Tag Archives: roof

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Solid Conservatory Roofs

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SOLID CONSERVATORY ROOFS: Picture used with kind permission of Roofworx Southwest. Visit their gallery page for more pictures of conservatories with tiled roofs.

Are you thinking about upgrading your existing conservatory roof with one of the popular ‘next-gen’ solid conservatory roofs that are popping up all over the south west?

There are several benefits to such a conservatory roof conversion, but one of the most important advantages in modern times is a significant improvement in energy efficiency.

Energy scarcity and climate change

We are living in uncertain times. As the global population’s demand for energy increases, securing the energy supply has become critical. As the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, any threats to that energy supply can lead to huge price rises.

While we can’t, as individuals, do much about these global events, we can do our best to limit our exposure by reducing our own energy consumption. After all, part of our energy bills are directly tied to the number of units of energy we consume.

Alongside the energy supply dilemma is the climate emergency. As governments look to meet drastic climate commitments, the way we use energy is likely to change. We don’t know what our future energy mix will contain let alone how much it will cost us. We may even have to endure energy rationing…who knows? Again, our best course of action is to limit our dependence on energy by improving our home’s efficiency.

Next year’s predicted super strong El Nino event could lead to more intense heatwaves, and homeowners with glass or polycarbonate conservatory roofs could be facing more summers with a boiling hot, unusable conservatories. Fans and aircon systems are an expensive solution, which is why investing in a solid conservatory roof now could be the wise homeowner’s best move.

How solid conservatory roofs are saving homeowners money

Simply speaking, solid, insulated conservatory roofs naturally regulate the temperature of your conservatory, reducing your reliance on expensive heating or cooling equipment (central heating, heaters, fans, AC units, etc.)

Most solid conservatory roof replacements feature lightweight roof panels or tiles containing polyurethane (PUR) or polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation.

These materials reduce the rate of heat transfer between the inside and the outside of your room. Most people will understand how this will keep their conservatory warmer in the winter. Hot air rises, but the solid roof will trap that air inside for much longer than a panel of double glazing (and much, much longer than a sheet of polycarbonate!)

roofworx insulated conservatory roofs u-value
The rate of heat transfer (thermal transmittance) through a material is measured in Watts per metre-Kelvin. This is more commonly known as its U-value. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation.

The situation in the summer needs a little more explanation. The reason that a conservatory with a polycarbonate or glass roof becomes unbearably hot and stuffy is a combination of poor insulation and the ‘greenhouse effect’. Light from the sun comes straight through the transparent panes. This heats up the ground and surroundings which release infra-red (heat energy). While heat energy will escape back through the roof, it does so at a slower rate than the incoming solar radiation, leading to a net heat increase. In fact, this is the same process that is behind global warming.

By blocking the sun’s rays, solid conservatory roofs keep the interior of the room pleasantly cool. In fact, you will find that the conservatory keeps a comfortably stable temperature all year round.

Are there alternatives to solid conservatory roofs?

While there are alternatives to solid conservatory roofs, they do come with their own challenges.

One alternative to be very wary of is overcladding. Some companies will offer to save you money on conservatory roof replacement by adding insulation to the inside of your existing glass or polycarbonate roof. This can lead to problems such as condensation, particularly if the installation isn’t carried out to the highest standard.

Solar control glass is a better alternative, especially for homeowners who want to keep their transparent roof. However, this is an expensive solution and will still be less energy efficient than a solid conservatory roof.

In summary, if saving money on your bills (while doing your bit for the planet) is your priority, solid, warm conservatory roofs are likely to be the most economical solution for you. If you’re looking to get the ball rolling, take a look at our article on how to choose between conservatory companies.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Materials, Roofing Projects

Insulated Roofs vs. Traditional Roofs: Making the Right Choice for Your Conservatory

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INSULATED CONSERVATORY ROOFS: Picture used with kind permission of Roofworx Southwest. Visit their gallery page for more pictures of conservatories with tiled roofs.

