How to keep your roof in good condition

It’s all very well thinking home improvement revolves around giving cracked walls the odd lick of paint and mowing the lawn on occasion, but the truth is, ignoring such a vital component as the roof could have a detrimental effect on your house and lead to pesky leakage courtesy of the great British weather..

Helpful tips to remember when looking after your roof

1.  Install UPVC fascia boards – It’s a common misconception to assume that a fascia board’s function is simply to enhance the appearance of your home, they actually play a crucial role in the protection of your roofline and interior from harmful weather damage.

Although important for the roof, you needn’t buy the most expensive fascia board in the shop; a cheap fascia board will be just as effective as and healthier for your roof than wood which will rot over time.

2. Give your gutters TLC – From crisp packets to autumnal leaves, a blocked gutter can have a damaging effect on the home – hello damp problems! If you want to ensure your home doesn't resemble an emerging swimming pool, then it’s a wise idea to conduct regular maintenance to keep those gutters squeaky clean and free of debris.

3. Fix cracked tiles – It’s not unusual for tiles to become damaged over the years - adverse weather conditions, powerful winds and volatile storms can all contribute to cracked tiles which can run the risk of leakage or drafts from tile decay.

Although it can be tempting to try and tackle the problem yourself, unless you have relevant experience it’s best to avoid DIY and draft in the help of a professional for your own safety and to avoid further damage.

4. Install Insulation – An uninsulated home can lead to a quarter of heat being lost through the roof – brrr! Insulating your loft can save you a considerable amount of money not to mention the promise that your home won’t resemble an igloo come winter time. In addition, loft insulation can last for up to 40 years, proving it’s an all-round worthwhile investment.

5. Repair the Flashing – Flashing, otherwise known as weatherproofing is the prevention of water leakage into your home. In all likelihood, If you find that your home has developed a leak then the flashing could be damaged and need repairing, particularly after a weather storm or extreme rainfall.

Dry verges - those plastic end caps on roof tiles and gable ends

Dry verges - the name used to describe those plastic end capping pieces you see covering the normally exposed mortar (cement) on the gable ends of roofs.

This is different to fascia / roofline which incorporates the wooden or upvc boarding found where the roof meets the wall, to which the guttering is normally affixed and the boarding you find running up gable ends where the wall meets the roof tiles.

The dry verge capping lips over the top of the existing roof tile and hangs down, covering what would normally be just cement / mortar filled in to pack the gap between roof line and tile.

Property owners will know from experience that due to it's exposed nature, this mortar mix frequently falls out or comes loose either as a direct result of the weather or from poor fitting. It's not uncommon to find pieces of mortar or cement mix laying around the garden underneath gable ends or hip tile joints etc.

The problem is if the mortar is loose, then you can easily loose a few ridge or edge tiles in windy weather. As well as the hazard of falling tiles (which can damage your own or others property), you've then got a situation where the roof is open to the elements - just being protected by a thin layer of roofing felt. Weather will soon start getting in and if not corrected, then you could be looking at large repair bills for interior ceilings and walls.

Whilst there are quite a few upvc solutions for these end caps, owners of properties whose roofs also incorporate hip tiles (e.g where the roof has 4 sides sloping backwards to the ridge tiles) may also be interested to know that a similar product for hip tiles and ridges is also available.

Such dry verge systems are also praised for their ease of application where the roof might normally be deemed to steep for traditional mortar to be used.

When you consider the issues of access if you intend replacing / repointing the mortar on gable ends, hip and ridge tiles yourself, or cost if you're going to pay someone to come and do it for you, the extra initial outlay in dry verge systems may be an attractive proposition.

Manufacturers claim that dry verge systems also allow homeowners to incorporate ventilation in their ridge tiles. The Manufacturers reckon that modern building techniques which incorporate very energy efficient designs may lead to increased instances of damp in roof spaces caused by condensation. Ventilation becomes a key priority to avoid timbers rotting.

Aesthetically, dry verges look tidier and more uniformed compared to just mortar, which depending on the skill with which it was installed, can look a bit (or a lot) unsightly.

Also if falling mortar / roof tiles would present a hazard to passers-by, then the added security of such dry systems could be a further inducement.

Roof Quoter.co.uk can recommend up to 3 local roofing specialists to you, who'll be able to give you a written quote without any obligation.

We can also provide you with an instant online quote for replacement upvc fascia and guttering via our quick and easy website Fascia Quoter.co.uk

Autumn's here - get ready for Winter now.

The mornings are starting to get darker, the heatings starting to come on - these are all sure signs that now is the time to act and complete those last few household maintenance chores before Autumn quickly becomes Winter.

