How to test roof gutters for leaks
Water is life giving, but it can also be dangerous if it enters your home; potentially causing untold damage to electrical wiring, as well as your possessions. In addition, water breeds mould, and will create and intensify issues relating to the structural integrity of a building, costing you an awful lot of time and money to fix.
The cause of leaks is commonly blocked guttering, which can get logged by things leaves, twigs, and other debris. Yet this can be avoided by undertaking a few simple tests on your guttering. Here’s how to test your gutters:
Maintenance
Clean your guttering twice a year, ideally once in autumn, and once in spring. When the guttering is free from debris you can carry out the necessary to find any issues and carry out the necessary repairs.
Test
Step 1: Find a position to start from by looking for a spot around the property from which you can access the guttering easily, and set up a ladder.
Step 2: Set up and turn on a garden hose, before taking it to your chosen position. Place the hose inside the gutter so that water runs into it. To make sure it stays in position, either find a way to fix it in place, or ask a helper to hold it in place for you.
Step 3: Walk around the perimeter of your house, looking for water draining down through the guttering in places that it shouldn’t be doing so. Move the hose into different positions at set intervals to test all guttering for leaks. Use a torch in dark areas, and be thorough.
Step 4: Make a note of any problem areas
If you have leaks
Most leaks can be patched pretty easily, although if left the area will get worse so undertake repairs as soon as possible. If the problem area is beyond repair, the piece of guttering will need to be replaced.
You can patch small leaks with roofing cement, or use a metal patch repair kit. For aluminium gutters, you can use aluminium flashing. When hole-patching isn’t effective, damaged gutter sections can be replaced with a new piece. You can purchase gutter repair kits from DIY stores.
Alternatively, our Barnsley roofers offer a bi-annual maintenance service. For more information call DPR Barnsley on 01226 920061.
Why is it important to check your roof?
Whereas some projects like painting your house are quick and easy, fixing a roof ravaged either by age or by harsh weather conditions on the other hand is arguably not one of those. The main considerations are based on the notion of risk vs. reward.
Whereas perhaps the only genuine risk involved in painting a room – which can be done in a single day - is the inconvenience of family being unable to use the room, fixing a roof requires much more planning, skill and time, not to mention a head for heights.
Yet the reward of fixing a roof is arguably much greater than painting walls in room, as undertaking the necessary repairs on roof can save you a lot more time, money, and inconvenience; ignore broken roof tiles and leaks at your peril!
We have our fair share of storms in England, as well as high winds, rain and snow, all of which can wreak serious havoc on your roof. While one or two roof tiles broken in a storm may be harmless at first, as soon as the next storm comes, you could well be in for a nasty surprise.
We would recommend that you inspect your roof twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn; this costs you nothing and could help you save further damage therefore time and money. If you have a head for heights, go up on the roof to inspect and endeavour to replace or repair any broken or missing tiles.
While you’re up on the roof, look for any trees that might pose a threat to the integrity of the roofing structure if blown over or if branches land on your roof during the next bout of harsh weather.
For more information on how to look after your roof, call DPR Roofing on 01226 920061.
New Purpose Built Office for DPR
Due to continued growth and expansion, DPR are delighted to announce that we are shortly due to move to new premises in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.
“DPR have been based in Crigglestone since October 2003 and the office has proved to be a great base for the business to grow,” comments Darren Rickett, Managing Director at DPR Ltd.
“However over the last 11 years we have simply outgrown the premises and the new head office will provide us with a great platform to continue to service our customers across Yorkshire as it is larger, provides more space and enables us to continue to purchase new equipment and vehicles as we continue to expand,” Darren concludes.
A further announcement will be made shortly regarding the move and all customers, suppliers and organisations will be informed accordingly.
Contact DPR Ltd on 01924 640019 for further information.
Watch out for rogue trader scams
After hearing that rogue traders are present in the counties bordering Yorkshire, DPR would like to remind people to be on the lookout for doorstep trader scams. This is even more crucial as we enter the last few weeks of summer where traders might use summer timeframes as a reason to get roofing and maintenance work done before the winter weather arrives.
