Tecron

The Contractor’s Quick Guide to Roof Finishes

We get it, you get it: every single roofing project comes with its own set of unique demands. In many cases, contractors find themselves at a crossroads where aesthetics, practicality and deliverables must meet. For you, this means that your choice of roof finish is key in finding the right balance. In our latest learning resource, we make this decision easier than ever by exploring three standout roof finishes: green roofs, standing seam profiles and ballasted roofs.

Whether the goal is to create a visually striking feature, a highly functional design, or a seamless combination of both, the right roof finish can make all the difference. Depending on the nature of your project, finding a solution to meet the needs of designers, installers and building owners is absolutely achievable. To start, let’s take a look at green roofs; their benefits and applications.

Green Roofs: The Sustainable, Aesthetic Choice

Green roofs – also known as living roofs – have seen a huge upsurge in popularity over recent years, and from a building owner’s perspective, it’s not hard to see why. Unlike any other roofing finish, this choice offers a perfect blend of beauty, functionality and sustainability. This, among many other reasons, makes green roofs the standout choice for modern construction professionals.

Green roofs are highly popular choices for both residential and commercial projects. Here at Tecron, we’ve found that green roofs are particularly effective in built-up urban environments where green spaces are limited. Beyond that, they’re an essential when it comes to achieving sustainability certifications such as LEED and BREEAM. So, what makes green roofing so appealing?

• Visual appeal: Green roofs transform what would otherwise be a barren, functional surface into a lush, visually striking feature. For buildings in urban environments, they provide a much-needed touch of greenery, softening the harshness of concrete and steel.
• Biodiversity & habitat creation: By cultivating a natural habitat, green roofs support flora and fauna that might otherwise struggle to thrive in built-up areas. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.
• Rainwater management: One of the critical roles of green roofs is their ability to manage rainwater effectively. In urban areas prone to heavy, tropical-like rainfall, green roofs help reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing and retaining rainwater. This reduces the pressure on drainage systems and minimises the risk of flooding.
• Improved thermal performance: Green roofs act as natural insulators, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency in buildings. They help keep interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter, lowering energy costs and contributing to sustainability goals.

Standing Seam Profiles: Timeless Results on a Budget

While green roofs are a strong choice, they are also one of the most costly. Where you’re faced with a more budget-limited project, standing seam roofs present a strong alternative. Traditionally associated with high-end materials like zinc and copper, the cost today of installing genuine metal standing seams can be too high to bear. Fortunately, standing seam profiles offer a more financially-accessible way to replicate this iconic style.

Standing seam profiles can be added to a roof’s waterproofing later, and do a great job of mimicking the visual effect of zinc or copper seams. Luckily for our customers, they can be applied to materials such as Fatra PVC membranes or Polyroof liquid waterproofing systems as a strong, customisable solution. This choice is particularly effective for buildings aiming to combine modern performance with classic design elements.

Below, we’ve listed four of the key benefits you can expect when working with standing seam profiles:

• A budget-friendly choice: Forget using costly zinc or copper – standing seam profiles allow you to achieve that high-end appearance without absorbing the significant costs of investing in these materials.
• Beautiful aesthetics: Whether your customer wants a classic, traditional style or something more sleek and modern, this choice of roof finish can be tailored to meet either objective. This makes them a popular choice among architects looking for ways to enhance a building’s visual appeal.
• Easy to use: Adding these profiles to a waterproofing system is incredibly easy, requiring no specialised skills or tools typically required in metal roofing projects. Naturally, you can expect easier installation and reduced project timelines.
• Lightweight: Unlike traditional metal roofs, standing seam profiles add minimal weight to the structure, making them ideal for retrofitting projects or buildings with weight constraints.

Ballasted Roof: Functionality in Any Application

Last, but certainly not least are ballasted roof finishes: the flexible solution that can be tailored to virtually any design-related or functional requirement. Using materials like gravel, paving slabs or rubber matting ensures your roof provides both protection and usability. Their versatility makes them highly popular in both residential and commercial settings. But how do they work?

It’s simple: ballasted roofs work by placing a layer of ballast – such as gravel or paving – over a roof’s waterproofing membrane. This has a multifunctional purpose, weighing down the membrane while providing a useful walking path for pedestrians. If you’re unsure whether a ballasted roof finish is the right choice, our list of benefits below will help:

• Customizable: Ballasted roofs can be customised to meet the specific needs of your roofing project. For example, gravel can be used for a simple and cost-effective finish, while paving slabs or pedestal systems can create functional walkways and outdoor spaces.
• Durable protection: The ballast layer protects the waterproofing membrane from physical damage and UV exposure, extending the lifespan of the roof you’re working on.
• Usability: Ballasted roofs are an excellent choice for projects that require usable outdoor spaces, such as terraces, balconies, or recreation areas. Rubber matting, for instance, provides a safe, non-slip surface ideal for schools, care homes or exercise areas.
• Efficient drainage: Pedestal systems used in ballasted roofs create free-draining spaces beneath paving slabs, preventing water pooling and ensuring efficient drainage.
• Sustainability:By incorporating recycled materials such as rubber mats, ballasted roofs can contribute to sustainability goals while delivering practical benefits.

