What Causes blocked Gutters?
When it comes to roofing, it might not come as a surprise that many of the problems we endure are caused by blocked gutters. Without maintenance, blocked gutters will eventually create problems for you and your home, no matter where you live. It’s important to be aware of the problem and what causes it, so you can prevent future damage to your roof and your property. Keep reading to discover some of the main causes of blocked gutters in the UK.
Leaves and twigs
One of the most common causes of blocked gutters is Mother Nature herself. A number of us are lucky enough to live surrounded by stunning greenery and beautiful trees. But, while we enjoy the peace and serenity of the surroundings, our homes may be paying the price. Throughout the year, especially in Autumn, these glorious trees start to shed their leaves.
Some of these falling leaves and twigs will then find their way into your guttering and downspouts, creating blockages that only get progressively worse. Once the gutter has been clogged, water simply gets stuck there, which only contributes to the problem, soaking the leaves and twigs and causing them to rot.
Extreme weather
Weather in the UK is unpredictable and constantly changing. Unfortunately, this is bad news for our gutters. We generally experience rainfall all-year-round, forcing our guttering to work harder. Wet leaves are also much more likely to clog up your pipes, getting stuck and causing blockages.
The erratic winter weather can be problematic for our guttering, too. Heavy snow fall, freezing temperatures and powerful winds just add to the problem. Wind blowing more leaves off the trees, snow weighing down the pipes and ice creating blockages will all lead to more guttering issues.
Pesky neighbours
We can’t blame nature for all of our guttering problems. Those around us can also cause gutters to block. Whether it’s a rogue tennis ball hit over the fence, plastic waste getting into your pipes or a poorly installed guttering system, there are plenty of man-made blockages causing home owners problems.
Whatever is causing your guttering blockages, its important to get regular gutter clearances to avoid an excessive build up, which could result in damage to both your property and your roof. Of course, if you spot something blocking your drain, you could attempt to remove it yourself. But, when working at a height, we recommend contacting a professional to avoid injury.
Speak to an expert
If blocked gutters are impacting your life, whether its causing leaks, bad odours or you’ve got a family of birds nesting, the team at DPR Roofing in Huddersfield are here to help. Our domestic gutter clearance service protects your roof and your property from potential damage, returns your guttering to proper working order and leaves you with complete peace of mind that your home is in good hands.
Landlord Tips 101 – Finding the Right Roofing Contractor
It’s not easy being a landlord. You have to manage multiple properties, ensuring they’re in a good condition for tenants, sometimes without the co-operation of the tenant themselves. Within this lies several jobs that need doing – from handy work and decorating to plumbing and electrical work.
Arguably the most important of all is roofing. Much like plumbing and electrical work, it’s not something you can tackle yourself. That’s where a roofing contractor comes in – and it will save you a lot of time, money and hassle in the future if you can find one you can trust. How? Read on as we discuss the best ways to find the right roofing contractor as a landlord.
Word of mouth
It seems old fashioned, but the best way to get a great roofer is by asking people you know. Despite all the online reviews and social media testimonials, word of mouth is still a powerful tool when it comes to finding the right contractor.
Ask other landlords you know, or just other property owners who have had their roof repaired or replaced. Remember to ask about:
- What the job was – Just because someone replaced a few tiles, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to take on a whole roof replacement
- How much it cost – Your friend or relative’s idea of a good price might not be the same as yours
- When they had the work done – Some people recommend roofers just because the job looks good and they came on time. The real test is whether the roof continues to perform long into the future.
Check accreditations
Not everyone has a roofer they can recommend. So, how do you find a roofer you can trust without word of mouth? That’s where accreditations come in. There are a range of organisations and trade associations which promote health and safety and the best trading standards.
To gain membership or accreditation from these groups, contractors have to prove that they meet certain criteria, pass tests or be audited on a regular basis. Here are a few accreditations to look for:
- TrustMark – A government-endorsed quality scheme, which ensures member businesses meet required standards for customer service, technical competence and trading practices.
