DPR Roofing Barnsley

Why Spring is the Best Time for a Roof Health Check

We’re all familiar with spring cleaning. Homeowners love to get their interiors in order once the days start brightening up. But what about the exterior of your property? Spring is the ideal time to give your property the once over on the outside too. And that includes your roof.

Read on as we look at why spring is the best time to check the state of your roof and how to go about doing it.

Winter of discontent for your roof At last, we can wave goodbye to winter. Cold, wet days and long, dark nights are nobody’s idea of fun. And they’re hardly a joy for your roof. There are a number of problems that the winter weather can cause for your roof. First of all, snow. It may not be constant, but the UK typically gets one or two periods of heavy snowfall over winter. This means extra weight for your roof to bear. It can weaken parts of your roof or expose existing issues. Ice and freezing temperatures are another issue as they cause freeze-thaw action to occur. This is when water gets into small cracks or porous roofing materials and expands as it freezes. Over time, the recurrence of freeze-thaw can cause larger cracks to appear and allow water to penetrate your roof. More than a breeze On top of all this, the UK endures much higher wind speeds through winter. Strong winds can loosen some roofing materials if they have been poorly installed or already weakened through years of wear and tear. The result? Roof tiles may slip out of place or fall off your roof altogether. Loose guttering can also be affected by these strong winds. That’s not even mentioning potentially dangerous debris like tree branches being blown onto your roof and causing damage in particularly strong gusts. Add the typical winter rainfall to the equation and you have a pretty hefty cocktail of problems. Any cracks in the roof, missing tiles or weak guttering will be made worse when the rain starts coming down. It’s no surprise that winter is a busy time for roofing contractors across the nation going on countless emergency callouts. When winter is over, it’s only natural to feel relieved. Your roof made it through unscathed and there’s been no major collapses or leaks. However, it’s also a time for action. Your roof may have kept out the elements, but it might also have been weakened by the constant battering from rain, wind and freezing temperatures. This can easily come to the fore during the rainfall through spring, summer and autumn. But even more so through next winter, when your weakened roof might not cope as well. That’s why, with the worst of it over, now is the perfect time to give your roof a health check. Here’s how… 1. Start on the inside The easiest way to spot any problems with your roof after winter is on the inside of your property. While you might not have noticed any major leaks, there could be more subtle signs of water ingress on closer inspection. Check ceilings and the top of walls for dark or damp patches. Check for sagging in the attic, which is a clear sign that your roof’s structure can’t handle the added pressure. Homeowners should also consider the moisture levels in their roof space. Are the rafters or walls visibly damp? Your roof’s ventilation may have become damaged over winter. 2. Guttering Gutters play a crucial role in your roofing system. While the roof itself stops water getting into the property from the top, gutters are there to direct it away as it falls off the roof’s surface. With that in mind, damaged gutters can have disastrous results. Check firstly for gutters that are loose, sagging pulling away from the property. Guttering needs to be securely fixed to the walls. Look for cracks too. If left untreated, these will allow water to leak out from the gutter and damage the home’s walls and, long term, foundations. How about debris? Leaves, twigs or just dirt can easily build up over autumn and winter and leave your gutters blocked. This soon causes water to overflow and spill out near your property’s perimeter. Make sure gutters are clear after winter so they can continue to direct water away. 3. Damaged roof tiles The next thing to look for is damage to roof tiles. Understandably, roof tiles are a key feature for any roof. They’re the first layer of protection against the elements. However, tiles may have become loose or even been blown off in high winds. Even the smallest gap in your roof’s covering can allow water to penetrate. Over time, that means water leaking into your home and even a weakened roof structure. A professional roof inspection will identify any broken, loose or missing roof tiles without risking more damage to your property. 4. Checking the flashing Flashing is the strips of lead which cover joins in the roof around chimneys, vents or even just where two roof planes join. It stops water from getting into areas where they may otherwise be gaps in the roof’s covering. With that in mind, it’s an essential part of your roof. In the harsh winter weather, flashing can become loose or slip out of place. It needs to be completely flush against the roof to function properly. 5. Spot the moss The wet wintry conditions might stop some plant life in its tracks. But sadly, that’s not the case for moss. Over the winter months, you may not spot moss developing on your roof. That’s why spring is the perfect time to check – and eliminate the problem. While moss may not seem a major problem, it holds moisture on your roof which can damage to tiles over time. It will also leave an unsightly dark stain on your roof if it’s left to sit and grow for long periods. 6. Don’t do it yourself The most important tip of all when it comes to a spring-time roof check is to get in the professionals. DIY roof work – including inspections – is dangerous for both you and your property. Without comprehensive training to work at height, along with all the necessary safety equipment, you can easily slip or just step in the wrong place, causing damage to your roof or, even worse, yourself. DPR Roofing in Barnsley Post-winter roof inspections are a great idea to keep your roof working well. But DIY inspections and repairs simply aren’t worth the risk. If you’re looking for a professional roof inspection in Barnsley and the surrounding areas, be sure to get in touch with DPR Roofing. We are a team of expert roofers in Barnsley with nearly 35 years of experience in the industry. Dealing with both domestic and commercial clients, we have delivered the best results on everything from guttering repairs to full roof replacements. In short, we provide roofing services you can trust.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

Should I Invest in Gutter Netting?

