The Kytun™ Dry Fixed Roofing Systems range has numerous advantages from environmental benefits to increased durability. Studies of climate change have shown growing evidence that daily average wind speeds over much of North America, Europe and Asia have increased by around 7% since 2010.  The main cause is ‘differential heating’, i.e., differences in temperature between different areas. 

Similarly, the UK and Ireland’s climate is becoming wetter as average temperatures rise.  Rainfall events are becoming more frequent and are heavier, with the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events such as flooding and heatwaves. 

This all means that designing and constructing weathertight and durable buildings, and in particular roofs, has never been more important. 

High-Quality Dry Fixed Roofing Systems 

NorthWest Aluminium design and manufacture a huge range of roofing products in both uPVC and aluminium. The Kytun range of dry fixed roofing products is a wholly owned range of NorthWest Aluminium Ltd, which was set up in 2010 to service the ever-increasing UK marketplace. NorthWest Aluminium Ltd was established over 35 years ago and is now one of the largest manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of Roofing and Ventilation products in Ireland & the UK. 

Why choose Aluminium Roofing Systems? 

Aluminium is called the ‘Green Metal’ because it is one of the most environmentally friendly metals on the planet.  It is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and the most recycled of any industrial metal.  Of the more than 1 billion tons of aluminium ever produced, roughly 75% is still in use today thanks to recycling.  Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from raw materials.  Consequently, it is one of the most valuable items in your recycling bin and ultimately the most recyclable industrial material.  

Whilst PVC and other plastics are extremely popular materials for dry fix verge systems, aluminium is increasingly being recognised as a superior alternative material for roofing products.  As well as the environmental benefits of aluminium, it also offers some great advantages over uPVC.  Aluminium is stronger than uPVC, which means products can be slimmer and lighter and transport costs are lower. It is highly corrosive resistant and, with an expected service life of over 45 years with little or no maintenance, lasts longer than uPVC.  Aluminium can be supplied in a huge range of colours, with more vibrant colours than plastic. 

The shift to Dry Fixed Roofing Systems 

Since the publication of the revised BS 5534 in 2014, the roofing industry has seen quite a rapid shift away from a reliance on mortar to keep roofing materials in place. The focus is now seen towards mechanical and dry fixing. Natural building settlement and wind forces will damage mortar bedding, making it ineffective.  By contrast, dry fix systems can cope with settlement by allowing a degree of movement in the surrounding materials. 

Dry verge roofing systems are now regarded as an integral part of the security and fixing of the roof covering, rather than just a capping to replace mortar.  A dry verge system must remain strong and durable and be able to provide adequate wind uplift resistance to prevent damage, not only to the verge itself, but to the adjacent roof tiles.  It must also close the gap between the tiles or slates and wall or bargeboard and drain water from the roof away from the gable wall.  

The Kytun™ range of aluminium Dry Fixed roofing systems is fully compliant with BS 8612: the British Standard for dry fix ridge, hip, and verge systems.  Being aluminium, the dry verge systems will not only remain durable but will keep their original strength for the lifetime of the roof.  This makes them ideal as one of the two mechanical fixings for the perimeter roof tiles, as recommended in BS 5534. 

Individual, or ‘discontinuous’ dry verge units, i.e., those that are fitted as one per tile course, are not specifically designed to prevent rainwater from the roof running over the verge edge, though they must direct water away from the gable wall to prevent staining down the wall face.  The Kytun™ range of aluminium Dry Fixed roofing systems incorporate a patented ‘Drip System’ which has a drainage channel that will not only prevent water from running down the wall but will drain water all the way down to the eaves gutters, thus preventing water from dripping over the verge edge. 

Full range of Kytun Systems 

The Kytun™ range  produces aluminium dry verge systems to suit natural slate, fibre cement slates and roof tiles.  The system is available in two types, T1 and T2 and there is also a retrofit version.  They are supplied in 3.0metre lengths as standard, although longer lengths are available on request.  The systems are available in an extensive range of colours including Black, Slate Grey and Brown.  

For fibre cement slates, the 18mm verge system is suitable for slates up to 6mm thick.  For natural slates, the 18mm system suits slates up to 8mm thick.  For clay and concrete roof tiles, there are 45mm versions for plain tiles and flat interlocking tiles, 55mm versions for low profile tiles and 65mm versions for slightly deeper profile tiles.  The retrofit systems are available in 50mm and 65mm versions.  

To complete the verge systems, aluminium jointers and ridge end caps are available in matching colours.  The ridge end caps are available to suit half round ridge tiles and angle ridge tiles in 90º, 105º, 120º and 135º angle versions.  

All Kytun™ Dry Fixed Systems are extremely quick and easy to install and are suitable for use with brick and render gable walls and bargeboard constructions.  Customised systems can be produced on request.  Kytun™ aluminium dry verge systems are guaranteed to remain durable for at least 30 years and have a 20-year colour warranty.