DPR Roofing Huddersfield

A Guide to Replacing Lead Flashing on Roofs

Whether it’s for a commercial or domestic building, your roof is an essential part of your property. It keeps it protected from the elements, whether it’s wind in the autumn or rain and snow through the winter. Flashing is a critical component in that system, preventing water from getting into the structure of a joint in the roof. Read on as we look at when your lead flashing needs replacing, and how is best to approach the job.

Spotting problems with flashing

First of all, you need to be able to identify when flashing needs replacing. Here are some key signs to look for:

• Corrosion – Lead is highly resistant to corrosion, but over time it may become victim to rust which can affect how efficiently it protects roof joints
• Missing flashing – It’s not just wear and tear that leads to inadequate flashing. Poor installation may need to be rectified too, which is the case if any parts of your roof are missing flashing
• Loose flashing – Whether it has worn away or its screws have loosened, flashing can come away from your roof. When loose, it becomes less effective in keeping water out, so it’s essential to replace it

Replacing lead flashing

Replacing lead flashing is a relatively simple process for someone with the necessary training. It comprises removing old flashing and the fixings – whether cement or nails – before cutting, shaping and fitting new flashing.

This is by no means a DIY project, however. Not only because of the danger involved, but also because DIY flashing simply won’t protect your roof. Lead flashing should only be replaced by professional roofers.

Roofers in Huddersfield

If you’re looking for a team to replace your lead flashing in Huddersfield, DPR Roofing can help. We are roofing specialists, who can help with any roofing job no matter the size.
Get in touch today to arrange your free quote.

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

Why is Commercial Guttering So Important?

When was the last time you thought about the guttering on your commercial property? In the last few years? Never? You may think you can deal with guttering tomorrow, but – in the long run – this will only lead to more problems and more expense. For any commercial property owner, it’s vital that you stay on top of your guttering. This is why…

Damage prevention

Shoddy guttering can lead to numerous problems in the future, especially in those wet winter months. Firstly, if your gutters are damaged or blocked by falling debris, get them unclogged to prevent any water damage to your property’s exterior. Loose fixtures are also a dangerous hazard on the external premises. As well as affecting the function of gutters, they could pose a risk to staff on the site. Then there’s freezing. When snow melts and re-freezes on cracked guttering, it can cause much bigger, more expensive problems, or even allow water to freeze around other parts of your property’s exterior.

Look professional

Whether it’s for tenants or your own business, making the right first impression is essential for your reputation. Understandably, broken guttering displays a lack of professionalism and screams of neglectful housekeeping. Ongoing commercial gutter maintenance is important if you want your property to look professional and presentable. Ensure customers and residents remember the building for all the right reasons, not because they were drenched by leaking gutters. Keep aesthetics clean and respectable with regular guttering and well-fitted structures.

Save money

Failure to maintain your gutters will typically lead to damage to other parts of the roof, the building’s exterior or even its foundations. Well-maintained gutters can help avoid these scenarios and, in the long run, save you money on repairs elsewhere.

The right installation

As you can see, commercial guttering is incredibly important, which is why installations must be done to a high standard. If gutters are installed incorrectly, carelessly or with sub-standard products, it’s sure to lead to issues further down the line. The last thing you need is water running between the roof edge and gutters or poorly installed downspouts that don’t divert water away properly. Don’t leave it to amateurs. Professionals know how to get the job done and the right way to go about it.

Fix your commercial guttering today

If your commercial property needs new guttering, or even just a thorough inspection, contact DPR Roofing Huddersfield today. With 35 years’ experience, we are experts in roofing and guttering – equipped to deal with any issues your commercial property may be facing. Get in touch today to request your free, no obligation quote.

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

Will My New Roof Last a Lifetime?

When you’re investing in a replacement roof, you want longevity. Ideally, something that will last a lifetime. But will you get it? It depends on a number of factors. Read on as we discuss how to ensure your new roof lasts a lifetime.

Choosing the right materials

Like most things, the lifespan of a roof can depend on the quality of materials are used to make it:

• Felt roofing 5-10 years
• Composite tiles: 20-50 years
• Concrete tiles: 50-60 years
• Clay tiles: 70-90 years
• Slate: Over 100 years

Clearly, the felt roofing doesn’t offer the same longevity as tiles or slate. And this is fine for those looking for a short-term replacement or who need a solution for a flat roof. However, if you’re looking for a roof to last a life time, there are better options out there.

