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].
Do Roofers Need to Come Inside?
When you’re having work done on your property, it’s only natural you want to know what to expect. When it comes to roofing, one of the most frequently asked questions in that respect is whether or not roofers need to come inside your home.
Read on as we discuss why it matters and some of the different reasons roofers might need access to your home.
Concerns about roofers coming inside
It’s always nice to know when people will be coming inside your home. When that’s a friend or relative, it means you can have a quick tidy up to make sure everything is looking presentable. But when it’s a roofer, there’s usually a bit more a stake.
Above all else, you want to know whether they’ll need access to your home to complete their work. You wouldn’t want to have your roof repairs put on hold because roofers can’t get inside. If you know a roofer needs to come inside, you can make sure someone suitable is in to provide access.
Another issue for some customers is whether roofers will make a mess inside their home. The best advice here is to choose a roofing company that’s established and trusted in your local area. The best roofers will always treat their customers’ homes like their own and clear up any mess.
Finally, there’s the small matter of a global pandemic. While tradesmen are generally allowed inside your home, even during lockdowns, many people are still cautious of having them inside for their own safety and that of their friends and family.
So, do roofers need to come inside?
Whether or not a roofer needs to come inside depends on what exactly is wrong with your roof and what kind of work is required.
If water is leaking into your property, for example, it may help a roofer to access your roof space and see where it is coming in – in order to recommend the right, long-lasting repairs.
However, in the majority of cases, roofers can complete their work without entering your home. Once the inspection is complete and the problem has been identified, there’s generally no need to come inside your property.
Knowing what to expect
As mentioned above, there are a few scenarios where roofers might need to come inside your home. There are also times when access to your drive or the back of your property is required for materials or scaffolding, for instance.
Whatever the case, a good roofer will let you know what to expect when work is being completed on your roof. The team at DPR Roofing will always work around our customers’ schedules if we need you around or need access to any part of your property.
We’re also committed to providing our services with strict COVID-safe procedures. That includes not entering homes whenever the Government outlines that it’s unsafe, and maintaining a safe distance at all times.
If you would like to arrange an inspection for your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected].
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.
How to Sidestep Scaffolding Costs on Your Roof Repairs
Organising roof repairs can be time consuming and stressful at the best of times. Things get even more complicated if your property needs scaffolding in order for repairs to be completed. But is there a way around this complication?
Read on to see how you can sidestep scaffolding and the associated complexities on your roof repairs.
Why is scaffolding needed?
We’ve all seen scaffolding up as we pass buildings in the street. But why exactly is it there? In short, it’s for safety. Scaffolding provides a steady working platform to increase stability and hugely minimise the risk of accidents when working at height.
It’s highly recommended for jobs over a long period or those where conditions aren’t ideal. While roofers can access and work on most domestic roofs safely, for instance, they might not be able to do so with a ladder if the roof is several storeys high.
Similarly, if they need to work on part of your roof for several days at a time, it might be best to install scaffolding, so they don’t have to spend prolonged periods up a ladder or on a sloped roof. The HSE guidelines are to use scaffolding with edge protection wherever possible and practical.
The downside of scaffolding
Scaffolding clearly has its merits. However, there are also some downsides when it comes to roofing. For one, it adds significantly to the price of the job. Whether roofers install scaffolding themselves or outsource it to a scaffolding specialist, they will pass the cost directly onto you – which should be clearly outlined in your quote.
On top of that, there’s the time element. Domestic scaffolding will typically take a few hours to install. For larger, commercial projects, you could be looking at a couple of days. Whatever the case, it will add to the total time it takes to get your roof repaired completely and could cause further disruption to your day to day life. There is the added security risk that you now have a perfect ‘climbing frame’ for would be burglars.
Sidestepping scaffolding
Fortunately, scaffolding isn’t the only option or your roof repairs. Most roofs that are difficult to access can be reached by a powered access boom. This has the clear advantage of being much quicker than designing and installing scaffolding on your property, providing a stable platform for workers in a matter of minutes.
The only potential downside is that many roofers don’t have their own powered access boom. To hire one specifically for your repairs, you could be looking at a hefty price tag.
DPR’s powered access boom
At DPR Roofing in Wakefield, we have our very own powered access booms for use on particularly high or difficult to reach roofs. Our state-of-the-art booms provide stable access for two workers when work needs to be carried out quickly. Because we own the equipment, there’s no extra costs passed onto you for rental and we can make sure it’s available when required.
If you want to arrange repairs without the hassle, cost and delays of scaffolding, we’re on hand to help. Give us a call on 01924 255 677 to arrange an inspection and quote from one of our expert roofers.
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.