Conservatories with insulated roofs have sprung up all over the south west, piquing the interest of homeowners who still have their traditional polycarbonate or glass conservatory roofs. Is it really worth investing in conservatory roof replacements or are insulated conservatory roofs an unneccessary addition to a conservatory?

In this article, we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of both types of roofs to help you make an informed decision.

Traditional conservatory roofs – the benefits

Although most people reading this will already have a conservatory roof, if you are building a new conservatory, installing a traditional polycarbonate or glass roof will probably save you money in the short-term. These types of roofs are cheap to make and install.

Polycarbonate and glass conservatory roofs are also simple to put up, and so the work can be finished very quickly if you have a reliable contractor with plenty of availability.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs is their transparency. If allowing as much sunlight in as possible is your priority, this type of roof will probably suit you.

The limitations

One of the most common complaints about conservatories with polycarbonate or glass roofs is temperature fluctuation. This is directly due to the lack of insulation. Heat energy will quickly enter and exit your conservatory through the glass or polycarbonate panes.

In the winter, or at night, when sunlight is in short supply, heat will be quickly sucked out of the room. During a hot summer’s day, the sun’s rays will heat up the room to uncomfortable levels, and the greenhouse effect will trap that hot air inside until the night arrives again.

In the winter, or at night, when sunlight is in short supply, heat will be quickly sucked out of the room. During a hot summer’s day, the sun’s rays will heat up the room to uncomfortable levels.

As a result, conservatories with traditional roofs are uncomfortable to work, play or relax in for most of the year. Furniture, fabrics and electronics are also sensitive to extremes of temperature, which rules the conservatory out as a home office or study.

If your conservatory isn’t thermally separated from your home, you have another problem. As heat escapes from your conservatory roof, more heat is drawn in from the adjoining room. If your heating system is controlled by a thermostat, your boiler will be firing more without you realising it – until the monthly heating bill lands on the doormat!

Another disadvantage of standard polycarbonate or glass roofs is noise. With no insulation to absorb sound waves, everything from dogs barking to domestic arguments to heavy rain will intrude on your space. While you can get soundproof glass for your conservatory roof, this reduces those installation cost savings.

Insulated conservatory roofs – the benefits

The main benefit of insulated conservatory roofs is temperature regulation. A layer of insulation reduces the heat transfer rate (symbolised by a material’s U-value), slowing down the release of heat in the winter, and preventing uncomfortable heating in the middle of the summer. You will be able to enjoy year round comfort.

Roofworx conservatory roof replacements u-value comparison chart

Temperature regulation leads directly on to a second huge benefit of an insulated conservatory roof: you will find yourself with a room that you can decorate, furnish, equip and use 365 days a year. You will effectively have added an extra room to your home. Furniture and equipment (e.g., computers and sound systems) that would once have been impractical because of sun exposure and temperature fluctuations can now be designed in to the space. Since insulated conservatory roofs provide you with a proper ceiling, you can also install handy spotlights. Whether you want a home office, a media centre or a playroom, you can have it.

Furniture and equipment that would once have been impractical because of sun exposure and temperature fluctuations can now be designed in to the space.

Second, the added layer of insulation will reduce the need for heating your conservatory, and if your conservatory is thermally connected to your home, this will stop it acting as a heat vacuum. Whether you use a thermostat or regulate your home’s temperature manually, the net result will be lower heating bills and, for those connected to mains gas or electric, a reduced carbon footprint.

Third, an insulated conservatory roof will absorb noise from outside. No more yapping dogs, arguing neighbours or deafening rain or hail storms. Whether you are working or relaxing, you can enjoy peace and quiet.

The limitations

Of course, no conservatory roof will be perfect. The initial costs of installing a solid conservatory roof will be a bit higher because of the energy efficient materials used and the complexity of installation. However, this will soon start paying itself back in terms of reduced heating costs.

Installation time will usually be longer, although many conservatory roof conversions specialists can complete the work within a week.

