Burton Roofing Merchants: Supplying roofing materials to the nation for over 40 years

  The biggest VELUX promotion of 2022 lands this September & October! Customer can earn up to £150 rewards with every VELUX electric or solar roof window, blind or shutter purchased! The offer includes every VELUX electric and solar roof window blind and shutter. Manual products are excluded from the promotion.    Promotion details  Qualifying purchases must be made between...

Are you planning a roof insulation project? No matter if it's a conversion, extension, newbuild or just routine maintenance, you'll first need to consider if you'll be using cold roof ventilation or warm roof insulation. And that's where we can help. With an extensive range to choose from, we'll make sure you get the products you need. First, however, let us...

If you’ve spent hours grafting away making your roof perfect only to discover condensation starting to creep in, you’ll probably feel quite annoyed. All the hours of hard work up a ladder – and for what? Exposed to the elements day in and out, condensation can start to build up on your roofing sheets, leading to damage, rust and corrosion...

How do I stop condensation on my skylight? It’s a familiar sight for many in the colder months. Waking up, popping your slippers on and throwing open the curtains, only to see your windows covered in water droplets. As it runs down from the windows to the sill, condensation on windows can start to cause problems with paintwork and your...

Touted as one of the easiest ways to shave hundreds of pounds off your annual energy bill, insulating your roof space is well regarded as one of the best ways to save money. Keeping warm air in during winter and hot air out in summer months, roof and loft insulation is a relatively straightforward job. Once completed, it can last...

When it comes to roof windows and blinds, VELUX knows a thing or two. As the world’s leading manufacturer of roof windows, VELUX also produces a vast range of accessories and blinds to complement their innovative window designs. Here at Burton Roofing, we stock a wide array of stunning VELUX blinds to complement almost any interior, offering the look and...

VELUX roof windows can be a highly effective way to bring more natural light into any home. With a skylight or solar window, you can breathe new life into even the darkest rooms. But dirt and debris can build up over time – stopping that light from getting in. And that's when knowing how to clean VELUX windows can make...

Is it a window?  Is it a balcony? Velux Cabrio are both a window and a balcony in one.  They have become very popular in penthouses and loft conversions, adding a usable balcony space and adding desire and value to the property. What is Velux Cabrio? Velux Cabrio is a window that when opened transforms into a balcony space.  It...

When installing a new roof, or replacing an old one, one of the major purchases is the tiles and it’s important to buy an accurate quantity for your needs.  Too few and your job will be left unfinished, possibly compromising the schedule,  not to mention that the roof will be left open to the elements.  Too many and you will...

In this post, we are going to describe the difference between beams and joists. Beams and joists are the load bearing horizontal elements of a building which hold up the roof.  They support the weight of the roof and transfer it to the vertical columns and then into the foundations.   What is a beam? A beam is the main load...

This is a step by step article on how to install your velux integra electric window.  Let’s start at the beginning with unboxing. 1.Unboxing Check the box and make sure the specifications of the window suits your needs.  Note the QR code on the front of the box, this will lead you to some useful installation videos.  Velux boxes are...

Pyrite, often known as fool’s gold (as miners would mistake it for gold), is a metallic mineral found naturally.  Pyrite is also sometimes known as iron pyrite and is made up of one part iron and two parts sulphur.  It has a brassy yellow colour and is actually pretty easy to tell apart from gold which is much brighter.  Pyrite...

The ridge of your roof is the part that runs along the top, usually these curved tiles are fixed with cement mortar.  However there are some pitfalls with using this traditional method; Over time the cement mortar can disintegrate or break away in poor weather.   Dislodged tiles can cause a hazard if they fall from the roof. Cement mortar takes...

If you want to begin using your loft for storage space, you will need to board it.   Laying a basic flooring will give you a safe space to walk on and to place boxes or items for storage.  Boarding a loft is relatively easy and low cost, therefore it is a job that can be undertaken by a keen...

Regularly clearing out gutters will stop the system getting blocked which can lead to long term water damage.  We recommend clearing gutters bi-annually, or more often if you have trees that hang over your roof and shed leaves.   Safety first... Clearing gutters is a relatively easy job, but as with all roofing tasks, safety should be paramount and you...

