How Do You Realign Gutters?
If your gutters aren’t doing their job properly, poor alignment may well be the root cause. Realignment is a relatively simple process which can put that right. Read on as we discuss how it’s done.
Types of gutter realignment
The first step for any gutter realignment is to determine what exactly is wrong with your gutters. In most cases, it will be one of three issues:
- Gutters with an incorrect slope – This is where the slope or fall of your gutters is too steep, too level or uneven, meaning water doesn’t flow at the correct rate.
- Sagging gutters – Parts of your guttering have sagged over time due to excessive pressure from rainwater or debris, or insufficient support from the brackets holding the gutters in place.
- Loose gutters – Gutters can also come loose from your roof or walls, which allows water to bypass them as it comes off the roof.
Incorrect slope
To realign your guttering system with the correct slope, the gutters will need to be removed, along with the brackets that hold them in place. Gutters should have an even slope of around 1cm for every 3.5 metres of their length. That’s roughly a third of an inch for every 10 feet, or a gradient of around 1:350.
Once the right slope has been calculated and marked out, the brackets should be reattached and gutters repositioned. A water flow test can be performed to check that the realigned gutters are working properly.
Sagging gutters
Sagging occurs when too much pressure is placed on a section of your guttering. That could be down to debris like leaves, twigs or moss, which falls off your roof and becomes heavy when it soaks up rainwater. If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace the damaged section and keep on top of gutter clearance going forward.
Alternatively, it could happen because of a lack of support from the brackets. Gutter brackets should be spaced evenly apart with a gap of around 60cm to a metre. Anything more could put too much pressure on the part of your gutter furthest from the bracket, leading to sagging. To combat this problem, brackets will need to be removed and realigned with proper spacing.
Loose gutters
Finally, there’s the problem of gutters coming away from your walls. When this happens, it leaves a gap for rainwater to fall through, potentially rendering your gutters redundant.
The key question here is ‘why has it happened?’ In some cases, gutters will become loose because the rate of water flow off the roof is too heavy for them to cope with. If that’s the case, you’ll need bigger gutters that are proportionate to the size and slope of your roof.
On the other hand, and perhaps more commonly, it could be that the fittings holding your guttering in place have worn down over time. A simple realignment with new brackets and nails or even fresh fascia boards will combat the problem.
Gutter realignment in Wakefield
If your gutters are loose, sagging or poorly sloped, DPR Roofing can help. We provide professional guttering services, including realignment and repair to get them up and running, along with gutter clearance to avoid any issues with debris build-up.
We’ve been providing our services to both domestic and commercial customers across Wakefield for over 35 years. To join our long list of happy customers, simply get in touch on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Why Roof Inspections Are Vital After Storm Arwen
Storm Arwen wreaked havoc on the UK in November, with high winds and snow across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of the storm and how a roof inspection can protect you going forward.
How bad was Storm Arwen?
Snow is often a welcome surprise as we head towards Christmas. Unfortunately, that wasn’t all that came from Storm Arwen. While temperatures dropped to 8°C, below the November average, the most notable impact came from the wind.
According to the Met Office, Arwen was “one of the most powerful and damaging winter storms of the last decade”. The storm brought winds which gusted widely over 69mph, peaking at 98mph in Northumberland.
That caused trees to fall across northern parts of the UK, which had a number of knock-on effects. Over a million homes were hit by power losses. Ferry and rail services were severely disrupted. That was topped off by serious road disruption, including overturned vehicles. Sadly, there were also three fatalities when people were struck by falling trees.
Bad weather exposes problems
With Arwen abating on 27th November, the main impact of the storm has thankfully passed. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of its legacy. In early December, for example, the BBC reported how thousands of homes were still without power due to falling trees bringing down power lines.
However, there’s also the issue of unnoticed damage. If wind is strong enough to fell trees, it’s capable of damaging a building too. As the umbrella to your property, your roof is one of the most critical areas to check after any storm.
High winds can get hold of any loose parts on your roof and blow them out of place. That could be guttering, flashing or the tiles themselves. Alternatively, larger pieces of debris can be carried by the wind and cause parts of your roof to break.
