well as woodboring beetles such as woodworm.

Use these five steps to greatly reduce the chance of condensation build up within your loft space this winter.

04/03/2024

An excellent video that highlights the fraudulent way in which spray foam insulation is marketed and sold.

The most effective way to insulate a property is via the application of insulation above the ceilings, rather than within the rafters.

In the video link below, at the six minute mark the surveyor explains that for insulation in the rafters (which would include spray foam or quilted membrane) a bungalow would have to produce 83% more energy than required before the insulation becomes effective.

In this video we look at spray foam insulation sprayed into loft spaces. Is is necessary, is it a good idea? We look at five main areas:1. Thermal2. Fire Ris...

01/10/2023

Are seagulls nesting under your solar?
We can install plastic coated steel mesh systems to bird-proof your solar array.

Free quotations across all TR postcodes.

30/08/2023

Hmmmm, this might need replacing?
What do you think?

29/08/2023

The porous roof tile scam.
Fraudsters often make false claims to pressure homeowners into proceeding with a new roof claiming that their tiles have become porous and are allowing water to ingress.

Despite what these companies might say, concrete and clay tiles can last in excess of 100 years!

The link below is to the BRE TRUST website, who are an independent charity dedicated to improving the
built environment.

Ageing roof tiles Clay and concrete roof tiles have a long history and a good track record. Manufacturers typically guarantee the tiles for 30 years and suggest that 60 years is a reasonable service life. But can they last longer? While clay roof tiles have been used on roofs for centuries, concrete...

15/08/2023

Damp rafters caused by two installation defects:
1: The roof tiles were fitted without the correct overlap, our Cornish sideways rain is now being forced under the tiles and onto the newly installed roofing felt.
2: Rainwater now moves down the felt and becomes trapped due to the lack of a 15mm drape (BS 5534) between the
rafters. The rainwater is then pushed sideways towards the
batten nail holes, hence the rafter’s moisture content reaching complete saturation.

The installer and an independent surveyor claimed this was condensation.

Is your home showing symptoms of damp? Nine times out of ten there is a building defect causing the issue that can be rectified without the need for spending thousands of pounds on chemical band aids that simply mask the root cause.

05/08/2023

GRP repairs - sadly, a good percentage of our work comes from repairing roofs less than 5 years old.

In this case, the outlet had been incorrectly formed, causing water to pe*****te the deck, causing it to swell and rise, holding water on the roof.

Thankfully, the main body of roof was unaffected, allowing us to cut out the damaged materials, repair and relay a new GRP system over the top... Saving the homeowner well over £1000.

31/07/2023

A material that should most definitely be banned!
Has spray foam be installed within your attic space?
We offer spray foam removal across Cornwall - get in touch for a free quotation.

27/06/2023

Our telescopic equipment allows us to remove moss from delicate roofs without the need to clamber all over them.

This scrape clean is followed by a moss kill treatment which sterilises the roof to ensure no immediate grow back.

Message us today for a free quotation.