- PCA – The Property Care Association works with the government to provide the latest guidelines to improve outcomes.
- CORC – The Confederation of Roofing Contractors was set up in 1985 to protect the public against shoddy roofers.
- SafeContractor – The UK’s fastest growing health and safety accreditation scheme.
- FMB – The Federation of Master Builders provides the latest knowledge, advice and support for members, helping to improve services for the public.
Get a quote
However you find your roofing contractor, we always advise getting a site visit and detailed quote for any job. That way, you can meet contractors before agreeing to any work.
If you’re looking for domestic roofing services in Huddersfield, DPR Roofing can help. We are a team of accredited, experienced roofers that landlords can trust. Whatever the issue, we provide a long-lasting solution and complete peace of mind for both yourself and your tenants.
3 Costly Common Mistakes Made by Shoddy Roofers
Roofing is a complex job, requiring a mass of training and experience. But that doesn’t stop shoddy roofers attempting it at your expense. They talk the talk and convince you to pay them to fix your roofing problem, only to leave you with a damaged roof that needs repairing again afterwards.
In this post we look at 3 common errors shoddy roofers make and how to avoid them in the first place.
1. Poor materials
One of the most fundamental problems with shoddy roofers is that they don’t choose the right materials for the job. For one, this is because they lack expertise to choose something suitable to repair the problem. So, they don’t know the difference between durable flashing and the weak alternatives.
However, it’s also down to their obsession with cutting back costs on their end. Once they have given you a price, they go for the cheapest option – even if they’ve charged for more expensive materials in the quote. The result is a roof that won’t last and needs repairing further down the line.
2. Short term fixes
Shoddy roofers are all about getting paid and getting out of there. Because of this, their work often appears to have fixed the problem for a few days or weeks. But when the bad weather hits, you’ll soon find the same issue cropping up however they will not return to investigate.
Why? In short, it’s because shoddy roofers fail to identify the root cause. Let’s say your property has a leak from the upstairs ceiling. They may look to patch up that leak from the inside of the loft, which will stop the water coming through for the time being. They may put a ladder up to your roof and ‘tap’ about for a bit to make it look like they are busy but in fact they are just ‘pulling the wool over the clients eyes’.
The problem is that no leak begins at the loft. It has undoubtedly come from your roof. Whether it’s a missing tile, blocked gutters or eroded flashing, that is the root cause of the leak and it needs to be repaired.
3. The finer details
Some shoddy roofers are experienced in making their work look professional. They can put tiles on a roof and patch over problems. However, their shoddiness always shows in the finer details. Poor overlapping of tiles, improper nailing and inadequate flashing are all common issues with shoddy roofing jobs. Cheap materials = a cheap job. Cheap means possibly inferior, cutting corners and temporary.
While these details seem small, they are essential for the performance of your roof. Just one tile falling out of place or one break in the roof’s cover can lead to water ingress and serious damage to your roof’s structure. In short, it really isn’t worth the risk.
Get it right first time
At DPR Roofing, we have over 35 years’ experience in the roofing industry with the best training, qualifications and accreditations available. Our team of expert roofers are often called in to repair the damage left by shoddy roofers.
In every case, our domestic roofing services provide a long-lasting solution, which won’t leave customers in need of further work.
How to Detect “Invisible” Leaks
A leaking roof can have a devastating impact on your property. That’s why it’s so important to see to any leaks as soon as you spot them. But what happens when you can’t spot them? That’s what’s known as an “invisible” leak – and it could lead to big problems for your property.
This post discusses the impact of “invisible” leaks, how they differ from those you can see and how to spot them before it’s too late.
What are invisible leaks?
As the name suggests, invisible leaks are leaks in your roof which you can’t see. Normally, you spot water dripping or pouring from the ceiling or down the walls. With an invisible leak, however, water will be making its way into your property without you noticing.