Another inevitable result of installing warm conservatory roofs is a reduction in natural light. Even so, many homeowners have discovered that the special ceiling paints used by their installers have left their conservatory feeling just as bright – if not brighter – than before.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to your priorities as a family. If you are looking to transform your conservatory into a comfortable space that you can use all year round, insulated conservatory roofs are definitely worth your consideration.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency: The Advantages of Warm Conservatory Roofs

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WARM CONSERVATORY ROOFS: Picture used with kind permission of Roofworx Southwest. Visit their gallery page for more pictures of conservatories with tiled roofs.

What are warm conservatory roofs, and why are they popular with savvy homeowners across the south west and further afield? This article will explain all.

What are warm conservatory roofs?

Warm conservatory roofs (also referred to as solid conservatory roofs or insulated conservatory roofs) are energy efficient conservatory roofs which include a solid external surface and in-built insulation.

How warm conservatory roofs guarantee a comfortable experience

When many people imagine a conservatory roof, they think of polycarbonate or glass panels set within a wooden or PVC frame. These are still very common, but UK homeowners are gradually being won over by a new generation of warm conservatory roofs.

There are many reasons for this, but one of the main benefits is the way warm conservatory roofs even out temperature variations to ensure a comfortable environment all year round.

That’s because a warm conservatory roof is a roof with a low U-Value.

A bit about U-values

Without getting too technical, the easier heat passes through a surface, the higher its ‘U-value’. This is measured in watts per square metre Kelvin (W/m2K).

If you’re thinking about replacing your conservatory roof, you only need to know that the lower the U-value the better. More specifically, the lower the U-value, the warmer your conservatory will stay in the winter (less heat lost), and the cooler it will stay in the summer (less heat admitted).

We created the handy graphic below which compares U-values between various conservatory roof options.

roofworx warm conservatory roofs u-value

The link between warm conservatory roofs, low energy bills and a healthy planet

Another reason warm roofs are increasingly popular is the effect they tend to have on household energy bills.

Many conservatories, especially older ones, are not thermally separated from the rest of their home. This means that heat is sucked out of the adjoining room to replace the heat being lost by the conservatory roof.

If you use a thermostat to regulate the temperature of your rooms, your heating system will be working harder to maintain that temperature. If you don’t, you will probably find yourself turning on the heating more regularly. Either way, it’s costing you money.

By choosing a warm conservatory roof, you are likely to find that the whole house stays a bit warmer. You could even find yourself saving hundreds of pounds in lower heating bills over time.

Won’t a cheap cladover achieve the same effect?

This is a fair question, but while cladovers are cheaper than conservatory roof replacements, their insulation properties can vary widely between suppliers.

Cladovers are also more difficult to install correctly, and any mistakes can be catastrophic. Poorly installed panels can quickly cause issues with condensation, leading to mould and other complications. The integrated units that comprise warm conservatory roofs are a much safer bet.

Further benefits of warm conservatory roofs

If you’re still on the fence about investing in a warm conservatory roof, here are some more benefits you can look forward to:

  • Reduced noise
  • Reduced glare from the sun
  • More style options to choose from
  • Added value, and easier to sell your property
  • Low maintenance

Get a free, no-obligation quote from Roofworx Southwest

Take the first step towards getting yourself an attractive new warm conservatory roof by calling Roofworx Southwest on 0800 246 5618 and asking for Mick (or visit the Roofworx Southwest contact page).

What’s more, as an independent conservatory roof conversions company, Roofworx Southwest are not tied into any of the well-known conservatory roof systems, so they can provide you with a solution tailored specifically to your needs.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roof Styles, Roofing Materials, Roofing Projects

Upgrading Your Conservatory? Five Benefits of Tiled Conservatory Roofs

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TILED CONSERVATORY ROOFS: Picture used with kind permission of Roofworx Southwest. Visit their gallery page for more pictures of conservatories with tiled roofs.

Tiled Conservatory Roofs Benefit #1 – Heat (and money) Saving Qualities

The number one benefit of having a tiled conservatory roof has to be their heat-saving qualities. Unlike traditional glazed conservatory roofs, which can be prone to excessive heat loss in winter, tiled roofs use high-quality insulation materials and airtight construction.

