Can Hailstone Damage My Roof?
The Great Storm of 1987. The Beast from the East in 2018. Storm Ciara in 2020. Whatever the year and whatever the name, there’s always some sort of bad weather striking the UK over winter. In most cases, that includes spells of hailstone pounding down.
While you can take shelter from the tiny chunks of ice, your roof can’t. In fact, it’s your roof that provides that much-needed shelter for you. That leaves many people wondering whether their roof will cope with the constant battering.
In this post we’ll take a closer look at the dangers of hailstone for your roof. But first…
What causes hailstone?
While snow simply requires the atmosphere to be cold enough, the formation of hailstone is a bit more complex. Hailstones are created when water droplets are carried into freezing atmospheric conditions by an upward current of air – or updraught.
These hailstones can then grow as more water freeze onto them, eventually becoming too heavy for the updraughts to carry. That’s when they fall from the sky and, amongst other things, onto your roof.
Can it damage your roof?
The simple answer is yes. Hailstones are sized around 5mm in diameter and can travel at speeds of up to 100mph. Constant battering from them can cause surface damage.
That said, roofing materials in the UK are pretty hard-wearing, and our hail isn’t as bad as it can get in places like the US where they regularly see golf ball sized hailstones, so a well-maintained roof should be able to cope.
Across the pond, they tend to use cheaper materials like asphalt tiles. Paired with hail stones larger than an inch in diameter, it’s fair to say their roofs are vulnerable when the hail starts falling.
Wind, rain and ice
The main concern with hailstone is the weather that comes with it. As mentioned, high winds are something of a pre-requisite, so whenever you see hail you can expect a side serving of strong winds. These gusts of wind can really test your roof and cause damage to any weak spots like loose tiles or guttering.
That’s accompanied by the freezing temperatures associated with hailstone and a lot of rain when the hail subsides. While these conditions can’t cause damage themselves, they can worsen existing issues. During a hailstorm, it’s not unusual for a cracked tile to turn into a big gap in your roof’s covering with a sizeable leak, for instance.
Protecting your roof from hailstone
The best course of action to protect your roof from hailstone is to make sure it’s in tip top condition before the bad weather begins. Hailstone and high winds will struggle to overcome a well-maintained roof, but they can certainly target weak spots.
Having an annual roof inspection in November-December is a good starting point to check your roof’s condition and highlight any issues.
Roof repairs after bad weather
If hailstone, wind or freezing temperatures have left your roof worse for wear, DPR Roofing can provide the much-needed roof repairs to get you back on track. Whether you’ve noticed some missing tiles, or you’ve just got a leak after the storm, we’ll identify the root cause and put things right.
Call our team of expert roofing contractors on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection.
UK vs US Roofing – Understanding the 3 Key Differences
Whether it’s baking a cake or changing a car tyre, it’s become second nature to ask Google for advice and more information nowadays. The problem? Results from the US dominate a lot of searches.
Sure, that’s not an issue when you’re searching for recipes. But when it comes to roofing, there are several differences between UK and US roofing. It’s best to be aware of these differences so you can make an informed decision about your roof, rather than being misled.
1. Materials
One of the most common things you’ll see online when reading about roofing is the use of ‘shingles’. So much so, in fact, it’s easy to assume this is just the US word for tiles. It’s not.
Shingles are an alternative to tiles which are made of felt with a bituminous ‘asphalt’ covering. They’re a lightweight material which makes it very cheap to cover a roof.
However, they’re also inferior to real clay or concrete tiles when it comes to protecting your home, which is why this system has never really taken off in the UK. Over here, felt roofing of this type is pretty much restricted to garden sheds.
2. Guttering
Another key difference between UK and US roofs is the choice of guttering and drainage. In the UK, it’s become common practice to use PVC for guttering. Why? It’s durable, flexible and relatively cheap. PVC is also available in different colours, so it can be matched to the roof or property.