Why does this matter? In short, it could be causing serious damage. A roof leak simply means water getting through your property’s roof covering. Even though you can’t see the water and it’s not actually getting into your living space, it could be seriously affecting different aspects of your property:
- The strength of wooden rafters and ceiling joists will be compromised by water, which could lead to rot and decay over time. As the internal structure of your roof, these elements could cost a lot to repair once the rot has begun to take course.
- Leaking water in any part of your home provides the ideal moist conditions for mould growth. As well as your roof space and walls, this can eventually get into your vents and spread through your home into carpets and the furniture.
- The biggest problem in terms of danger and risk is with electrics. If water gets through the roof and into walls, it could make its way into areas with electric wiring. When water interferes with these wires, it could easily cause a fire, all without any clear visible signs of a leak.
Spotting leaks
These issues can all arise from visible leaks too. So, the first check on your property is whether there are any visible leaks. For the most part, these checks can be completed by yourself. Aside from water dripping, check for dark patches on the ceiling or walls. Look specifically around the corners and top of the room as this is where a lot of leaks find their way through.
Invisible leaks, on the other hand, are invisible from the inside of your property. The water is leaking into the roof but hasn’t made its way into your living space. To check for these, you need a thorough external inspection on the outside of your roof. Don’t attempt this yourself.
Firstly, because you will put yourself in danger and could damage your roof by walking on it without training. Also, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to spot problem areas in the same way as a professional roofer. You may complete the inspection thinking everything is fine on your roof, while the problem continues to develop.
Identifying invisible leaks
Roofers will start by checking the usual problem areas on your roof, where objects protrude and valleys where two roof planes join. Whether it’s a skylight, chimney or air vent, it provides a break in the roof where water can get in.
That’s why roofs have flashing on these areas. It’s important to check the flashing is correctly installed, still in place and in a good condition.
The rest of your roof will also need to be assessed, looking for any signs of damage or anything above normal wear and tear. This is where a roofer’s experience and judgement come into play. While a cracked tile may look innocent, the damage beneath may reveal a lot more.
If a tile is missing, cracked or out of place, it has the potential to let water into the roof. When it’s left to fester, this damage can develop to a large defect in the roof. A bit of searching can easily identify this damage, but if required, roofers can also conduct a water test at any points of entry.
When to check
The next issue is when you should check for leaks. For visible leaks, you can simply call a roofer when you spot them. However, with invisible leaks, they could be occurring at any given time. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have your roof inspected every month to avoid major problems.
A good rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected every year, or every 6 months if it’s an older roof. On a thorough, professional inspection, your roof will be checked for any existing damage or emerging problems. Needless to say, the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to fix.
Can we help?
DPR Roofing is a company you can trust for everything from domestic inspections to commercial roofing repairs. All our roofers are fully trained and accredited, with invaluable experience in the roofing industry. Whether you’re worried about water ingress, or just want to arrange an annual inspection, we’re always happy to help.
Need More Help?
For expert help and advice or for a more accurate quote speak to our friendly team today.
Call us on 01484 866 772
Will a Defective Roof Kill My Mortgage Application?
Buying a property is a big step for anyone. But with that big step comes a whole range of potential issues. One of the biggest is your mortgage application itself. Lenders can decline your mortgage for a variety of reasons – but is the roof one of them? Read on as we look at how seriously a defective roof can impact your mortgage application.
Why lenders decline mortgages
When providing a mortgage, banks and building societies are lending you money to buy a property. Most importantly, this loan is secured against that property. Essentially, that’s why they want to ensure the property is up to scratch before lending you the money.
To check this, lenders complete their own valuation of the property you’re looking to buy, which includes checking the value of similar properties. They will only lend money to you based on the value of the property, so your application could fail if the property has been overvalued.
