How Does Wind-Driven Rain Affect Roofs?
Wind and rain are the two most challenging types of weather for roofs, especially those that are already worse for wear. Put the two together, and you’ve got another issue – wind-driven rain. Read on as we explore what it is, who it affects and why it’s problematic for roofs.
What exactly is wind-driven rain?
As the name suggests, wind-driven rain occurs when rainfall is driven by the wind. But not all places suffer from this phenomenon. It takes quite a bit of wind to actually drive rain, so it’s perfectly normal for many places to experience wind and rain without the two working together.
The UK’s worst gales generally come from the Atlantic. As a result, the highest exposure to wind-driven rain comes along the west coast of the UK. That includes parts of Northern Ireland, the entire west coast of Scotland and Wales, plus the South-West and North-West of England – as shown on the NHBC exposure map.
Property problems from wind-driven rain
One of the main concerns with wind-driven rain is how it affects walls. Because it hits walls with more force, it can soak into brickwork, leading to water ingress and damp. That’s worse with cavity wall insulation, which holds moisture within the walls as well as becoming inefficient once it’s wet.
Another issue comes with windows, many of which aren’t prepared for the force of rain driven by wind. Much like you’d experience if you pressure washed your windows, wind-driven rain will force its way through the seals and joins in a window. The result is water on your windowsill or even in the gap between double glazing.
How it affects roofs
Walls and windows aren’t the only part of your home that suffers from wind-driven rain. Your roof can also bear the brunt. A roof that’s well installed and maintained shouldn’t have any issues. However, wind-driven rain can expose the tiniest problems that you didn’t know existed.
That could be a tiny break in the flashing or a loose tile that’s still in place. If rainwater simply fell on top of them, they would be fine. But because the rain is travelling horizontally, it can get into gaps that aren’t visible when looking at your roof.
Another issue is your chimney, which can be hit much the same as walls. If wind-driven rain soaks the brickwork, you could suffer from some water ingress. In this case, your chimney may need repointing or even waterproofing with a sealant.
Protect your roof from wind-driven rain
Huddersfield is one of the many parts of the UK that’s blighted by wind-driven rain. If you’re concerned about your roof’s welfare when the wind and rain kick in, DPR Roofing is on hand to help.
We can inspect your roof to identify the root cause of leaks or just check for any existing problems. You’ll get a no obligation quote for long-lasting repairs, with much more peace of mind when the heavens open. To find out more, contact us on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected].
5 Roof Shapes and How to Spot Them
Despite being absolutely crucial, very few of us give much pause for thought about the roof over our heads. Many assume that all roofs are designed and installed exactly the same, though the reality is far different.
Depending on the building in question and the environment in which the property is located, there are a wide variety of different roof types which can be employed. Here is a brief rundown of some of the common roof shapes in the UK, as well as the various merits and drawbacks of each and some pointers on how to identify them.
1) Hip roofs
One of the most popular types of roofs for domestic properties, hip roofs are defined by their four sides which slope gently away from the ridge. With no gables or vertical sides to the roof, each of its faces is pitched at the same angle as the others, creating a symmetrical impression from the centre point. Due to their inward sloping nature, hip roofs are among the sturdiest and longest-lasting roofs available. Crossed hip roofs employ the same design but on more unusual building layouts, such as T-shaped or L-shaped ground plans.
2) Gable roofs
Another hugely popular option, gable roofs feature two sloping sides which meet in the middle at the central ridge. They’re excellent at handling rain and snow, which makes the ideal for colder parts of the world. There are a number of variations on this design, including box gable roofs (which feature triangular extensions at the end of the ridges), cross gable roofs (which feature two or more gable roof ridges intersecting at an angle) and Dutch gable roofs (a hybrid of hip and gable varieties).
3) Dormer roofs
Dormer roofs utilise a traditionalise pitched design (including either of those mentioned above), but embellish it with the addition of a protruding window that projects out of the side of the roof. This choice of roof is most popular when the homeowner wishes to convert their loft, since it is an easy way to maximise both the space and natural light entering into the loft.
