Why specify a complete roof system?

Stuart Nicholson from Marley answers some of the key questions around specifying a complete roof system.

With a greater focus on future liability, more frequent episodes of volatile weather and stronger British Standards safeguarding compliance, there are real benefits for specifiers by choosing full pitched roof systems from a single manufacturer.  Doing so can deliver advantages including product compatibility, system guarantees and access to immediate help if any performance issues arise.

  1. What is included in a full pitched roof system?
    This depends on the roof system.  There are different types available on the market, including a roof system which comes from one supplier but incorporates products from different manufacturers, or the second option which is a full roof system from a single source.

    Roof systems from a sole manufacturer have until recently tended to include the same number of products, but now there are far more comprehensive versions available. The Marley roof system contains more critical roofing elements than any other on the market. It includes the choice of roof tiles, JB Red battens, breathable or non-breathable underlay, ventilation products, fixings, and dry fix accessories.

  2. Is there any benefit to using a full roof system from one manufacturer?
    Using a single source roof system helps to reduce risk and protect reputations because all products have been tested individually, and together as a system, to meet BS 5534 and BS 8612 requirements. Sourcing all parts from one manufacturer also guarantees compatibility and ensures all components work seamlessly together.  This not only makes installation quicker and easier for those on site, but it reduces the risk of issues further down the line, helping to protect reputations throughout the project supply chain.

    In addition, one of the most attractive elements about using such a roof system is the associated warranty.   For example, Marley’s roof system comes with a 15-year guarantee, which provides peace of mind that any potential future issues are covered.  As consumers become more aware of quality standards, having this type of warranty helps specifiers to offer even more added value.

    What’s more, to help make specifying a complete roof system more efficient, Marley also offers My Account, an online system which enables specifiers to store and manage NBS specifications, fixing specifications, estimates and other documents such as project CAD and BIM details.

  3. Are they expensive?
    Although it may not at first appear to be the cheapest option, the difference on the overall cost of the roof is minimal. However, the benefits of using a single source roof system, particularly the associated warranty, can deliver far more value in the long term.

    Specifying a variety of roofing products from different suppliers may initially keep costs down, but they may not necessarily be designed and tested to work together, or the quality of roofing battens and accessories could be inferior or non-compliant.  This can lead to faults that have to be rectified at a cost.

    The Marley roof system protects against this because it is guaranteed to be high quality, compliant and compatible, with its free 15-year guarantee providing additional protection.

  4. How do I get a system warranty?
    Obtaining Marley’s 15-year system warranty is easy.  First of all, you need to make us aware that you intend to obtain a system guarantee and we will help you through the process to obtain a full NBS specification and fixing specification for your project.  This can be sourced via our Technical Team or using our online self-service tools. Once this is done, the complete Marley roof system, needs to be purchased and installed by the contractor team. Once notified of completion, we will then issue the guarantee for the property, which can be passed to the homeowner, giving reassurance about the durability of the roof and contact information should they need any future assistance.
  5. What happens if a roofing claim is required to be made?
    The good news is that with the roof system guarantee, if there is a claim, Marley’s technical experts will visit the site and investigate.  So, if the customer notices a roof leak, or damage to any part of the roof, we will look into the issue.  This means only having one supplier to deal with and helps reduce the time and resources needed to rectify the problem.

For more information, a free roof system specification or technical support, visit www.marley.co.uk