Why You Should Always Get a Warranty on Your New Roof
A new roof is a significant investment for any property owner. Thankfully, the return on that investment is pretty significant too – an effective umbrella for your home or commercial building, protecting it from the elements all year round.
To maximise that return, you want to make sure your roof continues to do its job over the years. That’s where a new roof warranty can help…
What do roof warranties cover?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of cover which can be included in a roof warranty – materials and workmanship.
Material warranties
Material or product warranties are provided by manufacturers, guaranteeing that their products will stand the test of time for a specified number of years.
If any tiles are found to be defective within the warranty period, manufacturers or suppliers will replace them at no extra cost. In some cases, this only covers materials which were faulty on delivery – so they won’t replace materials damaged during the installation process.
Workmanship warranties
On the other hand, workmanship warranties protect you from any issues with your roof that arise from its installation. Put simply, if your roof starts leaking within a few months or years of its installation, your roofing contractor will be liable to fix it at no extra cost.
In many cases, however, this excludes damage that cannot be attributed to the roofer themselves. For example, any impact damage from a fallen tree, or alterations made after the installation, will not be covered. Similarly, if anyone has been up on your roof and caused damage – such as an aerial installer – your roofer will not be accountable.
How long do they last?
The length of new roof warranties can vary from contractor to contractor. To start with, some roofers simply won’t offer one. It’s well worth steering clear of these traders, as a lack of a proper warranty isn’t a great sign of trust in their own work.
Other roofers will offer warranties varying from 2-3 years, right up to a decade. The general rule of thumb is: the longer the warranty, the better. However, it’s worth noting that some disreputable roofers won’t honour their warranty at all. The minute something goes wrong with your roof, they’ll be impossible to reach.
Here are some additional trust factors to consider if you want to make sure your warranty is worthwhile…
Are they certified?
Roofers with certifications and accreditations have already been vetted for their reliability and trustworthiness. Look for Trustmark, the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, and the Property Care Association, as a minimum.
How long have they been around?
Roofers who don’t honour their warranties face a short career. Without being too harsh on newcomers, roofers that have been around for over a decade provide an additional trust factor.
Are they well reviewed?
Whether it’s Trustpilot, Google or just Facebook, reviews are a great way to see whether other customers have had issues with a roofer. If they’re regularly dodging issues with roofs they’ve installed, it’s pretty likely to be mentioned in their reviews.
Get a warranty for your new roof
Whether it’s domestic or commercial, new roofs provide peace of mind that your property is protected from the elements. But they should also come with the assurance that you’re protected from any issues – and that means a proper warranty.
At DPR Roofing, we install top quality new roofs with warranties of up to 10 years. That’s paired with recognised accreditations, 30 years’ experience, and great reviews from a long list of happy customers, so you know we’ll be there when you need us.
To get a quote for your new roof, give us a call on 01226 670 008 or email [email protected].
Is Ponding Normal on a Flat Roof?
Noticed water sitting on your flat roof? After a few searches online, you’ll no doubt come across the term ‘ponding’ or ‘pooling’. The next question is whether it’s completely normal or something you should worry about. Read on as we take a closer look.
Why ponding is ‘normal’
In some ways, ponding is ‘normal’ on flat roofs, in the sense that it’s quite common. While well-kept pitched roofs can last anywhere between 40-100 years, flat roofs have a lifespan closer to 20 years. In that time, various problems can develop that lead to ponding.
A build-up of debris on the roof can catch water, eventually causing materials to wear away in particular spots and make the ponding worse. Or debris could build up in your gutters, blocking the route for water to run off.
Alternatively, you might have particularly low spots on your roof where the covering or substrate has worn away. That could lead to a vicious cycle where ponding water makes the low spots even worse.
And why it isn’t…
On the other hand, ponding isn’t ‘normal’ to a degree that you should just accept it. For one, because it could be easily repaired. Debris can be cleared from your roof and gutters to stop water ponding. You can also eliminate low spots or use roof crickets around protrusions like skylights to get rid of ponding.
If the problem is spotted early enough, these fixes can eliminate ponding before any permanent damage is done. However, if you accept it as ‘normal’, the ponding will only get worse, which puts extra pressure on the materials.