The importance of a professional inspection
If your roof has been damaged by Storm Arwen, you might not notice at all. It’s hard to spot minor issues or even cracked tiles from ground level, and it’s never advisable to go up on your roof without the right training – especially when the weather is still pretty bad.
If problems aren’t identified and repaired, they will only get worse. Even the smallest break in your roof’s covering will let water through, and even then, you might not spot it immediately. The result is weeks or even months of water ingress and the problems that come with it.
Not with a professional inspection. An experienced roofer can safely access your roof to check every last inch of it up close. Any issues that have been caused by Storm Arwen – or other weather throughout the year – can be dealt with to make sure your property is protected.
Book an inspection today
If you would like to arrange an inspection for your roof in or around Wakefield, don’t hesitate to contact the team at DPR Roofing. With over three decades of roofing experience, you can trust us to spot any problem areas and provide long-lasting repairs.
Call us on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected].
4 Roofing Jobs Where a Cherry Picker is Best
Cherry pickers are a useful asset for any roofer, providing a quick, versatile and often cost-effective alternative to scaffolding. However, not all jobs require a cherry picker – and in many cases, scaffolding is best.
In this post, we’ll look at four types of roofing job where a cherry picker comes out on top.
1. Hard to access
If a property or its roof is difficult to get to, it’s also tricky to erect scaffolding around it. That could be down to nearby outbuildings, narrow passageways, or just surrounding trees. In these instances, a cherry picker can make things easier.
Cherry pickers can extend out from different angles to navigate around obstacles and provide access to hard-to-reach roofs.
2. High buildings
Another instance where cherry pickers are useful is with particularly high roofs. If a building is more than 2-3 storeys high, scaffolding poses three main issues:
- Firstly, it takes much longer to erect scaffolding at such a height.
- Secondly, erecting such a vast amount of scaffolding would also be a lot more costly.
- Additionally, it’s more difficult (and potentially less safe) for roofers if they have to climb up and down larger ladders to get to the top of the scaffolding.
With a conventional cherry picker, roofers can be quickly and safely transported to roofs of up to 90 feet. That’s approximately nine stories high on an average building.
3. Emergency repairs
It’s always best to get your roof repaired as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues developing - as well as to provide you with peace of mind. Still, there are certain situations where time really is of the essence.
If the roof is leaking on a shop, every minute without a repair is another minute with a potential slipping hazard for customers – or even downtime for the business altogether. The same is true for hospitals, schools or offices, where a leaking roof can see parts of a building out of use until the issue is fixed.
In these instances, constructing scaffolding could take several hours, which means more downtime or safety risks for the premises. With a cherry picker, roofers can reach the problem area in a matter of minutes to make the necessary repairs.
4. Bad weather
High winds and extremely heavy rain can take their toll on roofs, especially those which already have small, hidden issues. Bad weather doesn’t immediately disappear once your roof has storm-damage. That means it’s unsafe to access your roof with a ladder during this time.
Fortunately, a cherry picker allows roofers to access the roof safely, so they can make repairs and prevent serious damage to your property, even in wet and windy conditions.
Finding roofers with a cherry picker
If you want a roofer to use a cherry picker, it’s always best to look for a company that has access to their own. For one, they don’t have to arrange to hire one and spend time picking it up, which can all add to the total duration of the job at hand.
It’s also cheaper, as they own the cherry picker outright. That means there’s no hefty rental costs to be passed onto you – just a quick, cost-effective solution for your roof.
At DPR Roofing in Wakefield, we have invested in a state-of-the-art, two-man powered access boom, in fact they have 2 cherry pickers, so we can carry out all of the roofing jobs listed above. If you’d like to find out more or arrange repairs with our cherry picker, call us on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected].
Can My Roof Slate Be Reused?
Slate is the most high-end roofing material available, with Welsh slate in particular renowned for its quality, natural beauty and longevity. That’s why those lucky enough to have slate roofs will no doubt be wondering whether the slate itself can be reused.