4) Flat roofs
As the name suggests, a flat roof is not visibly pitched like all of the others mentioned previously. While its surface is flat, it’s not exactly horizontal like it may appear as first glance. Instead, it has a slight angle to its pitch, which allows for rainwater to run off it and drain away safely. Flat roofs are commonly favoured for commercial and industrial buildings, but can also serve residential properties well. Although generally cheaper and easier to install, they can end up costing more in the long run due to the high maintenance costs associated with them.
5) Mansard roofs
Often associated with France, a mansard roof follows the hip roof design in that it has four different sides, but it embellishes it by including two different gradients on the slopes of all sides. The uppermost slope is generally gentler, while the lower slope drops away more sharply. This option lends itself well to dormer windows and is, as a result, popular for loft conversions, too. However, the low-hanging dimensions of its lower slopes make it unsuitable for areas which experience high volumes of snowfall.
Superior roofs, whatever the shape
Are you interested in upgrading the roof on your property? DPR Roofing have been serving both domestic and commercial customers in Huddersfield for over 35 years, installing roofs of all shapes and sizes in that time.
To find out more, call us on 01484 866 772 or send an enquiry to [email protected] and one of our friendly team will get back to you as soon as we can.
Why Commercial Roofs Need Inspecting After Christmas
Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year. But it’s also a difficult period for your commercial property. Read on as we explore why that’s the case and how to inspect your roof after Christmas.
Time away at Christmas
While Santa and snow might be the best things about Christmas for kids, most adults look forward to some much-needed time away from work. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are all bank holidays. However, many workplaces close for the week in-between too.
But as you tuck into your festive feast, spare a thought for your commercial property, which is being left unattended for several days. Not just any days either – winter days, where the weather can be wet, cold and windy.
In December, the UK averages 13 days of rain or snow, meaning it’s almost 50-50 as to whether the heavens will open. Pair that with the potential for high winds or freezing temperatures, and you can see why Christmas is a tough time to be a roof!
Winter roofing woes
There’s a reason roofers are so busy in winter. The bad weather mentioned above can cause a number of issues with your roof – from parts being blown off by gale-force winds to heavy rain exposing even the smallest gap or crack in your roof.
When your commercial site is at full capacity, it’s far more likely that those issues will be spotted quickly. Someone might see water leaking in while it’s raining or just spot something that’s slipped out of place.
You can get a roofer in, get the problem fixed and carry on with your job. When the building is shut or partially closed, there’s less chance of that happening. That’s why it’s best to get everything checked as you start the new year.
Inspecting your commercial roof
There are a couple of simple ways to check your roof’s condition yourself. If you can safely access the roof space, take a look around for any signs of water ingress. Otherwise, check around the ceiling and the top of walls.
If it’s a pitched roof, you can also look up from ground level outside the building to see whether everything looks as it should. However, as with any roof, it’s not advisable to access the roof itself unless you have proper training.
To get a proper idea of your roof’s condition, it’s best to contact a professional commercial roofing company. They’ll be able to inspect every aspect of your roof up close to identify any issues and nip them in the bud. You’ll get a quote for any recommended repairs, so you can make an informed decision on how you’d like to proceed.
Book an inspection in Huddersfield
Don’t wait for water to start pouring in before you get your roof checked. DPR Roofing provides timely, thorough roof inspections for commercial properties throughout Huddersfield, including shops, offices and factories.
With our experienced team on your side, you can fix things before they become a major problem, then crack on with the year ahead. To find out more or book an inspection, call us on 01484 966 772 or email [email protected].
Why Are My Gutters Leaking?
It’s easy to ignore a leaking gutter. It only happens when the rain is pouring outside and, in many cases, it won’t be somewhere you can see or hear it. But eventually, it does make you wonder – why is it leaking?
It’s important to identify the root cause of leaking gutters and get them fixed. Failure to do so will let water get on your walls and around the bottom of your building, which could lead to water ingress, damp and even damage to your foundations.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few reasons why your gutters could be leaking – and how to put it right.
Cracks
It will come as no surprise that cracks in the length of your guttering will allow water through. These cracks can be caused by impact from falling branches or ladders. Alternatively, they can occur over time when gutters have too much pressure on them. That could be from compacted wet leaves or insufficient support from brackets that are spaced too far apart.