On top of all that, ponding could be a sign that your roof has come to the end of its lifespan. Instead of dismissing it as a normality for flat roofs, you could be proactive in arranging a replacement. That would mean sidestepping all the hassle and internal damage from water leaking into your property.
Ponding vs normal runoff
Finally, it’s worth noting that not all water on your flat roof is classed as ponding. Despite the name, flat roofs have a very low slope of around 1-10 degrees, which allows water to make its way slowly but surely into your gutters and drainpipes.
Compared to the 25- to 45-degree slope on pitched roofs, this means water is much slower to make its way off your flat roof. However, if rainwater forms a small puddle, and it’s still there after 48 hours, then it’s probably time to call a roofer.
Eliminate ponding on your flat roof
Want to stop water ponding on your flat roof? With a wealth of experience installing and repairing flat roofs around Barnsley, DPR Roofing can identify the root cause of ponding water and eliminate it for good.
Whether it’s a small fix or a complete replacement, we’ll always recommend the best solution for your property. To get the ball rolling, contact our team on 01226 670 008 or email [email protected], and we’ll arrange an inspection at a time and date that suits you.
How Many Days Does It Rain in the UK?
While we do enjoy a couple of weeks of sun in the summer, the UK is hardly renowned for its tropical climate. Instead, most Brits are used to drizzly days and unexpected downpours.
The result is some of the world’s muddiest festivals, a national love of board games, and an instinctive urge to take a coat everywhere, just in case. Let’s not forget the heightened risk of leaks at home if your property isn’t well maintained.
But just how much does it rain in the UK? And how can you avoid some of the problems that come with it?
Rain, rain, go away
When you’re continuously seeing sports events called off or getting caught in a shower without a coat, it’s easy to think it rains in the UK more often than not. In fact, you wouldn’t be too far from the truth.
According to 2019 statistics, the UK had approximately 164.6 rain days – defined as days in which at least 1mm of rain fell. To put that in context, that’s around 45% of the entire year. Needless to say, it varies each year, with the year 2000 seeing a whopping 178.6 rain days on average.
It also varies from place to place. With mountainous landscapes and a northernly location, Scotland is the wettest country in the UK, while England is actually drier than its neighbours. However, when it comes to urban locations, England has its fair share, with Leeds, Bradford and Preston all making the top 10 rainiest cities.
Protecting your home from leaks
Some people look forward to the summer all year. Others love the magic of frost and snow in winter. But hardly anyone sees rain as their idea of fun. The wet stuff is enough to put a dampener on holidays, cancel days out and soak through anyone who’s not prepared.
But on a more serious note, it can create issues for your property. Worries about the number of rainy days are amplified if you’re in an area that’s at risk of flooding. Alternatively, you might have a roof with recurring problems, that’s just one heavy spell of rain away from another leak.
In September 2020, the government extended its grant scheme, which allows property owners to apply for up to £5,000 for flood protection. Properties flooded in November 2019 now have until 31st December 2021 to apply, while the deadline has been extended to 1st July 2022 for those flooded in February 2020.
Thankfully, things are much simpler when it comes to your roof. No matter how heavy the rain, or how many days it rains for, a well installed roof will protect your home from the elements all year round.
Is your roof rain-ready?
If you’re concerned about the state of your roof, the best way to know for sure is with a professional inspection from a trusted roofing company. With over three decades of experience in Barnsley and the surrounding areas, DPR Roofing can provide complete peace of mind when it comes to your roof.
Our fully trained roofers will inspect every aspect of your roof and recommend the best course of action to keep your property protected from the rain. Contact us on 01226 670 008 or email [email protected] to get the ball rolling.
Scaffolding vs Powered Access Boom – Which is Best for Your Roof?
Reaching high or inaccessible roofs can be a tricky business. Scaffolding has been solving that problem for centuries, but powered access booms are a modern alternative rapidly growing in popularity. Which is best for your roof?