Over time your roof can become dirty from bad weather, build up of debris and moss.  If you look after your roof and clean it regularly, you can avoid costly damage and degrading.  If you feel confident, you can do this yourself, if not, it’s best to call in the experts. Firstly have a good look at the roof and...

The purpose of roof ventilation is to keep warm air in and let cold air out. Most homes lose heat through the attic, you can save thousands of pounds over the years you own your home by fitting effective ventilation. Proper roof ventilation provides your living space with ample fresh air and allows it to circulate in a controlled manner. ...

Working on a roof is one of the most dangerous things you can do in construction.  A large proportion of deaths in the industry are associated with falls from roofs - the risks shouldn’t be underestimated. There are a number of health and safety laws related to working on roofs that you should be aware of, the main ones are...

There are several reasons why you may need to work out the pitch (angle) of your roof.  For example if you’re planning an extension, purchasing a sky light, or replacing tiles. When calculating your roof pitch, you are trying to find out how much the roof rises over one foot.  To do this, you will need to access the roof...

Roof windows bring an abundance of light and a feeling of spaciousness to a living room extension. That’s so important for a space that’s a hub for daily life, from cooking to dining to relaxing. To get the most out of all that glorious glazing, VELUX blinds are the perfect partner.   Blinds help you to control the light and...

Roof windows are a great way to bring loads of natural light, fresh air, and good ventilation to a bathroom. But adding a VELUX blind makes them even better! Whether you’re relaxing in the bathtub with a glass of wine or getting ready for the day, a blind allows you to adjust incoming light and increase privacy.   When choosing...

If you’ve got VELUX roof windows in your bedroom, you’ll know how great they are at making the room bright and airy. But of course, there are times of day when you want to adjust the incoming light or block it out completely ready for sleep. That’s where the VELUX range of blackout blinds comes in...   VELUX blackout blinds...

Ridge tiles are the curved tiles that connect the pitched sides of the roof at the top to create the ‘ridge’. These ridged tiles, like all tiles, can become damaged in extreme weather conditions or simple wear and tear can weaken the mortar bond which then needs to be repointed.   The job, while not technically too difficult, is  made...

There are many occasions when during building projects or laying or relaying a roof when you may need to mark out a straight line (or several).  Often these lines can be across large spaces, like a whole roof for example.   A chalk line is an easy way to do this.  Chalk lines are an inexpensive tool (under £20) that...

In this article we will be covering how to use a slate ripper, but first, what is a slate ripper?  This is a tool that is used to remove and replace broken, cracked or chipped slates from a roof.   Alongside your slate ripper (sometimes known as a slasher), you may also use a hammer, slate cutter, and lead snips...

Ever since the rise in popularity of TV programmes like Homes Under The Hammer, and Location, Location, Location, everyone is now aware of the potential for adding value to their home.  One of the best ways to increase the value is to extend the usable residential space, and an attic or loft is a prime opportunity. How much value will...

A gas torch is essential if you want to lay a professional flat roof.  The torch ensures a really good seal on the roof which will make it much more durable and therefore less likely to require repairs.  Using a gas torch can be dangerous for an amateur, so please, if you feel you don’t have the necessary skills, hire...

So you’ve decided to replace your roof tiles, or perhaps this is a new build, either way one of the main parts of your build will be choosing the right roof tiles.  In this article we will highlight some of the factors that will influence your choice when it comes to selecting the right roof covering for your project. These...

Patination oil is a white spirit based surface treatment that can be used to protect lead from lead carbonate forming. When newly fitted lead is exposed to moisture there will be a build up of lead carbonate on its surface.  You can identify lead carbonate build up on lead as it shows as a soluble white coating.  Future rainfall will...

Adding a porch to your home is a great way to create an extension onto your hall, providing some additional space for outdoor shoes/jackets, or just a nice welcome area to your home.  A smart looking porch can add kerb appeal and therefore increase the value of your house when you come to sell.   Your porch will be constructed...

Soffits and Fascias are terms used in the building trade for the finishes to the external of a building where the roof ends.These lesser known parts may go unnoticed when present, but miss them out and you would certainly spot that something didn’t look quite right.  Not only do they complete a building, they also serve a practical purpose too...

Flat roofs are a popular choice for garages, extensions, garden offices, and outbuildings.  The basic construction is fairly straightforward which is great if you want a self build project.  A  timber frame forms the supporting structure with flat roof joists across the short side of the roof providing the load bearing element of the roof. The joists are attached using...