Now is the time to attend to things like:

Roofs, gutters and drains - Visually inspect roofs for slipped or broken roof tiles, ridge tiles that are missing or appear loose due to loss of mortar and wobbly television aerials. Make good anything you find or call in a professional if you don't have the right ladders and access equipment - NEVER TAKE RISKS!

Remove any branches or other debris that could blow about and cause more damage or worse, fall to the ground (via your conservatory roof).

Check guttering, drainpipes and drains for any debris - especially leaves - that can cause water to spill over or back up and enter your house's interior causing more damage. This also includes checking roof sections which include a 'gutter' or gully between two adjoining sections of roof. Clean out any debris and compost or recycle.

Decking - if you get a dry day, it's a great time to re-coat your wooden decking and protect it for the coming winter. Frost and snow can cause untreated decking to split and tarnish very easily. Some people swear by pressure washing the decking first in preparation and leaving it to dry off before applying a water sealant or other protective stain.

Garden - There's probably time for one more cut of the lawn before you put the mower away for another year. A good tidy up around the garden will help your garden look trimmed and neat for the Winter ahead. Pay careful attention to the manufacturers instructions regarding storage of your lawn mower. Petrol models in particular sometimes have to be stored on a particular side to avoid oil running to the 'wrong end' of the engine. Clean off any grass from the underneath of the mower and make sure the grass collector is clean before storage.

Pipes - To avoid the misery and expense of burst pipes, now is the time to explore your loft and/or basement and attend to any pipe lagging that may have come loose or be missing. Not only will you save burst pipes, but you'll also save energy by lagging the hot pipes as well. Make sure you use an appropriate lagging material - we don't want any fires now. Checking and insulating your pipes also includes your outside water tap. You may still be using it to wash the car etc but don't forget to turn it off at the stop valve inside the house/wall afterwards.

Heating system - if you haven't had an annual inspection or service, the now is the time. As you start to use the heating system more following a long dormant period is usually when problems occur. Getting your heating system serviced will give you peace of mind for the coming Winter, when heating engineers are so busy you can wait weeks for someone to come out.

Real fires and solid fuel heaters

If you use your homes Chimney for a real fire, solid fuel heater or wood burner etc, then you might need to have your chimney swept. Call in a professional - it's cleaner, quicker and a professional will usually be able to spot if your chimney needs any further maintenance. Remember, its vitally important that your fire or stove etc is properly ventilated.

Winter they say is a great time for interior decorating but make sure you do it on dry days when you can have the windows open for ventilation. Personally, I've had experience of emulsion paints 'bubbling' which I'd put down to the wall surface being so cold.

If you've been thinking about having a conservatory over the Summer but think you've missed your chance then think again. Although not a true seasonal home improvement, many homeowners are put off having a conservatory in the wet autumn months, under the miss-conception that the foundation work will be very messy.

Consequently, conservatory companies will be offering all sorts of offers and incentives to attract you, making it a very good time to get a conservatory built - and just in time for Christmas too.

Click here to get your own online conservatory quote now and see how much you could save.

Fixing the Roof While the Sun Still Shines

It’s the first law of thermodynamics – heat rises. All the warmth from your radiators and fires will inevitably, at some point, end up at the top of your house. It happens with the crushing inevitability of death, taxes and computer errors.

You may not be able to change the laws of physics, but when you’re readying your home for the winter you can certainly take them into account. So, where better to start, when looking for ways to reduce your winter fuel bill, than with your roof.

Problems with the roof are often not obvious until they start causing further damage. You won’t notice leaks in sunny weather, and noticing that your roof has no snow on it while next door has a two-inch-thick coating of the white stuff is not necessarily the best way of finding out you’re haven’t got proper insulation. Because of this, it’s worth being vigilant and constantly keeping an eye out for potential issues with your roof.

Things to look out for include loss of heat from your house when the central heating turns off or discoloured patches on upstairs ceilings. If water has already entered the house, though, you may have a bigger job on your hands than you think. Before you reach that stage you could perform a cursory inspection of the roof yourself – stand back from the house, or get up a ladder, and take a look. Are there any shingles broken or missing? Is the roof straight, or does it warp? Are there trees or pants growing against the roof? Catching these issues in their early stages will save you huge amounts of money in the long run.

Another thing to keep on top of is clearing out your guttering. It takes surprisingly little to clog up the average guttering, and if water isn’t draining properly it could be seeping into your beams and causing problems with damp and mould.

Remember, it’s always best to find these problems before they become serious. A leaky roof, if not properly dealt with, could mean having to replace insulation, beams, wiring, heating pipes and ceilings. And the absolute worst time to have to cope with all this is in the middle of winter when it’s cold and wet enough already.