The pros of powered access booms
Also known as cherry pickers, powered access booms are a highly versatile solution which afford the opportunity to reach great heights and difficult-to-access parts of your roof with ease. With a slimline mobile base unit, the powered access boom from DPR Roofing can squeeze into tight spaces and extend to roof height, allowing roofing specialists to manoeuvre them into position quickly, easily and effectively. As such, they’re the perfect option for performing emergency repairs on a leaky roof, since there’s no time-consuming setup process involved.
That makes them suitable for initial consultations or minor repair works, as well. After all, it’s not practical to spend hours erecting a scaffolding system, only to use the structure for a matter of mere minutes to perform a quick touch-up job on faulty tiles or slates – especially if the repairs are time-sensitive. The efficiency of a powered access boom can drastically reduce the time and costs that scaffolding entails.
A time and a place for traditional scaffolding
Having said that, there are many situations where scaffolding is more appropriate. It’s the most commonly used method of high access due to the reliability and stability it offers, ensuring a safe working environment for roofers, glaziers and other professionals who need to work at heights.
Scaffolding is the number one solution for longer-lasting projects such as roof replacements, since it offers maximum longevity and accessibility to all angles of the affected area without the need to reposition it.
Of course, it’s imperative that any scaffolding structures are put in place by a competent and qualified company who have experience in installing and dismantling structures safely. At DPR Roofing in Barnsley, we only work with the best scaffolders in the business, so you can rest assured all work on your roof is completely safe and secure.
Picking the right solution for you
It’s important to take into account the unique circumstances of each project when deciding which high access solution is appropriate. Arriving at the right choice will involve considering the type of repairs required and the amount of time they’re likely to take, as well as the dimensions of the property itself and the available ground space around it. And of course, the costs attached to the project are always a key factor in any decision-making process.
Thankfully, at DPR Roofing, we have plenty of experience with both scaffolding and powered access booms throughout Barnsley. With engineers capable of setting up scaffolding at the drop of a hat and a state-of-the-art access boom at our disposal, we can assess the conditions at your property and provide our expert opinion on which solution suits you best. With DPR, you can rest assured that we’ll recommend the safest, strongest and most cost-effective option, every single time.
How Long Do Roof Repairs Last?
If you’re having repairs on your roof, it’s understandable that you’ll want a rough idea of how long they will last. After all, the longevity of repairs will have a major impact on how cost-effective they are over time.
In this post, we’ll discuss some factors that affect the lifespan of your roof repairs and how to decide what’s best for your roof.
The materials being used
As with any job, the materials being used can have a big impact on how long your roof repairs last. Top quality slate can last a lifetime, for instance, whereas concrete tiles have a lifespan of around 40+ years.
But it’s not just about the main covering on your roof. From the battens and flashing down to the nails, if your roofer goes for cheaper materials, you can generally expect the repairs to degrade quicker.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of guessing whether they will do that – and roofers aren’t likely to admit they use poor quality materials. That’s why it’s important to choose a trusted roofer with accreditations like TrustMark, the Confederation of Roofing Contractors and the Federation of Master Builders.
Who is repairing your roof?
The main factor in how long your roof repairs will last is who is carrying them out. On top of their choice of materials, roofers who are experienced, trained, accredited and well-reviewed will always provide a higher standard of work – which is more likely to stand the test of time.
But that’s not the only reason. Hiring a top-rate roofer will also mean you get better expertise when it comes to the repairs they recommend for your roof. As an example, a roofer looking for a quick job might simply suggest replacing a few tiles when they’ve fallen off. A more experienced roofer will identify and tackle the root cause, whether that’s rotten timbers or worn nails.
The age of your roof
Above all else, roof repairs can only last as long as the roof itself. While pitched roofs have a lifespan of several decades with the right maintenance, flat roofs generally last between 10-15 years. With that in mind, you can typically expect pitched roof repairs to last longer than flat roof repairs.
As an example, repairs on a flat roof that was installed 5 years ago could last around 5-10 years. On the other hand, high-quality repairs on a slate roof could last several decades.
It’s also important to know when replacement becomes a better option than repairs. If your roof is coming to the end of its lifespan, repairs will start to become more frequent and temporary. Eventually, the cost of repairs starts to stack up, making roof replacement a more cost-effective long-term option.