In the US, they use a lot of metal in their gutters. Of course, this comes at a cost and isn’t as versatile in appearance as PVC. However, it’s not necessarily bad practice. There’s nothing wrong with metal gutters if you want something more heavy duty and potentially longer lasting than PVC, which is why it should probably be adopted by more people in the UK.
3. Longevity
With natural slate and stone roofing, the UK has some of the longest lasting roofs in the world. Our roofs last for upwards of 50 years as standard, with some lasting two to three centuries.
In contrast, many US roofs will last a couple of decades. That’s not because of shoddy workmanship or faults, it’s simply the accepted lifespan when using materials like shingles.
This is probably the most important distinction between UK and US roofs, as highlights a fundamental difference in the roofing industry. US roofs are installed and replaced quite frequently. Over the course of a lifetime, you could expect to have two, three or even more roofs.
In the UK, roofs are built to last. If you have a new roof installed by a reputable roofing company, it’s not unrealistic to expect it to last a lifetime with the right care and maintenance.
Roofs built to last
If you’re looking for advice that’s specific to your roof, DPR Roofing can help. We’re a team of trusted roofing contractors in Wakefield with over three decades of experience. When it comes to roofing repairs or replacements, we work for the long-term rather than patching things up with quick fixes.
Whether it’s guttering, flat roofing or a repair on your home’s roof, we’re on hand to help throughout Wakefield and the surrounding areas.
Looking After Your Roof in Autumn
For some, autumn is the most beautiful time of the year. For others, it’s simply the months leading up to Christmas. Whatever the case, it’s an important time for your roof. Autumn marks the end of summer, which means a change in the weather – not to mention all the leaves coming off the trees.
In this post, we’ll discuss the challenges autumnal weather poses for your roof, looking at 3 ways you can look after your roof in autumn.
1. Gutter clearance
Ask most people about autumn and it won’t belong before someone mentions the falling leaves. In contrast to spring, which is the season of new life, autumn is a time when trees start hibernating and let their leaves fall to the floor.
Unfortunately, the floor isn’t the only place they fall. Any buildings with trees around them will likely end up with leaves on their roofs and in their gutters. Leaves can also be blown onto roofs from further afield, so there aren’t many roofs that are exempt.
While leaves might look nice in their various colours, they can be a serious issue for your gutters, especially when they get wet. If your gutters get clogged up with leaves, they will overflow and this could lead to water ingress. The leaves will also add unnecessary pressure to your gutters.
To keep your property protected, you’ll want your gutters to be clear in autumn. With gutters on the perimeter of your roof, this isn’t a job to be doing yourself. Instead, find a local gutter clearance service that will do the job safely and efficiently.
2. Check for leaks
It’s easy to assume your roof is in tip-top condition throughout spring and summer. Lower levels of rainfall mean that smaller issues might not rear their heads from April to August. But that doesn’t mean they’re not there.
When autumn comes around, rainfall typically increases. This makes it the ideal time to check for the first sign of any leaks. Take a look around your ceilings and the top of your walls for any damp spots or discolouration.
If possible, go into your loft and inspect the roof space from inside, looking again for drips or water ingress. You can also do a daylight test, by heading up to your roof during the day and keeping the lights off. If you spot any light coming through, it usually means there’s a break in your roof’s covering.
Have a look at your roof from outside your house at ground level too. If there are any missing tiles, or if anything looks out of place, you’ll want to get it sorted sooner rather than later.
3. Book an inspection
While a DIY check from the ground and inside can spot any obvious issues, the best way to protect your roof in autumn and beyond is by getting a professional inspection. An experienced roofer will be able to safely check every aspect of your roof and flag any problems – or potential problems that could develop in the future.
They can recommend the best course of action to put things right and get the repairs sorted once you’re happy with the quote. By doing this in autumn, you’ll avoid the winter rush and make sure your roof is prepared for the wintry conditions.