Keeping your gutters in a good condition is important for the wellbeing of your property as well as the gutters themselves. And one tool often used for this is gutter netting, which is supposed to keep debris and leaves out. However, that’s not always the case and it could end up being counterproductive. This post takes a closer look at gutter netting and its downfalls.

Keeping your gutters clear

The purpose of your gutters is to collect water as it flows off the roof and direct it down the downpipes. That way, it doesn’t fall directly onto the walls of your property or around the foundations, where it can eventually cause damage. To do this, gutters need to be clear, so water can flow freely. That’s why leaves and debris are a problem. They can gather in your gutters, especially in autumn, and clog them up. The result is water overflowing and extra pressure on your gutters which can cause cracks or sagging.

Does gutter netting work?

Gutter netting or gutter mesh supposedly prevents blockages by filtering out leaves and other debris. A net or mesh is held above the gutter with clips, which holds debris on top until they dry out and blow away… Unfortunately, it doesn’t tend to work this way. Instead, the leaves are left to rest on top of the gutters, which causes water to sail over the top. So, rather than flowing freely through your guttering, it flows freely onto your property. At DPR Roofing, we oppose gutter netting as a way of stopping blockages. The best way to keep your gutters clear is with regular gutter clearance from professional roofers, which we provide for both residential and commercial properties. With our help, you’ll have your gutters cleared quickly with minimal disruption and no need to waste money on counterproductive netting.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

What Are the Different Types of Roof Flashing?

Flashing is an essential component of any roof. It protects joints from weather damage, particularly water ingress. As such, it’s important to get it right, using flashing that’s suitable for the needs of the roof and the property. But what options are available? Read on as we look at the different types of flashing and materials that can be used.

Where is flashing used?

First and foremost, it’s important to look at some examples of how roof flashing is used:

• Chimneys – Because chimneys protrude from the structure of the roof, they need flashing around the base to stop water pooling between their bricks and the tiles of the roof.
• Skylights – Similar to chimneys, skylights are a structure which comes out of the roof and requires flashing to protect from water ingress around the edges
• Any joints – As well as these specific examples, flashing is used to protect any joint in the roof. This could be a valley where two roofs meet, or just the edge of a roof where water runs off.

Different types of roof flashing structure

To protect these different areas of the roof, there are a variety of flashing structures that can be used:

• Cap flashing – This sits flat against the roof around fittings like windows. Its ‘L’ shape causes water to run off away from fittings, so it doesn’t pool or make its way into the structure.
• Continuous flashing – Flashing in one continuous piece is known as continuous flashing. It provides optimal protection for joints between a property’s vertical wall and the sloped roof edge.
• Soaker flashing – These are installed on top of and also under roof tiles (dependent on tile/slate finish) where they meet a chimney for example.
• Saddle flashing – Saddle flashing is used to saddle, cover and protect any protruding joists or beams which penetrate through a property’s exterior.
• Step flashing – Like a step, this type of flashing covers both the horizontal surface of a roof with the vertical surface of a fixture.
• Valley flashing – Flashing which is used in the valley of a roof, where two roofs join.
• Vent pipe flashing – This cone-shaped structure is used to cover pipes which protrude from the roof.

Leave it to the experts

Whether it’s flashing, tiling or simply a thorough inspection, you should always get professionals to complete any job on your roof. DPR Roofing in Barnsley have over 29 years’ experience in all aspects of roofing with specialist training across the board. Whatever the job, we can offer a first-class service with top quality results that are clear to see. Get in touch with our team for more information on any of our services or to arrange your free quotation.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

What Accreditations Should A Roofing Company Have?

When you’re looking for a roofing company, you want to make sure you can trust them. One way is by checking references, which confirms the quality of their work in the past. But arguably more important are accreditations. These provide a clear indication of whether roofing companies are as reputable, qualified and experienced as they may claim to be. Read on as we look at some of the essential accreditations for roofing companies.

• CORC (Confederation of Roofing Contractors) – Members are considered the best I the business with the CRC providing a fully insured back up guarantee.
• FMB (Federation of Master Builders) – The largest building trade association in the UK. Strict membership criteria, a rigorous vetting process and regular inspections means members are specialists in their trade.
• NRWB (National Register of Warranted Builders) – Also known as FMB insurance, membership means a roofing company is insured and can provide a dependable warranty for any work on your property.
• PCA (Property Care Association) – Members are property care specialists who can effectively resolve a range of property defects.
• TrustMark – A government endorsed scheme that applies to trades involving work on homes. It helps homeowners choose reputable traders by thoroughly vetting and inspecting firms for their trading practices, customer service and technical competence.