Long-lasting roof repairs in Barnsley
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how long roof repairs will last. At DPR Roofing, we can provide an estimate of how long repairs will last on a case-by-case basis.
Rest assured, our team is committed to providing long-lasting solutions for roofing problems, rather than cutting corners or patching things up. We will also provide honest advice about the lifespan of your roof and whether a new roof would be a better option.
Contact us today on 01226 670 008 to talk more about your roof and how we can help.
Can Birds Damage Your Roof?
We’re all familiar with the sound of birds in the morning. But sometimes, you’ll notice that sound getting a bit louder than usual. When it’s paired with a gentle pitter patter from above, it could mean that birds are nesting on your roof.
It’s only natural to wonder whether they’re doing any damage while they’re up there. After all, you don’t want the first sign of trouble to be water leaking in. Read on as we discuss whether birds can damage your roof.
Are there birds on my roof?
If you can hear birds chirping and they sound pretty close, the answer is most probably yes – there are birds on your roof. In the UK, there are a number of species including swifts, sparrows and starlings, which tend to nest in chimneys or under eaves.
If you want to know for sure, you can look up at your eaves from the bottom of your house. You should be able to see some signs of nesting or just a small gap which they have used as an entry point. Alternatively, you can go up to your loft to see if there are any nests within your roof space.
Can they cause damage?
The good news is, birds don’t tend to cause damage by nesting in or around your roof. According to the RSPB, it’s the existing damage you should be worried about. Rather than causing damage, birds will actually exploit damage when searching for a spot to nest.
Whether it’s loose flashing, a cracked tile or a gap in the eaves, birds will use that as a point of entry, then set up their nest in the space they can access. Even though most birds won’t do any damage, the sound of them moving around and chirping can be a major disturbance – especially early in the morning.
However, once birds have set up a nest, you can’t damage or destroy it until the young have left – all bird nests are protected by law. What you can do is prevent them being set up in the first place.
How to prevent birds nesting
The legal protection for birds’ nests only applies to active nests. Birds typically flee their nests between October and February, providing a window to repair your roof and eliminate the problem area which allowed them access in the first place, including:
- Replacing cracked, loose or missing roof tiles
- Identifying and repairing any gaps in flashing
- Cleaning out and sealing holes in your eaves
All that said, the RSPB stresses that roofs are vital sanctuaries for birds, because of the loss of natural nesting spots. If you’re looking to seal off your roof to birds, they encourage the use of nest boxes under the eaves.
Roof repairs in Barnsley
If you’re concerned about damage to your roof which has been exploited or even caused by birds, the team at DPR Roofing is on hand to help. With over three decades of experience in roofing, we can identify and seal off any damage and points of entry to prevent birds nesting in the future.
To arrange an inspection, give us a call on 01226 670 008 or email [email protected].
Do You Need a Post-Winter Roof Inspection?
As the snow melts, the frost disappears and the days start to get a little longer, we can all enjoy the fact that winter has passed for another year. We’ve made it through despite the cold, and our properties are in decent shape. Or so it seems.
While your roof might have held up through the worst of the weather, the biting frost, high winds and heavy rain could still have taken its toll. Read on as we discuss the importance of a post-winter roof inspection.
Winter damage on your roof
As touched upon above, there are several ways in which the winter weather can damage your roof. It goes without saying that the heavy winter rain can penetrate your roof, even if it’s held up against the lighter showers in summer and autumn.
On top of that, high winds can blow tiles, flashing or other parts of your roof out of place, especially if they were already loose beforehand. To make things even worse, the sub-zero temperatures can lead to freeze-thaw action. That’s the process where water gets into small cracks before expanding as it freezes, leaving a larger crack when it melts.
Why it should be inspected now
Despite all of the potential damage described above, your roof might appear to have made it through winter unscathed. The problem being that not all damage is visible to the untrained eye. Small problems might have emerged, and it can take a while before these turn into visible leaks inside your home.
This could be anything from a few loose tiles to a bit of water ingress. Without a post-winter roof inspection, those issues will be left untreated for the rest of the year – in which time they could get progressively worse as well as gradually letting water into your home.