Tiled roofs therefore help to reduce heat loss through the roof and prevent drafts, resulting in significant cost savings on heating bills, as less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Tiled Conservatory Roofs Benefit #2 – Style Options

Tiled roofs offer a wide range of styling options, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their conservatories. With a variety of tile colours, textures and finishes available, homeowners can choose a style that complements their existing architecture and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of their property.

Tiled roofs can also be customized to suit specific design requirements, such as the addition of skylights or roof lanterns, which can create a bright and airy feel.

In contrast, alternative roofing options, such as polycarbonate or glass roofs, offer limited styling options and can appear less visually appealing. Overall, tiled conservatory roofs provide more versatility and flexibility in terms of styling, allowing homeowners to create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Tiled Conservatory Roofs Benefit #3 – Strength and Durability

Tiled roofs are made from strong materials like clay, slate or concrete that, unlike polycarbonate and glass, won’t be easily damaged by hail, heavy rain or strong winds.

Correctly installed tiled roofs are also more structurally sound than other types of roof. They are designed to distribute the weight of the roof evenly across the structure, which helps to prevent sagging or collapse. Glass and polycarbonate roofs can put a lot of stress on the conservatory frame, which can lead to problems over time.


Glass and polycarbonate roofs require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best and to prevent damage. Tiled roofs, on the other hand, are much more low-maintenance and can last for many years without needing any special care.

Tiled Conservatory Roofs Benefit #4 – Maintains Bright Interior

Just because you are replacing a transparent roof for an opaque one, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your light interior. Providing your installer uses a reflective light-coloured paint, you can ensure minimal reduction in the ambient light of your room.

This may seem unbelievable, but some conservatory roof replacements companies have even been told, by their clients, that their room has felt lighter since installing a tiled roof.

Tiled Conservatory Roofs Benefit #5 – Quieter Space

Tiled roofs can also help to reduce noise pollution, as they are much more effective at absorbing sound than glazed roofs.

Taken together, the qualities of tiled roofs detailed above make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes.

Roofing Materials

4 Types of Structural Roof Deck

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Timber Roof Deck Image Copyright: krakatuk / 123RF Stock Photo

Just as the overall foundations of a building are crucial to its performance, so the design and choice of material for a structural roof deck has a huge influence on the overall strength and performance of your entire roof.

In many ways, the roof deck is the backbone of any roof and requires professional design and top grade material. Although the roof deck is obviously important in terms of load bearing capabilities, it also influences everything from the roof’s thermal properties, waterproofing and performance when subjected to high winds.

4 Common Structural Roof Deck Materials

Roof deck can be constructed from many different types of material but the four most common are metal, concrete, wood and PIR (together with combinations of the above such as cementitious wood and reinforced concrete).

Metal
Metal roof deck is made from either steel (galvanised or coated) or aluminium. The metal is profiled, usually in a trapezoidal pattern, with its thickness, spacing, acoustic perforation and finish chosen to fit the span and load capabilities of the roof it is supporting.

Aluminium deck has a minimum thickness of 0.9mm while steel can afford to be slightly thinner at 0.7mm. Neither metal generally exceeds 1.2mm in thickness.

The exact type of metal deck required will depend upon many factors such as the amount and distribution of load (which will effect midspan deflection and hence drainage performance), aesthetics and how the deck is to be integrated with the roof’s insulation and waterproofing systems. This will also affect the type of fasteners you need.

Concrete

Concrete roof deck can either be pre-cast offsite and lifted into place with cranes (the quickest option) or poured while on site. Reinforced concrete (cast in situ) combines the properties of concrete and steel by setting steel bars within the concrete matrix, supplementing the compression strength of the concrete with the tensile strength of the steel. Pre-stressing the steel before the concrete is poured helps to increase the composite’s strength after curing (which takes around a month).

