When it comes to roofing options for domestic properties, most people think about pitched roofing. While pitched roofs are certainly the most common option, flat roofs are also a viable option homeowners in Surrey should consider.
Domestic flat roofs usually use two or more layers of reinforced bitumen membrane to provide a home with the necessary protection against the elements. Homeowners typically have a choice of two different flat roofs: warm roofing and cold roofing. Industry experts highly recommend warm roofing for domestic properties as its design avoids the need for ventilation of the roof structure.
When it comes to pitched roof problems, the old adage that goes 'prevention is better than cure' applies perfectly. An older pitched roof will naturally be prone to more problems than a new one, but with regular inspection and repair conducted by a qualified roofer, residents in Croydon and Surrey can greatly extend the service life of their pitched roof. With that in mind, here are some more common pitched roof problems that you may want to know about, along with tips on how to solve them.
Blocked valleys
A blocked valley can cause rainwater to overflow and go where it's not supposed to. Clearing a valley of blockage is a fairly easy task-simply climb up a ladder to get on your roof and remove the blockage with your hands. However, if there's a crack in the valley lead, it will have to be replaced.
If you've been thinking of adding an extension to your property, you might want to consider giving that extra room flat roofing. True, flat roofs seem more difficult to maintain, given they don't have a slope to let leaves, rainwater, or snow just slide off into gutters and drainage. However, flat roofing systems have their advantages, which you can maximize with the proper construction and maintenance - just ask trusted roofers around Croydon and Surrey.
Flat roofs offer opportunities for a rooftop area
You may be only needing a spare bedroom or a larger kitchen for the time being. But, if you have a growing family, you might be considering another home extension several years on. Flat roofs offer you a chance to hit two birds with one stone - or, at least, set you up to do that halfway. The space atop your extension can be eventually transformed into an outdoor recreation area or a garden.
With September rolling in, your fall routine should be settling into place too. That may mean watching the changing colours around Croydon and enjoying seasonal festivals in Surrey - but it also means doing something literally closer to home.
Roof inspection, maintenance, and even upgrades are necessities during the fall. Crisper weather might be harsher on roofs and gutters, and repairs in preparation for winter might be found to be in order. Here are three things for you to do, by yourself or with your trusted roofers.
Inspect your roofing system for wear and tear
With more than half a year's worth of the elements and debris bearing down on it, your roof might no longer be in tip-top shape. Shingles might have curled or buckled, gutters and flashing loosened, drain pipes and vents cracked. Though seemingly minor, these problems might escalate into worsening insulation, the growth of moulds and mildew, and a domino effect of structural damage.
One of the most neglected parts of our home is the roof. Exterior house rendering and wooden window frames and doors get rubbed down and given a fresh coat of paint. Garden walls and fences are repaired and spruced up. Gutters and downpipes checked. Yet the poor old roof gets a cursory glance as we walk up the garden path. Until that is, we notice damp patches appearing on bedroom ceilings.
The leak is highly unlikely to be above the damp patch. Unless the property is very old it will have a layer of roofing felt between the roof beams and tile battens. The water will run down the felt until it finds a small split or hole to drip through above the ceiling, and may well have been doing so for some time before it finally shows on your bedroom ceiling.
Repairing the problem yourself is not necessarily the best way to go, especially if you live in a two or three bed semi. Firstly the safety factor, a fall from that height invariably ends in serious injury - or worse.
The roof of any home takes the brunt of all that Mother Nature has to offer. Although these structures are often quite robust, there will be times when expert repairs are required. What are some of the signs that a roof needs to be serviced by an expert?
Sagging
One of the most common indicators that a serious problem is present can be if the roof is sagging. This can be particularly noticeable at its peak. A sagging or "bent" roof can be a sign that the underlying timber has rotted. In such a case, qualified roofers in Surrey should be contacted without delay.
Missing Shingles
Although shingles are meant to stand up to a significant amount of wear and tear, they can become dislodged and brittle over time. Should they fall off of the roof, the chances are high that water will eventually enter into the home. Take a look to make certain that all shingles are still in place. If not, it is likely that a section (or the entire roof) will need servicing.http://www.brunwinroofing.co.uk/blog/info-articles/roofers-in-surrey-signs-that-your-roof-needs-professional-attention.php
