What Type Of Metal Is On My Flat Roof?

[zero]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm starting to plan out fitting a roof access hatch on the flat roof of my kitchen.

 

The first thing that it would be great to get a definite answer on is, what metal is the existing metal covering on the roof?

 

I'm not able to get onto the roof right now but have attached a photo taken from out of the living room window where you can see the edge of the roof.

 

I have been up onto the roof several years ago and the metal is all folded with no welded seams, I'm guessing its lead? But if someone can confirm this, or say with confidence what metal it is, that would be really appreciated.

 

The size of the roof is 2.5m x 3.5m btw.

 

Thanks for any help with this!

 

 

[markc]

It does look like lead, can’t be 100% sure without feeling/scratching it.

I am curious why an access hatch? Unless this i a very tall building or difficult access.

[joe90]

I think it looks more like zinc or some other “aluminium” type, looks too flat for lead but as @markc says difficult without touch/feel ing it!. Again why an access hatch?

[zero]

@markc@joe90Thanks for the replies you two.

Yes I can't work out which of the three suggestions it is...Lead, Zinc or Aluminium. Would be great if someone else could chip in to give a definitive answer or another best guess at one.

Wanting to install an Access Hatch to make use of the flat roof as a roof terrace (subject to planning permission...), I'll be installing a drop-down loft style retractable ladder flush with the ceiling in the kitchen under the hatch. There's no way to get onto the roof at the moment btw and I'm also two floors up.

 

[Radian]

You're going to have to get up close enough to touch it to be certain. If it's lead (which it doesn't look like to me) then you'll be easily able to gouge it and see a bright mark appear. If it's zinc a magnet will stick, otherwise it's aluminium. I think it's zinc.

[Roundtuit]

37 minutes ago, zero said:

Wanting to install an Access Hatch to make use of the flat roof as a roof terrace (subject to planning permission...)

I don't want to put a downer on your creativity, but it sounds like finding out what the roof covering is is the least of your challenges!  If you haven't already, I'd perhaps seek some pre-application advice from your LPA before you cut any holes 😉

[zero]

Cheers @Radian your post and the others, has made me lean/climb part way out and properly check (which obviously is what I should have just done before posting here in the first place!).

Ok so, have narrowed it down to Zinc or Aluminium. Definitely not Lead.

Photo attached. On the right in the pic is some lead flashing under the fascia/guttering of the adjacent pitched roof and on the left is the upstand of the flat roof material.

The lead flashing is v.v.soft and gouges, the upstand is much thinner and stiff.

So...I'm agreeing with you @Radian and going with Zinc, cheers!

 

Thanks for the replies fellas, apologies for taking up your time but it did spur me on to properly investigate...👍👌Sorted. Cheers.

[markc]

30 minutes ago, Radian said:

You're going to have to get up close enough to touch it to be certain. If it's lead (which it doesn't look like to me) then you'll be easily able to gouge it and see a bright mark appear. If it's zinc a magnet will stick, otherwise it's aluminium. I think it's zinc.

Looking closer I reckon you are right, but to use the roof it will likely need to come off anyway not least in order to strengthen the structure and install upstands and edge protection etc.

Making a roof a usable space is much more than gaining access.

doh! Just notice @Roundtuit bet me to it.

[zero]

2 minutes ago, Roundtuit said:

I don't want to put a downer on your creativity, but it sounds like finding out what the roof covering is is the least of your challenges!  If you haven't already, I'd perhaps seek some pre-application advice from your LPA before you cut any holes 😉

Ha! Yeah I know! This all may come to nothing, but if you don't ask, the answer is always no 😃

 

Appreciate the advice, won't be chopping anything unless it's all approved first, cheers!

[zero]

1 minute ago, markc said:

Looking closer I reckon you are right, but to use the roof it will likely need to come off anyway not least in order to strengthen the structure and install upstands and edge protection etc.

Making a roof a usable space is much more than gaining access.

doh! Just notice @Roundtuit bet me to it.

Yup. The plan is to take down the kitchen ceiling to access the underside of the roof and double up all the joists, before cutting any hatch, or putting any weight on the existing roof.

Then keep the existing exterior intact (save for the hatch access) and deck the flat roof (on pedestals) with railings.

[joe90]

1 hour ago, zero said:

subject to planning permission...)

This may be your stumbling block plus you will need to create a flat floor over those raised “seams” and adequate railings to prevent falling off.

[zero]

Thanks @joe90, yes it is a very big potential stumbling block...

 

Figure I can solve going over the raised joints with adjustable height pedestals supporting the decking which can also accommodate for the current rain runoff slope of the existing roof, to create a nice new flat deck.

 

Here's some first sketch ideas in case anyone is interested...be good to hear peoples thoughts actually.

 

First is the simplest, basically just railings on all four sides (nicer railings than what's actually drawn)

 

The other two sketches continue the brick wall up on two sides with railings or planters on top and possibly a privacy screen included. Have to say, due to the costs, the first option might be the way I'd have to go. If I did get planning permission that is (and thats a big IF).

 

Lastly, the ladder/roof access hatch arrangement

[joe90]

I like the wall idea, on the side with no view! Will also act as a wind break which may be needed at that height, you may be hit with planning restrictions regarding overlooking neighbours 🤔