Zinc roofing that's right out of the Top Drawer

Described as a 'small but effective company', Chingford-based Top Drawer Zinc Ltd is exactly what it says in its name. The firm, under the direction of founder Tim Boyle, specialises in the supply, re-manufacture and fixing of zinc for roofs and windows.

Says Tim: "Neat installations, neat fixing and attention to detail have always been strong factors in my work throughout the 30-plus years that I have been in this business. Zinc for roofing and facades has been my material of choice since 2009 after completing VMZinc's installation training courses."

Top Drawer's principal market is high-end domestic heritage properties, where they have established a reputation for quality of workmanship and service. All work is vetted by the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC), which also publishes a code of practice for the fixing of hard metals to the correct specification. That is a core value of the FTMRC and for that reason VMZinc, the principal supplier of the metal to the UK industry, provides a 20-year manufacturer's warranty to members.

To complement the zinc fixing activities, Top Drawer can provide a drawing service. Says Tim: "Like any roofing material the substrate or deck has to be correct. Our drawing service with specifications is beneficial for both parties as it enables the roof to be prepared correctly for the zinc fixing and is essential for warranty purposes."

Tim's new 'View More' window fabrication offers a solution to a problem he perceived some years ago. "Windows without curb-up stands in a landscape orientation for low-pitch metal roofing have been non-existent," he explained. "with that in mind I have worked hard over the last 18 months to design and construct a durable, fixed roof window with sleek, minimalist lines which will complement any period or modern home."

The View More offers an alternative to Velux windows for low-pitch metal roofing. They are called View More because you see less window frame and more view. The windows - with double or triple glazing for pitches no lower than 8 degrees - are now available in three sizes: Mini, Midi and Maxi - for 1, 2 or 3 seams respectively.

The windows are dressed with zinc skirts to the sides and a zinc hem above the glass. Self-clean glass is also an option.

Sophie Sinclair from Hertfordshire was certainly delighted with the finished result on her property, pictured below.

"We knew Tim was the right man for the job because his attention to detail was amazing," she said. "He really helped us in the planning, with several sets of drawings to ensure we had maximum light and a beautiful looking roof. Without Tim's unique and affordable skylight system we would not have been able to include this addition in the build, which has been integral to the overall sleek look of our extension.

"Even our builders said he paid amazing attention to detail. The modern roof next to our pre-1900 brickwork looks stunning and we would not hesitate to recommend him."

Likewise Dave McGill, from Surrey, complimented Top Drawer on the roof solution for their new oak frame extension.

They had chosen Top Drawer for three key reasons - firstly, the offering of a zinc roof with integrated roof lights, secondly the level of engagement and the provision of detailed drawings during their enquiries and, finally, the substantial savings they were able to make.

"We decided that zinc was our material of choice very early in our design phase due to both the aesthetics of a natural zinc finish and the ability to achieve a relatively low pitch," said Dave. "During our research it quickly became apparent, however, that getting an integrated roof light solution with the zinc was difficult, resulting in compromises due to the need to integrate high kerbs and steeper pitches.

"When we finally found Tim and the integrated option that Top Drawer offered, it was a revelation. We were able to achieve a low-profile zinc roof, at the pitch we wanted, and with three roof lights in a single package - all for a price that was impossible to beat.

"I have spent several years in the metal roofing business in the past and can say from experience that the quality of Tim's workmanship is exceptional. From the very first phone call, through the design phase and the provision of detailed drawings, to the final finish, the service we received was terrific. As and when I need my next zinc roof - and there will definitely be another - Top Drawer Zinc will be the only place I go."

For further information on Top Drawer Zinc's full range of services call Tim on 0845 467 9919 or visit their websites at www.topdrawerzinc.co.uk and www.viewmorewindows.com