Made from a mixture of cement, fine aggregates and an expansion agent, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) provides a lightweight, flexible and workable material with the strength and fire resistance of concrete but at around a quarter of the weight. It is also water, insect and mould-resistant and provides excellent soundproofing but though tough is not quite as durable as concrete. In addition, building codes can make some uses of AAC impractical. AAC panels are joined to one another with a thinset mortar.

Wood

The vast bulk of wooden roof deck is supplied as pre-formed sheets although timber boarding is used during re-roofing work.

New timber roof deck is normally at least 25mm thick and connected using tongue-and-groove joints to protect from shrinkage. Alternatives to real wood include OSB – a material formed of bonded cross-directional timber strands – and plywood; these materials are normally no less than 18mm thick.

When using these options for a roofing project it is important to be aware of the relevant BS standards that are required (e.g. EN300 for OSB and EN636 for plywood).

Cementitious wood fibre deck combines the properties of timber and cement including workability, ease of installation and acoustic control.

Polyisocyanurate (composite)

PIR is a modern plastic foam which has superb insulating properties. In roof deck, it is often bonded with a steel liner to create a waterproof and thermally efficient layer.

This is just a brief introduction to the four most common types of roof deck you are likely to come across. Your roofing supply merchant will have more specific details about the best type of deck for your specific project.

Roof Styles, Roofing Projects

5 Roof Styles: Benefits and Disadvantages

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Roof Styles Image Copyright: cuchina / 123RF Stock Photo

When designing a new house or adapting the style of an existing one it is worth spending some time deciding which of the many different roof styles would be best to construct. As people’s needs and tastes change and roofing materials and technology evolve there is more flexibility than ever. However, the impact of the elements is still a factor that needs to be carefully considered.

Here are five of the most commonly seen roof styles together with an idea of their pros and cons.

1. The Gable Roof

Simple to build, relatively cheap, spacious, well-ventilated and rain-resistant, the plain gable roof (pictured) is (and probably will always be) one of the most popular roof styles in temperate countries (although there is more experimentation in newer homes today). With only the one seam, a properly tiled side gable is perfect for shedding rain and, providing it is pitched at 40 degrees or more, snowfall too. Homeowners with gable roofs can opt for high vaulted ceilings or extra rooms to maximise their living space.

More complex gables such as crossed gables and dutch gables (a gable on a hipped roof) require extra attention to the types of tiles used and how those tiles are laid to ensure the valleys are properly waterproofed but they are still more water-resistant than many other roof styles.

If there is an Achilles’ heel with gable roofs then it is when you come to very windy areas. Open gables are particularly vulnerable to wind getting up under the roof and this can, in extreme cases, cause the whole thing to lift off. Gable roofs which are poorly constructed can also suffer from the direct impact of gales so it is always worth having your roof checked regularly if you live up on the cliffs or out on the moors.

2. The Hip Roof

The standard hip (or hipped) roof consists of four sides of equal height which slope up to meet at a ridge. The geometry of a hip roof makes it much more stable when it comes to resisting the wind while the pitched sides protect the house from rain and snow. Just like a gable roof, there is plenty of ventilation and scope for extensions further down the line.

The main disadvantages of a hip roof is an increased vulnerability to leakage due to the extra seams and the extra material and labour costs involved since you will be using more materials and the structure is more complicated. See our separate hip roof article for more details about the pros and cons of this type of roof.

3. Flat Roof

Until recently, flat roofs have been generally dismissed as a bad idea by homeowners unless they were planning to build a shed. Although flat roofs are generally pitched to a slight degree to allow water to run off, they are often unable to cope with serious wet weather and tend to spring leaks, requiring constant patching up.

But with new, more waterproof materials and designs coming on to the market, the flat roof has become more popular in modern homes, particularly in relatively dry and sunny parts of the country. Easy and inexpensive to build, a flat surface can be used to support everything from patios and penthouses to fully-fledged gardens.

