If you are replacing your roof, ask your roofer to explain the advantages of Velux windows. There are many options for opening the windows. They can be hung from the centre point, hung from the top or, if the roof cannot be reached, have an electric motor which is operated by remote control to open and close the window. There are also options with built in rain sensors so that electric windows close automatically. There are even balcony options where the bottom of the Velux window combined with a top hung window can provide a temporary balcony when the window is opened. When it is closed, the window lies flat on the roof.

Fitting a Velux window can improve ventilation as well as the level of light in the room. If you live in a remote area where there is little or no light interference, Velux windows can provide great views of the night skies. Blinds can be integrated into the Velux window if you want to reduce the amount of light entering the room or make it cosier in the evenings. These can be manual or electric depending on your preference and whether you are able to reach the blinds by hand.

Velux windows can be fitted into pitched roofs without changing the profile of the building, and can also be easily installed in flat roofs by Birmingham roofers. In either case, careful consideration should be given to the seals and they should be water tight and waterproof. If you are building an extension with a flat roof, a Velux window is a good option, especially in built up areas where the neighbouring property is very close and windows in the walls may not be appropriate.

Whether you live in a large house or a penthouse apartment, fitting Velux windows will increase the energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. If you are replacing a roof, consider a Velux window. You will not need planning permission as the profile of the roof is not being changed. As your roofer will tell you, the flexibility and range of options make Velux windows a good choice when installing a new roof or replacing an old one. They can give an air of luxury to the darkest of rooms, and give you extra space while providing a light and airy environment which is energy efficient. Ease of installation of Velux windows add to the many benefits of the brand which has been on the market for over 60 years.

Installed by a professional roofer, sun tunnels are basically tubular pipes which fitted from the roof and designed to allow light to flow through into the room below.  Light is provided from the outside of the building through flexible pipes where it may not be possible to install conventional windows.

Sun tunnels can be used in commercial and domestic properties, bringing natural light through roofs and even walls. Warehouses and other industrial buildings are often dark which means that artificial lighting has to be used.  The sun pipes are available in different sizes, and it will depend on the size of the roof and the room below as to which size of sun tunnel you will install.  For smaller installations, they are typically 6 feet long and can be up to 15 feet and made of optic tubes which are durable and waterproof. The flexibility of the pipes means that they can be bent into angles and twisted where necessary without affecting the level of light entering the room. Sun tunnels function effectively in cloudy weather and even in the moonlight can give a nice glow.  Sun tunnels can be integrated with electric lighting for night time use (although your roofer may need the services of a suitably qualified electrician to do this).  Inside the room, attractive light diffusers can be used to enhance the interior design.

Sun tunnels provide natural light is much better for the eyes, can reduce the number of light related illness, such as headaches and migraines.  Lack of light in a building can compromise productivity and have a detrimental effect to health.  As heating and electricity bills continue to rise, companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs. The installation of sun tunnels in the roof can reduce the bill for artificially lighting the premises during the day and also the heating bill.  Sun tunnels are sealed so there is no heat loss through the roof, unlike some skylights, and are environmentally friendly as well as providing health benefits.

Companies have taken advantage of the new technology of using sun tunnels, and that work environment is improved by providing natural light making happier, healthier and more productive employees.  There are sun tunnels which are specifically designed for commercial applications, but much will depend on the size of the building and the structure of the existing roof as to how much it will cost to have a roofer install a sun tunnel.  In a new building, it is easy to design and install sun tunnels with a little forethought.   Sun tunnels are here to stay, and will undoubtedly be the lighting solution of choice as the market develops.  They are versatile, flexible and economical – what more could we ask for?  Ask your local roofer for details.

Guttering and downpipes are basically put in place to ensure that water that falls on the roof of your home runs off to prevent sitting water which can cause leaks and damage to the roofing on your property. Good roofers should be able to give you more in-depth advice on maintaining your gutters, but this article explores the basics to give you a better understanding. Maintaining your gutters could vastly increase the lifespan of your roof drainage system, and thus keep your family and home safe from the elements for longer.

Roofers all over the country will advise you to inspect your guttering and downpipes at least every 6 months. During autumn however, it may be wise to do this a little more regularly as leaves falling from the trees can block the gutters. If water collects in the gutter it can become heavy and could crack, break or fall. Although most homes now have uPVC guttering, older properties may still have metal and so it is even more important to take good care of your gutters in this case as still water in the gutters and downpipes can cause rust to occur.