In this article we are going to outline why you want to use breather membrane in your build, and how to select the best one for purpose.   What is a breather membrane?  A breather membrane helps the building to breathe and release moisture trapped inside, while protecting it from the elements. Moisture and air passes through into your structure...

Installing a felt roof is an easy and cost effective way to protect a shed, garage, or flat roof.  Roof felt is pliable and can be fitted nicely against pitched and curved roofs, it’s applied in layers and covered with a waterproof material which should give you upwards of 20 years protection.     In terms of cost, a small shed...

Asbestos is often found in old homes and commercial buildings, but what is it?   Asbestos was first discovered in ancient Greece by one of Aristotle’s students.  Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring type of stone.  It has many desirable properties such as being heat and fire resistant (even when doused with oil!), it’s stronger than steel, doesn’t biodegrade, dissolve in...

If you’re embarking on a roof insulation project, whether it be as part of a conversion, extension, new build or just maintenance, you need to first consider whether you will select a cold roof or warm roof style of insulation.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each, read on to find out more. Warm Roof A warm roof is where...

It may be that you’re just looking to replace the odd broken roof tile, or perhaps you’re replacing an entire slate roof. Whatever the size of the job, with a bit of patience, cutting roof tiles can be straightforward. The key, as with most DIY jobs, is to work safe, take your time, and have the right tools to hand...

Building Regulations, Standards and U-Values The lower the U-Value the more insulation there is in a building element, (e.g a floor, ceiling or wall). Therefore the less heatloss. Consequently, the higher the U-Value, the more heatloss you have in the home. U-Values are important because there are certain standards according to the Building Regulations and Standards depending on location. For...

Insulating your home will prevent heat from escaping through your roof and walls. Houses in the UK are large consumers of energy, so by properly and efficiently insulating your ceiling, walls and floor, you will be saving money on bills and bettering the environment in the long run. Insulating your property is an essential part of modern day living, this...

Method Statement for CUPA Natural Roofing Slates It must be stressed that the overall appearance of a finished slate roof is dependent on the preparatory work undertaken before any slates are even fixed to the roof. This process starts on the drawing board of the architect and continues through the erection of the building to roof level. The accuracy of...

With forecasters warning of a colder than average winter this year with similar extreme weather events likely, contractors should take steps now to make sure they are prepared for freezing conditions when they arrive. As well as important safety precautions, there are other considerations to ensure the durability and security of pitched roofs in winter, such as choice of materials...

Installing roof tiles in compliance with BS 5534 When BS 5534: 2014, The British Standard Code of practice for slating and tiling, was published, it represented a major revision of a Standard that was first published in 1978.  Not only was it completely restructured to make the Standard easy to use, it also introduced many new changes to recognise up-to-date...

Do you have a low pitch roof and want to know your options? With more and more people adding extensions to their homes, the need for low pitch roof tiles grew. And along with that, the need for colour and style variations to suit peoples designs and existing tiles on the main roof of their house. Burton Roofing Merchants have...

Are you looking for your tile online but can't find it? Unfortunately the tile you have might not be in production anymore. You might be in luck as we have a limited supply of second hand discontinued tiles kicking around out our depots. However, failing this, Burton Roofing Merchants have compiled a list of discontinued tiles, along with our suggestions...

Colder months, wet weather and the shorter day light hours present challenges to GRP winter roof work. Cure It’s Product Trainer Ted Kelly explains how with the correct checks, the right materials and proper planning, you can still get the job done! The short answer to using the Cure It GRP system in Winter is there really isn’t any difference...

What is a breather membrane ? Vapour permeable breather membranes protect against wind, insects, dirt, weather penetration whilst insulating your property. Installed to the outer side of the insulation, over or under the counter-battens on a pitched roof, breather membranes allow water vapour to escape from inside a building. Often without the need for ventilation. Why do we need one...

  Most of us are familiar with the benefits of a woolly jumper, however when it comes down to making a choice over insulating our homes, natural insulation seems to be still in the realms of a TV ‘Grand Design’, along with over excited couples stroking the home grown, fleecy wadding before stuffing it into the roof, walls and floor...