In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of reusing slate.
How long does slate last?
Slate comes from quarries where it has existed for millions of years, so it’s fair to say it won’t be going anywhere soon. As the most hard-wearing roofing material, slate can last upwards of 100 years on your roof with the right maintenance.
That said, there are a variety of other issues that may develop on your roof in that time. The nails holding your slate tiles in place can wear away as the slate outlives them. Alternatively, there could be a structural problem with your roof where the battens or rafters need replacing.
Can I keep my slate?
If you’re getting your roof replaced because of a problem with the structure or other materials wearing away, there’s no reason you can’t keep your slate. This obviously depends on the condition of the slate itself. Some tiles may have cracked which will need replacing.
Whether or not you should keep your slate depends on how much of it can be reused. If the majority of your slate tiles need replacing, it might be better to simply replace them all. It’s very difficult to find slate that’s an exact match, meaning the finished result could look a bit odd if you’re keeping half.
The benefits of reusing slate
The main benefit of reusing your slate is cost. As a premium roofing material, slate can be very expensive. Reusing it can vastly reduce the cost of your roof renewal as it will slash the price of materials on the quote.
Another benefit is that you can retain your home’s character. Rather than opting for concrete or clay tiles because of budget restraints, you can keep the same classic look that comes with slate. This will stop your home looking like the odd one out, given that most nearby properties have similar roofs.
Because of the high value of slate, it’s also worth considering where it’s going if you’re changing the style of your roof. If you’re opting for clay tiles on a reroof or just a different type of slate, your existing slate might still be in a usable condition. This is worth discussing with any roofer providing a quote, as they could reuse or sell the slate and knock some of the cost off your quote as a result.
Slate re-roofs in Wakefield
If you’re looking to get your roof replaced in Wakefield using the original materials, the team at DPR Roofing is on hand to talk you through your options.
With over 35 years’ experience in roofing and TrustMark accreditation, you can depend on us for a reliable assessment of your slate and honest advice on the best way forward. Whether the slate is reusable or needs replacing, our friendly team will provide a no-obligation quote leaving you to make an informed decision about your roof.
Can Roofers Work in Winter?
Winter is the most challenging time of the year for your roof, with colder temperatures and more rainfall than any other season. However, those conditions also make it tricky when it comes to repairing or inspecting your roof. Bit of a vicious circle, right?
In this post, we’ll look at whether roofers can work in winter – and any limitations.
Yes we can
The good news is that, by and large, roofers can work in winter. Despite the generally bad conditions, it’s possible to complete most jobs in the winter, especially as the UK’s weather isn’t particularly extreme.
Most important of all, roofers do work in the winter. After all, not many of us have the privilege of taking three months off work! That said, there are a few things to consider with winter roofing…
Weather permitting
There are some instances where it will simply be too wet or windy to complete a job. Not only would this risk the safety of the roofers working on your home, it could lead to a substandard job or unnecessary damage to your roof.
Don’t worry. Any good roofer will bear this in mind, letting you know as early as possible if they’re unable to complete work on your roof.
Shorter days
Another consideration is the lack of daylight in winter, with the sun setting at around 4pm at the peak of winter. Needless to say, roofers need light to get the job done. While artificial lighting is an option, it’s not really best practice.
Put simply, with such short days in winter, you can expect roofers to have a bit less time to fit you in.
Extra demand
On top of that, roofers will typically get a lot more calls in winter as the temperatures drop and the rain starts falling. After spending most of the year thinking their roof is fine, people will realise that their roof isn’t in the best condition and call on their local roofer to help.
That’s fair enough. But it does add to the issue of roofers being booked up throughout winter.
Get in early – choose spring summer or autumn and not winter
Given that roofers are extra-busy, with less hours of daylight and have to work around the weather, our best advice is to get in early. Wherever possible, book a thorough roof inspection rather than waiting for leaks to occur.
Or, if you’ve noticed that your roof is leaking, make sure to get on the phone straight away. We can guarantee that a small repair now will be quicker, easier and cheaper than whatever happens if you ignore the problem. Water will just continue to get in, spread and cause further damage.