Can we help?

Based in Barnsley, DPR Roofing is a roofing company you can trust. We are accredited by all of the groups and schemes listed above, meaning we can provide you with a dependable service that effectively resolves your roofing issues. From new roofs and roof replacements to one-off repairs and guttering, get in touch to see how we can help you.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

When Do I Need a New Roof for A House Extension?

A strong, well-maintained roof is essential to keep your property protected throughout the year. While most people keep on top of their property’s main roof, it’s easy to forget about the extension. How often should you have your extension roof checked? What kind of problems are common? And do you need a new roof for your extension? Read on as we explore extension roofing.

Extending your home

With the cost of moving home rising, it’s no wonder more and more homeowners are choosing to extend their property to get the extra space they need. When doing so, the roof is an important consideration. Like with other parts of your home, it will protect your extension from the elements – whether that’s rain, snow or debris like leaves.

Types of extension roof

Homeowners can choose between a flat or pitched roof for their extension. Flat roofs are cheaper than pitched roofs and quicker to install. However, they do require replacing more and don’t match the appearance of the rest of your home – unless the rest of your home has a flat roof too which is pretty rare in the UK. In contrast, pitched roofs add an element of style to your extension. They match the rest of your roof and improve the appearance of your home overall. However, they do cost more and take a bit longer to install. If your roof is due a replacement, it could be the ideal time to change from a flat roof to pitched roof. This will add to the value of your property and mean you don’t need to replace it for several decades. (Planning consent may be needed)

New roof for your extension

The type of roof on your extension is central in how often it needs work. A flat-roofed extension will typically need replacing every ten years or so but can be much longer if it’s a modern roof such as GRP. You might also need occasional repairs on the flat roof, depending on the quality of the installation. If your extension roof is pitched, however, it can last around up to 100 years, or even longer if quality materials were used. Materials like slate could last upwards of 100 years if they’re well-installed and properly maintained. Homeowners who have had their own extension constructed will know when their roof was installed – and can use this to calculate when it should be replaced. However, in many cases your extension will have been in place when you purchased the property. If this is the case, you can search by postcode online to find when planning permission was granted for the extension. A lot of extensions don’t require planning permissions, however, because they are classed as a permitted development. It might be worth having the roof inspected to assess its condition.

Start with a survey

Sometimes your roof can be repaired to save money, while in other scenarios you’ll be better off in the long run by getting a new roof for your extension. In any case, a thorough survey is the best way to get an idea of the state of your roof. At DPR Roofing, we provide expert inspections, repairs and roof replacements for properties across Barnsley. Get in touch today to arrange your survey and quote.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

Does My Roof Need Replacing or Repairing?

So, your roof is damaged. You’ve decided it definitely needs some work. But should you have it repaired, or does it need to be completely replaced? There are a few factors to consider, which can help you decide which option is most suitable for you and your roof. Read on as we explore whether you should repair or replace.

Why does it matter?

You might think there’s not much difference between repairs and replacements. After all, they do the same job, right? Wrong. For some problems, repairs are just a quick fix and may not tackle the root of the problem. They will only solve your problem in the short term, or might not solve it at all. This means you could end up spending more and more on further repairs over the coming months or years. Conversely, replacements may be unnecessary for some issues. Smaller problems can often be repaired with no problems. If you get a full-blown replacement whenever a small issue crops up, you’ll find yourself spending large sums of money unnecessarily. This leads us on to one of the factors to consider when you’re choosing between repairs and replacement…

How much will it cost?

Money is usually the first thing people think when their roof is damaged. And quite rightly too. It’s no use planning a full-scale tear-off if you can’t afford it. If a full replacement is out of your budget, it’s a good idea to get the problems repaired for the time being.

Does it need fixing urgently?

Time is another factor which sometimes you just can’t avoid. Damage can come at the worst times, and leave your property in desperate need of work. That urgency can help you decide between repairing and replacing your roof. While a replacement can take much longer, repairs offer a quick solution to things like leaks.    

Is it a recurring problem?

As discussed, repairing a long-term problem could see you paying for repairs again and again. Your roof might constantly be losing tiles or leaking, for instance. While these problems are repairable as a one-off, their recurrence is usually a sign that a replacement is needed.

Is style an issue?

Some roofs use specialist tiles, making a full replacement less practical. Period properties, for instance, may have heritage tiles that are essential to maintaining their style. This is even more important for listed properties. Because they’re protected, any major changes, like roof replacements, are prohibited without permission.

How old is your roof?

