Bituminous flat roofs: when you need to mechanically fix

How should you fix a bituminous flat roof?

There are two main ways to repair a flat roof. Flat roof installation can be done using either a mechanical fix or a gas torch. But when should you use a mechanical fix and when should you use a gas torch?

At present, there’s an increasing demand for contractors to use flame-free alternatives for fixing bituminous membranes to flat roofs. Why? Because there are 11 fires on UK construction sites every single day. Hot works are responsible for 15% of blazes on commercial and industrial premises, so it makes sense to try and reduce that risk.

The NFRC’s Safe2Torch campaign guidance lists some of the common rooftop scenarios where gas torches aren’t appropriate for use. It’s estimated that alternative methods – adhesives or mechanical fixing – are required for at least 50% of all flat roof installations in the UK.

SureFast is the complete system for mechanically fixing flat roofs:

• Suitable for cold and warm roof applications

• Available in a wide range of sizes, to suit insulation thicknesses of up to 500mm thick

• Tube washers prevent thermal bridging

• Can be used in all weather conditions

• Can come with a forty-year warranty