When you are having guttering installed or repaired by professional roofers, make sure that the guttering is set at a reasonable pitch. If the gutters are flat water will not run – it will just sit in one spot. Although the pitch is only very small, it is vital to ensuring that the drainage on your roof is working correctly. Have a discussion with your professional roofing experts to ensure that they are doing this. If they are not, or don’t seem to know what you are talking about, chances are you’re better off getting rid of them and searching for another local roofer.

Clogging can often occur in your guttering at the joint where the vertical gutters connect to the downpipes. Usually this part of the pipe work is easily removed, so you should be able to take it apart, unblock the pipe and fix it back in place. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact expert roofers who deal with guttering to do it for you to avoid damage. If your gutters become damaged and are leaking, you must contact a reliable roofing company straight away to get it fixed, as damaged gutters can cause water to pour own in places where it shouldn’t be. This can lead to damp spots inside the home, which can lead to structural damage that could be costly. It’s not worth taking the risk of leaving it without guttering repairs.

Make sure that any roof repairs and guttering repairs or installations are carried out by a professional roofing expert because roofs or gutters that are put in place incorrectly can lead to severe damage to your property and this could mean that your buildings insurance is void too.

Information about the author: This article was kindly provided by James McCann, a professional roofer in Manchester who has worked in the roofing industry for over 20 years and offers expert advice when it comes to guttering and roof drainage.

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Fascias, also known as fascia boards, have been around since the Greeks began including it in their architecture many years ago. They are the vertical boards running underneath the roof edge (known as the eaves, where the roof meets the wall) that help to keep water and wind out. It is the part of your roof that the gutters are attached to, which are pipes collecting the water that runs off the roof. Soffits are the underside of fascia boards, and the two pieces work together to protect your roof and any wooden roof structures and the brick exterior walls of your home.

In the UK, most modern homes now have fascias and soffits made of uPVC. This is for many reasons. They are more durable than the old timber versions. They are cheaper and easier to manufacture and fit. Also they are not prone to rotting and splitting like the wooden types. This is why modern roofers now use uPVC versions on UK properties.

Expert roofers can install new fascias and soffits on your property, and can also do repairs to existing fascias and soffits to make sure that your home is adequately protected and that you won’t have to fork out for expensive repairs to the structure of your home. uPVC fascias and soffits are low maintenance and are generally very cheap to install.

If you need fascia or soffit repairs, you should seek out reputable roofers who deal with all manner or roof repairs and roof installations. Your roofers will be able to discuss a range of options for your fascias and soffits and there are many styles, colours and materials to choose from so you’ll be spoilt for choice!

It’s worth noting that generally, building surveyors would note if there is paint peeling or there are water stains on the fascias or soffits on your home. This is because it is an indication that your property may need gutter repairs by expert roofers. Perhaps you can take a look at your fascias and soffits yourself to see if there is any such indication that may need the attention of professional roofers? If so, you should call them right away to get your roofing needs assessed.

Overcladding is a type of plastic coating to go over the top of timer fascias and soffits. Most roofers recommend that you remove old fascias and soffits made of wood and have them completely replaced with uPVC as this is the most effective material and is cheap and maintenance free, other than the odd crack which may require repairs every so often. It is very difficult to spot if overcladding has been used on your roofline, so it may be worth having an assessment done by your roofers to check and see whether you have it on your home.

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If you are looking for a built-up roof (BUR) then the standard hot tar and gravel may be your best bet. The layering involved in the application help with regards to preventing damp and leaks – the tar is applied in layers with gravel on the top of the roof. Gravel gives the flat roof a great looking finish;, however the application process can be messy. Tar and gravel are also very heavy, so you must ensure that your house is structurally secure before going ahead. If a tar and gravel BUR isn’t for you then perhaps rubber may be the solution you are looking for. Although prices will of course vary depending on where you are and who you ask, rubber (EDPM is usually used) does tend to be the more expensive option, but this is because it is very durable and also a lot lighter than the tar and gravel alternative.

If neither rubber nor tar and gravel are right for you, bitumen is another material to consider. Bitumen, like rubber, falls under the category of single-ply roofing – so it would also be a lot lighter than a tar and gravel BUR. There are various ways bitumen can be applied; you can heat the material as you roll it onto your flat roof, or go for a ‘stick then peel’ version. This makes it a lot easier for home installation, although the aid of a professional roofer would of course always be recommended. Bitumen tends to be less tear resistant compared t other flat roofing materials, which is something else to take into consideration.

