When it comes to new roofing, a high level of precision is the key to a successful project, and a comprehensive roof specification will help you to achieve this. From keeping you compliant with regulations to ensuring that your roof is of a high quality, obtaining a specification will save you money in the long run by ensuring that you get your project right first time. You’ll also find it much easier to get planning permission as it can show your local authority a lot of information about your project. Your roof specification isn’t a document you can afford to ignore.

What is a Roof Specification?

An easy way to understand the purpose of a roof specification is to compare it to the initial design of your roof. The design tells you what it will look like, whereas the specification will tell you exactly how this will be achieved on a technical level.

The specification will involve a full breakdown of the dimensions, materials and components to be used. Every aspect of the roof and its fixings will be planned, including tiles, underlay, eaves, vents and windows. The measurements and angles will also be included.

Planning Applications

If you are undertaking extensive remodelling of your roof then you are likely to have to apply for planning permission before you can make any changes. To support your application, you have to provide several supporting documents, including a specification of the roofing material. This is vital to the success of your application. You are also required to demonstrate many points pertaining to the design, purpose, usage etc. of your roof, which a specification will help you to satisfy.

Building Regulations

The specification will also clarify how the materials comply with any relevant regulations and standards. For example, our steel low pitch roof tiles can be installed to comply with the standard BS 5534:2003 which governs the design and installation of pitched roofs, and this reflected in our specifications.

Having a roof specification will demonstrate that you are committed to complying with the Building Regulations. Failure to comply with Building Regulations can have serious consequences. Hefty fines can be imposed, or you could be ordered to modify or even undo the work you’ve undertaken. If you fail to comply with these orders then your local council, under the guidance of the building control officer, could even forcibly undertake remedial work themselves. If that happens, you will be the one landed with the bill.

Happily, if you have a plan and specification that complies with all appropriate regulations, then you shouldn’t have an issue – once you’ve been given approval for your plans, then so long as you stick to those plans, you cannot and will not be in violation of them.

Future-Proof Your Roof

Your roofing specification isn’t just about satisfying Building Regulations, it’s also about ensuring that your new roof is carefully planned and executed. Getting it right first time will save you any time and money that would have to be spent on remedying avoidable mistakes. Through the process of creating a specification, any problems or shortcomings in your plans will come to light, and you’ll ensure that every material that is going to go into your roof is accounted for.

At Metrotile we offer a full, tailored specification service that will help you demonstrate the compliance of your roofing project with any relevant legislation or standards that are applicable to your domestic or commercial property. This will help you at the paperwork level, but the high quality of our roofing materials will also ensure that you don’t have to redo any of your roof.

Choosing Metrotile roofing for your project will ensure that you will have a strong roof, as well as a strong specification that will support your planning application. Contact us on 01249 658514 to find out about our products and specification services.