Monthly Archives: July 2016

Rainwater Goods

Can you Drink the Rain from your Roof?

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Image copyright: 4elevens / 123RF Stock Photo

One thing we’re not short of in the westcountry is rainwater and it is a shame to let it go to waste. But one look at the guttering following a heavy downpour will probably convince you that it might not be wise to use water directly from your roof for drinking.

And if you can help it, it is probably best to err on the safe side and use the rainwater than runs off your roof for alternative domestic purposes (such as watering the plants, washing clothes and bathing.)

However, as long as you are not living too close to a volcano, chemical plant or power station (especially of the nuclear variety) and providing it is treated properly after harvesting, water from your roof can be potable.  In order to ensure the water from your roof can be used for drinking it is important to follow some common sense guidelines as described below:

Clean your Roof and Rainwater Goods First

While some people swear that as long as you follow the ‘First Wash’ rule (i.e. the disposing of at least the first 10 gallons of water collected), you can drink off practically any roof, it is far better to give your roof and rainwater goods a good clean before harvesting. Leaves, dirt, animal waste, insect parts, agricultural chemicals and industrial discharge are just a few of the nasties that are likely to have accumulated on a dirty roof.

But Won’t Rainwater from your Roof be Acidic?

Yes it will, but it’s unlikely to be anything to be concerned about. Acidity is measured on a pH scale where 7.0 is considered neutral and anything below this is acidic. Rainwater is unlikely to be less than 5.5 on the scale which is the range at which tooth enamel starts to erode. To put this in context, your morning cup of coffee is likely to be between 4.5 and 6.5; orange juice comes in at 3.0 to 4.0 and  can of fizzy drink could be as low as 2.5!

One issue with the acidity of rainwater though is the fact that it will dissolve numerous chemicals (not to mention bird droppings) as it runs down your roof. A study from Texas found that asphalt roofs and, surprisingly, green roofs contained higher than recommended amounts of dissolved carbon (DOC) which can , under some circumstances, combine with chlorine to produce a carcinogenic (potentially cancer-causing) chemical. In an Australian study, levels of lead were also found to be slightly raised in dirty metal roofs but this was not the case if the roof had been pre-cleaned (of course, drinking rainwater from a lead roof is not recommended). Otherwise, the levels of chemicals present, even in rainwater from dirty roofs, were well below recommended levels.

Removing Biological and Chemical Contaminants from your Roof Water

Although another Australian study found no link between drinking pure, unfiltered rainwater and increased gastro-intestinal illness, you will almost certainly want to filter your harvested rainwater prior to consumption. A good quality water filter will remove debris and harmful chemicals from the water and leave it almost potable. However, filtering will not remove any harmful micro-organisms so most people will boil the filtered water before drinking it. Some filter systems claim to remove biological contaminants too, but these should be treated with some skepticism.

If you are serious about harvesting rainwater from your roof (and let’s make it clear we are NOT advocating this), installing new Aluminium flashing and rainwater goods are recommended and keeping them clean and well-maintained. To upgrade your flashing or change your roof material, get in touch with JS Cladding and Roofing for advice.

Visit this link for all the data from the Australian study.

 

Conservatory Roofing

Supalite Roof Review

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Image copyright: alhovik / 123RF Stock Photo

Many people are frustrated by the wild variation in temperatures they experience in their conservatories. Quite a few have been tempted by a fairly new type of lightweight tiled roof featuring integrated insulation and artificial tiles or slates. The concept is epitomised by the Preston firm SupaLite (that’s Preston Lancashire, not Preston Devon by the way!).

So what are the pros and cons of SupaLite and similar systems (e.g. Guardian)? SWRCN had a look to see what all the fuss is about and create a SupaLite Roof Review.

SUPALITE ROOF REVIEW: THE PROS

One of the key properties of SupaLite’s system is its ultra-low heat transfer co-efficient (its so-called ‘U-Value’ or ‘U-Factor’). This is a value to quantify the amount of energy that transfer through a metre square area of material (or materials) divided by the temperature change across the surface. In simple terms, a high U-Value equals weak insulating properties and the lower the number gets, the more insulating the material or surface. To calibrate these figures, consider that a single pane of 4mm glass will give you a U-Value of 6 while triple-glazing is likely to reduce that to around 2). SupaLite claim that the U-Value of their conservatory roofs is a staggering 0.15 as standard, with an optional upgrade of 0.12!*

SupaLite is an example of a ‘warm roof’ system which actually integrates the insulation within the rafters of the roof (as seen on the video below). This stops warm air escaping the roof in the winter and avoids the direct conduction of heat in the summer, leading to a much more stable year-round temperature which is well within building control regulations.

Another advantage of SupaLite is its light weight (hence the name). Comprised of an aluminium framework on to which the tiles are clipped, the SupaLite roof can usually be installed on existing conservatory frames without the need for extra foundations (although you should always check with a building control body [BCB] first!)

Then there is the construction impact and duration. The light materials combined with an easy to assemble design means that the conversion process generally takes just a matter of weeks rather than months with very little mess and disruption.