When next winter comes around, and the heavy rainfall returns, you’ll eventually start to see visible signs of a leak such as damp patches on the walls and ceilings. By that time, however, roofers will typically be much busier, meaning you’ll have to wait longer or pay more.
That’s why a post-winter inspection is so important. An experienced roofing company will be able to check every aspect of your roof, from the tiles and flashing to the eaves and guttering. Any problems they find will usually be in their infancy, so they can be repaired quickly, easily and effectively. That could save you a pretty penny, compared to the higher costs of repairing long-lasting problems.
Book your post-winter inspection
Want to make sure your roof is in tip top condition following the winter chill? It couldn’t be easier with DPR Roofing. Our team of local roofers are on hand throughout Barnsley to inspect your roof and make long-lasting repairs for any issues we find.
To book your post-winter inspection, simply call us on 01226 670 008 or email [email protected].
4 Common Problems with Roofs in Winter
While the idea of snowy landscapes might be pretty magical, the reality of winter is that it’s wet, cold and testing for your property. That’s especially true for the roof, which has to bear the brunt of the weather for several weeks on end.
Unfortunately, the drop in temperatures and rise in rainfall poses a number of problems for your roof. In this post, we’ll list four of the issues we see year upon year in winter…
1. Leaks
First – and easily the most common – are leaks. While your roof might seem to be coping fine throughout spring, summer and autumn, winter often brings heavier rainfall. A tiny crack which was letting in a small amount of unnoticeable water could turn into a significant leak.
With December (2015), January (2014) and February (2020) making up the three the wettest months since 2014, you can expect that rainfall to be more persistent too. That means leaks will be pretty unrelenting until you get them properly repaired.
2. Poor insulation
Each year, we all try and keep the heating off for as long as possible. Most of us cave in by September or October, meaning by winter we’ll all have the thermostat cranked right up. Unfortunately for some households, that still doesn’t do the trick.
Heat can escape through your roof if it’s not properly insulated. This becomes more apparent in winter as we see some of the coldest temperatures. Investing in new loft or roof insulation can help you keep the heat in and could even bring your energy bills down over time.
3. Freeze-thaw
Freeze-thaw action is a type of weathering, where water gets into cracks and freezes into ice. In doing so, it causes any cracks to expand, allowing more water in the next time, which can then repeat the process.
As well as affecting natural landscapes, this process can take its toll on your roof and guttering. Even the smallest crack can become much bigger over the course of winter, as temperatures fluctuate between sub-zero and above freezing.
4. Busy roofers
More leaks, cracks and general roofing problems inevitably means that winter is the busiest time of the year for roofers. Unfortunately for those experiencing problems, that means you might have to wait a week or more for a good roofer to fit you in.
If that’s the case, you’re still better off waiting than going for someone just because they’re available. Busy roofers are busy for a reason, with those who are available usually lacking experience and accreditations. If anything, this highlights the importance of having your roof inspected annually, so you can nip problems in the bud before it’s too late.
Long-lasting solutions for winter roofing problems
With over three decades’ experience in roofing, the team at DPR in Barnsley have seen these common winter problems time and again over the years. Fortunately, that means we also know the best way to fix them with long-lasting solutions, rather than just patching over the damage.
If you’ve noticed issues with your roof this winter, don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01226 670 008.
Why Do Roofing Certifications Matter?
When you’re looking for a roofer or comparing quotes, you’ll no doubt find that you can save a bit of money by going for those without accreditations and certifications. Or at least you will up front. Over time, non-certified roofers will typically cost you more through poor quality work and recurring problems.
In this post, we’ll discuss why roofing certifications matter when you’re comparing contractors.
Thoroughly vetted
Roofing certifications aren’t just handed out. Instead, companies and sole traders have to be vetted and approved before they are given a certification or allowed to join a particular group or scheme.
Roofers will be assessed for their experience, knowledge, skill, quality of work, health and safety procedures and even their customer service depending on which group or body the certification comes from.
This means you can rest assured they will work to the highest standards in each of those areas. On the flipside, choosing someone who is non-certified simply means you’re taking a gamble.
