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.
Why Are My Gutters Leaking?
When it comes to maintaining your property, looking after the gutters can often fall to the bottom of the list. However, they are an essential element of keeping a building dry, directing water away to prevent leaks. Having leaking gutters is not only an inconvenience, but it can even cause major structural problems if it isn’t addressed in time.
Read on as we discuss what’s behind the leak and how to get it fixed.
What is causing the leak?
As with many roofing problems, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the cause of a leaking gutter. That said, it’s usually down to one of a few natural or structural factors.
The most common source of gutter leaks is a blockage, which can be caused by an accumulation of twigs, moss, leaves or general debris. These build up over time and cause water to spill over the edges of your gutters as it can’t flow freely past the blockage and down the drain.
Alternatively, it could be down to structural causes like a crack or break in the gutter’s material. That simply allows water to leak out as it flows over the crack. Leaks can also be caused by poor alignment, where the gutters don’t run true, leaving gaps between two pieces where water can escape.
Problems caused by leaking gutters
If your guttering doesn’t direct water away from your house, you could risk damage to your walls or foundations. Water running down the walls can damage your pointing and lead to water ingress, damp and mould.
Even worse, it could pool at the base of your home and cause damage to the foundations. Given that this could cost thousands to repair, compared to mere hundreds to get your gutters fixed, it’s clear that gutter repairs are the most cost-effective option.
How to fix leaking gutters
If your gutters are leaking, don’t try and investigate the issue yourself. Instead, you can determine the cause by getting a professional roofer to safely examine them. They will check for any blockages that may be causing water to run into the house instead of properly through the gutter and clear any build-up that is present.
Even if a blockage isn’t the cause, it is still recommended that gutters are cleaned out at least twice a year, once in Spring or Summer and once in Autumn or Winter to get rid of any debris and minimise the chance of them becoming clogged up in future.
Structural issues
If a build-up or blockage isn’t behind the issue, your roofer can check to see if any structural damage has occurred which has led to the leak. Damage such as any separation between sections of the guttering, cracks or splitting in the material are often at the root of the problem.
However, if the guttering was not installed correctly, or the gutter was installed many years ago and has become weakened with age, poor alignment can also prevent water flowing in the right direction and cause leaks to occur. After a specific type of damage has been identified, your roofer can then determine which parts need to be fixed, replaced or realigned and correct the issues.
Gutter maintenance and repairs in Wakefield
If you’ve noticed a leak, or you want to make sure your gutters are maintained properly, speak to the team at DPR Roofing. We provide dedicated guttering services throughout Wakefield, including both repair and clearance, so you can eliminate any issues and prevent them from reoccurring.
Help – I Can’t Afford the New Roof I Need!
As the umbrella which protects your home from rain, sleet and snow, repairing or replacing a faulty one is a major priority. But what happens if you can’t afford such an expensive job? In this post, we’ll discuss the best steps to take when roof repairs or replacements are unaffordable.
Nipping the issue in the bud
If your roof springs a leak but you’re short on cash, it’s tempting to put off repairs until a later date when your finances are looking healthier. However, doing so is invariably a recipe for disaster, since what started out as a minor niggle can soon turn into a major issue. If left to its own devices, a leaky roof can cause far more expensive problems further down the line, with water damage and electrical accidents chief among the potential pitfalls on the horizon.
With that in mind, it’s important to nip the issue in the bud and address a leaking roof sooner rather than later. The first step in doing so is understanding the size of the problem facing you. Whether it’s damage to the slates or tiles, buckling beams, algal growth or a dilapidated chimney stack, the costs involved might vary significantly based upon the exact nature of the leakage. Contacting a new roofing specialist to obtain a quote will give you a good idea of how much money you need to raise and stand you in good stead when it comes to sourcing the necessary funds.
Nowhere to turn?
Regardless of the property size, location or exact issues, a roof replacement is likely to cost a pretty penny. If you have a mortgage to contend with (and umpteen other expenses on top of that), you may well find yourself in the sticky situation of not being able to afford the repairs. Things get even worse if your insurance doesn’t cover the costs, you aren’t able to ask friends or family to loan you the funds and your credit rating isn’t good enough to secure a loan from a bank or building society.
What should you do in that scenario? Your first port of call should be to exhaust all avenues. That means investigating lines of credit from all official sources, looking into the possibility of government support and contacting personal acquaintances to see if they can lend a helping hand.
You should also go through your lease and your insurance agreements with a fine-tooth comb to see if anyone else is liable for some or all of the costs. If none of those possibilities bears any fruit, don’t despair, since DPR Roofing are here to help.
Fast and affordable roof financing
If you can’t (or don’t want to) access financial help from the means mentioned above, there is a solution at hand. DPR Roofing in Wakefield are now able to offer our customers fast and affordable financing plans to ensure that your roof is fixed in a timely and professional manner. We consider all circumstances on a case-by-case basis and deliver a decision within 24 hours of your application, while our 24/7 call-out team can conduct emergency repairs where necessary.