Still Unsure? Speak to Our Roofing Experts

Still undecided on what choice of finish is right for your project? Don’t sweat it – your roofing partners at Tecron are here to help. For more information on any of the roof finishes mentioned in this guide, contact Tecron at technical@tecron.ie or call us on +353-91-353545. Alternatively, submit an enquiry via our Contact page. Let us help you create a roof that balances form, function and vision seamlessly.

How to Streamline Your Project with BMI Icopal Roofing Products

As a busy roofing contractor, you’ll understand better than anyone the importance of efficiency. From streamlining workflows to reducing the complexity of tasks, your roofing materials need to deliver on both of these objectives while minimising effort along the way. That’s why we’re pleased to highlight the game-changing technologies offered by BMI Icopal: now available from your nearest Tecron Trade Counter.

Costs are rising and deadlines remain tight. For many roofing contractors, saving time and costs while delivering outstanding results seems to be an impossible challenge. Fortunately, our partners at BMI Icopal have risen to the challenge with smart solutions that both eliminate unnecessary components and enhance existing systems. Here at Tecron, we’re proud to highlight their Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes and base layer systems as perfect examples.

BMI Icopal: Innovation Made Simple

Modern build requirements are becoming more and more complex and demanding. While roofing technology has generally evolved to meet these demands, our customers often find that these advancements typically require additional components, tools and adhesives. In many cases, these advancements can complicate – rather than simplify – their workflows. This is where BMI Icopal has come in.

BMI Icopal have made innovation simple by introducing groundbreaking products that simplify installation processes without sacrificing on quality or durability. For us, one standout innovation is the Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes system, which totally eliminates the need for separate adhesives when installing a fully-adhered warm roof buildup. This product reimagines the traditional Vapour Control Layer (VCL), turning it into a truly multifunctional component. Keep reading to learn more about this product, guaranteed to save on time and effort.

Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes: How the System Works

Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes represent the next generation of vapour control layers. But how? It’s simple: this system is designed to act as both a traditional VCL, as well as a thermally activated adhesive. This means that you can eliminate the need for additional glues or mechanical fasteners during the installation of an insulation layer, shaving chunks of time on your roof build-up process.

The system is installed in much the same way as any standard VCL in a torch-applied roofing system. For contractors, this means no extra tools or specialised equipment are needed – all you need is the standard torching equipment you’ll be used to using. Additionally, the VCL layer on Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes comes equipped with a top layer of thermally activated bitumen stripes. When heat is applied, the stripes bond directly to your insulation later, keeping it adhered securely to the roof deck, all without the need for traditional adhesives or fasteners. Who knew it could be so easy?

If you still haven’t made your mind up, the benefits we’ve listed below are sure to help. Let’s take a look at the advantages you can expect when using this exciting new product:

• Simplified installation: By removing the need for separate adhesives or mechanical fixings, the Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes system drastically simplifies the installation process. Contractors can use their existing torching equipment to carry out the entire installation, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple products and tools.
• Faster workflows: Because the same equipment is used throughout the process, the system allows for seamless workflows on busy roofing sites. This streamlined approach reduces installation times, enabling teams to complete projects faster while maintaining high standards of workmanship.
• Reduced material Costs: By combining the functions of a VCL and an adhesive, the Torchsafe TA VCL Stripes system reduces the need for additional materials, helping contractors cut costs without compromising quality.
• Improved safety: Fewer materials and less equipment mean fewer potential hazards on site. The reduced need for adhesives also eliminates exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, contributing to a safer working environment.

In-line with their commitment to innovation, BMI Icopal haven’t stopped with the VCL. They’ve applied the same stripes technology to the base later that sits on top of the insulation, serving as underlay for the cap sheet. Keep reading to learn more.

Tackling Build-Ups of Vapour & Condensation

By applying that same technology to the base layer, BMI Icopal have engineered an ingenious solution to two common issues in roofing: the build-up of vapour or condensation within the roof structure.

When adverse climatic conditions or installation timing result in vapour becoming trapped in the build-up, traditional systems often experience blistering: small pockets of trapped air or moisture that can compromise the roof’s integrity over time. Luckily for roofing contractors, BMI Icopal’s Stripes Technology solves this issue by allowing vapour to safely disperse underneath the cap sheet.

The strategic placement of stripes on the base layer is designed to release trapped vapour and condensation, eliminating the build-up of pressure. Aside from reducing the risk of blistering, this also ensures reliability and performance of your roofing system over time. Incorporating this technology into the base layer provides a range of significant benefits:

• Reduced blistering: Blistering is a common issue in roof build-ups, often leading to costly repairs and reduced system lifespan. The Stripes Technology significantly reduces the likelihood of blistering by providing a controlled way for vapour to escape, ensuring the roof remains durable and watertight.
• Enhanced system reliability: By mitigating vapour-related issues, the Stripes Technology enhances the overall reliability of the roofing system. Contractors can have confidence that the roof will perform as intended for its full lifespan, minimising the risk of callbacks or complaints.
• Cap sheet compatibility: The Stripes Technology base layer integrates seamlessly with BMI Icopal’s cap sheets, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process from start to finish.
• Enhanced lifespan: By addressing vapour and condensation issues during the installation phase, the base layer technology contributes to a longer-lasting roofing system that can withstand the challenges of time and weather.