The age of your roof can also distinguish whether a replacement is necessary. Roofs generally have a lifespan of over a decade, with some even lasting a lifetime. With that in mind, your roof shouldn’t need replacing if you’ve recently had it installed – unless it has sustained serious damage. In contrast, roofs that are over 20 years old are definite contenders for replacement – especially if the roof is still under warranty.

Speak to the experts

Even with this advice, it can be hard to choose between repairs and a roof replacement. So, what’s the best solution? Speak to the team at DPR Roofing in Barnsley. We’re experts in roofing, with over 28 years’ experience in every aspect of roofing. We’ve seen every problem there is to see and are best placed to advise you on your roof’s needs. Get in touch today to organise your free, no obligation survey and quote.

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

What To Look For In A Roof When Buying A Home

Choosing a new home can be an extremely exciting time. Whilst it’s important that you’re happy with all the customary things you usually look for in a new house, such a room numbers, size, garden facilities- it’s important that you don’t overlook the roof.

Picking your dream home, only to be dismayed when you find out the roof is in poor condition, can completely ruin your experience and can also end up costing large sums of money in repairs and renovations. To prevent this happening to you, follow our guide on what to look for in a roof when buying your new home.

Age

One of the first things you should consider when you’re viewing a new house is the age of its roof. If you’re looking at a relatively new property, then it’s unlikely that you’ll need to make any repairs to the roof but if you’re viewing a property that’s on the older end of the spectrum it’s vital that you ask questions about its condition.

Has the roof undergone any maintenance since it was built? If not, you’ll probably need to make some yourself, so ensure that you inspect the roof very carefully during your viewing.

Gutters and drainage

Gutters are one of the most important parts of a roof, and as such, you should aim to make sure any home you look at has a fully-functioning gutter. Are there any cracks? Does the gutter appear to be clogged? Is the gutter at a steep enough incline to allow water to run down it efficiently? A faulty gutter and drainage system can cause leaks on your roof which can cost thousands, so be vigilant!

Ventilation system

Critical to a roof’s performance and longevity is its ventilation system. If a roof isn’t properly ventilated it may become too warm during summer; lofts can become extremely hot, and this can result in heat damage to the roof’s interior.

Wear and tear

General wear and tear such as cracked or chipped tiles occur on all roofs and generally won’t cost huge amounts to replace in minor cases. However, you should still aim to complete renovations as soon as possible to prevent leaks causing your new home water damage in the future.

Signs of water damage and mould

Keep a keen eye out when checking the interior roof of any property you visit. If you notice any mould or signs of water damage such as dark patches, it’s highly likely that the roof already has a leak somewhere. This can mean an expensive repair bill or, in severe cases, a weakened roof structure due to prolonged exposure to leaks.

Need more help?

For expert help and advice on roofing speak to our friendly team today

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

Roofing: What Can Go Wrong?

There are many parts of a building that will suffer from ageing and damage over time, resulting in the need for repairs or replacements. Given it will be acting as a first line of defence, it’s perhaps not surprising that roofing issues are by far the biggest area of insurance and warranty claims. Whether it’s accidental or just a matter of wear and tear, these are some of the common problems that can arise with damaged roofs.

Water damage
Damage caused by excessive amounts of water is a common problem. If your roof has weak points, or has not been efficiently weather-proofed, water can seep through cracks and make its way into the interior of your loft. Depending on the nature and severity of the leak, the water damage caused can lead to further repair costs. If left unnoticed for too long, it can cause serious structural damage and drastically reduce the integrity of your roofs support beams. It can also result in damages to the interior of your house and your personal possessions.

Devaluing
If you’re planning on selling your property or you’re hoping to rent out your second home, the state of the roof can have a big impact on its value. An old roof in need of replacement will not only function poorly, but will also look bad. If you have damages that have been left unfixed or issues that could potentially lead to problems further down the line, it will make it much harder to find a willing buyer. Maintaining a well-kept roof is an essential part of maximising the value of your property and ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.

Health issues
Many people don’t realise this, but roofs play a big part in the heat distribution and airflow within a house. As hot air travels upwards, it will escape through the roof. This means that if you don’t have efficient ventilation in your loft, you may suffer from a build-up of moisture which will result in issues such as damp and mould. These can have a terrible effect on your health and can cause respiratory issues, particularly in young children.

Fire risk
If your roof is insufficiently protected against the elements, there’s a real risk that water may find its way to the inside of your house and come in contact with live electrical components.  For example, many homes rely on electricity that comes in from the side of the house, or is roof-channelled into the panel box.

If this were to happen, the resulting fire could cause huge amounts of damage and potentially harm you or your family. Luckily, there are many ways, including regular roof maintenance checks, that should be carried out to prevent this.

Need more help?

For expert help and advice on roofing maintenance speak to our friendly team today on 01226 670 008 

by DPR Roofing Barnsley

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 Barnsley