Autumn inspections and repairs
If you want to make sure your roof is at its best this autumn – and ready for winter – don’t hesitate to contact DPR Roofing. Our team of roofing experts in Wakefield have over 35 years’ experience in repairs, replacements and gutter clearance.
Give us a call on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection or discuss the problems you’re having with your roof this autumn.
Why is There Moss on My Roof?
Having moss on your roof can be a real eyesore. Not only that, it poses a range of problems for your property. But why is it there in the first place? And is there anything you can do to prevent it developing? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this post.
The problems with moss
Moss does far more than simply ruin the appearance of your home. It stops rainwater flowing off your roof and can even hold that water after the rain has stopped.
Depending on the species, moss can hold up to 20 times its dry weight in water, which keeps moisture on your roofing materials and can weaken them over time. Naturally, this also means a lot more pressure on your roof from the added load.
On top of all that, the moisture held by moss can cause cracks to emerge when the temperature drops. Water can get into cracks and expand when it freezes, creating even bigger problems for your roof and your property.
There are also additional problems for your gutters, whether it’s moss falling into them or growing directly within. Moss will create a blockage in your gutters which could lead to an overflow of water onto walls and foundations.
Why it’s there
In most cases, moss gets onto your roof when you live near a lot of trees. Unlike money, moss frequently grows on trees – their trunks, branches and the area surrounding them. It can easily spread to nearby homes and begin developing on your roof.
However, moss can also grow in areas where trees aren’t such a common sight. The flowerless plants can be directed up to a mile away from tree laden areas. That’s why it’s such a common problem in the UK, as most homes are situated within a mile of trees.
How to deal with it
Given that moss literally grows on trees, it’s not something you can prevent by making a small change to your property or your lifestyle. However, you can stop it in its tracks when you see it developing.
The best course of action to prevent moss from becoming problematic is simply to have it removed. No – we don’t mean DIY removal. Any work involving your roof is dangerous to both you and your property without the proper training.
Instead, you can have your roof inspected annually by professionals. That way, they can deal with any moss that’s grown over the course of the year and check for any other problems at the same time.
Can we help?
If you need to have moss removed from your roof in Wakefield, DPR Roofing can help. We provide a comprehensive range of professional roofing services for commercial and domestic properties in Wakefield and the surrounding areas.
Our team of expert roofers will perform a thorough inspection of your roof and get rid of any moss in an instant. Call us today for a no-obligation quote.
4 Key Considerations for Roofing Battens
Used as a base for fixing tiles and slates in place, battens play a pivotal role in the quality, strength and durability of your roof. They lay the initial foundations of your roof which means investing in high-quality materials and choosing the right company for the job is an important process. Want to know more about what to consider for your next roofing project? Read on for our top tips on what to look for.
1. Opt for industrial pressure treated battens
Installing roofing battens is a big job which means you'll want your materials to last. For a high-quality finish opt for industrial pressure treated battens that stand up against the elements, including water damage and rot. This is particularly important in the UK, where wet weather is expected for much of the year.
Roofing battens that haven't undergone industrial pressure treating can jeopardise the quality of your roof. This could not only affect the safety and stability of your home but also the resale value.
Following updates to the BS 5534 code of practice for slating and tiling, it's no longer possible to grade wooden battens on the worksite. This means that in most cases your home will always be fitted with factory graded battens that meet BS 5534 standards.
2. Choose a trustworthy company
Battens are the bread and butter of your roof which means it's important to enlist the help of a company you trust during the installation process. Start by checking out the testimonials and browsing case studies on the company website.
You should also look for accreditations from organisations such as Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC), Federation of Master Builders (FMB), TrustMark and Safecontractor . Of course, calling the company and taking the time to chat to an expert and gauge their level of knowledge and customer service is also important.
3. Be ready to invest
When it comes to roofing battens you get what you pay for. In some cases, cutting corners or opting for cheaper materials can be a great way to save during the construction process. However, when laying the foundations for a solid roof, you want a product that doesn't scrimp on quality.