Asphalt or PVC are two further options which have been tried and tested. There are a few different types of asphalt that can be used for flat roofing, and it can be used to create a BUR. But be warned; despite the fact that asphalt takes a long time to be affected by water, during  installation the gases which are produced can be harmful to the environment. PVC is another single-ply roofing material and although it can be pricey, but is it incredibly strong and forms a watertight seal.

As you can see, when it comes to the different materials on offer for flat roofing, there are plenty of options. After your budget, think about the structure of your house and the ease of installation when considering your options. Any professional roofer will be able to recommend which material they think is best for your flat roof as well as make the installation as quick and easy as possible.

A cracked chimney can, potentially, lead to huge problems. General weathering is to blame for many roofing and chimney problems – and cracks are no exception. The change in temperature and moisture means the brick will expand and thaw, which over time can lead to cracks appearing. Historic buildings are especially prone to problems, as they are built to stand the higher heat of burning coal – so the coolness of oil and natural gas fires in comparison means they are more at risk of cracking. As with many roofing and structural problems, regular checks and maintenance are the best preventions – however, if cracks have already appeared in your chimney it is time to act fast.

The best way to fix cracks in your chimney will depend on the type of material it is made out of; the method differs for stone and brick chimneys.  Of course, before attempting any repairs you should seek professional advice – an improper repair will not only be costly but could cause the chimney to further deteriorate or even fall off. With a stone chimney, if you catch the crack soon enough, the repair is simple to do at home.

Once you have safely climbed onto the roof, clean the area around the crack and then fill with caulk (or any other kind of concrete bonding material). This is a reasonably quick and easy procedure, and once the filler has been smoothed off it can also be sanded down if you feel it necessary. However, if the mortar has started to crack or crumble, then the process is a little complex. The mortar will need replacing, and the first step is to remove the old mortar – usually best done with a hammer and chisel – and leave the area a little damp. Then you will need to mix the mortar; always follow instructions carefully as it is essential the mortar is the right mix and consistency to support your chimney. Spread the mortar into the area you have cleared and keep the mortar moist for a few days to really help it set.

If you have a brick chimney, a recurring problem may be hairline cracks in the brick. In order for these to not cause seepage, the bricks can be coated in a clear water repellent.  This coating will mean that water vapour can still escape through the bricks, but it protects the house from rain entering through hairline cracks. Strong winds can also cause cracks in the mortar and the process for repairing the mortar is the same whether you have a brick or stone chimney.

No matter what type of roof or chimney material has been used on your house, weathering will always cause problems. Cracks in chimneys are common occurrences, but as you can see, they can be easily prevented and fixed if necessary. You should always seek professional advice before carrying out repairs yourself – but when done right, these chimney repairs are often quick and easy to do.

A qualified and experienced roofer can identify any problems you have and ensure that they are tackled professionally to prevent recurrence in the future. This will save you money and anxiety in the longer term.

Roofing in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and more!

If a complete re –roofing is needed or a new roof to an extension, then it really is vital to have the job done by a skilled and experienced local craftsman. You need a firm who will provide guarantees as a matter of course and come well recommended by other users. After all the last thing you want is to have to get another roofer out within a year or two to sort out someone else’s shoddy work.

We provide a link to a selection of roofers in your area so you can read about the work they have done, check that they are fully accredited, see what other people say about them and then choose one to assess and fix your roofing problem. After all, a healthy roof is a healthy house.

About the author: Barry Mearns has been offering his roofing services across Birmingham for 10 years. As a time served craftsman, he can help with all aspects of roofing, so if you want a roofer Birmingham, or a roofer in the West Midlands, try Barry.

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A quality flat roof can offer a stylish, modernist look to a property, or it can even function as outdoor living space. A flat roof can serve as an attractive balcony, deck or roof garden, while maximising the amount of useful space underneath.

Pros

• Cheaper than pitched roofs
• Efficient use of space
• Can give stylish modernist appearance
• Can add extra living space above
• New methods give long lifespan

Cons

• Require maintenance
• Poor installation can lead to leaks
• Can look unattractive alongside traditional pitched roof
• Cheaper methods have shorter lifespan

Asphalt Roofs

A traditional flat roofing method, asphalt involves laying a bitumen-based “tar” on the roof, which seals it completely and offers a very long lifespan. Asphalt was popular due to its versatile and hard-wearing nature, but its popularity has dwindled sharply as newer methods have emerged that do not require such labour-intensive installation, nor the exposure of the installer to the risk involved in the very high temperatures required by asphalt. Falling popularity means that skilled installers are becoming harder to find.