Problems with the property
As well as just general overvaluation, properties can face problems when they are in a poor or even uninhabitable condition. Homes in a high-risk area for flooding, for instance, may be avoided by lenders.
The same is the case for properties with a defective roof, especially if you’re only putting down a small deposit. Without a suitable, strong roof to protect it from the elements, the property could incur serious damage.
What you can do?
It’s up to your lender what you can do next. They might reject the application altogether until the roof is fixed, in which case you and the seller would need to arrange to have it fixed as soon as possible. Alternatively, the lender might agree to proceed with a lower valuation. In that case, you can buy the property, but will need to have the roof fixed yourself as soon as you can.
If you’re in need of urgent roof repairs in Huddersfield, DPR can provide an effective, long-lasting solution. Our team of experts also provides high-quality roof replacements. With over 35 years’ experience, you can rest assured your property’s roof is in good hands.
Need More Help?
For expert help and advice or for a more accurate quote speak to our friendly team today.
Call us on 01484 866 772
10 Ways A New Commercial Roof Can Boost Your Business
Running a business is by no means easy. You’ve got to oversee every aspect of the company, from recruitment to finances. On top of that – or surrounding it – is your commercial property. As the home of your business, it needs to be in the best condition to keep things running smoothly.
The roof is one of the most essential parts of your commercial property. While a new roof may seem like a hefty investment, there are a number of benefits that come with it. In this post, we look at 10 ways a new commercial roof can give your business a boost – and how to tell when it’s time for a replacement…
1. Eliminate repair costs
One of the biggest benefits of a new commercial roof is that it removes the recurring costs of roof repairs. If your roof is in a bad state, it can be tempting to ‘patch it up’ with small, inadequate jobs. Over time, however, the cost of these repairs will stack up. With a high-quality replacement roof, there’s no need for constant repairs, so you will save money and earn back some of the cost of the new installation.
2. Better insulation
Your commercial roof is a key part of the building’s envelope – walls, roof, doors, windows, floors and ceilings. It plays a big part in retaining heat, which can be compromised when the roof is poorly insulated. A new, well-insulated roof will keep this heat in, making it easier to keep a comfortable temperature in the workplace.
3. Lower energy bills
This insulative quality also has the benefit of reducing your energy bills. Keeping a workspace at a comfortable temperature can cost a lot in heating bills – especially in the winter months. With a well-insulated new roof, you won’t need to have the heating on as frequently, or on such a high setting, which could save you big in the long term.
4. Employee morale
Having a comfortable, warm workplace in winter will work wonders for employee morale. While roofers often have to work through the cold weather, that shouldn’t be the case indoors. A cold office will take its toll on the morale of your employees, which will no doubt have an impact on their productivity.
5. Appearance
Employees will also benefit from a more pleasant workplace. Without the off-putting appearance of a broken or leaky roof, your commercial property will look more appealing inside and out. Again, this is something that can boost productivity, with office workers working better in a pleasant, attractive environment.
6. Client impression
The same can be said for people visiting your business. If you have clients coming to your site for a meeting, the last thing you want is a dodgy roof giving them a bad first impression of your business. Even worse, the roof could be leaking when they get inside. A new commercial roof will eliminate this issue, showing your business in a positive light to any visitors.
7. Securing new employees
Business is all about getting the right people. Whatever industry you’re in, you want to attract the best people to fulfil each role – from top to bottom. It’s going to be pretty tough to attract those people when your roof is in a state of disrepair. With a new roof, you’ll have no worries about inviting potential employees for an interview.
8. Reduced downtime
Downtime is potentially the biggest issue with an old roof on your commercial property. When your roof is in a poor condition, it can let water into the building. This water can leak into workspaces, making it uncomfortable for employees. Leaks can even be dangerous, with the risk of water getting into electrics.
With that in mind, many businesses have to send people home when water starts leaking. For the company, that means zero productivity, no output and essentially a loss of profits. And that’s unlikely to improve until you find a permanent solution. A new roof means you can make the most of your commercial property, with no need for anyone to finish early or work from home.