A well installed roof should last at least 20-25 years, but once you start having roof problems they’re likely to keep coming back. Getting your roof repaired is a notoriously troublesome business: you need to be wary of the cowboys who will sit on your roof for an hour and then demand cash payment for work they didn’t even do.

Luckily for you, when you get an instant online quote from roofquoter.co.uk, we’ll help you find up to three local roofers that you can trust. All the companies in our network are individually vetted and we receive all sorts of feedback from homeowners who use our service, so we can deal with any problems which arise.

Get checking now, and get fixing the roof while the sun is still shining.

Timeline - Replacing your roof in 5 stages

Timeline: Replacing your roof in 5 easy stages.

Your roof takes all the wear and tear that our weather brings – heatwaves, rain, storms, snow, high winds – even tornados! Replacing your roof is something that you should hopefully only have to do once – so it’s important to get it right. From knowing when to begin the work, through to choosing a supplier, contractor and material, there are lots of things to consider. A new roof is a major investment, so it’s important to take time over your decisions and choose wisely. Here are five essential stages to making your investment work:

Stage 1 – The warning signs!
Always make a close inspection of your roof before deciding whether it needs replacing. Although there are many warning signs to look out for, some can be fixed independently without replacing the whole structure. Missing or loose slates are the most obvious sign that your roof needs work and it’s important to get them fixed quickly – loose slates can cause water damage to the interior of your home and are extremely dangerous if they fall. If too many slates are damaged, your roof will need replacing. The flashing where the roof joins an abutment or chimney should also be checked – it is very susceptible to corrosion which causes leaks, but can easily be replaced without getting an entire new roof. Finally, remember to check the ridges at the top of your roof – if these are in a poor state, it could affect the entire structure.

Stage 2 – Find a contractor
Roofing is a job best left to the professionals and there are lots of roofing contractors out there advertising their services. The best place to start is by getting referrals from friends and family – it’s always best to have first-hand experience of the company you’re intending to use. If you can’t get a recommendation, you should go for a contractor who has a good local reputation and whose work you may be able to go and see. Always get at least three professional quotes to compare and never just go with the cheapest – the best deal may not always be with the lowest price. Check things such as the guarantees and insurance packages that each contractor offers, and what is included in the price – materials, equipment hire and labour.

Stage 3 – Check the contractor is NFRC registered
It is worthwhile to check that the roofing specialist you choose is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). This organisation has a strict vetting process for its members, so you know your contractor is reputable. Criteria includes proof that the builder has had sufficient roofing experience, quality checks on previous work, spot inspections on the technical competence and craft skills required in different types of roofing, and compliance with the NFRC Code of Practice and British and European Roofing Standards. The NFRC also requires its members to provide Public, Employer’s and Third Party Insurance cover and a valid Health and Safety Certificate. If your contractor is registered with the NFRC they will be able to provide a membership card and a document bearing the TrustMark standard.

Stage 4 – Choosing your roofing material – go green!
When you are replacing your roof, it’s easy to replace like for like as regards materials. However if you fancy a change, there are various options available – just remember to check with your local council first as they may deem some materials out of keeping with the local area. The basic roofing range on offer is slate, clay, concrete, tile-effect metal and the new ‘eco-friendly’ photovoltaic, but there are different styles within each material. Slate is the most expensive option, but is also the most durable and weatherproof. Clay tiles are more widely used in Britain, and come in a variety of shapes, colours and surface finishes. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colours and finishes, and is stronger and more durable than clay – metal roofing usually comes in tile-effect, so won’t detract from the overall appearance of your home. If you really want to push the boat out, and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, go for photovoltaic roofing which has solar capsules embedded in the tile. These capsules harness sunrays and provide energy for your home, without compromising on the performance of your roofing.

Stage 5 – Installation – look out for those hidden extras
When it comes to installing your new roof, it’s obviously a major undertaking. However the contractor should know the best ways to keep disruption to a minimum, and provided the weather is good, there should be no need to interrupt the work. A small and uncomplicated re-roofing can be finished in two or three days – a large and complex job could take over a week. Make sure you final check your bill – builders sometimes charge extra for re-fixing gutters, downpipes and air vents, as well as for cleaning up the area. Check your bill carefully for hidden costs and ensure that you only pay for what you were quoted. Any additional costs should always be approved by you before completion.

Once the basic structure of your new roof is in place, you can consider the finishing touches. There is a wide range of trims, flashings and border plates available to match any design of roof and any roofing material. Once these have been fitted, your new roof will be complete!

www.roofquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.