Joints
Joints between two parts of guttering are another area where water can escape your gutters. That could be between two straight lengths, around a bend or even where the gutters join the downpipe.
Leaking joints can often be fixed by cleaning. Small bits of dirt and debris could create an opening in the joint, which would allow water through. Other than that, the seal might have broken down over time – in which case, your gutters will need to have specialist gutter sealant applied by a professional.
Overflowing
While it’s not a leak per se, overflowing gutters are another way for water to escape. It can be caused by leaves, which block gutters and downpipes, so water overflows rather than flowing through them.
Overflowing gutters can also be caused by gutters with the wrong slope. Gutters that are too steep will see water flow too fast into the downpipe and overflow there, while those that aren’t steep enough will simply fill up and overflow when rain runs into them.
Finally, the issue could be down to gutters that aren’t big enough for your property. Gutters come in a range of sizes, and it’s important to choose a size that’s suitable for your roof and the amount of rainwater that will be running off it.
Loose gutters
To do their job properly, gutters need to be fixed close to your roof where water runs off. If they become loose and pull away from the roof, that water will bypass your gutters. In most cases, this is because of too much pressure on the gutters, which – as above – can be caused by debris, like leaves, or inadequate support from the brackets.
Repairing your gutters
The way to put your gutters right depends on what exactly is wrong with them. Cracked guttering will need to be replaced, for example, while poorly sloped gutters can be realigned. It’s also important to tackle any underlying issues too. There’s no point repairing loose gutters if you’re going to let leaves build up next autumn, increasing the likelihood of the problem recurring.
By inspecting your gutters on site, a professional roofer can identify the root cause of your problems and recommend the best course of action. That includes the initial repair job as well as any gutter clearance services that are required going forward.
With over 35 years’ experience in roofing, the team at DPR in Huddersfield provides guttering services you can rely on – from a rigorous inspection to clearance, repair and renewals. Contact us today on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected] to get the ball rolling.
6 Common Problems with Gutters
Gutters perform a vital function for your roof and your property. Once rainwater falls off your roof, they guide it down the drains and well away from your walls and foundations. Unfortunately, there are a few problems which can arise that prevent them from doing so effectively.
Read on as we look at six common problems with gutters, the causes and how to rectify them.
1. Wrong slope
We’ll start with the most basic problems, which are invariably down to poor installation. The first is an incorrect slope. Guttering needs a small slope or fall to guide water towards downpipes rather than simply sitting in the gutters. Without it, water won’t leave the gutters fast enough and they will start to overflow when the rain is heavy.
2. Wrong size
Second is size. Gutters need to be installed in proportion to the size of your roof as well as its slope. This – along with the local rainfall levels – will affect how much rain will be running into gutters, and how large they need to be to cope with it. Again, insufficient gutters will lead to overflowing and breaks over time.
3. Blockages
Now, onto a naturally occurring issue. Rainwater isn’t the only thing that runs into your gutters. They can also collect any debris that falls off your roof, including leaves, twigs or even moss that’s been washed away. That’s especially true in autumn, when leaves fall off their trees en-masse.
When this sort of debris gets wet, it creates a clumpy mess in your gutters which stops water from flowing freely. The result is overflowing water and extra pressure on the gutters themselves, which can lead to other problems…
4. Sagging
Sagging is common for gutters that are holding too much weight. That’s usually down to blockages, but could also be caused by incorrect installation, with support brackets fitted too far apart. Once gutters sag, water will build up and make the problem worse. The result is constantly overflowing water or even a complete break.
5. Cracks
Cracks can develop in your guttering system because of unnecessary pressure on the gutters or just wear and tear, with materials weakening over time. Whatever the case, cracks will allow water to get through, falling onto your walls and causing further damage. Remember, well installed and maintained gutters should not be leaking.
6. Loose gutters
Finally, there’s the issue of loose guttering. This is basically when gutters and downpipes start to come away from your roof or walls. As with many other problems, this may be down to poor installation, extra pressure due to a blockage, or just general wear and tear. Whatever the case, it will need fixing to keep your gutters doing their job properly.