Weathering the storm

Another factor in roof longevity is the surrounding environment. Roofs that have to endure harsh weather can have their lifespan shortened – sometimes significantly.
So, what kind of weather affects your roof?

Wind is the most common problem. High winds batter your roof and, towards the end of its lifespan, can blow roofing materials out of place. This is more common for weaker materials, but can also affect tiles in severe cases.

Temperature and rainfall can also impact upon your roof.

Understandably, some tiles will wear more quickly if they’re constantly being beaten by heavy rain. But they can also be worn by the frost cycle. Over time, the process of freezing and thawing can cause tiles to crack, which eventually leads to more water getting in and freezing and – you guessed it – bigger cracks.

Maintenance for a lifelong roof

While roofs may be expected to last upwards of 50 years, this won’t happen if they’re left to weaken. Your roof needs regular inspections and maintenance to prevent it from deteriorating over time. Inspecting it yourself around twice a year will reveal any small issues, so you can get them sorted before they develop into major problems. It’s also important, however, to have a professional inspection to identify structural issues or those which are less obvious.

The importance of a good roofing company

Good materials are no use if your roof is being installed by shoddy contractors. It’s essential to look for roofers with full accreditation. This includes things like CORC (Confederation of Roofing Contractors), PCA (Property Care Association) and SafeContractor, which help ensure work is carried out safely, in line with current regulations and to a high standard.

It’s also a good idea to check your warranty, as this will protect you against material or labour deficiencies – standing you in good stead for a long-lasting roof.

Can we help?

DPR Roofing are fully-accredited roofing specialists based in Huddersfield. Our expert roofers can provide you with a strong, long-lasting roof as well as any maintenance and repairs to help it last a lifetime. Get in touch with the team today to arrange a free survey and quote.

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

Roofing: Slates vs Tiles

If you’re planning a domestic or commercial roofing project, one thing you’ll need to consider is the materials you’re going to use.

Two of the most commonly used roofing materials are tiles and slates, and there’s a big difference between the two. Making the right choice is essential but which is the best option? Read on as we discuss the differences and the benefits of both.

Getting the right look

Tiles are available in both clay and concrete, meaning they come in a wide range of colours and designs. From burnt oranges to deep browns and even blue shades, tiles can be chosen to match almost any home, making them ideal for the versatility of modern housebuilding. They can even be used in a “blend” design, where large sections of roofing are broken up using slightly contrasted shades.

Advocates of slate roofing often list appearance as its biggest selling point. Slates are produced from natural mined slate from quarries, with a naturally textured surface. They have a traditional, classic appearance that can’t really be matched by alternatives and gives properties superb kerb appeal. However, this also means you can’t be as flexible with design and colours when using slate.

Durability and lifespan

As well as appearance, homeowners should consider the lifespan of their tiles of choice. Clay and concrete roof tiles generally have a life span of 50 to 60 years, meaning most homeowners will only have to fit them once. However, this will be factored in when considering the value of a property. On the other hand, slate roofs generally have a significantly longer lifespan of 70 to 150 years.

What is best for your property?

Your home also needs to be considered when choosing the right tiles. Why? For one, slates are considerable heavier than alternatives, weighing around 8 to 10lbs per square foot – depending on the thickness. Because of this, homes will need to be surveyed for their structure and whether it is suitable for slate.

Additionally, the pitch of a roof could determine the kind of tiling required. Roofs need a certain angling to allow water to fall off without affecting the structural integrity of the slates or tiles. With slates, the minimum is generally as low as 25 degrees, while clay tiles can sometimes be used as low as 15 degrees. Interlocking tiles and slates also offer an option for lower pitches – so it’s worth discussing with your contractor first.

Costing things up

It’s all well and good talking about appearance and function but sometimes cost just can’t be taken out of the equation. So, how do slates and tiles compare in terms of how much you’ll have to fork out?
Because it’s the more traditional and prestigious option, slate tiles generally cost a bit more than the alternatives. It’s also more of a job to install, because of the traditional double lapped laying method. Of course, this depends on a wide variety of factors – size, style, thickness, and which supplier and fitter you use. But by and large, if you’re going for slate it could cost around double the alternative clay and concrete tiles.