With funding of up to £10,000 available, we can help you afford the roof you need at the time you need it. Avoid the inconvenience of a single lump-sum payment with our monthly repayment scheme, while the low deposits we accept means that you can get the ball rolling on your roof replacement without having to wait.
3 Ways Mother Nature Can Impact Your Roof
As any property owner will know, your roof is in place to protect your building from the elements. While its main purpose is to keep rain and wind out, it also stops wildlife and debris getting into your home or commercial property.
All that said, roofs that aren’t in a good condition can be susceptible to damage. Even worse, this damage can come from the very things they’re meant to keep out. Read on as we discuss three ways mother nature can impact your roof.
1. Weather
Weather is of course the most common culprit for damaging your roof. If rain penetrates your roof’s covering, it can cause damage to the timbers – not to mention the rest of the building. Similarly, wind can be problematic if it gets under any loose tiles or flashing, causing them to pull further away from the roof – or even blow off.
What’s important to note here is that, by and large, weather is not a threat to a well installed roof. Roofs that are properly secured and watertight will have no issues holding up against the wind and keeping out the rain.
2. Wildlife
Another potential issue for your roof is the nesting of various forms of wildlife. Birds, rats, bats and squirrels have all been known to enter roof spaces or chimneys, where they can create nests and potentially breed.
It’s safe to say nobody wants a rat or squirrel infestation in their home, and fortunately these two culprits can be dealt with by pest control. On the other hand, bats and birds both have legal protection, meaning it’s against the law to remove, damage or disturb their nests.
The good news is that the protected wildlife – birds and bats – don’t tend to cause damage to your home. While rats and squired can gnaw at wood and wires, birds and bats will simply exploit existing damage to enter your roof or create a nest.
In all cases, however, the best course of action is to make sure your roof is in a good condition before any wildlife can enter. If you’re concerned about wildlife using your roof or roof space, an annual inspection will identify any problem areas and keep your building protected.
3. Trees
The main threat posed by trees to your roof is simply that their leaves fall off year upon year. Those leaves often make their way onto your roof and eventually into your gutters, which has the potential to cause further problems.
Gutters can become blocked by leaves or even crack under the pressure if leaves build up and become heavy when they hold rainwater. Thankfully, there is a simple remedy. Having your gutters professionally cleared and cleaned once a year will minimise the risk of any damage to your roof or guttering.
Aside from leaves, trees can also damage your roof when large branches fall off them – or even in the rare instance that the tree itself falls over. A good roofer will be able to spot the signs of this happening well before it occurs, allowing you to take steps to remove branches or have the tree felled.
Keep your roof protected
If you want to make sure your roof is protected from the various threats posed by mother nature, prevention is always better than the cure. With a well-maintained roof, you won’t need to worry about autumnal leaves, birds nesting or the ever-changing British weather.
DPR Roofing offers expert roof inspections, repairs and replacements throughout Wakefield, so you can always rest assured your roof is taken care of. To arrange an inspection, simply call us on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected].
Spring Cleaning – 4 Checks for the Outside of Your Home
As the days start to brighten up, it’s only natural that you want your home to be in tip top condition. Cue the arrival of spring cleaning, where most of us clear up and clear out after a winter spent mostly indoors. But it doesn’t just mean dusting off table-tops and giving the carpets a deep clean.
There are several parts of your home’s exterior which contribute just as much – if not more – to how clean and well-kept it looks. Even more importantly, these exterior features can also impact how your home functions in the long run. Read on as we list four spring cleaning checks for the outside of your home.
1. Pointing
Pointing refers to the mortar used between bricks on the outside of your home. While good pointing might go unnoticed, it can be a real eyesore when it wears down. If pointing isn’t flush to the brickwork, or it’s crumbling or coming away, your house may need repointing.
Aside from the visual implications, keeping your pointing in a good condition can stop water getting into your home through the walls.
2. Roof
As the umbrella to your home, your roof can make or break the overall impression people get. Even the most beautiful home won’t look the part with a shabby, old roof. Check for cracks, missing tiles, discolouration and moss.
As well as contributing to your home’s appearance, a clean and well-functioning roof will make sure there are no leaks, which can be both unsightly and damaging on the inside of your home. If you spot any problems, they may well be impacting your roof’s function as well as its form, so be sure to contact a local roofer to get them seen to.
3. Paving
Okay, this one is purely aesthetic. The flags, brick or block paving on your home’s drive or patio can easily become discoloured over time. Because it happens gradually, you might not even notice. But everyone else will.
Cleaning them with a pressure washer can instantly give them a new lease of life, providing a fresh look at the front or back of your home.
4. Gutters
Gutters are another part of your home’s exterior which can become dirty and messy over time. Leaves and other debris will find their way onto your roof and into your gutters. Once the rain falls, this debris becomes wet and heavy, sitting in your gutters until something’s done about it.
In the worst-case scenarios, gutters become visibly messy, not to mention the leaks and blockages which can be caused by build-ups. The solution is simply to stay on top of it with professional gutter clearance every year. Following the fall of the leaves in autumn and the wet weather of winter, there’s no better time than spring to make sure your gutters are clean and clear.