Gutter repairs and maintenance
At DPR Roofing, we provide a full range of professional guttering services to keep your gutters at their best. If your gutters are sagging, cracked, loose or simply inadequate, we can make the necessary repairs to put things right. Additionally, our gutter clearance services will prevent blockages and all of the problems that come with them.
Get the ball rolling today with a free, no obligation quote by calling 01484 866 772 or email [email protected].
Timing Your Roof Repairs: Autumn vs Winter
The kids are back in school. The summer sporting events are done and dusted. And we’re all trying to make the most of the final few sunny days. Yes, summer is over for another year. That means it’s time to make sure your roof is ready for the wet weather ahead.
So, when is the best time to get your roof repaired?
Sooner rather than later
When it comes to roofing, it’s always best to get repairs sorted sooner rather than later. If you’re concerned about your roof, or you already know there’s a problem, then it’s best to get on the phone with a reliable roofing company as soon as you can.
Roofing problems never go away on their own – and the sooner something is repaired, the quicker, easier and cheaper those repairs will be. If a small leak, missing tile or broken gutter is left untreated, it will undoubtedly get worse.
That applies throughout the year, but even more so as we head into autumn and winter when the weather is colder and wetter. As well as there being more rainfall to cause issues with your roof, bad weather means fewer days where roofing work can safely be carried out.
Autumn vs winter
On top of the general ‘ASAP’ rule of thumb, there are a few additional reasons why autumn is a better option than winter for your roofing repairs…
Worsening weather
First and foremost, the weather is typically wetter, colder and windier in winter compared to autumn. As above, that means a few more days ruled out for roofing work. But it also means more damage to your roof and the rest of your property if it’s not fully watertight.
Roofer availability
As the weather gets worse, more people become aware of issues with their roof. While those problems may have been hidden through the year, they’ll definitely become apparent when the rain gets heavy. The result is most roofers being booked up, reducing the chance of a quick repair job for your home or commercial property.
Further damage
With less availability comes longer waiting times. If water continues to penetrate your roof while you’re waiting for repairs, you could risk more serious problems with your building’s structure or electrics – not to mention more of the stress and unrest that leaks cause in general.
Costs
On top of everything above, you could end up paying more. For one, because it will cost more to repair the damage if it’s left to get worse. But also because of supply and demand and many increases of materials across the spectrum. With more demand for roof repairs and replacement, some roofers could increase their prices over the busy winter period.
Book your autumn roof repairs today
The verdict is in – autumn is invariably better than winter for roof repairs and replacements. If you’ve noticed an issue with your roof, or just want to book an inspection for complete peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact the team at DPR Roofing.
We’ve been providing expert roof repairs and replacements for domestic and commercial customers across Huddersfield for over 35 years – and we can do the same for you this autumn. Call us today on 01484 866 772.
Soffit, Fascia & Barge Boards – What’s the Difference?
If you don’t know about the different parts on your roof, it can feel like a shot in the dark trying to figure out what’s going on up there – not to mention deciphering what roofers are talking about after an inspection.
Soffits, fascias and barge boards are a case in point. You probably know that they’re situated around the edge of your roof. Yet, you might not be clear on what they do and how they differ. Read on as we clear things up…
Fascia boards: the basics
Fascia boards come down from the edge of your roof and sit horizontally around the perimeter. They protect the edge of your roof’s rafters, as well as providing a base onto which guttering can be fixed.
If your roof has a slight overhang, fascia boards will be attached with a gap between the boards and your walls. However, if your roof has flush eaves, they will be fixed directly onto the walls.
What about soffits?
As mentioned above, roofs that overhang exterior walls will have a gap between the wall and the fascia board. That’s where soffits come in. They are flat boards which cover the gap from the underside. Attached to the bottom of fascia boards, they provide added protection for the edge of your roof, as well as covering up unsightly gaps.
Together, fascia and soffit boards create a box shape against the wall, which requires ventilation to avoid a build-up of moisture. However, many have ventilation built in.
How barge boards differ
Unlike fascia and soffit boards, barge boards are used on the gable of a property. In short, that’s the triangular piece of wall that sits between the slanting sides of the roof - in contrast to the eaves, which are parts of the roof that slope down and overhang the wall.