Peace of mind
Certification doesn’t end after the vetting process. Once certified, roofers become a member of the awarding organisations or bodies. This adds another level of assurance when they’re working on your property.
If anything goes wrong or you can’t get hold of your roofer, you have an established body to take up concerns with. This is a huge advantage when you consider the alternative, with cowboy roofers known for their disappearing acts after shoddy jobs.
Which certifications to look out for
There are a number of certifications and accreditations which can provide the assurances discussed above when you’re looking for a roofer.
TrustMark
TrustMark is arguably one of the most important accreditations a roofing company can have. The government-endorsed scheme ensures traders are trustworthy and working at the highest standards.
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
Members of the FMB are inspected for their skill and knowledge in their relevant industry. They also provide information and assistance to their members to help them continuously improve standards.
Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC)
Unlike many of the other certifications, CORC is an organisation dedicated specifically to the roofing industry. Set up in 1985, it aims to protect the public from disreputable roofers by making sure all of its members are contractors you can trust.
Property Care Association (PCA)
The Property Care Association offers training and information to its members, many of whom are roofers. This allows property owners to choose from contractors who are at the forefront of their industry.
SafeContractor
Health and safety are critical for roofing. Not just for the roofers themselves, but for the wellbeing of your property. SafeContractor provides health and safety accreditation with thorough audits for contractors to reassure their clients.
Certified & accredited roofers in Barnsley
As the umbrella to your property, your roof isn’t an area where you’ll want to take any risks. With DPR Roofing, you don’t have to. Our team of experienced roofers in Barnsley are certified and accredited by a range of leading industry bodies and schemes, so you can always depend on us for your roof repairs, replacement or guttering.
To find out more or get a bespoke, no obligation quote, give us a call on 01226 670 008.
6 Roof Parts – And What They Do
Understanding how your roof works can be a big bonus to any property owner or tenant. It gives you a bit more peace of mind when you’re assessing its condition, and a bit more insight when roofers are explaining what’s gone wrong.
Unfortunately, with all the different parts, it can soon become overwhelming for some people. That’s why, in this post, we’ll list a few of the most important parts of a roof and what they do.
1. Tiles
We’ll start with the simplest and most familiar part of any roof – the tiles or slates. This is the roofing material that acts as a covering for your roof. With the help of nails or other fixings, it makes sure rain runs off the top of your property. Tiles can be made from concrete or clay, while slate is a natural stone.
2. Flashing
Flashing is a thin sheet of material which is fitted around anything that protrudes from the roof plane. Chimneys, vents, dormers and skylights all require flashing around the base to stop water getting in where they join with the roof. Most flashing is made from metal, with lead the most popular and effective option.
3. Ridge & ridge tiles
The ridge of your roof is where two planes meet. This join needs to be covered by ridge tiles to stop anything getting through. Ridge tiles are made from clay, concrete or even slate, though they won’t always match the rest of the roof’s tiles.
4. Guttering
Guttering sits around the perimeter of your roof to catch rainwater as it runs off. Your gutters guide the water down your drainpipes, which stops it running down the walls or getting to your foundations. Most guttering is made from uPVC, though it can also be made from metals like aluminium and cast iron plus timber guttering is still available though in scarce supply.
5. Rafters and decking
Rafters are the wooden beams which sit underneath your roof to provide its structure, with more substantial ridge boards used along the ridges. They’re sometimes topped with decking boards or felt underlay for extra protection.
6. Eaves, fascia and soffit
To provide a full covering for your property, roofs typically have a slight overhang past the walls. This is known as the eaves.
Underneath this overhang, you’ll find the fascia and soffit. These boards work to bridge the gap between the roof and walls, preventing pests and birds from entering while providing support for your gutters.
Speak to our roofing experts
This guide aims to cover some of the basic parts of every roof, so you have a better idea of what’s working or not working on your own property. That said, it would be impossible to explain all the ins and outs of roofing in a blog post of any size.
If you have any more questions or issues, it may be time to get in touch with the experts at DPR Roofing. Operating throughout Barnsley and the surrounding areas, our team of roofing specialists can uncover the problem with your roof and recommend the best course of action with a no-obligation quote.