Professional Builder met with James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director of Samac Fixings to find out how today’s roofing products can make installations both easier and more sustainable.
Q: How is the construction industry stepping up its game when it comes to the environment?
A: It’s exciting to see how the construction industry is really leaning into sustainability and nowhere is this more apparent than in roofing. More and more builders and roofers are opting for greener, more efficient solutions which not only reduces their environmental footprint but also makes installations quicker and easier.
Q: What changes are you seeing in the industry?
A: We are definitely seeing a clear move towards being more sustainable where possible. The move from traditional lead flashings to synthetic options like EPDM is for instance, a real stride forward. EPDM isn’t just any synthetic rubber – it’s exceptionally durable and designed to resist the elements like UV rays, ozone and extreme temperatures. This makes it a solid, long-lasting choice, with the potential to hold up for decades.
Q: Does EPDM have any other advantages?
A: EPDM is made from natural gas and oil, which means it can be easily recycled once it’s no longer needed on the roof. This recycling capability is a big win for sustainability, helping to conserve resources and reduce waste – both crucial goals in the construction industry’s push for greener practices.
EPDM also scores high marks for ease of installation. It’s lightweight and straightforward to work with and can last up to 40 years, providing a reliable and enduring roofing solution. Adding recyclable materials like aluminium mesh into the mix further reduces the environmental impact, making EPDM an even more attractive option for sustainable building projects.
Q: What makes Samac Fixing’s Rooftec Flex Plus so popular?
A: Rooftec Flex Plus ticks all the boxes when it comes to durable, flexible and safe roofing materials. Made from EPDM-rubber with an expanded aluminium mesh core, it’s a self-adhesive lead substitute and packs a punch in terms of strength and longevity. It’s a fantastic alternative to more traditional roofing materials and can be used on both flat and pitched roofs.
The combined features of Flex Plus, create a watertight joint that locks tightly to all sorts of building materials – no extra tape or sealant needed. And for many surfaces you won’t even need a primer, which means installation is easy.
Rooftec Flex Plus is malleable and lightweight and if you need to customise the shape, just grab scissors and a seam roller. It fits easily around abutments, dormers, chimneys or skylights, comes in rolls up to five meters long, handles different temperatures without a hitch and works with various substrates like concrete, wood, and metal.
Q: Do natural and traditional materials like slate still hold their place in modern roofing?
A: Slate roofing has always been a favourite because it’s durable and has such a classic look. A well-kept slate roof can last over a hundred years so it also reduces construction waste and the need for new materials, making slate very environmentally friendly. Plus, slate brings a timeless charm to any property.
But there is a tiny hiccup with slate roofs – the hooks that hold the tiles in place can be a bit of an eyesore. Samac has a clever solution. We have introduced coloured slate hooks that blend seamlessly with the roof and are available in shades like light grey, dark grey and green. These hooks ensure the slate’s authentic charm is still showcased without any distracting fasteners. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, giving your roof a sleek, polished look while keeping everything securely in place.
Q: Why should roofing contractors go greener with their building practices?
Homeowners are increasingly seeking homes that are not only energy-efficient but also have a lower environmental impact, driving a market trend towards sustainability that can open up new business opportunities for builders and roofers. Durable materials not only reduce the drain on the earth’s resources but can decrease maintenance and replacement costs over the building’s lifetime. EPDM for example is both recyclable and built to last, ticking all the boxes for sustainability. Natural slate is a classic choice for roofing as it is durable and looks great but now it also comes with discreet fixing solutions, keeping things both stylish and sustainable. It really is worth looking at the new wave of roofing materials available as there are some great products out there that last for decades, look great and help protect our planet too.
For more details on the Samac Fixings range visit https://www.samacfixings.co.uk