Added to the above, there is the 60 year life expectancy of the tiles and the range of colours and styles available. SupaLite systems and similar lightweight tile/slate effect roofs can be easily adapted to fit the most basic lean-to or the more elaborate Victorian and Edwardian conservatories.

SUPALITE ROOF REVIEW: THE CONS

Of course, no roofing solution is perfect and there are a number of precautions to take before deciding whether SupaLite is for you.

Since the system is available to trade buyers as well as via approved installers, prices can vary significantly and are often higher than expected. Clearly, there are many factors that will determine costs but most homeowners will need to think in terms of £5,000 as a minimum outlay with some contractors likely to quote up to the £10,000 mark. Although the efficiency savings of a SupaLite roof can add up to a significant amount over time, this initial outlay may be a deterrent to some who may prefer to opt for a cheaper alternative.

Another aspect to think carefully about, especially if your conservatory was formally covered with a clear material such as glass or perspex, is that the installation of a covered roof – even a lightweight one – does seem to mean that your conservatory will technically become an extension (sun room) for building regulations purposes. However, a quick call to your local BCB should clarify the situation in your specific case.

Finally, some purists simply don’t like to use anything but traditional materials in the construction of their conservatories regardless of any energy savings they might make. Although a competently fitted SupaLite roof does look impressively authentic, it won’t be to everyone’s taste.

SUPALITE INSTALLATION IN THE SOUTH WEST

After reading our SupaLite roof review, are you ready to take the plunge and replace your current roof for a lightweight, well insulated tiled alternative?

Roofworx, conservatory roof conversions specialists in Torquay, Devon, can install SupaLite for your home. Alternatively, they can just fit the Metrotile lightweight roofing tiles that SupaLite use.

Contact them to find out more about the options available.

For a step-by step DIY guide, see our Supalite Roof Installation post.

*Source: https://www.supaliteroof.co.uk/products/supalite-roof Updated from 0.18 when updating this article on 20th Dec 2023

Conservatory Plants

Titchmarsh Gives his Conservatory Plants Advice

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TV plant guru Alan Titchmarsh recently provided some sage conservatory plants advice in an article for the Daily Express. SWRCN have summarised the main points:

Titchmarsh’s Conservatory Plants Advice
  • Compromise Comfort and Luxury
    The first piece of conservatory plants advice from Mr Titchmarsh was to avoid the temptation to cram your conservatory with exciting exotics – at least without doing your homework. Many exotic plants require more than a mild climate and will struggle to survive the winter unless you are prepared to provide serious heating during the winter months. Other things to beware of, according to Titchmarsh, are lethal spikes, toxic saps and plants that attract lots of insects. One suggestion he made was to combine a few trees and shrubs with a single climber, citing Bougainvillea as a particularly popular plant at the moment (requiring frost-proofing only during the winter months)
  • Install Easy to Clean Floor and Furnishings
    Some exotic plants create a bit of a mess which is why another piece of conservatory plants advice from the UK’s best known gardening expert was to make sure your flooring and furniture can cope with everything from shed petals and leaves to sticky sap, pollen and spilt plant feed. In a nutshell, if you can’t wipe it down with a damp cloth, consider taking it out of harm’s way.
  • Honour the Olive
    If you’re looking for something popular, flexible and low maintenance, then you can’t go far wrong by getting hold of an olive tree, according to the BBC stalwart. Olives are a hardy plant and can be easily pruned and trained to fit your space. You might even be lucky enough to harvest some fruit – perfect to garnish your evening martini.

    conservatory plants advice olives
    Olives are a hardy and easily trained conservatory plant.
  • The Scent of Citrus
    With their large oval leaves and gently scented white flowers, citrus plants are an ideal way to add a zingy Mediterranean flavour to your conservatory. Titchmarsh does warn that citrus plants vary a lot in their susceptibility to cold, so make sure you do your homework to find out whether winter heating will be required or not.
  • Find Some Frost-Free Faves
    If you’re struggling for ideas about cold-resistant conservatory plants, Titchmarsh gave a list of some of his recommendations:

    • Abutilon hybrids – These upright flowering shrubs are from the mallow family and are known for their maple-shaped leaves.
    • Cestrum aurantiacum – An evergreen tree or shrub with  cheery orange flowers.
    • Constance Elliott – A hardy white version of the popular passion flower.
    • Passiflora edulis – This is the unmistakeable purple and white passion flower which will reward you with real passion fruits!
    • Plumbago capensis – An electric blue coloured wall shrub.
    • Trachelosperm jasminoides – An evergreen climber with distinctive white flowers.
  • Think Outside the Box
    A final piece of Titchmarsh’s conservatory plants advice is simply to do your botanical homework and then get creative. While it is always good to follow sound advice, no-one wants a carbon-copy of someone else’s ideas. Providing you follow the general tips above, there’s nothing wrong with taking a bit of a risk to achieve the effect you’re looking for – just as long as it doesn’t involve poisoning the pet cat with toxic leaves!

Plants and Conservatory Roof Conversion

Of course, it is easier to create consistent conditions for plants if you can control the temperature of your conservatory all year round. If your space ends up swinging wildly between hot and cold throughout the year then consider opting for one of Roofworx’s conservatory roof conversions. Roofworx South West are based in Torquay, Devon.

The full Daily Express article is available here