According to reports, some councils including Nottinghamshire County Councils Trading Standards department have received a flurry of complaints from local residents. These complaints are usually regarding the poor quality of any repair work, although some have been about traders pestering a home.
Traditionally the activity of rogue traders increases in the summer months as more people consider and make changes to their homes usually in preparation for the winter months.
Unfortunately, a common scam involves minor roof repairs being noticed and then when they get on the roof, claiming more extensive work is required to solve the problem. Another is that quote prices are not agreed in writing before hand and then prices are inflated at the completion of work.
DPR would like to warn homeowners that no creditable roofing company would drive around looking at roofs to create work for themselves, so please do be wary if anyone you do not know comments on the state of your roof. If you have reason to believe they are not genuine please do not commit to any work and do not pay them any money.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and respected local company to carry out roofing work for you, please do get in touch with our team. We will only ever come to your home after you have requested our service and from there, all steps are delivered clearly, with full price considerations laid out in black and white.
If you are worried about any rogue traders in your area, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
Please don’t get caught out this summer!
First Aid Qualification for two employees
Two of DPR’s Roofers went on an essential first aid training course last month, provided by Highfield awarding body for compliance.
Jack Smith and Ben Pearson both passed an oral and written assessment in HABC Level 2 Award in Emergency first aid work at work and are now both covered for three years.
This accreditation covers those who are working in the industry or preparing to and it is an essential skill for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (NI) 1982.
The day course encompasses an array of different topics including “The roles and responsibilities of the Emergency First Aider, assessing an incident, recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness and assisting a casualty who is suffering from injury and illness.”
DPR are delighted that both have completed the course and it shows our commitment to working to the very highest of industry standards. These skills will also help both of them in their working life and will cover our company for emergency first aid work for the next few years.
DPR would like to pass our congratulations onto both our employees!
DPR expand vehicle range
DPR are delighted to announce that we have bought a new land rover to add to our survey department fleet.
This vehicle is used for those hard to get properties we regularly visit on the moors of Huddersfield during winter times and to enable surveys to still be carried out during snowy and icy conditions throughout Yorkshire & Lancashire.
The vehicle is a total one off finish, which we had Bespoke of Harrogate design for us and we are proud to add this to our growing fleet of commercial vehicles.
Common roofing problems answered
As long as they as they are looked after properly, roofs in Barnsley can last a life time. So, to help you look after your roof, here is a comprehensive list compiled by our Barnsley roofers of problems that may occur, in addition to explanations on how to deal with them:
Can I walk on my roof tiles?
Because your weight can cause tiles to crack or micro-crack, we would advise against walking on your roof without it being properly trafficked with suitable access equipment. British Standard BS 8000: Part 6: 1990, which refers to ‘workmanship on sites’, states that a sufficient number of ladders and crawling boards should be used in order to protect the roof from damage and make it safe for the people on the roof.
If I notice cracks on my roof, what should I do?
Unfortunately, cracks are a common occurrence. This is especially the case on roofs that sit at lower levels, because they are susceptible to damage caused by traffic from window cleaners and the like. For this reason, it is recommended that not only should you check the tiles for cracks on a six-monthly basis, but also to take the appropriate steps to prevent avoidable damage to your roof.
Is it safe to jet-wash my roof?
We would never recommend this because of the potential damage to the roof tiles caused by high-powered jet washes, which would significantly diminish the life expectancy of the roof.
How long will the colour last on my roof tile or slate?
As in the case of all construction materials, tiles and slates are bound to change at least slightly in appearance due to exposure to the elements. Indeed exposure to rain and the growth of things like moss, algae and lichen, as well as the inevitable exposure to sunlight pretty much guarantees that your roof will change colour.
With regard to how long from new the roof will take to discolour, this will vary according to climatic variants like air purity and humidity.
How do I remove moss, algae or lichen from my roof?