Dishonest companies can often win jobs by using cheap materials and offering rock-bottom quotes. While this means clients end up with a smaller invoice, the final product is roofing battens that simply aren't up to scratch. QUALITY IS REMEMBERED LONG AFTER THE PRICE IS FORGOTTEN.
4. Enlist the help of professionals
Installing roofing battens can be a complex and time-consuming job, which means it's best to leave the hard work to the professionals. Not only will you save yourself time and stress, but you can also rest assured that your roofing battens will be installed to the highest of standards.
This means no leaks, no slipping tiles and watertight safety. From an aesthetic perspective your roof will also have a neat, streamlined look. Repairs can also be difficult, so it's also worth enlisting the help of an expert for smaller jobs.
Can we help?
If you’re looking for advice and assistance with roofing battens, the team at DPR Roofing in Wakefield are only too happy to help. We have over 35 years’ experience repairing and installing domestic roofs, so you can rest assured you’re in the best hands.
How to Deal with Leaks from a Neighbour’s Roof
A leaking roof is nobody’s idea of fun. On the upside, it’s something you can get fixed without too much hassle. But what if the leak is actually coming from your neighbour’s roof?
In this post, we’ll look at some of the ways your neighbour’s roof could cause a leak in your property and what steps you should take to get it sorted.
Why is my neighbour’s roof leaking into my property?
Every property has its own roof directly above. However, there are some problems that can lead to leaks coming across from your neighbour’s roof if you live in a semi-detached or terraced house. That’s because the roofs need to be adjoined with materials overlapped to provide a continuous, uninterrupted covering.
Missing or broken tiles near the boundary of the two roofs could cause water to leak into both properties. Additionally, your neighbour’s guttering might be leaking, which could cause water to leak onto your property, break down the pointing and allow moisture to seep in through the walls.
Another issue with adjoining properties comes from the chimney. Semi-detached and terraced houses will usually have a shared chimney stack crossing the boundary between the two properties. Water can get into the chimney stack either through poorly maintained pointing or uncapped pots, which can then seep into the houses either side.
What should you do?
As with most issues, the first step is flagging the problem. Get an experienced roofer in to inspect the damage and confirm that it’s not a problem with your roof. Take pictures or invite your neighbour in to show them the damage and explain the situation using a quote or report from the roofer.
Your neighbour might simply pay for the repairs and apologise for the inconvenience. If not, that’s where it gets more complicated.
In some cases, it’s possible to fix the problem from within your house. Experienced roofers might be able to find a way to stop the water getting into your house without actually fixing your neighbour’s roof. Of course, that does mean you’ll have to pay for the work, which isn’t ideal.
It’s always advisable to save court action as a last resort. This can be costly and will inevitably lead to greater tensions between you and your neighbour. However, it’s best to take pictures of the damage at each stage and keep all quotes or reports from roofers just in case.
Expert roofers on hand in Wakefield
Whether you need repairs on your roof or just a thorough inspection to identify the root cause, DPR Roofing is on hand to help with domestic roofing services across Wakefield.
With more than 35 years’ experience in roofing, our expert team can provide the advice and critical repairs you need to avoid unnecessary damage to your property. Give us a call on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection today.
Selling Your Home in 2019? Here are 5 Things to Spruce Up
Are you thinking of upping sticks and moving in 2019? Whether you’re moving around the corner or across the world, getting the most money for your property is the best way to set yourself up for the move.
Baking bread, banning the pets and kids, putting away muddy shoes – there are a number of small things you can do to increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers. But what about the bigger things? What should you put at the top of your to-do list for increasing your home value? Keep reading for the top 5 things to spruce up when selling your home in 2019…
1. Windows
One of the first things potential buyers will see when looking at your home is your windows. Bright, open and gleaming? Or are they more cloudy, dull and worn? If they are the latter, you may want to spruce them up a little before inviting visitors to look around your home.
We’re not talking about getting the window cleaner and sponge out. Window replacements are a great way to improve the look of your home, whilst adding value due to their energy efficiency and security.