At Burton Roofing we want to do more than just supply roofing products, we want to ensure you get the best results for your home. Which is why when ordering your VELUX roof window we ask you to consider the following 3 key questions: 1. How should the skylight to open? You want to be able to open your roof...

You might have seen our recent crazy ladders photo (above) and okay, we like a laugh, but here at BRM we take the ladder safety along with all health and safety for our customers very seriously. We know that roofing is a dangerous profession and that falls from height remains the biggest cause of life-changing injuries and death at work. ...

Edilians’ technical support receives many interesting and diverse questions. John Mercer, Technical Roofing Consultant, has answered below some of the more common roofing questions. Can I use tiles below the manufacturer’s minimum recommended roof pitch? The short answer is usually no. Using tiles below their minimum recommended roof pitch increases the risk of water ingress through the tiling, which in...

      BRM's Kate Hancock writes...         Everything counts in a small space and if your loft has nooks and crannies like mine it can appear even smaller! I’ve recently moved and inherited a loft conversion. It’s only small, has sloping windows and was painted in some very strange colours. But at Burton Roofing I get...

When considering your ridge and hips options we stock a selection of tiles in different materials - clay, slate and concrete. Our range includes ridge and hips for the perfect look and a professional finish on your new roofing project. And when an unobtrusive repair job is called for, find the perfect match to your existing tiles from leading manufacturers...

Slate is a natural material with unmatched technical features that will last well over 100 years. In fact, it’s usually the fixings and the supporting timbers that deteriorate before the slate tiles themselves. But how do you know whether your roof needs a simple repair or re-slate? Over time, the corrosion of nails or ‘nail sickness’ causes the slates to...

Slates come in all shapes and sizes. Read on for an understanding of CUPA's natural slate tile selections and a guide to the natural slate grading on site: When choosing the right slate for your roof, the higher the selection the more uniform the finished roof and the fewer imperfections. A first quality slate like the CUPA ‘R’ Excellence will...

Natural slate roof tiles - a perfect roofing material! Natural slate roof tiles are made from fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. They are incredibly durable and hard wearing. The fact that they don’t absorb water makes it unaffected by freezing temperatures. They are perfectly suited to the variety of...

The JB Western Red Cedar Shingles from Marley are a lightweight roofing and cladding solution with a high degree of natural thermal insulation. Treated with MicroPro® clear preservative to retain the natural look of Cedar, they weather beautifully to blend into the natural environment. Cedar shingles are becoming an increasingly popular roofing material due to their sustainability advantages and natural...

        Duncan Arnold from Cupa Pizarras writes       A wet and grey morning deep in the Hereford countryside wasn't the most inspiring time to attend a course on fixing natural slate roof tiles, even if selling the stuff is your day-to-day job. Although, after a 220 mile journey, a warm welcome was received at Rowlands...

We’ve been delighted to supply CUPA H12 roof slate tiles to NJS Roofing for a new village hall in West Sussex as part of the Oakford Homes development, via our Southampton Depot. Thakenham village has gained this fantastic new facility as part of the unique housing development designed by Thrive architects, who specialise in residential estate development.  Regional housebuilder Oakwood...

Approached by our customer P Pope to provide a Velux roof window donation for the charity St George’s Crypt, we were happy to assist. It's helped to create a ‘working workshop’ facility to be used by up to 20 people in Leeds. Mention St George’s Crypt to anyone in Leeds and they’ll probably know who you’re talking about. A charity...

G R Regan Roofing are 'Hooked' on our CUPA Roof Slate! Cupa H18s roof slate was chosen for two luxury homes at Stacklands Retreat, West Kingsdown, Kent – G R Regan & Son Ltd's first job in what is now on-going work for Brookworth Homes. G R Regan Roofing has been in business for 30 years and has 55 employees...

Let there be light! How a VELUX sun tunnel will benefit your home What is a VELUX sun tunnel Also known as a VELUX sun tube or VELUX sun pipe, a VELUX sun tunnel is a 4mm toughened glass window that reflects light down either a flexible or rigid sheet metal tube that has a polished interior. They work like...

5 tell-tale signs it’s time to repair or replace your asphalt or felt flat roof Bitumen roofs have been around for a long time. They have a proven track record that can be counted on. The good news is a longer lasting roofing material has a lower environmental impact.  The bitumen used in flat roofing is a by-product of refining...