Pros

• Seamless and very hardwearing
• Outstanding levels of waterproofing
• Long lifespan up to 60 years
• Can be applied to any roof shape
• Potentially 100% recyclable

Cons

• Has to be installed at high temperatures
• Very labour-intensive installation
• Very heavy – needs adequate support
• Declining popularity
• Installers can be hard to find

Felt Roofs

Another “traditional” flat roofing method, where layers of treated composite felts are sealed with asphalt, which has the associated cons (as detailed above). Felt roofs are fantastically cost-effective, but are the least durable of these methods and need replacing most frequently. The main downside to felt roofing is that the seams are naturally more prone to weather and water erosion, leading to increased maintenance requirements.

Pros

• Very cost-effective
• Wide availability
• Can withstand foot traffic
• Not prone to wind sheer and peel

Cons

• Shorter lifespan

• Requires maintenance
• Heavy material that increases roof load
• Difficult to recycle

Single Ply Roofs

Single ply offers a modern approach to flat roofing. Durable sheets of synthetic polymer are sealed together to provide a continuous waterproof barrier that’s thermally efficient and requires almost zero maintenance. Single ply is quick and easy to install, and offers an environmentally friendly solution.

Pros

• Quick and easy to install
• Lightweight materials
• Great weather resistance
• Environmentally friendly
• Long lifespan of 30 years or more

Cons

• Most costly than felt
• Not suitable for foot traffic untreated
• Needs a skilled installer
• Material standards are not as developed as other methods

EPDM Rubber Roofs

The most technologically advanced of the roofing methods, EPDM rubber offers continuous, seamless coverage; it is lightweight, flexible and extremely durable, lasting anywhere from 40 to 60 years or more. As well as offering incredible resistance to both water and weather, EPDM stretches with your building, allowing for structural movement. It also has great thermal insulation properties, keeping heat inside the building.

Pros

• Superb lifespan
• Fits any size or shape of roof
• Safe, simple installation
• Little or no maintenance

Cons

• Lack of colour options
• Requires skilled professional installer
• Derived from oil – a non-renewable energy source

Contact Annadale Roofing in Liverpool for more information and advice on flat roofing. If you’re in a different part of the country, you may want to try someone else. If you need a roofer in Bristol, try a Bristol roofer. Of course, you may be in the midlands and require a roofer in Nottingham (search on Google for roofers Nottingham and you’ll see a wide selection).

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We’ve all been there. It starts to rain and you hear the unmistakable pit pat of a previously unknown leak, or you start noticing patches of damp along your walls, making you want to cry with frustration.

There are a number of reasons why your roof could be leaking. But once you know what could be causing the leak, it is easy to repair (assuming the job is done by a professional Nottingham roofer) and take precaution that it won’t happen again in the near future.

The top causes of roof leaks

Age

This is one of the main causes of leaking roofs. Nothing lasts forever and roofing is no different. With age, your roof will begin to slowly break down. Nails begin to rust and concrete tiles, because they are porous, will de-construct themselves and start to crumble over time. Broken and cracked slates or tiles expose the timbers underneath and water starts to rot the timber structure of the roof.

Weather

Related to age, weather can cause a lot of damage to your roof over time. The sun, rain, sleet, ice and snow all affect your roof. The sun tends to dry out roofing paper and to cause the tar to run and sag which weakens your roof covering. This then starts to become brittle and will begin to crack and split.

Extreme weather changes also cause the roof to expand and contract, adding further damage to the roofing materials and eventually leaks start to appear.

Ice

During particularly cold snaps, ice that gathers on your roof eaves can cause an ice dam. This then blocks the correct flow of water from your roof, causing it to collect under the flashings and tar paper. This then overflows into your house, dripping for days as the heat from your home slowly melts the ice.

Faults in the flashing

Wind and rain exposure can cause the caulking used to seal your roof flashing to dry out and the seal between water and your roof is broken. To prevent this kind of leak try poking around the flashing that is found around your chimney, vents or roof windows to see that it is still sealed tight. If not made from lead, rusted flashings can also be an eventual cause for roof leaks. Prevent rust by using rust resistant paint.

Clogged gutters

Leaves and debris can gather in your gutters and clog them up, preventing free flow of the water from your roof. In winter this can become even more of a problem as the water clogged in the gutters may freeze and cause an ice dam. A simple solution is to check your gutters are cleared regularly, especially before winter.

Poor roof construction

Cost cutting in roof construction can lead to a number of problems. Inadequate insulation, use of lower grade roofing paper and rushes to hurry a job to fit a deadline all mean that your roof could start leaking well before it should. Always make sure you hire a reliable roofing contractor and check the quality of your roof when buying a new home.