Because this part of the roof doesn’t have gutters, barge boards are simply used to protect and support the gable edges of your roof – as well as making it look a bit nicer.
Looking after fascia, soffit and barge boards
While they might seem trivial, all three types of board contribute to the appearance and function of your roof. With that in mind, they need to be regularly inspected and properly maintained to avoid more serious issues developing.
Damage to your fascia, soffit or barge boards can leave the edge of your roof exposed to the elements. This can lead to moisture ingress and decay. It also provides an opening for birds, insects or other creatures to nest within your roof, which could cause further damage.
Speak to the experts
To keep your roof looking good and working well, fascia, soffit and barge boards should be regularly inspected, adequately ventilated, and fully sealed off. Suspect you might have issues with the boards on your roof? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at DPR Roofing in Huddersfield.
Commercial or domestic, we provide professional roofing and guttering services to customers throughout Huddersfield and the surrounding areas. By inspecting your roof up close, we can identify any problems with your fascia, soffit or barge boards. Then we’ll provide you with long-lasting repairs to suit your needs.
How to Stop Water Pooling on Your Flat Roof
Pooling water is a common issue for flat roofs. In short, it refers to any puddles of water you might see sat on your roof. As with many roofing problems, it’s best to nip it in the bud before it causes further issues. Read on as we explore how to stop water pooling on your flat roof.
What you need to know about pooling water
First of all, let’s be clear about what is classed as pooling water. While pitched roofs typically have a slope of between 25 and 45 degrees, flat roofs have a much lower slope of less than 10 degrees. Because of this, water will naturally take a bit longer to run off them.
If you simply notice water on your flat roof after it has rained, it might be completely harmless. However, when water forms a small puddle and stands on the roof for more than two days (or 48 hours), it’s probably a case of pooling or ‘ponding’.
How to eliminate pooling water
There are a few different ways to get rid of pooling water on your flat roof. These depend on what exactly is causing the water to pool…
Debris
Whether it’s sticks, stones or leaves, debris can make its way onto any roof. If it builds up on the surface of your flat roof, you might get a bit of water pooling around it – which can increase over time as the materials below wear away.
Alternatively, debris can build up in your gutters, making it harder for water to run off. Whatever the case, it’s important to make sure your roof and gutters are free from debris to avoid water pooling.
Low spots
Whether it’s down to poor installation or gradual wear and tear, low spots can develop on a flat roof over time. These are simply points where your roofing materials or underlying substrate have worn away.
In some cases, they can be eliminated by a professional roofer without the need for a complete replacement.
Roof cricket
Sometimes, ponding water can gather around areas where objects protrude the surface of your roof. That could be a skylight, chimney or flue, for example.
If that’s the case, a roof cricket can be used to divert water away from that area. Put simply, a roof cricket is a small, V-shaped peak or ridge that sits true to the protrusion.
Roof replacement
If water is pooling quite badly on your flat roof, or the problem continues to come back after small repairs, it might be time for a replacement.
Flat roofs generally have a lifespan of up to 20 years with the right maintenance. Re-pitching the roof, replacing the membrane, and then re-covering is the best way to stop water pooling for years to come.
Flat roofing repair and replacement
Based in Huddersfield, DPR Roofing has a wealth of experience in all types of flat roofing. Whether it’s a standard flat roof felt or a high-performance liquid roofing system, we’ll repair your problems or install a new flat roof to stop water pooling for good.
Get in touch with us on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected] for a no obligation quote.
What Are the Wettest Months in the UK?
While the UK tends to avoid the drastic weather seen in other parts of the world, we do get our fair share of rain. That’s especially true in Yorkshire, where we’ve seen a number of flooding incidents over the past few years.
With that in mind, it’s only natural you’ll want to know when the wettest months are. As well as being aware of potential flood risks, you can make sure you’re avoiding wet spells when you’re planning days out – not to mention scheduling in those roof repairs before the wettest months arrive!
In this post, we’ll rank the wettest months in the UK based on data from the local Bingley climate station.
6. August 81.1
While it’s technically part of summer, August still makes it onto the list of the UK’s wettest months. According to Bingley records between 1981-2010, the month usually gets 81.1mm of rainfall across an average of 11.8 rain days.