2. Garden
If your property has a garden, that’s a huge bonus when it comes to selling. Add a well-kept, attractive and spacious garden into the mix, and you could make a few extra thousand on the sale of your home.
If your garden is currently overgrown and messy, think about cutting the weeds back and mowing the lawn before putting your property up for sale as this could put a number of potential buyers off before they even get through the door.
3. Re-decorate
One of the easiest, but most effective ways of sprucing up your home for a sale is to add a lick of paint to the walls. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune and can be done in one weekend – if you rope in a few friends and family members! But the difference it can make is astonishing.
Adding a fresher, more open feel to your home and making it look as good as new will wow potential buyers and give them a clearer idea of what their home would look like.
4. Exterior walls
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, or you purchased an older property, the external walls may look a little tired and worn. Can you spot cracks in the mortar? Or perhaps gaps in the bricks? Whatever the issue, repointing your house’s walls can make a huge difference when it comes to the sale of your property. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you can transform the look of your home instantly with repointing.
5. Roof
The roof is the umbrella of your property. Keeping the elements out and the warmth inside, a well-kept roof equals a well-kept property in buyers’ minds. Take care of any roof issues or replace your roof entirely before putting your home on the market to add value and increase appeal.
At DPR Roofing in Wakefield, we have over 35 years’ experience replacing and repairing the roofs of residential and commercial properties in the local area. We can increase your property’s value, gain extra interest and improve your chances of securing a sale.
Help! My Neighbour is Stalling Over Shared Roof Repairs
Whether it’s water ingress and leaks or a sagging roof, it’s important to get roof problems seen to as soon as possible. Unfortunately, things get a little complicated when your neighbours share the same roof.
Your neighbours need to agree to the repairs – and the costs – before work can begin. And things can get messy. So, what can you do when neighbours stall over shared roof repairs?
Shared roof – shared responsibility
There are a few scenarios in which a shared roof repair is necessary. The first is for flats. Multiple flats in one property means several property owners or leaseholders sharing the same roof. When something goes wrong, it’s usually up to them to split the bill. This will be outlined more specifically in the lease.
Shared roof repairs may also be necessary for houses. Terraced or semi-detached properties may require roof repairs where two properties meet. There could also be structural problems stretching across several properties which need to be rectified.
Urgent roof repairs
Whatever the case, shared roof repairs aren’t something to stall over. If left alone, a broken roof will eventually cause more serious problems as water gets into your property. It could even interfere with your home’s electrics – not to mention that of your neighbour’s property.
With that in mind, it’s best to be direct when it comes to shared roof repairs. Speak to your neighbour as soon as possible, then get a detailed quote from a reputable roofing company. With this, you can clearly show your neighbour what costs they’re responsible for, and why.
If your neighbour is slowing things down, tell them you have no option other than to get the works done. And, most importantly, insist on a shared cost. There’s no reason for you to be out of pocket when paying for a shared roof.
Need some help?
If you need a quote for shared roof repairs in Wakefield, DPR Roofing are only a phone call away. Our team of expert roofers are trained and experienced in all areas of roofing, so we’re fully prepared to rectify any problem with a long-lasting solution. Get in touch today to arrange your free quote.
Roof Tiles: Concrete vs Clay?
If you’re considering a roofing project, there are a few different options when it comes to the roof tiles. Before you start planning sizes, schemes and patterns, there’s one essential choice to be made – namely, concrete or clay.
Roof tiles are an essential feature of any home. They keep the weather out, provide a strong and safe shelter, and – if installed by a professional – will look great too. With that in mind, they’re something you need to put plenty of thought into.
Concrete and clay are the two most common materials used for roof tiling. Both have their benefits and even some drawbacks, so it’s important to be fully informed before you make the choice. Read on as we look at how concrete and clay roof tiles differ, and which is best for you.