Get the job done right

At DPR Roofing, we have over 35 years’ experience in all kinds of roofing. Whether you’re looking for natural slates and manmade tiles, we can provide a solution that looks great, performs perfectly and stands the test of time. Visit our local sites for Huddersfield, Huddersfield, Barnsley, Pontefract and Wakefield for more information on how we can help with your domestic or commercial project.

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

Do I Need Planning Permission for a New Roof?

With numerous inspections, several contractors to compare and costs to calculate – home improvement projects can be stressful. Nobody wants to make it more hectic by breaking rules with a planning breach. So, where do you stand when it comes to a new roof? Read on as we look at planning permission requirements for roofing projects.

Mostly, it’s a ‘no’ but there is the need for building regulations approval in some cases, if for example, the new roof is going to be heavier. Like for like roofs require no permissions at all.

In the vast majority of cases, there is no need to apply for planning permission when re-roofing a property. The same is true for most skylight and roof light installations too. Here are the conditions for permitted developments on roof windows:

• Alterations must not project more than 150 millimetres above the existing roof plane
• No alteration should exceed the height of the roof itself
• Any side-facing windows should be obscure-glazed with any opening at least 1.7 metres above the floor

Based on this, any new roof which expands or enlarges a property will require planning permission.

Listed buildings

There are some exceptions to the rule. Listed buildings, or those in conservation areas, will require Listed Building Consent to alter any of the following:

• The roof’s shape, height or pitch
• It’s internal structure
• The type of covering on the roof
• Roof lights or skylights

How about solar panels?

Solar panels are also a permitted development in many cases, as long as they meet the following conditions:

• They shouldn’t be installed higher than the height of the roof – excluding the chimney
• Panels shouldn’t project more than 200mm from the roof’s surface or slope
• Again, panels should not be installed on listed buildings or those in conservation areas

Roof replacements in Huddersfield

Need a new roof in Huddersfield or the surrounding areas? DPR Roofing has been installing high quality roofs across the region for over 35 years. Our team of roofing specialists can provide you with a high-quality, long-lasting roof to your exact requirements. Get in touch today to discuss your project and arrange a free quote.

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

Roof damage: is it better to repair or replace?

No matter the reliability and durability of your roofing type, eventually, all roofs wear out and start to deteriorate. Most homeowners will grapple with the dilemma on whether to continue patching up the damages, or to take the plunge and invest in replacing the entire roof. The decision on which route to take will ultimately depend on the extent of the deterioration and the cost of carrying out repairs. The general rule is to replace if the cost of maintenance is far exceeding the cost of installing entirely new roofing.

However, it is not all that simple. There are a lot of factors that you have to put into consideration in order to make the right call at the right time. You don’t want to replace your roof too soon, because you’ll waste money. But you also don’t want to wait too long, because then you’ll end up with leaks and expensive water damage.

Below we have listed 5 of the key things you should bear in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace.

Regular faults

If you find that your roof always seems to be springing leaks or losing tiles, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace the whole thing. It doesn’t make sense to replace all of the tiles for the sake of one minor bit of damage, especially if the roof is relatively new but if you’re spending excessive amounts on regular repairs, it may be time to replace.

Time

Sometimes accidents happen and they often come at the worst possible time. If you’ve recently experienced damage to your roof, whether it was caused by harsh weather or a falling tree, the urgency of the problem can have a big impact on your decision to repair or replace. For example, if you have a bad leak that is causing internal damage, it may be better to get it repaired quickly. However, if you have the luxury of time, replacing the roof is a more viable option.

Cost

Cost is a large contributing factor for anyone looking to fix their damaged roof as the price of tiles and labour isn’t cheap. If you’re working on a tight budget and the damage doesn’t seem to be long-term, it may be a better option to simply repair the fault.

Age

If you have a relatively new roof, then you can most likely rest assured that the damage is not a sign of larger problems. However, if your roof is over 20 years old, it may be worth considering a replacement, especially if it is still under warranty.

Design

Although the integrity of the roof and the quality of the tiles is the most prominent issue, the design is still an important part of deciding whether to replace a roof. For example, if you own an old property and you want to retain its original tiles, it may be hard to find a full set to replace the whole roof.