9. Health concerns
Water ingress can also be a problem for employees’ health. Moisture causes damp and mould, which can cause irritation to the nose, throat, eyes and skin for some people. Coughing and wheezing is another common reaction to damp or mouldy environments, with asthma sufferers also sensitive to the effects.
10. Property value
Let’s not forget the property itself. While an old, broken or leaking roof will put off buyers, an attractive, high-performing new roof will make your property more attractive and add to its value. Should you choose to sell it in future, you’ll benefit from a quicker sales process and a higher price.
Is it time for a replacement?
There are several clear benefits to getting a much-needed roof replacement on your commercial property. But how can you tell when you need one? In truth, most roofing problems can be fixed with a repair. Things like missing roof tiles and even leaks can be remedied, for instance.
Firstly, evaluate the severity of the problem. There are some problems which can’t be fixed, such as soaking from water ingress or serious damage to the structure of the roof. If your roof is sagging, for instance, it can’t really be patched up and will need to be replaced.
Another factor is whether the problem is recurring. Even if it’s something small, a problem which keeps coming back usually indicates a bigger underlying issue. Let’s say you notice a small leak. It might be possible to stop water coming in temporarily. But when it comes back again and again – or other problems begin to emerge – it’s usually a sign that a replacement is necessary.
Finally, it’s worth considering the age of your roof. Depending on the materials used, roofs can last anywhere between 20-100 years. Concrete tiles will typically last a couple of decades, with clay tiles slightly more durable, while slate roofs should last upwards of 50 years.
If your roof has only been in place for around 5-10 years, it’s unusual to need replacement so soon. However, shoddy workmanship or poor materials could make a new roof necessary even after so few years.
A professional inspection is essential
Without the right training and expertise, it’s impossible to tell whether your roof needs a replacement. That’s why it’s so important to get a professional inspection before making any changes. Experienced roofers will be able to thoroughly assess the roof and recommend the best course of action.
At DPR Roofing in Huddersfield, we have over 35 years’ experience in roofing. A comprehensive roof inspection from our roofing experts will determine whether you need a replacement or just a repair to keep your commercial roof working perfectly. Our commercial roofing services cover everything from small repairs to new installations and complete roof replacements. So, whatever the job, we can provide a high-quality, long-lasting solution.
Need More Help?
For expert help and advice or for a more accurate quote speak to our friendly team today.
Call us on 01484 866 772
How to Manage Water Drainage on Flat Roofs
Pitched roofs have a sloped surface, allowing water to flow off them freely. In contrast, flat roofs are flat in appearance with a very low pitch. While this makes them less expensive and quicker to install, they can also become vulnerable to damage without the right drainage.
In this short post, we discuss water drainage on flat roofs and how to avoid any problems on your property.
Drainage is paramount
While a bit of surface water might not seem like the biggest issue, it can easily develop into a number of problems:
- Increase of load, putting excess pressure on parts of the roof
- Holding moisture on the roof, leading to decay of roofing materials
- Water ingress, causing damage to the roof’s structure and potentially the rest of your property
So, what are the must-haves when it comes to flat roof drainage?
Flat roof falls and drainage
One misconception with flat roofs is that they should be completely flat. To clear surface water efficiently, they should actually have a small slope. British Standards BS6229 and BS8217 outline that flat roofs should have 6minimum ‘falls’ of 1:40 – sloping down 2.5cm for every metre the roof covers.
Flat roofs also need sufficient drainage. This can be achieved by external guttering or internal downpipes and outlets. External guttering is used on all properties to guide water down the drains as it runs off the roof.
If water is not flowing directly off a flat roof, internal drainage can guide water off the roof through pipes to the main drainage system. It’s recommended that all flat roofs have at least two drainage points.