From simplified installation workflows to reduced material costs and enhanced system reliability, these solutions represent a significant step forward for the industry. Is your roofing supply keeping up?

*TorchSafe TA VCL Stripes is intended for use as an air & vapour control layer in a warm roof system build-up. Membranes should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Tecron: Your Roofing Supply Partner

For more advice and detailed information on any of the above topics please contact us at Tecron where we will be happy to guide you though the variety of options available to you for your roofing applications. Here’s just a few ways to get in touch with us:

• Email: technical@tecron.ie
• Phone: +353-91-353545

Your Project, Our Passion

Reach out to Tecron today and discover how we can help you simplify your workflows, save on costs, and enhance the quality of your roofing projects with BMI Icopal.

Tecron Achieves ISO Certification

In the fast-paced, competitive construction market, adhering to internationally recognised standards is no longer a luxury: it’s a necessity. That’s why we’re delighted to announce that we’ve achieved ISO Certification for Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), and Occupational Health & Safety Management (ISO 45001), demonstrating our continued commitment to transparency, accountability and best industry practices.

For all of us at Tecron, this milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to operating at the highest standards, not only for our customers, but also for our employees, our suppliers and our natural world. But what does ISO Certification mean, and why does it matter?

What is ISO Certification?

ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) Certifications are recognised around the world, and guide organisations like ours in achieving operational excellence. These certifications provide a structured approach to managing quality, sustainability and safety, helping us to align what we do with international best practices. For us, securing this certification is the result of lots of hard work, dedication and a commitment to doing right by you.

So – what does it mean for you, our suppliers and our many stakeholders? First and foremost, our ISO Certification is a badge of trust and reliability. It is genuine proof that we’re serious about delivering consistent results for our customers, reducing environmental impact and ensuring the wellbeing of our workforce along the way. For us, this isn’t just a compliance exercise – it’s a serious statement that underlines our commitment to improvement, transparency and leadership in our industry.

ISO 9001: Delivering Consistent Quality

With our attainment of ISO 9001 Certification, we demonstrate our ability to deliver high-quality products and services that exceed your expectations. It provides us with a genuine framework to achieve this consistently thanks to a robust Quality Management System (QMS). With this new certification, we’ve achieved the following:

• Established clear, documented processes for all operational activities.
• Enhanced leadership and decision-making based on evidence and data.
• Built a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring we’re always evolving to meet the needs of our customers and the market.

As a Tecron customer, you can trust that each one of our products meets the highest standards of excellence in roofing solutions.

ISO 14001: Pioneering Sustainability

We’re passionate about building sustainable practices into everything we do. With ISO 140001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification, we’re now proud to demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. With ISO 14001 Certification, we have:

• Implemented systems to manage and reduce our environmental footprint.
• Ensured compliance with all relevant environmental regulations.
• Created opportunities for innovation in sustainable roofing materials and practices.

With this new certification, our customers can now partner with a company who can demonstrate that sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand.

ISO 45001: Protecting Our People

Our commitment to excellence goes far beyond our dedication to our customers and the natural world. Our greatest asset is our people, and ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Certification puts a stamp on our commitment to creating a safe and supportive working environment for everyone. With ISO 45001 Certification, we ensure that we:

• Actively identify and manage workplace risks.
• Provide training and resources to enhance employee safety.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in health and safety practices.

By achieving ISO 45001, Tecron has taken proactive steps to minimize workplace incidents and create a safer, more productive environment for everyone.

Why Should You Care?

This is a fantastic milestone for us – but what does it mean for you? It’s simple:

• Quality you can rely on: Every product and service we deliver is backed by rigorous quality control processes.
• Sustainable solutions: Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends to the materials we supply and the partnerships we build.
• Safe practices: From our team to yours, safety is embedded in everything we do.

When you work with Tecron, you’re not just getting exceptional products—you’re partnering with a company that is fully committed to quality, sustainability, and safety at every step of the journey.

Looking to the Future

As we look to the future, our commitment to improvement with ISO Certifications has only just begun. This milestone provides us with a new and exciting foundation for continuous improvement. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, refining our processes and finding new ways to better serve you: our valued customer.

We’d like to take this opportunity to send a massive thank you to everyone in our team for their hard work in helping us achieve this milestone. It is their dedication to the highest standards that have helped us get to where we are today. This goes out to you!

Discover the Tecron Difference

Our ISO certification is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we’re excited to bring that same level of dedication to your next project. To find out what we have on offer, check out some of the products we have in-stock by visiting our website. Alternatively, call us on + 353 91 353 545, email us at sales@tecron.ie or simply visit our Trade Counter to avail of our expert advice.