Installing fixed-gauge clay tiles does not have to be difficult.  The process of setting out is not so different from fitting variable gauge tiles; even with variable-gauge tiles you still need to determine the number of courses from eaves to ridge to ensure an even gauge. The term ‘fixed-gauge’ is used loosely, as there is a very small degree of...

The versatility of clay plain tiles Clay is one of the most versatile building materials in the world and clay plain tiles are the most popular choice for our roofs.  Because of its long lifespan, the environmental impact of a clay roof is less than many other materials. There are numerous examples of clay-tiled pitched roofs that have lasted over...

Interpreting Roofing Standards on Site by John Mercer This article looks at  topics in current roofing standards that are relevant to the roofer on site, such as BS 5534: the British Standard Code of practice for slating and tiling, BS 8000-6: the Code of practice for workmanship on building sites, Building Regulation Approved Document A and HSG publication ‘HSG33 Health...

A guide to creating a green roof system using Grufekit This guide outlines  key steps to installing  a beautiful green roof with our easy to use Grufekits. Installed correctly, a green roof not only looks great but provides many different benefits including water storage, decreasing flood risks and new habitat creation. Small scale green roof construction projects, like a green...

Conservatory roof replacement with lightweight Britmet roofing tiles Most traditional conservatories are built with a glass or polycarbonate roof. Is this the reason why many of us don’t enjoy sitting in there all year round? After having a conservatory built and decorated, we enjoy it in the summer (until it gets too hot!) and then shut the doors on it...

From the traditional clay pantile to imaginative clay slate alternatives, Edilians have a clay roof tile for every purpose. Here’s our guide to their wide range of high-quality, natural tiles and the material’s unique features. In 2018, the French brand leader EDILIANS changed its name from IMERYS Toiture. But ask for Edilian or Imerys, we’ll still know what you mean...

A guide to flat roof options When choosing the right flat roof covering, you need to take a number of considerations into account, including the look you want to achieve, the size of your flat roof, the type of weather it’ll face, and the amount of labour it will require. Taking on a flat roof construction, repair, overlay or replacement...

  A guide to fixing the felt roof on your shed With summer on the way, it might be time to fettle your shed, repair the roof and make that extra garden storage work for you. Whether you intend to use your shed  for tools, garden equipment, or even bikes, the extra storage will no doubt come in handy and...

How to choose the right loft hatch and ladder Whether you use your loft space regularly or not, it’s important to have a safe point of entry.  A proper loft hatch, as opposed to a simple board, offers much greater convenience and ease of access to the loft, especially when fitted with a loft ladder. If you want to create...

With plenty of rainwater management systems to choose from, here’s a guide to help you find the right steel Lindab guttering for your next project. With over half a century of experience in guttering products, Lindab is one of the most well-known manufacturers in the UK and a firm favourite with our customers.  If steel is your preference you won’t...

Flat roof extensions are more popular than ever! they make a home feel spacious and provide that essential extra space for a growing family. While the benefits are clear, you need to consider how the flat roof extension will affect light in the rest of the house.  Then how your structure can best incorporate windows to compensate. Finding the perfect...

The benefits of VELUX CABRIO® balconies Do you lack outside space? Have a room in your attic which is dark? Do you find it difficult to add natural light because of the pitch of the roof? The innovative VELUX CABRIO® balcony system provides the solution to help create the loft conversion you’ve been dreaming of. Specifically designed for loft rooms...

A guide to fixing felt roof shingles Shingle installation on a small roof is a straightforward process that even inexperienced DIYers can tackle. Suitable for pitches ranging from 15º to vertical, felt shingles are the perfect covering to provide long lasting weather protection for your garden shed, summer house, or canopy for a new hot tub.   Our felt shingles...

A Guide to Lead Alternative Roof Flashings Brits love a moan about the rain and, at Burton Roofing Merchants we talk a lot about your roof being a barrier to the weather. In terms of roofing, the most pervasive and difficult element of our weather control is water and a Lead or Lead alternative roof flashings are an important componant...

We are major stockists of one of the world’s oldest and most durable building materials - lead! The use of lead for its unique properties dates way back in history, with the Romans utilising it to make water pipes, because of its resistance to corrosion and ease to work with (The Latin word for the metal, plumbum, is the origin...