Use environmentally-friendly chemicals and avoid chlorine-based bleach because this too can discolour your roof. Oxygen bleach – also known as sodium percarbonate - is a natural alternative to ‘normal’ bleach that will still get rid of these unwanted and unsightly growths without discolouring your roof.
Alternatively, if you live in Barnsley and need roof repairs, you need a local company with many years of experience that you can trust: Call DPR now on 01226 920061.
DPR to take part in Cateran Yomp
On the 28th of June, 2014, DPR roofer Ian Hitchen will take part in ‘The Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp’, to raise money in support of ABF the soldiers charity.
The Yomp is an epic adventure challenge which sees teams complete up to 54 miles in just 24 hours. The route takes brave entrants through some of the most challenging, spectacular and remote regions of Scotland.
The Yomp is an endurance event that is both physically and mentally demanding, but the money raised will help support soldiers whose lives have been affected whilst being injured in service.
If you want to get involved in raising money for ABF the soldiers charity, then visit: http://www.soldierscharity.org/events/cateran-yomp/
Roofing in Barnsley
Our Barnsley roofers have been very busy in the last few weeks as more and more homeowners are making changes to their roofs.
From replacements of flat roofs on top of garages to planned building work of new roofs on conservatories, our team have been busy each day. With the weather having been of a dry and warm nature as well, we have been able to successfully work uninterrupted, completing jobs earlier than previously scheduled, to the delight of many Barnsley residents.
If you are considering making changes to your roof, our roofers would like to remind you of a few things to consider. Firstly, make sure you have thought everything through and have had a proper survey and plan of what needs to be done- especially important for new roofs.
If it is a repair, be aware that other materials are available, especially for flat roofs. You might currently have a felt roof but a high quality fibreglass option could provide you with the longevity that you require, as well as higher levels of quality and a more aesthetically pleasing style.
Also important is to make sure you are getting what you pay for. If you are having repair work, it is vital that the whole roof is checked to make sure a leak or damage is not going to cause further problems in 6 months time at your additional expense. Using an accredited roofing company like ourselves should ensure your roof is fully checked and any repair work quote would make sure the complete roof has been fixed.
Whatever your roofing requirements, we want you to have the smoothest of possible experiences, so we offer a great end to end service from your initial contact to arrange for a survey, through to the completed work. We also believe in great aftercare and will discuss every point with you along the way so you can have full confidence in the work that we do.
So if you are considering roof work in Barnsley and need to choose a respectable local roofer, why not choose us and call 01226 920061 today.
How to not clean your roof
Manchester-based roofing firm IQ Roofing Solutions was the subject of court action after a serious breach of health and safety regulations. A man working for the firm was pictured in a recent article on the Daily Mail website jet-washing a roof of a home in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, in June 2013 without the appropriate scaffolding, meaning that the worker was risking his life, and possibly the lives of others.
As a result, Managing Director of the firm, Stuart Bell, was ordered to pay £3000 in fines and to contribute an extra £2000 towards the cost of prosecution due to the actions of his employee, who was cleaning moss and other debris from the roof as a precursor to the main work being undertaken, when the photograph was taken.
An investigator from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited the site in question after a passer-by informed them of the safety breach, who immediately issued a Prohibition Notice until the appropriate scaffolding had been put in place around the edge of the roof to protect the worker from slipping from the wet roof.
During the case, which was heard at Trafford Magistrates’ Court, it was determined that the firm’s Managing Director was aware of the lack of safety precautions in place at the site, as he had in fact visited the site that very morning. The company was also unable to provide proof that it held Employers’ Liability Insurance, which it is obliged to hold under English law to provide compensation for workers in the event that an injury is incurred at work.
The company had previously been served with a Prohibition Notice back in 2011 for similar reasons.
Such scant regard for health and safety regulations is all too common in the construction and roofing industries. So, if you in Barnsley and want roofing services that you can trust, choose us for our impeccable reputation and safety record. If you need a new roof, or you need roof repairs to be undertaken, please call now on 01226 920061.