Let’s talk
Need more assistance with your flat roof? DPR Roofing in Huddersfield can help. We’re a team of roofing specialists with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. Our flat roofing services cover everything from inspection and repairs to guttering and replacement, so you can rely on us for any flat roofing issues.
Need More Help?
For expert help and advice or for a more accurate quote speak to our friendly team today.
Call us on 01484 866 772
Who is Responsible for Roof Repairs in a Flat?
If your roof needs repairing, it’s always best to get it done as soon as possible. That way, you’ll prevent any further damage to your roof and your property. But what if you’re in a flat? Properties divided into several flats have a number of parties involved – renters, leaseholders and freeholders – making it difficult to determine who exactly is responsible. If everyone passes the buck, the roof won’t get fixed and the problem will only get worse. Don’t leave it to someone else. Read on as we clear things up about the responsibility of repairing your flat’s roof.
Renting a flat
There are many different scenarios for flats. Firstly, a property may be split into flats by the owner, who rents them out. Sometimes, landlords live far away from the property, making things frustrating for tenants who are living with a leaky roof or broken guttering. In this case, it’s the landlord who is responsible for roof repairs. Because they own the property and are only renting out the flats, they need to ensure the property is (or properties are) inhabitable. The same is true for council flats. While you’re responsible for small repairs like getting keys cut or repairing damage you or your visitors have caused, it’s up to the council to keep the property’s structure in good condition. On top of gas and electricity appliances, that includes the walls, ceiling, windows and roof. Leasing a flat Individual flats are sold as leaseholds, by the freeholder – who owns the land the property is built upon. And, although the freeholder may seem like a landlord, they’re not necessarily responsible for repairs. Because a lease gives the tenant the right to occupy a property for a longer term, usually upwards of a year, there could be other provisions in the lease. And this might include the responsibility for maintenance of the property. Leaseholders should check their lease documents to see whether it’s the land owner or themselves who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. A lot of purpose-built leasehold flats come with a service charge, paid monthly or annually. This is paid to the freeholder, or an agency working on their behalf, to maintain and manage the building. However, this might not cover one-off costs like large roofing repairs, so it’s worth reading over your lease agreement to avoid unexpected costs. How about council flats? Some people buy their council flat, with the council as the freeholder. Unfortunately for those leaseholders, the case could be the same. Again, it’s dependent on the lease whether councils will cover the cost of repairs or divide them between leaseholders.
Can we help?
Whether you’re a landlord, freeholder, leaseholder or working on behalf of the local council, you want to get your roof fixed to the highest possible standards at a great price. DPR Roofing in Huddersfield provides exactly that, with top rate roofing repairs for residential properties. Our team of experienced roofers has worked on everything from flats within houses to full blocks, providing a long-lasting solution every time. And we can help you too. Whether it’s a small leak or sagging roof, get in touch with our team to arrange a free quote.
5 Key Regulations for New Roofs
Are you thinking of installing a new roof? Before you start planning, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the relevant building regulations. These regulations need to be met to obtain planning permission. Fail to do so and you could be given an enforcement notice to remove the changes to your roof. The result? Your property is back at square one and you’ve thrown a lot of time and money down the drain. Don’t get caught out. Read on for 5 key regulations when it comes to new roofs.
- Exemption from planning permission
A lot of homeowners will be happy to learn that not all new roofs are subject to planning permission. If you’re not changing the style, height or pitch of the roof, you don’t need to apply for planning permission in most cases. You will, however, need to submit a building regulations application because you’re removing or replacing more than 25% of the roof.
- Covering
Materials used to cover the roof need to fulfil the purpose of the roof – to resist the weather. They need to be durable and provide a suitable covering, which may depend on the pitch of the roof. Roof coverings that are close to boundaries should also incorporate measures to limit the spread of fire.