Maintaining your property this spring
While cleaning and tidying are easy tasks for any spring cleaner, most jobs on the outside of your home are best left to the professionals. If you’d like any assistance with roof repairs or guttering in Wakefield, DPR Roofing are just a phone call away.
Give us a ring on 01924 255 677 to find out more about our services or arrange a quote.
What to Do When You’re Waiting for a Roofer
There’s nothing worse than putting up with a leaky roof. While contacting a trusted roofer is always the best option, they can’t always fit in your roof repairs immediately. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the steps you can take in the meantime to minimise damage to your roof.
How long will I need to wait?
Good roofers are usually busy throughout the year. As a result, you might have to wait for them to fit in the repairs or replacement for your roof. But how long should you be waiting? It’s reasonable for roofers to have a waiting list from a few days up to 3-4 weeks.
Naturally, this depends on a number of factors. Roofers are busiest in winter when rainfall is heavier – causing more leaks and leaving less days to safely work at height. Waiting time can also be increased for bigger jobs, with replacements taking upwards of 2 days, compared to repairs which can be done in a matter of hours.
Whatever the case, it’s best to get written confirmation about when work will take place. Otherwise, some less reputable roofers could string you along and take on other jobs. Above all else, remember that it’s better to wait for a good roofer than simply go with whoever is available.
1. Minimising water damage
If your roof is scheduled in for repairs or a replacement, it means you could have a few days or weeks where water is still getting in. It’s important that you take a few steps to stop that water causing more damage to your property.
Invest in some buckets to place underneath any leaks and put down plenty of old towels around the affected areas. Be sure to check on the buckets and towels at least once a day to empty out rainwater and replace or wring out towels that are damp.
2. Speak to your roofer
While roofers can’t always fit in the full job immediately, they might be able to pop by and patch things up for the time being. That’s especially true for local roofers, who won’t need to go too far out of their way to stop by at your property.
Alternatively, they could offer some advice on how you can minimise damage. Either way, there’s no harm in mentioning this when you’re getting a quote.
3. Don’t try to repair it yourself
We’ve covered the “do”s when waiting for roof repairs. Now for the big “don’t”. Don’t try to repair your roof yourself.
Tampering with your roof tiles, timbers or other features will likely cause more damage than its worth. On top of that, any attempt to get on your roof for a closer look will put your safety at risk – as well as risking more damage to your property.
Taking a proactive approach
Hindsight is a wonderful thing when your roof is leaking. While you can’t undo the damage to your roof, you can avoid the tricky situation repeating itself in future. The best solution is to take a proactive approach to roofing with regular inspections from a trusted roofing company.
Having your roof inspected annually will identify any issues before they develop into serious leaks – or at the very least ensure you’re booked in with your roofer nice and early. That means no more days and weeks emptying buckets and wringing out towels.
At DPR Roofing, we provide dependable roof inspections, repairs and replacements throughout Wakefield. To book in your inspection or arrange a quote, simply call us on 01924 255 677.
Will I Have to Wait to Get My Roof Fixed?
There’s not many bad home feelings that beat a leaking roof. That feeling of anxiety every time the rain starts to fall, knowing that some of it will make its way into your property. That’s why you’ll want your roof to be fixed promptly.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In this post, we’ll discuss how long you could have to wait to get your roof fixed.
Responding to a leaky roof
As well as the anxiety it causes, it’s important to get a leaking roof fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Once water penetrates your roof, it can get to the supporting timber, causing decay and rot. It can also leak through your ceiling, damaging the plaster and decoration. At its worst, it can even get into your property’s electrics which poses a serious threat to your safety.
First and foremost, this means you should always get a roofer in as soon as you can to inspect the damage and provide a quote for repairs. The more quotes you can get the better, as some roofers will only patch things up rather than repairing the root cause.
The waiting list
Good roofers are in high demand. That means they might not be able to repair your roof straight away. So, how long will you have to wait? In short, it depends on the size of the job. Bigger jobs require roofing companies to set aside more of their time, which increases the chance it will clash with a job they’ve already taken on.
Small repairs
For small repairs, like replacing a few roof tiles, you can expect to wait a few days. This is where a local roofer can be a huge advantage, as they might simply be able to pop over after completing another job nearby.
Big repairs or renewals
On the other hand, bigger repairs and renewals can have a waiting time of up to six weeks. As well as finding the time to fit the job in, roofers will need to arrange scaffolding, book skips and get the materials for the job.
Be proactive with your roof
A longer waiting time will be more likely in winter, when roofers are even busier than usual. Unfortunately, this is the worst time to be waiting for roof repairs, with the heaviest and most frequent rainfall from November to February.
The good news is that you don’t have to be constantly waiting around for repairs. By booking in an annual inspection, ideally before winter, you can make sure your roof is in a good condition in time for the bad weather.
Arrange your inspection or repairs
Whether you want to be proactive with an inspection or reactive with repairs, the team at DPR Roofing is here to help throughout Wakefield. Our local team can be with you in next to no time to identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.
We’ll then do our utmost to fit your repairs in as soon as possible, at a time that suits you. To find out more, call us on 01924 255677 or email [email protected].