4. The Lean-To

What could be easier and cheaper than a pitched gable roof? How about half a pitched roof? Also known as a skillion or mono-pitch roof, the lean-to is a flat roof with an exaggerated pitch to help with shedding water and snow. It is becoming more popular with modern homes but can mean putting up with low ceilings in some rooms. Just as with gable roofs, wind can also be a hazard.

5. The Mansard or French Roof

The Mansard roof is sometimes overlooked because of the initial build expense but this can be one of the most efficient roof styles of all. It is ideally suited to the homeowner who is expecting to extend the living space either for family or investment purposes. Few roof styles offer the flexibility and space of a Mansard roof with extra rooms (garrets) and dormers relatively easy and cheap to add when required.

The Mansard roof consists of a double slope with the bottom slope much steeper than the top slope. The exaggerated pitch of the lower part lends itself to creative shaping and materials can be selected for their appearance or price rather than their protective properties. However, with a Mansard roof it is important not to forget the shallow portion at the top which is more vulnerable to rain and snow.

Other Roof Styles

There are, of course, many other roof styles to choose, both variations and combinations of the above (boxed gables, cross-hipped roofs, overlaid hips, etc.) and completely different styles (e.g. gambrels, butterfly roofs and domes). We will feature more about these in future articles.

Roof Styles, Roofing Techniques

Roof Types: Hip Roof

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Image copyright: jaimages / 123RF Stock Photo

Not all roofs are alike and whether you’re building a home from scratch or looking at having a roof retrofitted, it is a good idea to understand the many functions of a roof and what roof types (e.g. hip roof, gable roof, flat roof, dome, etc.) are best suited to your project.

Your choice of roofing should depend on many different factors including:

  • physical protection from wind, rain and snow
  • stability
  • available space
  • ventilation
  • heat and energy efficiency
  • light
  • appearance
  • cost
  • complexity

To help you to make a decision, we have created this new series all about roof types. The first in the series is the hip roof.

What is a hip roof?

A hip roof (or hipped roof) is a roof which slopes on all four sides into either a pyramid or, more commonly, a triangular prism with a ridge along its centre. A simple hip roof contains two triangle sides (hip ends) and two polygons.

The advantages of a hip roof

Compared to a gable roof, which can suffer in wild weather, a hipped roof provides excellent protection from the wind, rain and snow. However, attention must be paid to the angle of the faces if you live in an area prone to high winds, such as exposed coastal regions. In such cases, the angle of the sides should always be more than 35 degrees to avoid the risk of uplift. Shallower slopes can cause the hip roof to act like an aeroplane wing, trying to lift off in strong winds!

A hip roof is one of the most stable and sturdy types of roof you can choose being self-bracing with all four sides sloping in towards the centre. A hip roof is suitable for all sorts of different floor plans and its even edges make fitting rainwater goods quite simple.

A hip roof provides good ventilation and can be extremely energy-efficient if constructed and insulated well. Hip roofs are also popular due to their appearance, being regularly seen on cottages and bungalows.

The disadvantages of a hip roof

The main disadvantage of hip roofs is their cost. a lot of materials are needed to build a hip roof and the complex construction of the rafters and trusses is also labour intensive meaning high labour costs. Some people are tempted to cut down costs by employing cheaper roofers but this is often false economy as poor construction can lead to leaking ridges and other problems.

Another issue with hip roofs can be the lack of flexibility within the structure. Unlike a gable roof, which can easily incorporate a window on the end, a hip roof will need to be designed at the outset to incorporate a dormer as alterations later on will be very expensive.

Variations on hip roofs

There are various different types of hip roof that may be of interest depending on your roofing needs. These include:

  • Cross-hip roofs – These are a combination of two hip roofs with the ridges at right-angles to one another. The joins between the hip roofs are called valleys.
  • Half-hipped roofs – This is basically a hip on top of a gable end which is constructed by shortening the hip ends in relation to the sides. It is a popular design in the South East.
  • Gablet – This is a small gable on top of a hip roof.
  • Tented roof – A steep angled hipped roof ending in a point (common on churches)

What other roofs would you like to know more about? Leave a response in the comments and we will do the research.

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.