5. March 81.5
The end of winter or the start of spring? Either way, March isn’t immune from a few showers, with 81.5mm of rainfall and 13.4 rainy days.
4. October 99.8
It’s quite a jump to the next wet month, with almost 100mm of rainfall seen in a typical October. The month usually associated with Halloween also has a frightening number of rain days – an average of 14.4. That means it will usually rain for almost half of the days!
3. November 105.2
Despite it not quite being winter, November is in third place when it comes to average rainfall. A figure of 105.2mm across 15.3 rain days means it’s probably not the best time to plan those outdoor day trips.
2. January 109.8
Home to the most depressing day of the year (Blue Monday), it’s no surprise that January has some pretty grim weather too. 109.8mm and 15.4 days of rainfall put it second on the list of the UK’s wettest months.
1. December 114.3
As many might have predicted, December is typically the wettest month in the UK. Between 1981 and 2010, it saw an average of 114.3mm of rainfall across 14.8 days. Interestingly, that’s fewer rain days than November and January, meaning December might have a few heavier showers in the mix.
What about the driest months?
While we’re on the topic of rain, it’s worth looking at the UK’s driest months too. July and May sit top of the pile with 63 and 65.2mm of monthly rainfall respectively. They’re followed by June and September which are level on 77.1mm.
Strangely, February is next with 77.2mm of rainfall per month – although that’s probably down to it having 2-3 fewer days than the other months. Then just about making it as a ‘dry’ month rather than a wet one, April has an average of 72.9mm of rain.
Protect your property all year round
While December is the wettest and July the driest, no month will be forgiving to an inadequate roof. At DPR Roofing, we provide essential roof repairs and top-rate replacements across Huddersfield so you can rest assured your property is protected from the weather, whatever the month.
To arrange a quote, simple call us on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected].
Spring vs Summer – When Should I Get My Roof Replaced?
Roof replacements are a popular investment following winter. That’s typically because the wet weather exposes problems with existing roofs, which property owners want to fix for the long term.
After three months of that weather, you’ll no doubt be ready for your roof replacement. But is it better to have it done in spring or summer? Read on as we weigh things up…
Availability
It will come as no surprise that most roofers are busiest through the winter. But that backlog of jobs doesn’t simply go away. Spring can also be a busy season for roofers, as they continue to work on jobs they’ve had scheduled for weeks or even months.
Based on that alone, summer is a preferable option. By booking a roof replacement in advance, you will be able to get a definite date for your roof replacement – and won’t have to compromise on quality to get a replacement any earlier.
If it’s a choice between a good roofer in summer and a cowboy in spring, then we’d definitely recommend summer!
Weather
Good roofers will be fully trained to work safely at height. However, part of that training is knowing when it’s simply not safe to work. Whether it’s high winds or heavy rain, bad weather can be an unavoidable delay for roofing jobs. Ironic, we know, given that you need a new roof to protect your property from that weather!
In theory, having your roof replaced in summer allows you to sidestep that bad weather. It’s unlikely that a job will be rained off in July or August, for example. While spring is hardly known for thunderstorms and blizzards, it does make rain that bit more likely.
All that said, good roofers will be able to schedule work in around spells of bad weather, so it doesn’t affect your replacement.
Roof condition
Above all else, the decision between spring and summer will come down to the state of your roof. If you’ve had your roof repaired in the past, but want to schedule in a replacement before the problem reoccurs, summer should be fine.
But if your roof is still letting water in, it’s best to get it sorted as soon as you can. As mentioned above, spring still has plenty of wet weather – and it’s much more cost-effective to have your roof replaced, compared to repairing it now and replacing it in a few months’ time.
Roof replacements tailored to you
Whether you want to replace your roof in spring or book in advance for summer, the team at DPR Roofing will do our utmost to fit your roof replacement in at a time that suits you. Operating throughout Huddersfield for over 35 years, we’ve earned a reputation for our first-class service and flawless end results.
Want to put us to the test? Give us a call on 01484 866 772 to talk about your roof replacement in more detail and arrange a no obligation quote.