The benefits of both concrete and clay tiles
First of all, let’s look at why people choose concrete and clay roof tiles. Both are highly durable, long lasting and low maintenance. They’re also a great option to keep your home safe, as long as you’re using reputable suppliers and installers. Finally, both options provide superb curb appeal. Concrete and clay tiles look great – which is why so many people opt for them. So, how do they differ?
Cost
The first thing you will notice when comparing the two materials is that clay tiles cost that little bit more. You can usually expect to pay a premium of around 25% for clay tiles compared to concrete. Why? Quite simply, clay tiles last longer.
Durability
While clay roof tiles last as long as 100 years, concrete tiles usually need replacing after around 50. Essentially, it’s a choice of whether you want to invest more now, or you’re willing to pay again further down the line. That said, there are some other key areas that set the two materials apart:
Weight
Concrete tiles are weigh more than clay tiles – usually around 30 - 40% more, in fact. Because of this, they are not suitable for some roof structures, making clay tiles more versatile in this sense.
Water
Concrete tiles absorb around twice the amount, meaning it’s more susceptible to mildew growth – as well as increased weight and consequent pressure on a home’s structure.
Maintenance
Understandably, because of their heavier weight and higher susceptibility to mildew, concrete tiles require more maintenance than clay tiles. In fact, clay tiled roofs are essentially maintenance free in most cases.
Appearance
Both clay and concrete tiles look great when they’re first installed. However, another way clay beats concrete is its longevity. Clay tiles are baked at super-high temperatures to create a long-lasting finish. In contrast, the colour of concrete tiles can fade over time.
The choice is yours
As well as choosing the right material for your roof, it’s important to get the right contractors for the job. DPR Roofing has over 25 years’ experience in the roofing industry, providing a wide variety of roofing repairs and installations. If you’re looking for roofing specialists you can trust – get in touch with our team in Leeds, Huddersfield, Barnsley, Pontefract and Wakefield.
Should I Install a New Roof in Winter?
When’s the best time to install a new roof? Most would assume it’s summer, because it’s warm and dry, and they would be right. Summer and its typically dry weather make for perfect roofing conditions. But sometimes, a new roof just can’t wait. Read on as we explore whether winter roof installations are a sensible option.
Why does weather matter?
There are several reasons why weather matters when installing a new roof. Firstly, for basic practicality. Cold, windy or wet weather understandably makes it much more difficult to work, meaning installing a new roof could take much longer. Similarly, most roofing contractors will stop work on days where it is too wet or windy, for health and safety reasons.
On top of that, some roofing materials can be affected by the cold or wet weather, making them harder – or even impossible – to use. Tiles, for example, can freeze in low temperatures, meaning they could crack or break when you try to nail them down.
Popularity through the seasons
Because of these weather issues, summer is the ideal time for roofers to work on your property. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the most popular. Autumn tends to be the peak period for roof replacements, as the weather is still relatively calm and homeowners want to prepare for the approaching winter.
But sometimes, needs must…
All that said, sometimes a winter roof replacement is necessary. That’s why winter is still a busy period for roofing contractors. If your roof has undergone serious damage, it’s best to get a replacement as soon as possible. Leaving a badly damaged roof in the rain and cold will only lead to more damage, which could even cause damage to other parts of your home through leaks or falling parts.
The upside of UK winters
As much as we try to exaggerate, UK winters are nowhere near as bad as the likes of Canada and the US. Freezing temperatures aren’t as common, nor are severe winds and heavy rain. While winter makes roofing almost impossible across the pond, it’s more of an inconvenience in the UK. Good roofing contractors will be able to work around spells of bad weather if necessary to ensure your roofing work is completed safely and to a high standard
Get the job done right
Need a new roof installation this winter? DPR Roofing are the team you need to get it done properly. Based in Wakefield, we have over 28 years’ experience installing and repairing roofs through all the seasons. We’re also fully accredited for a range of roofing service quality standards and put safety first with regular site inspections and reports. Don’t leave your roof to get worse, give us a bell today to discuss how we can help you get it sorted.