Plumbing vents

Age and weather exposure can cause the seals on your plumbing vents to split. The result is water spraying out and affecting your roof. Remember to have your vents inspected for signs of wear.

Wind blown rain

Rain doesn’t always fall straight down and wind blown rain can be really problematic. Because the rain is coming in at an angle water can get under your roofing materials. Make sure you account for wind blown rain when laying your roof tar paper.

Roof Coating

Make sure you check the waterproof coat of your roof. If sealant hasn’t been applied in recent years, it may be time to do it.

Mechanical damage

Although technically they have nothing to do with your actual roof, heavy pieces of technological equipment such as air conditioners and antennas can cause some damage. Not only do they put extra weight on your roof but each time you have something installed or repaired, you are inviting contractors to walk all over your roof which could lead to breakages you may not know of.

Most causes of leaks can be avoided by regular checks and general maintenance on your roof. However, it’s not something that we suggest you try and do yourself. Instead, call in the services of a professional roofer who will do the job to a very high standard for you.

Don’t just leave it till the leak is making your life miserable, do a thorough inspection of your roof today, keeping in mind the above causes of leaks.

Most cities offer a wide range or roofers for you to choose from. Take trying to find a roofer in Sheffield, for example. A quick search on your search engine of choice for ‘roofing Sheffield’ should bring up a crop of Sheffield roofers to choose from. Pick your favourite roofer in Sheffield, or the one which impresses you the most.

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Your slate and tile roofing should last a number of years, depending on the material and quality of workmanship done on your roof. However, there comes a time when some or all of your roofing tiles may need to be removed and replaced.

Why strip a tile or slate roof?

Slates or tiles may become worn out over the years due to the sun, rain and general wear and tear. When significant damage occurs your roof may start to leak or show signs of sagging. There are some quick fix solutions such as stripping and replacing only the broken tiles or even installing a layer of slate directly over the worn layer but these won’t fix the problem in the long run.

When your roof tiles or slate wears out it is likely you will need to strip them, together with the underlay and roofing nails and install a completely new layer.

Stripping and recovering slate roofs

A slate roof is laid in an interlocking pattern. This can make stripping and replacing your tile roof a bit tricky and it can be time consuming. With the right tools, and once you know the right technique, this process can actually be fairly simple. Although slate is a very durable roofing material, it is also quite fragile and extra care needs to be taken not to damage your slate unnecessarily.

• First you need to remove your slates. Using the claw end of a hammer pry the slate up so you can get to the nails underneath. Now, using a nail ripper, cut away the nails. Alternatively you could use a hacksaw blade for this. Note that slate tiles are usually secured with two nails.
• Once the nails are loosened you can pull the slate towards you, away from the roof.
• Remove any remaining nail pieces from the slate with the claw of a hammer and the broken slate can be lowered to the ground.
• Take a strip of metal and place it where the new slate will need to be placed
• Your new slate now needs to be positioned making sure it fits properly. Check that the lower edge of the slate is in line with the other slates in the row.
• Take the bottom edge of the metal strip and fold it over the slate so that your slate is now secured in its position.

When you are stripping and recovering the entire slate roof you need to make sure that you strip your slates from the top working down to the slates at the bottom. Fitting your roof with new slates, you will work in the opposite direction, from the bottom to the top. Fix the lower row of slates to the roof battens with nails, making sure beveled edges are facing up. The top row of slates are fixed using the metal strip.

Repairing tile roofs

Repairing or recovering your tile roof is much the same process as for a slate roof as the tiles are also laid in this interlocking pattern. You will however need to lift the tiles from the row above your broken tile to be able to remove it.

• Once you have lifted the upper row of tiles you can start to remove the old tiles one by one. You can use a trowel to slide under the tile and lift it. Sometimes a tile may be nailed to a batten in which case you may need to gently move the tile back and forth to loosen it.
• Once all the old tiles are removed you can start putting in the new ones starting from the bottom and working your way to the top. It is best to work in a direction from right to left. Tiles are fitted by hooking the nibs of the tiles over the battens of the roof.
• Make sure each tile you fit is centered over the join between the two tiles that are sitting directly below.

Every third course of tiles should be nailed to the battens to keep your roof in place.

The procedure of stripping and recovering your tile or slate roof may seem quite simple but it is always better to consult with a professional roofer before attempting such a project on your own.

Liverpool has a massive amount of slate and tiled roofs, so if you’re looking for a roofer in Liverpool, make sure you ask if slate or tile roofing is a speciality of theirs. For most roofers in Liverpool, of course it will, but not all Liverpool roofers will work on domestic properties.