Need more help? - For expert help and advice on roofing speak to our friendly team today

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

How to extend the lifespan of your roof

Repairing or replacing your roof can be a costly affair, especially if you own a large property or have used expensive materials in your roof’s design. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to maximise the lifespan of your roof and minimise the need for expensive replacements, fixes and refurbishments. Read on for our guide on how to best protect both your roof and your wallet!

Regular inspections

One of the easiest ways to look after your roof is to simply check it on a regular basis. A build-up of snow and ice can cause collapses due to the sheer weight of water sitting on top of your roof and a build-up of moss and ivy can hold a surprising amount of water which can soak through your tiles plus grow in to your loft area.

What’s more, if you don’t regularly clean your gutters you may fall victim to pools of water which can collect on top of your roof and potentially cost you thousands in water-damage repairs. For our full guide on how to inspect and clean your roof, click here >>

Get a professional roof inspection

You should seek help from a roof maintenance professional at all times. Turning to an expert in the field will give you full confidence that you are putting your roof in safe hands and will receive a report that explains all the needs of your roof.

A surveyor will start by combing your roof’s interior for any ventilation, moisture and mould issues, before moving outside and assessing the condition of your roofs materials, such as flashings, tiles and chimney work. They will assess the lifespan and any need for immediate repairs and put this in to a report for you

Ventilate your loft correctly

Another way to ensure that your roof lives a long and healthy life is to ventilate your loft properly. This is essential during both the winter and summer months; during warmer periods lofts can get extremely hot and put your roof under a lot of heat stress, whereas during colder months any dampness in the air can condensate on timbers causing we rot. Ventilated lofts are an essential need for your roof.
To avoid either happening to you, roof vents fitted to the external slates or tiles are the best and most economical solution. They will keep the air circulated and stop condensation forming on timbers.

Need more help? For expert help and advice or to arrange a roof inspection speak to our friendly team today call 01484 866 772

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield

How much will a replacement roof cost?

Are you looking to replace the roof on your property? Obviously, this is a significant project to undertake but what is the going rate for this type of work? 

If your roof is beyond repair, then one of the first things you will want to know is how much it will cost to replace. To help give you some guidance, we’ve created the following article outlining roughly what you can expect to pay for a new roof.

What does the average roof cost?

Naturally, this figure will vary drastically depending on how big your home is, the size of your roof and what materials your replacement will be made of but, as it stands, the average cost for a replacement tiled roof in the UK is just under £5000.

But where does this number come from?

Labour

Again, this figure will vary depending on who you hire, but the average cost of a labourer and a roofer is around £250 - £300 a day. Although you may be able to find people who will do the job cheaper, we always recommend that the company you choose are experienced and have a good reputation. Remember that if someone is doing the job ‘on the side’ then most likely the materials will be inferior or even stolen from their company place of work. Also you really do not stand anywhere with a guarantee for a job done ‘on the cheap’.

Picking a cheaper roofer might save you money initially but if the job isn’t completed to the correct standard, it can cost you much more in repairs in the long run. ‘Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten’.

Scaffolding

In many cases, scaffolding is an unavoidable expense for your roofing replacement process. Again, the cost for this depends on the size of your property but will generally cost around £800-£900 for a 3-bed semi-detached house.

Materials

The materials you use can have a moderate impact on your total re-roofing spend. For example, the total cost of a roof replacement using plain tiles will cost between £8,000 - £12,000 for a four-bedroom semi-detached house, whereas the same replacement using slate will cost between £7,000 - £10,000. It’s also important to remember that whatever materials you use, smaller tiles will take much more time to install, and therefore cost more in terms of labour costs.

Skip hire

Another thing that you may not initially think of when considering your roof replacement spend is the cost of hiring a skip. The average cost for a 6-yard skip is £184, and the price of an 8-yard skip is around £216.

Extras

As you’d imagine, any extras that you include in your roof replacement will increase the cost of your total bill. This can include things such as new guttering, repointing a chimney, installing roof tile vents and roof windows etc. The extras you need will depend on your property but the roofing company you choose will be able to advise you on the extras that it is worthwhile to invest in and how much these will cost.

Need more help? For expert help and advice or for a more accurate quote for your roof replacement speak to our friendly team today

by DPR Roofing Huddersfield