- Wind uplift
Roofs need to be securely tied down to their structure to stop them being lifted by strong winds. As well as the timbers, this includes the underlay, which needs to meet standards for wind uplift and vapour resistance. To adhere to this, contractors must use underlay that is suitably labelled for meeting the new standards. It’s also important that any penetrations made to hold the underlay down are sealed where required. Any tears, enlargement or shrinkage could cause the underlay to weaken and life in high winds.
- Roof weight
Roof weights are paramount for new roofs. Taking slates off and replacing with heavier tiles can bend your roof frame over time. Always consult an experienced roofer or better still get a structural engineer if any risks are perceived. The weight of roofing materials can also force rafters to splay apart and then this can push the walls out on your home (This is known as ‘roof spread’). Ceiling joists, fixed to the end of rafters, will stop them pulling apart. In some cases, like visible roofs without a ceiling, another system will need to be used. Again, this is something that requires professional assistance.
- Insulation and ventilation
Roofs should be insulated using either warm deck insulation or cold deck insulation. For warm deck, insulation is placed over the roof joists or rafters, while cold deck insulation is between the rafters or ceiling joists, leaving the roof’s structure cold. For cold deck roof insulation, there will need to be sufficient ventilation to allow air to flow and prevent moisture build up.
Roofing experts in Huddersfield
When it comes to roofing, there are a range of factors that need to be considered. That’s why it’s so important to get the best contractors for the job. DPR Roofing is a team of expert roofers in Huddersfield with nearly three decades of experience. In that time, we’ve installed countless new roofs on both commercial and domestic properties. In every case, we provide the highest quality results that stand the test of time. Contact us today to arrange your free quote.
How to Waterproof a Flat Roof
Waterproofing is essential on a flat roof. That’s why it’s important to make sure your roof has adequate measures in place. But what’s the best way to go about it? That’s exactly what we’ll tackle in this post. Read on as we discuss how to waterproof a flat roof.
The importance of waterproofing
Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs don’t have a clear slope to their surface. They have a low pitch which directs water gradually away from the centre of the surface. To achieve this, it’s imperative that the surface is completely waterproof. Any breaks in the waterproof material allow water to penetrate the roof. This can cause damage to your roof’s internal structure or cause water to leak into the property. Essentially, it’s something that needs to be rectified as soon as possible. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
- Waterproofing with resins
Over the past few decades, products have been developed to allow for quicker waterproofing of roofs. Specifically, specialist resins have been developed which can be applied to the surface and provide a waterproof layer. Because they’re liquid-based, the resins provide a seamless finish on the surface when applied correctly. Using a brush or roller, professional contractors can cover every twist turn or join in the roof’s surface. This is particularly useful on roofs with skylights or tricky gutters and flashing. This flexibility means it can be applied to roofs which have become inadequately waterproofed over time – as well as being used to waterproof newly installed flat roofs.
- Torch on membrane
Another option is torch on membrane. This is a sheet membrane made up of rubber and bituminous material. It’s completely waterproof and durable, meaning you can expect it to protect your roof long into the future. As the name suggests, torch on membrane requires heat to be applied to the material to hold it on the roof. It can be applied in patches to cover exposed areas or to waterproof full roofs when newly installed. Because it requires torching to apply, torch-on membrane should not be installed by non-professionals. As well as the safety risks, DIY installation will likely leave your roof vulnerable to damage in the future.
Is it time to replace?
These options are the best solutions when it comes to waterproofing a roof. And they can be used as a temporary measure to repair roofs which have begun to leak because of poor waterproofing. However, in most cases where a leak has started, flat roofs should simply be renewed. Once water has penetrated the roof, it can leave long-lasting damage in the structure of the roof. A thorough professional survey is the best way to find out the right course of action for your flat roof.
Can we help?
If you’re looking for flat roof repair or renewal in and around Huddersfield, DPR Roofing can help. With nearly three decades of experience in all aspects of roofing, we’re fully prepared to deal with any flat roofing jobs. Get in touch with us today to arrange your free quote.