Here to help Wakefield’s residents & businesses
If you’re searching for a local roofer this winter, DPR Roofing in Wakefield is a team of roofing specialists you can depend on. We provide a wide range of roofing services, from small repairs to full replacements, so you can get things sorted quickly when the weather gets bad.
Get in touch with our team today on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection and quote.
Is My Roof Letting the Cold in?
When the temperatures drop from October onwards, it becomes inevitable that you switch on the heating to keep your home comfortable. Some homes will warm up nicely and stay warm. Others simply won’t.
This isn’t something you should put up with – and, yes, your roof could be to blame.
Heat out, cold in
There are several components that affect how heat is kept inside a building. Broadly speaking, they are the walls (including doors and windows), the floor and the roof. Because they are less substantial than the others, doors and windows are often the first port of call for escaping heat.
You can usually tell when your doors and windows are letting heat escape because it will be noticeably draughty and colder around them. Older wooden doors and single-glazed windows are particularly susceptible.
If this isn’t the case, and your home is still proving difficult to heat, the roof could be the culprit. We all know that heat rises. If that heat is being kept inside a building quite well, then it will indeed rise up to the roof. If there’s no insulation stopping it from passing through, the heat will easily get out of your home, which is what’s often seen as letting the cold in.
How to fix it
If your roof is letting warm air out and cold air in, it’s well worth investing in something to stop it happening. The solution is loft and/or roof insulation.
Loft insulation
Loft insulation generally refers to insulative material like mineral wool, which is laid over and between the joists in your loft. It stops heat rising into the loft space before it has a chance to escape through the roof. For that reason, it’s also known as cold roof insulation,.
This kind of loft insulation may not be practical for some homes, where the loft is being used for storage or as a living space. That’s because the recommended 270mm of insulation may not allow boards to be laid on top – and laying boards which squash the mineral wool will impair its insulative qualities.
Roof insulation
If the above applies to your home, roof insulation can be used as an alternative – or simply to bolster the insulation for your roof space. Roof insulation is applied to the underside of your roof, and comes in various forms such as mineral wool held in place with wooden battens, polystyrene panels or expanded polystyrene boards.
When installing roof insulation, it’s important that some form of ventilation is kept in place below the roof tiles to avoid moisture build up.
Check your roof first
If you’re adding insulation to your roof, it’s essential that the roof itself is in good working order beforehand. A leaky roof will damage the insulation, leaving you back at square one. Your insulation might also mask issues with your roof, which would leave more time for the water to get in unnoticed.
DPR Roofing can provide a thorough roof inspection to make sure your roof is insulation ready, and advise you on the best course of action. To find out more, contact our Wakefield team on 01924 255 677.
4 Problems That Might Be Caused by Your Roof
Having issues with your house? Your roof might be to blame. While many homeowners see their roof as a simple, unremarkable part of their property, it actually contributes to several aspects of your home.
Read on as we look at four property problems that could be down to your roof.
1. Leaks
Okay, some leaks are obviously down to your roof. When water is dripping through the upstairs ceiling, you can almost certainly put it down to the home’s umbrella. However, your roof should do more than simply stop water getting in at the top.
There are other leaks that could be indirectly cause by your roof and guttering. Any water that’s getting into your property – upstairs or downstairs, walls or ceilings, or even in the cellar – is likely down to your roof.
Broken guttering can cause water to pour down the side of a building, break down the pointing and seep into walls, for instance.
2. Cold
Feeling the cold inside your house? Or is it just difficult to maintain the right temperature? This could also be down to your roof. All buildings have a thermal envelope comprising the floor, walls, windows, doors and roof. Because these components separate your home from the outdoors, they are responsible for keeping in heat.
While many homeowners will spend big money replacing their windows and doors or installing cavity wall insulation, most forget the importance of their roof. Any gaps or worn-down materials will inevitably let heat out and make it difficult to heat your home.
3. Low valuation
We all have a ballpark figure in mind for the value of our homes, based on what we bought them for and how much other homes have risen in value. But what if the estate agent’s valuation isn’t as high as the figure expected? It could be your roof – not least because the potential buyer will need to fix it.
A roof in a bad condition can also significantly affect kerb appeal, one of the biggest influencers on a house’s value. On top of that, it could cast a bad light on the rest of your property, causing estate agents to lower their valuation.
4. Difficulty selling
After valuation comes the sale. Sometimes, no matter how much interest you get, your property just won’t sell. If buyers are pulling out of the sale, your roof could be at fault.
As well as a basic lender’s valuation, most buyers will have the property surveyed before completing a purchase. If the survey shows that your roof is in a bad condition, many buyers will lose interest and pull out. Because they’re under no obligation to share the survey’s findings with you then you could go months without realising your roof is causing sales to fall through.
The solution – an inspection
Whether it’s a leak, cold house or problem selling, a professional roof inspection is the only guaranteed way to find out whether your roof is at fault. At DPR Roofing, we have decades of experience inspecting and repairing roofs in and around Wakefield.
If you’ve encountered any of the problems above, we’d be happy to help with a thorough inspection, advice and repairs where required.
Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist
While spring might be the season for cleaning and clear-outs, autumn is the time for home maintenance as the nights draw in. But with so many different elements to consider, it can be tricky deciding where to start.
In this post, we’ll run through three key areas for autumn home maintenance…
1. Check your gutters
If you had to name one thing associated with autumn, it would probably be leaves changing colour and falling from the trees. The problem for your home is where they go afterwards – and it’s not just an issue for your driveway or garden.
Leaves can easily be blown onto your roof, or even fall directly onto it if they’re overhanging your home. Like most things on your roof, they’ll find their way into your gutters, which can become a bit of a soggy mess when combined with rainfall.
Towards the end of autumn, it’s a good idea to have your gutters cleared and cleaned. While this might seem like a nice bit of DIY on a free weekend, it’s never a good idea to work at height without the right training. A professional company can clear your gutters properly without risking anyone’s safety.
2. Finish off your garden
It’s not just the trees that stop growing in autumn. So too do your hedges and your grass. That means you can mow or trim them without worrying about too much regrowth until the following spring.
The final mow of the year for your grass is recommended towards the end of autumn, ideally in November. Elsewhere, hedges grow the most between May and August, so they can be trimmed back any time in autumn to keep them looking neat.
Autumn is also a good time to cut back perennial plants – that’s anything which regrows in spring and dies off by September. Trimming these plants after they’ve flowered (and removing weeds in the process) will have them looking great next spring.
3. Prepare your roof
With the unpredictable British climate serving up wet weather in every season, it’s fair to say roofing is important all year round. However, winter is without a doubt the worst time for rainfall – and the busiest time for roofers.
If you wait for winter to come, you’ll find out about roofing issues the hard way when you notice a leak, and most roofers will already be booked up for several weeks.
That’s why autumn is the best time to book in a roof inspection and get any repairs out of the way. In doing so, you’ll be able to avoid the winter rush, book in timely repairs, and make sure your roof is ready for the wet, windy and cold winter weather.
Roofing and guttering taken care of
Want to make the most of autumn by getting your Wakefield home ready for winter? DPR Roofing provides professional roofing and guttering services for local properties. Whether it’s gutter clearance, roof repairs or a new roof altogether, we’ll provide a professional, affordable service that keeps you and your home protected from the rain.
Contact us on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected] to find out more about our services or arrange an inspection.
Will a Missing Roof Tile Cause a Leak?
Keeping your roof in working order is essential if you want to protect your home from the elements. While a professional inspection is a good idea at least once a year, there are some things you can spot yourself.
One of those is certainly a missing roof tile. You’ll be able to spot missing roof tiles from ground level, with some tiles even falling off the roof to alert you to the problem. Sound familiar? You’ll no doubt be wondering whether a leak is the next step. Read on as we take a closer look.
What causes missing or slipped tiles?
There are a few different causes of missing tiles or slates on your roof. The first is obviously weather. When wind and rain gets high and heavy, it can pull tiles out of their place, especially if they weren’t fixed in securely.
Secondly there’s the possibility of nails wearing away. The nails that hold your tiles or slates in place can eventually rust and wear away, leaving them too weak to hold the tiles. In some cases, tiles can even slip out of place because the wood has weakened. Water damage to roof battens, for instance, means there’s less integrity holding onto the tiles.
Will it cause a leak?
The short answer is yes. A missing roof tile can definitely cause a leak in your roof. Even if it doesn’t leave a visible gap in your roof’s covering, that missing tile creates a break in the roof which the weather can penetrate.
It’s also worth considering the knock-on effect. Allowing wind and rain to penetrate your roof makes other tiles more susceptible to damage. You could soon see more tiles slipping out place, which will only increase the cost of repair.
Alternatively, you might see more tiles slipping out of place simply because of the root cause. If it’s down to corroded nails or wood damage, there’s nothing stopping other tiles slipping for the same reason.
Fixing the problem
With all that in mind, it’s definitely worth having your roof inspected if you spot any missing tiles. Repairing your roof could be as simple as replacing the tile, or you could need a few replacing and fixing back in place.
However, you might also need a full re-roof to stop the problem reoccurring. On many old roofs, the tiles have been back-pointed to hold them in place and eventually this wears away, causing several tiles or slates to slip out of place over a few months or years. It’s usually much easier and could even save you money on repairs if you bite the bullet and get the full roof redone.
Missing tiles in Wakefield
Based locally in Wakefield, DPR Roofing can provide fast, efficient repairs for your missing tiles. Whether it’s one, several or a recurring problem, we’ll identify the root cause and make sure the problem is fully rectified.
Call us on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection for your roof with a no-obligation quote from our experts.
What’s the Cheapest Type of Roof?
A good, working roof is a vital component of any building. But not everyone has the same budget when it comes to getting a new roof installed. The good news is, there are several options for your roof replacement, and some are certainly cheaper than others.
In this post, we’ll discuss the cheapest types of roof and how the costs compare in the long run.
Cheapest type of roof
Broadly speaking, the cheapest type of roof is a flat one. With a small slope rather than a real pitch, flat roofs cover the same area with far less materials. They’re also much quicker to construct or relay, reducing the total time and labour costs for the job at hand.
Their fundamental design difference also means they can be covered using cheaper materials. Even the best flat roof coverings don’t generally amount to the cost of tiles or slates in terms of cost per square metre.
Cheapest roof materials
If you’re building an extension or replacing an existing flat roof, then the above information is probably what you’re looking for. But if your roof is already pitched and you’re looking to replace it, a flat roof is probably not the answer.
In this instance, the question is: which materials are cheapest for a pitched roof replacement? In most cases, the answer is concrete roof tiles. Concrete tiles are more affordable than their clay or slate counterparts, while still offering reasonable longevity and protection from the weather.
What about the long-term cost?
When it comes to roof types and materials, you’re not just paying for a sought-after look. The cost of a roof is generally relative to how long it will last. Pitched roofs have a far superior lifespan compared to their flat counterparts, while clay tiles and slate roofs last longer than those with concrete tiles.
In other words, these roof types are more expensive because they last longer. With more years out of your initial investment, it could actually work out more cost-effective in the long run to pay a little more for your roof.
That said, if you’re looking for the cheapest option, then flat roofs and concrete tiled pitched roofs are the answer. These cheaper roofs are still the best fit for anyone who needs a roof replacement but doesn’t have as much money up front. After all, it will allow you to sidestep the cost of repeatedly repairing a broken roof and fixing the damage from leaks.
Making your new roof affordable
At DPR Roofing, we understand that roofing problems can sometimes occur out of the blue. Not everyone has money set aside, even for the cheapest of roofs. That’s why we offer roof financing for domestic and commercial customers throughout Wakefield.
Whether you want to spread the cost of a longer-lasting roof or just make a cheaper roof more affordable, we’ll find a solution that’s tailored to your requirements. Contact us today on 01924 255 677 to find out more about new roof financing or arrange a quote.